More than a used bookstore, this is a spiritual pick-me-up. I came in to sell some used books and wandered the many rooms while they were being appraised. Soothing jazz was playing, the antique rugs made everything feel welcoming. There are several rooms full of used books in various categories. Everything was labeled and easy to navigate. They also have tables of used records and shelves of movies. This is the kind of analog, community-based place that so needs to exist in today's world. I hope it's always here in Syracuse. read more

This is a great find. In my search for music - this is a hidden treasure. They have vinyl records, and cds. Not looking for anything in particular just want to add to my collection and find something that I once had on a record and now on cd. I found a few items upstairs (main floor) and went downstairs - next time I will bring a flashlight and spend more time there. They also have books there too! read more

Overall, they have a very large selection and are pretty well organized. I personally like to peruse the foreign language sections for interesting books that aren't in English or language reference books. They had a massive language selection compared to several other used book stores in the CNY area, so I found a lot of great books. The cashier was even nice enough to give me a discount on one of my more expensive picks since I bought quite a few. However, they did not take the care to organize the books in other languages into which language it was (the language reference books are categorized into language but not the books in the languages themselves). So I had to read the spines of all of the books on that shelf to pick out languages I wanted, rather than being able to quickly scan through the German section or the Spanish section. Organization is key in used book stores since what you'll find is a toss up, so they could really stand to improve a bit there because it's already a pretty time consuming experience as is. I was a bit confused at some of the organization. It seems like they have much older books and special discounts downstairs because you would see signs saying, "more downstairs". Which makes sense that they'd want the new stuff in view, but was slightly confusing at first. I will definitely come back again! read more

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Great Location. This bookstore has been at this location for over 30 years. John is a very friendly owner, Fair and reasonable on his prices. He is also very generous with the price he will pay for books at his store. It always has a great vibe and atmosphere. The place is HUGE, and sadly he needs more space! I LIVE ABOVE This bookstore in the Apartment building so it's very convenient! Great selection for a Used bookstore! read more

We love this place. It's the perfect used book and records store and packed with good stuff--we even got a board game there on our last visit, when we also traded in about $70 worth of store credit in books and records since I was moving apartments. I've found books there that were on my list for a long time, plus new ones that I hadn't considered but that I greatly enjoyed. The cat that inhabits the store is a bonus. read more

My experience here was exceedingly enjoyable. THEY HAVE A CAT. (He's/she's unobtrusive, and I'm actually somewhat allergic and had zero issues here). Anyways, for a used book store, they truly have an enormous selection of items available. Everything in print: fiction, memoir, non-fic, children's, audio, graphic novels/anime, sci-fi, fantasy, new/old, classics, poetry, etc. Great selection of vinyl as well. The regulars and some new releases, and some hidden gems if you're willing to dig for them. It's worth your time to stop in, music lovers. They have comfortable chairs and desks to hang out at as well. It's a bit awkward, though, just a bit different from a cafe where you buy a cheap drink to sit for an hour or two. I think of it as more of a quiet reading area, especially because of the bag policy. More on that.. Their bag policy is sort of annoying, of course. I suppose these things are necessary, but still a bit ridiculous for a regular customer, especially considering their awesome seating area options. Their prices are surprisingly inexpensive with some major steals available in the $2-5 range (!!!). Definitely a larger and more diverse selection than their closest competitor, Book Ends, right down the block. I would suggest checking out both. A really interesting guy helped me find what I was looking for. They're laid-back and like conversation about literature, music and art. I appreciate that. Will definitely keep going back. It's cozy and comfortable. Beware the hours. read more

Books & Melodies - Their organization structure (friendly, relaxed and fun) and one of their "quiet reading" areas. - Music & DVDs Near Me - Syracuse, New York

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Awesome place in Syracuse, tons of records especially in the basement. Definitely a place to checkout if you're into older music

I love this store so much it's my favorite place to look for music or books, great atmosphere

You'll need some time to go through the entire store. Interesting selection of used books but not always easy to find the right section. HUGE selection of used vinyl records down in the basement. read more

One of my favorite places in the world. If you're visiting Syracuse, this is a place you must visit. The atmosphere, from the unique choice in music to the slightly crisp scent of the large collection of used books to the sociable and obliging staff, this is the epitome of what a used bookstore should be. Love this place. read more

I love all the books in this place! The selection is amazing and the atmosphere is just perfect. When you walk in you instantly feel at home and you just know you will leave with a book in your hands! read more

