This is such a cool bookstore with a very wide selection, friendly service and warm ambiance. Highly recommend, especially the value of the books. They have lots of sale items and books too. I got the Sun Also Rises for $6 (steal)! Anyways!! Very cool and unique. Go check it out! read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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What an absolutely lovely bookstore. But they don't just sell books. They have great gift ideas, placed all throughout the store. It's a nice size, clean store filled with merchandise. But it's all organized. I was drawn to the spiritual gift section and Buddhas near the front of the store. The employees are friendly and helpful. Parking: Plenty of free shared parking. read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I love Changing Hands! I used to come for coffee, just to browse the books, and also participate in their monthly book club. Their book club was definitely a bit intimidating with more structure and an actual mic passed around but I always looked forward to hearing everyone's thoughts! Parking on those nights could be tough but they had a few more spots across the side road. The store has a lot of fun knickknacks, gifts, stationary etc. they also serve beer and wine which in addition to food. I always liked browsing for unique gifts and products and probably got a few tchotchkes over the years. Pretty good price wise and I don't remember ever having any poor customer service. Definitely wish I had a store like this in NC! read more

Changing Hands combines everything I love in one place: a workspace + bookstore + bar + community event center! For the past year, I've been telling my friends and family to go to Changing Hands, insisting that my coworkers and I meet here rather than at a coffee shop to get work done. Parking is easy too (sometimes they have valet though, which confuses me lol) This is a great inclusive space that works to bring people together based on interest -- one time, I was getting work done in their working area, but I had to move and sit at the First Draft bar because they were prepping the work area to host a poetry night. I got to do work while people read their poetry aloud (as an arts lover, it was beautiful seeing people feel comfortable and vulnerable with their community, so touching)! They have a bulletin board near the back too where they staple up community events and have printed local newspapers (awesome for people who like to venture). I also love books, and their selection is awesome, everything is easy to find. I bought my friend a journal from here and she loves it (I might just have to get myself one now). If you like to buy books, make sure to get that bonus card and fill out the 10 squares so you can get a discount! You can trade in books too for some store credit. read more

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This is the best kind of bookstore- the kind you can spend hours in. I love that you can get a brand new book or a gently used one. Being able to grab a glass of wine and crack open a new book is the best feeling! read more

This bookstore felt like one of those places you instantly want to slow down in. From the moment I walked in, it was clear this wasn't just a place to buy books, it was an experience. There's a full book bar inside serving wine, beer, coffee, or tea which made it incredibly easy to settle in and stay awhile. I grabbed a beer, found a cozy spot, and continued reading my travel read while soaking in the atmosphere. I basically got something for every age. A couple for my kiddos (5 and under), my niece (a teen), and me. It's the kind of bookstore that invites you to linger, browse without rushing, and truly enjoy being surrounded by stories. A dream stop for book lovers who also appreciate a good drink and a welcoming vibe. Overall, a true independent bookstore gem. read more

Huge book store that sells new and used books along with gifts for the avid reader! In the back of the store, customers can trade books for store credit. If you love books, reading, and related items, you'll love perusing the aisles of this nifty, well managed bookstore! There's a place so get pastries and snacks as well as hot and cold beverages. It's clear the owners are inviting their guest to relax and enjoy the vibe and get lost in the world of books while taking time to read at leisure! read more

My favorite bookstore in all of Arizona. I love how there its organized with recommendations from the staff. This particular location also has a bar and sitting area for you to read your new book or catch up with a friend. My favorite sections are their best sellers and the newest/latest. I also like their bargain/clearance section (located near the bar and also outside on the carts) pretty much always able to find a book without breaking my frugal budget. Clean and large bathroom, handicap capable. Love this place. A must visit if you're in town! read more

I absolutely love Changing Hands Bookstore, especially the Phoenix location because they also have the First Draft Book Bar, so when I'm attending a book event, my husband can tag along and have a drink while I'm living my best life! I love that they carry a big selection of indie author books, and the service is always top-notch! They also offer a ton of other gift-like items. Definitely stop in if you are a book lover. You won't be disappointed! read more

