Half Price Books is one of those places that just sort of feels like a local bookstore even though it's not, in fact, even close to a local bookstore. In fact, Half Price books is the largest family owned chain of new-and-used bookstores in the U.S. It was started in 1972 and continues to be led by the same family with headquarters in Dallas, Texas and has 127 retail spots nationwide including at least 3-4 here in Indy.
This particular location, if you've been around Indy for a while, used to be behind Castleton Square in the same large strip center that houses Dave & Buster's.
It was a weird location, uniquely designed but I rather loved it. I must admit that I've never quite adjusted myself to this new location and I should also confess that I don't go to Half Price Books nearly as often as I used to.
This location is now located directly on East 82nd Street. The smaller strip center is more directly away from the street, yet far more easily accessible and visible than the previous location. Parking is definitely more limited, though it seems to mostly work out.
This location also has two entrances, one will take you directly into the bones of the store and directly next to the cash registers. The other location to the west would be right where you sell your used books and other media items. There's two accessible parking spots on the west end - they're a tad cramped. My sense is they technically meet ADA requirements, but aren't truly accessible. That said, nearly always at least one of them is open and there's a nice curb cut right there. Both entrances have double glass/wood doors that are a little heavy with a bigger than expected lip at the door. If you're in a wheelchair, it's what I call a two-handed entryway - you can probably make it, but you should probably keep your hands on the chair. I will note, however, that the staff is nearly always uniformly friendly and if they see you struggling they're quite likely to help.
Half-Price Books is essentially a mishmash of books. While they separate by genres and staff members are always willing to help, generally speaking it's the kind of place where you'll think they don't have a book only to end up finding it in a different location.
I've tended to notice that most staff members are friendly/helpful, though it shouldn't be surprising that most are fairly introverted. You won't get the approach here that you get at a Barnes & Noble. You simply won't (and I say that as a former B&N employee who loved the company).
As a wheelchair user, my biggest frustration here is that the bookshelves are unquestionably high. It's the kind of place where independence is truly difficult, because inevitably the book you want is on a higher shelf. While employees are patient and helpful, the goal is always independence and that's difficult here.
As most reviews have noted, they do buy used books, CD's, DVD's, Blu-rays, vinyl, etc. You go up to the counter (they have carts available if you need them for loading books), give your name/ID/phone number, and essentially browse the store while they review your trade-ins. You either cash-in the receipt they give you or you can use that amount as a credit for store items.
If you're hoping to turn a profit, that's about 105% unlikely as HPB purchasing is notoriously on the low-end. I can't say, in all honesty, I would ever take a collectible here if I knew it was a collectible. They have a collectible section, but having experienced their pricing multiple times I simply don't trust that area of buy-back.
They do carry some new items and they often feature current bestsellers and featured titles. They also carry a wide range of other media including vinyl, DVD's, Blu-rays, novelty items, etc.
Overall, I appreciate Half Price Books. It's a great option, also with a great clearance section, and as a company they are very philanthropic and involved in social causes around literacy and freedom of expression. They have their own publishing arm, Hackberry Press, and despite having some reservations about certain areas and practices it remains one of my true go-to places when I need a title and I need it fast. read more