What a great store. I was visiting from out of town and while I could only spend a few minutes there I was very impressed. The store is huge and has a great selection, and the books were in excellent condition and reasonably priced. I hope I get to visit again sometime. read more

This is, as others have noted, a cozy used bookstore where you're sure to find an interesting read or two for a reasonable price. It has the perfect feel for a used bookstore: creaky wooden floors, old mismatched rugs, the smell of yellowed pages, and just enough clutter to be charming rather than off-putting. And there are a few sets of tables and chairs scattered throughout the store, so you can sit comfortably and read, if you'd like. Their selection is decent, especially for someone like me who reads non-fiction almost exclusively. And everything is very well organized/categorized. I'll admit that this is a big frustration of mine with many used bookstores: it can be hard to find what I'm looking for because it's actually located in some illogical section. Thankfully, that's not been a problem with Books & Melodies in my experience. And the prices are good compared to other used bookstores in the area (including some very nearby) but not outstanding or rock-bottom. But I'm a real cheapskate, so take that for what it's worth. Also, if you have any books you're looking to get rid of, I would strongly recommend bringing them here first. I recently brought well over a hundred books in since I was cleaning off my shelves, and although the owner only took 10-15 of them, he offered me $20! Quite generous, in my opinion. I've taken books to large chains (like Half Price Books) before and been offered pennies, literally. So my experience at Books & Melodies was a change of pace and a pleasant surprise. Overall, highly recommended for book lovers, and especially for would-be book sellers! read more

Never disappointed. Thanks for all the good reads and great music.

Nice place to kill a saturday....they have lots of gems......sadly hardly anything is cataloged so its like being on a safari hunt. The dude that runs the place is so chill he's practically a coma with legs. Nice prices.ive been a hundred of these quirky little book stores around ny and this probably is the only one that doesnt employ a obligatory hot artsy looking female sales clerk...leading me to believe the owner isnt hip to how you move merchandise in these type of businesses. Anyways def worth a visit read more

Very strong fiction selection - both contemporary and older. Less strong non-fiction, except for art, music, and drama, and random local NYS histories. Somewhat haphazardly organized and priced. Good atmosphere, pleasant to browse in. Though I didn't see any of the free coffee that other reviewers have mentioned. Tons of DVDs and vinyl, as well as vintage board games and other random discoveries. Doesn't specialize in rare books -- more of a cornucopia for the general reader. ALSO -- I added this to the "Edit Business" section -- the name of the store is Books and MELODIES, not Memories. See their Facebook page for verification. read more

I can't believe the variety that Books & Melodies has. The shop is quite big and I loved the music that they played (cinematic western music and old recordings of birds). The staff are friendly, helpful, and add to the laidback style. I found so many interesting books in just this one store, many of them looked unique and one of a kind. I would love to come back here for more books. read more

A good sign of a used bookstore is the musty scent that signals you are in the presence of old books. Books & Memories is one of my favorite used bookstores. I started going here in high school and try to make it when I come back to visit the family. What I like about this place is the variety, and that I can keep finding things to read as my interests change over time. When I first started coming here I'd immediately head back to the science fiction & fantasy section. Later I got interested in fiction and physics. Now I've been into non-fiction and history. The whole time I've had plenty to choose from. I haven't even explored the old magazine and boardgame rooms lately. Oh, the prices are what used book prices should be. Paperbacks are mostly under $5. As it usually goes with used book stores, I won't always find a specific title. I try to head there with a vague idea of what I want and try to see if anything catches my eye. It's more exciting that way. read more

I love this book store we sell our lightly used books there, and use the store credit to get others or gifts for friends. They also have DVDs, CDs, and records! You never know what you'll find there. read more

My favorite local used bookstore! The staff is always friendly and helpful, but allows you to browse without being overbearing. Their website actually allows you to search their collection for specific titles and check prices before heading into the shop, which is a rarity for used bookstores. The store is neatly organized and easy to navigate, and has a wide array of genres and sub genres. Prices are extremely reasonable. Can't wait to go back! read more

This is a terrific bookstore -- exactly the kind of used bookstore that I like. There are two floors of used books, with prices ranging from 93 cents to much more (I bought something for $30). At places there are just boxes and piles of books on the floor. The selection ranges from very recent bestsellers to old and obscure thing. Also they have an unusual collection of old records, board games, and sheet music (mostly piano and band music, but also odd things like Oboe method books). read more