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While in Phoenix AZ we stopped into this fabulous bookstore! What a BRILLIANT idea to have a bar/cafe attached to the bookstore. First draft where you can get some light bites named after books ....Horton hears a hummus, Moby Dick sandwich (tuna melt) you get the idea! Sit & sip on wine, beers, cider or NA drinks. The book store has a great selection of new and used books, as well as novelty gifts. It's not just a bookstore it's a fun experience! Such a unique spot that I wish we had in my city! read more

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Oh my where do I start, shame on me for all those years that I spent @ that we won't say the name of the chain bookstore SHHHHH! So no longer because thanks to my fellow Yelpers I found Changing Hands & all I can say is OMG! We came here after breakfast, different location...but FYI next time we will be doing The Toasted Owl before hand ;-) As soon as you walk in the first time you're just in awe, what an amazing bookstore yet so much more! You don't even know where to start... so being that tomorrow is my Aunts birthday & there's a huge selection of cards, bam...my hubby finds one with bumble bees, well my Aunt has a thing with bees therefore I must get it!!! This is a very good start, then a couple aisles over there's a children's section with so many good quality toys, wooden Melissa & Doug, etc. our son chose a kaleidoscope ... very good quality made out of metal not card board! After about an hour or so we were only able to go through the one half of the store being that our son was getting restless with his autism & the store was starting to get crowded on a Sunday late morning @ 11:30 am so we decided to head towards the check out area. Well once you get the check out area you might as well give yourself another 30 minutes ... lol! They had a glass case with some handmade beaded bracelets & such, just so many more little goodies to browse through to buy! We had so much fun discovering this store & all they have to offer....trust me, you will also plus you'll be supporting your local businesses! read more

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What a great bookstore! I took my daughter for the Jennifer Lynne Barnes event and book signing. We had never been to this bookstore and can't believe how cool it was! They sell new and used books, have fun merchandise for sale, has a large event space in the back, and has a bar called the "First Draft" where you can order beer, wine, coffee, tea, and small bites. Everyone was very friendly. Such a great place, looking forward to going back. read more

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Great community stop, their tuna fish sandwich is great. I appreciate their keeping the tuna cold for me. Great community area for groups to meet and lots of goodies to keep yourself entertained. read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Changing Hands is one of the premier independent bookstores in the AZ area. This spot is located in a plaza with a good amount of parking spots. To get here, they are located in between two eateries: The Toasted Owl and Tesota. Inside, they have a very spacious store with a superb selection of different books and even a draft bar! You can definitely spend a couple hours here just perusing everything they have. All of the staff here are very friendly and welcoming. Prices are very reasonable and they have a book that can suit anyone's reading palette. Come stop by to support and grab a book! read more

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"It's always better to have too much to read than not enough." ― Ann Patchett Changing Hands is Arizona's leading independent bookstore, offering new and used books, unique gifts, toys, and more than 300 author events every year since 1974. I love books. I've even written two books (link in my bio)! As for Changing Hands, they're an amazing bookstore that often hosts book signings and other fun events. On top of books, they also sell some really cool items. With the holidays coming up, you can find some fun and unique items here from oracle cards to incense holders, knit cardigans to crystal sun catchers. Want some cool earrings? Need some holiday ornaments? Come here! You'll truly find some interesting finds for everyone on your shopping list. Support independent; support local! read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - More cookbooks. Grace Lin had a book signing at Changing Hands too. - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Wonderful place with a cozy interior. The coffee shop is great but the food options truly suck. I love this bookstore and their selection

Books? Coffee? Alcohol? Yes!!!! This place is absolutely perfect perfection. I Popped in here after seeing a few posts and I cannot wait to go back. They have a great book selection (loved the book summaries), Sticker selection, and other knickknacks/odds and ends that are book related. Parking was a little hectic/limited. read more

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This is a really cool, independent bookstore that also has a bar inside and tons of seating! They host a bunch of different events too, but I haven't gone to any yet. There's a great selection of reasonably priced new and used books, as well as some other random items. I've gotten a few small games from here that I really liked. read more

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First Visit First Impressions This bookstore has the best selection of artsy books and cookbooks. I love it. They even carry Seattle Chocolates about 6-8 varieties. Friendly staff. They got a bar next door. This was a recommendation from the a staff member from Nomad's in Uptown Plaza which is clothing store and gifts. This is the kind of bookstore that you can get lost in different kinds of cool books. Hard to find cookbooks are here. This is a must visit for the bookworm snob! read more

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Fun selection of gifts, and other amazing treasures. Great kid selection, tarot cards and variety of fiction, non-fiction, biographies, self-help etc. Fun vibe and an entertaining place to go. Easy to get lost in the book selections! The counterstaff were friendly and helpful. read more

I finally made it! I've been wanting to go to this location for a while, but I live closer to the Tempe location, so I go there a lot more. However, after this visit, I am considering meeting my friends here! This would be the half way point between me and them! It's more compacted than Tempe, but it's super organized! The lighting was good. They also have a book bar in there perfect for book clubs, chess, homework, and card games. I will absolutely go back again. read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Went to Changing Hands bookstore on a rainy day and fell IN LOVE with the ambiance! They have a wide selection of reads to choose from, and they also have tons of affordable and durable trinkets for you to take home! I will definitely be visiting again to pick out one of their gorgeous wind chimes read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Changing Hands is a great bookshop. But, more than just a bookstore, this business has a lot of other things going on for it. In addition of books, it also has a lot of great novelty and art style items for sale. Thus, if you're coming in here looking for a gift, either for someone else or even yourself, you never know what you will find. There's also a café attached to this bookstore. So, if you wanna grab a latte or something like that, you can easily do that here in association with you checking out their books. This is a fully stocked bookstore. They have books on all of the various subjects, and a very good selection of each. The staff here are all very friendly and very helpful. They'll be glad to help you out with anything you may need. Overall, this is a great bookstore. It's a great addition to the greater Phoenix area. And, an interesting place to go whenever you need that something for yourself or for someone else. read more

I love Changing Hands for their excellent selection of books and gifts. When the book I was looking for was out of stock, the person helping me was knowledgable, friendly, and ordered the book for me. I just got it! read more

The staff are so kind, and they are amazing supporters of our community. Great selection of books and a great bar too!

Wonderful book store that I visit every time I'm in town. Great selection of genres and knick knacks. New titles and recommendations all reasonably priced. Have even found a few nice signed books on some visits. And then you can enjoy your reading selection in the First Draft book bar with is inside. The service is seamless and knowledgeable of where things can be found. I usually Uber there so can't speak to the wider parking options, but there is a small parking lot outside the entrance that is shared with a restaurant. I adore this place! read more

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This is my go to bookstore. It's nice to shop local and see local authors and events featured. There are book clubs, things for kids, and a lot of book paraphernalia/tchotchkes that make great gifts. They provide a lot of recommendations, making browsing a lot of fun. Their loyalty punch card rewards you for shopping there with money off, which means their prices are on par with larger national corporations. Plus, the fantastic vibes I get every time I step inside are unmatched-- online shopping can't compare. If they ever don't have what I'm looking for, I order through them and pick it up later. I also enjoy grabbing a drink and cookie at the First Draft Book Bar. There's so many reasons to keep coming back! read more

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This is a hidden gem in Phoenix. Coffee shop, bar, event venue, and bookstore all in one!! They have all kinds of fun gifts and books galore. Fun to walk around and get lost. read more

Changing Hands Bookstore - Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I finally got the opportunity to visit Changing Hands Bookstore a couple months again and what a great store! I loved the way the genres were organized and set up through the store. The bookstore felt so welcoming and bright. I love that they have a coffee/wine bar with some seating. It has a great community feel and was a great place to just hang out with a coffee and read. It wasn't very busy, but no one offered help or asked if I needed any assistance. I would still recommend and would go back again. read more