We went to this bookstore in 7/05. Unfortunately we didn't have much time, because otherwise I could easily have spent several hours browsing; they had a terrific and huge selection. read more

A bookstore with a wonderful ambience. The owners are welcoming and the cat is adorable. Huge selection of books with great finds if you're willing to dig through each shelf. I bought a huge bag of books and the owner accepted around half of them - he gave me a decent deal, too! But if you're in the area, I definitely recommend it! Tip: Prices of the books are on the first page. read more

Books & Melodies has a good feel. The organizational system can be a little confusing at times, but it works. This is one of the few bookstores where I really enjoy browsing. There's a lot of good stuff hidden away in there. Added points for having a good tabletop gaming selection, keeps my bf entertained so I can spend even more time browsing. read more

Pretty much the best used bookstore in the area. Huge selection, great prices, and friendly staff. They also have a friendly cat. You can also sell them your old books and records, oh yeah they sell records also hence the "melodies" part. Anyhow I just love this place read more

Such an awesome quirky little book store (although, its not all that little, there is lots to explore!) They had a great childrens/ya section and adult fiction section, and of course every other genre imaginable. I was a little confused at first in how the store was organized but if you just read the little signs they have posted on the walls and shelves, you should be just fine. Most items were very reasonably priced! They also have a large dvd and record section. I was pressed for time so I just browsed the books (I could have spent hours looking at the books alone). Next time I go, definitely gonna peruse all sections. Wonderful bookstore :) I'm new to Syracuse and this is my new favorite place! read more

If I could live here, I probably would. Rooms and rooms of a wide variety of used books, magazines, LPs, games, etc. Plenty of offerings at cheap prices. Don't forget to check out the basement! read more

Great store! The staff are always friendly and eager to help. You won't find a better/larger selection of used vinyl in a hundred mile radius. Crazy-good prices too; hope they don't catch on and start charging eBay prices 'cause part of the draw in coming is finding an unexpected gem. Great turnover of product too, they always seem to have something new. I hear they have a few books too, but I rarely make it past the first room of the shop. Be sure to check their FB page as they occasionally have wacky hours. read more

Been swinging in to this place a few times a year for around 8 or so years. I never fail to find a few items to buy. Tons of used books, magazines, movies, and vinyl. Good prices and it's organized pretty well. It might look a little disorganized, but most books/vinyl are in specific sections; even the 'New Items' are parceled out near their appropriate location. Aside from the selection and prices, the place itself is great. There's always some good music playing on the speakers and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Used-book and -record stores, too often, employ hipster-types that either don't know much or are rude/arrogant/discourteous in some way. Books & Melodies could not be further from that. Whether you're a regular or it's your first time, you'll feel right at home here. Stop in and see for yourself! read more

Great place for that nostalgic book buying experience. Plus your supporting a local small business. Win win

Coolest book and record store on the planet. A deep selection of books and records, extremely fair prices, and an honest and easy to deal with staff. Not to mention a very uniquely decorated store, with treasures around every corner. They are everything that you would ever want in a book store and more~ read more

Great used bookstore and record store. Dangerous to enter with money in your pocket, because you will find 100's of items to buy. Ground floor and the basement are crammed with books. You'll find people sitting on the floor, browsing through sections or reading part of a book before buying it. Quirky sales (the occasional 44% off if you wear a sleeveless flannel shirt in subzero temperatures), supportive of local businesses and events (ticket sales and postings). Occasionally they have odd hours, sometimes based on weather. Overall, a treasure find in Syracuse. read more

Great place for used vinyl, cds, books, dvds, etc! Huge selection. I spent about 2 hours in there one day and then went back the next to make sure I didn't miss anything. Make sure to check out the basement. Great staff, very friendly and helpful! read more

Under new ownership, the selection has improved tremendously (the got rid of the junk and kept the gems) but the prices have remained super cheap. An oasis of culture in SYR. read more

excellent record section,tons of books, great way to spend alot of time! they also give out free coffee

This is a great bookstore, especially if you're looking for games and game books. I'm an academic, and the selection of technical books in my field is inconsistent, but still better than any other CNY bookstore outside of Ithaca. Their prices are definitely fair and the people who work there are incredibly nice. read more

Great selection, friendly staff, and fair prices. Also, probably the only place I could get my hands on Ivan Baker's Complete Vegetarian Recipe Book without paying a fortune in shipping. It's nice to see a little source of charm remaining in Eastwood! read more