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Beautiful bookstore. Amazing bar Puzzles and other mind games! Brick walls and natural lighting, a true gem! read more

Book lovers will love this store! With plenty of parking, it's a restaurant, bar, and cafe inside a bookstore with organized sections like fiction, business, and travel. You could easily browse for an hour or so. The largest section is fiction. As a travel writer, I always find a bookstore's travel section. It's very small compared to other stores. read more

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I love Changing Hands! My parents used to take me to the original one on Mill Avenue in the 70s. I am a big supporter of local bookstores. It is a great place to look for books and different. Cute items as gifts. I love that they have like a coffee wine bar right attached. read more

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This store is beautifully curated with tons of literary gems of all genres as well as very fun merchandise and creative gift options. There are 3 food and drink options connected to the store as well. Support your local booksellers and check this place out and grab a bite and drink while you're there! read more

Really cute book and gift shop that we visited while waiting for our table for brunch at the Toasted Owl. They have a nice selection of gifts including kitschy things and some more serious items like calendars and tote bags. Of course, books too! Cute children's selection. We bought a beautifully illustrated children's book called Mushroom Lullaby. Highly recommend pairing your visit here with a meal at the Toasted Owl. They also had an intriguing space in the back that looked like a cafe/ bar space. Nice bathrooms. read more

Great book store with a nice selection and helpful employees. I liked the book summaries on the shelves. Also next to a great brunch spot - The Toasted Owl read more

Changing Hands is my favorite local business to support. They have some of the best selection of books, including banned books, that drive me to purchase solely from them. I also love spending my day on the first draft. I ordered something online, and while it wasn't processed, they allowed me to pick it up in-store. They are so inclusive, and it makes me feel safe in this chaotic world as a queer person! read more

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Been meaning to come here and finally came on my birthday because they provide $10 to anything you want, just show your ID. I ended up getting animal socks, but they have mugs, fun kitchen items, kids toys, puppets, bags, jewelry, and more. Lots of used and new books plus gifts and trinkets. They also have events in the evening in The Commons, a big room with seating. There's also a bar that serves alcohol and coffee. There were pastries too. I had fun looking around and checking it out. I'll definitely return for an event. Bee at the counter was very nice and knowledgeable too! read more

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I love the concept of Changing Hands and the store is wonderful. BUT BUT BUT why can't they keep clean restrooms? On the only two occasions I have had to use the restroom while having something in the peaceful cafe, I have been disgusted. On the last occasion it was shortly after opening when you would think that the restroom would be clean for sure. No. Horrid. Really put me off my food in the cafe. Wish I hadn't gone to the restroom. The toilet seat was broken and paper was littered on the floor. Next time I go to exchange/sell back books, I will skip eating anything and just hang around for the 20 minute wait. Definitely anyone should think twice about eating there. If they can't keep clean restrooms, do you think their food prep is hygienic? Please, management, do something about this. Maybe I can even make a report to the public health dept (city)???? read more

It was really lame to drive 30 min to a bookstore where used books are being sold at full price. If it's not a used book store, their selection is super small, one skinny shelf that's not even full of manga. read more

Changing hands is a beautiful book store with a lot to offer. I usually always enjoy my stops here, as a treat when I'm down in central Phoenix. Today was a weird experience. My spouse and I had breakfast at Toasted Owl, then decide to wander over to changing hands to pick up a few books. We walked up and saw the usual discount carts, a sign advertising trivia, and even the children's books. Opened the door, walked in, and started looking at the books. An employee came running across the store and said "We don't open for ten more minutes", motioning for us to leave. Embarrassed, we completely left. Why was the door unlocked? And why not just let us know and let us keep on browsing, given another employee was less than 15 feet away from us arranging some displays? Just kind of strange. read more