This store made my head spin a bit but used bookstores can be an adventure. It is bigger than it looks from the outside so be prepared to spend some time here. There is definitely the appearance of organization here. Biography is labeled in this section, military is over here, mystery over there, and so on. But while you probably will find some Agatha Christie in the mystery section, which makes sense, you will probably also find some Christie over in fiction. It is the same with other authors. I don't know if this is the store's doing or whether customers are shifting books around intentionally or otherwise but it is a little maddening at times. Most serious book hunters, especially those found rummaging through dusty used bookstores like yours truly, don't mind spending extra time looking for books. The hunt is part of the fun. They have some real gold nuggets here, if you spend the time. Also, speaking of gold nuggets, although Western is probably not the most popular genre these days, the Western section here is one of the larger ones I have ever seen. This store is well worth a visit. I found nearly all the prices to be extremely reasonable. Free and easy street parking all around. The counter fellow, who may have been the owner for all I know, was a real character and very pleasant. read more

Once Read Books - The store is bigger than it looks. You will need to spend some time here digging for the nuggets. - Bookstores Near Me - Long Beach, California

Revisit? Maybe, once a year or so. I would love to be allowed to refresh this place and let my inner Marie Kondo loose. Ah! I love the iconic, inviting Once Read Books in huge blue letters on the building. I enjoy the layout of the shop and how it feels like you can hide and get lost. There's a pleasant muffled bookstore hush. The man behind the counter is nice. Pricing seems fair. All good elements, I just think the book selection, decor, and tidiness could be improved. Ideas: Expand the kids section and add more board books Include more recent titles in the fiction and cooking sections Try to keep popular authors in stock (couldn't find any Stephen King) Cute new chairs, especially in the kids section (love a bookstore with chairs) New rug in the kids section Clean up the random boxes of books near the counter Update the genre and author signs Anyway, even with all that, it's still fun to browse here. If you're looking for older titles, magazines, etc., this is definitely a place you should hit up. read more

Seems like someone cleared out their garage and gave all of the books to this store. It was somewhat organized but not very inviting.

This place has a large selection of books at very reasonable prices. I'm a huge fan of the Perry Mason series and the knowledgeable manager was able to take me right to the available selection. This place is bigger on the inside than it looks! I'm definitely planning on a return visit! read more

Truly a charm. I do plan on purchasing a book here. The old books they have reminds me of my younger years and makes me want to read again and escape like I use to. read more

I've been here multiple times and I will keep coming back! They have a huge selection and really great prices. I love how the store feels like a little narnia with how there's more space in the back :3 read more

Once upon a time, this Faerie Queen made a stop at one of the best previously loved books- store. This place is heaven. Losing yourself in the books, finding unique treasures, and my favorite, old magazines. Brain food for the vociferous reader. The end. read more

Once Read Books - A lovely welcome! - Bookstores Near Me - Long Beach, California

Always find what I'm looking for and something I'm not which is even better most of the time.

The have a decent selection with great prices. I came in 20 minutes before closing though and felt very rushed by the owner so I would love to return at a better time when the owner is feeling a bit less rude lol. read more

This is a great used bookstore with lots to look at and a nice rotating selection of all genres and affordable prices. The staff is friendly and laidback. Everyone in that store is dedicated to reading good books but it's also an informal Long Beach & Lakewood museum with flyers, programs, maps and all matter of local ephemera. It's a fun place to be in and a cornerstone of the charming little commercial strip across from Heartwell Park. Long live Once Read Books! read more

I stumbled across this cute little store that has a decent selection of newer used and a lot of vintage and older books as well. I specifically was looking for poetry that was written in 1500 to early 1900s and they had a pretty substantial selection of that time period. I found several volumes to add to our collection and my kids found some old Nancy Drew books. A lot of gems to be had and at a really good price. Check out their $1 books bench in the back room. The staff were friendly and helpful. Looking forward to our next visit!! read more

Cozy bookstore with a great selection of classic and history books. Prices are amazing too considering the books are quite old but in good condition!! I could spend hours in this place... It is a small store so it gets kinda cramped in some areas but I honestly love it; I think it adds to the homeliness and feels more intimate. read more

Once Read Books - Bookstores Near Me - Long Beach, California

Miss living in Long Beach so I could visit once read books. Happened to be in the area today and stopped by. Always a pleasure visiting this cozy bookstore, they have a huge selection with great deals read more

Long overdue review. Love used books. This store is amazing. Can get lost for hours in here. Years ago, I had to purge my hoard of magic books. The took them and gave me a card for freebie. Not sure if they still do this read more

Delightful store. Lots of well organized books of all kinds plus several notable magazines and newspapers. Like a treasure hunt. I picked up a young adult book, a life magazine from 1949, and a National Geographic from 1944. A nice helpful couple run the shop. read more

I've been coming here for years and I feel bad for not writing a review sooner. This is special place for me, only because I've found life changing books here. Just today, I came up on a nice stack of Stephen King books. It's not the cleanest, or the biggest book store but so what, get over it. They have a great selection and the owner/employees are kind souls. I wish this business and the owner the best of luck in these trying times. read more

Once Read Books - Stephen King Books - Bookstores Near Me - Long Beach, California

I like the book store, it's not bad got some Bibles,Hymnals, and a first hand account of the first crusades which was awesome! Prices are kinda high but I don't really mind if i just come by every now & then for some gems. Buying a book is quick & easy & they're generally friendly but one time i tried to sell this Bible study book that my aunt gifted me that I didn't really want, didn't care how much I'll get just wanted to get rid of it but the older gentleman just straight up said "No." which dang well could of let me down a bit nicer... but other than that pretty solid minus that experience. read more

Literally such a gem. This place is soo good and prices are amazing for used books. The owners are sooo sweet. Defos recommend to everyone and support this small business. read more

Once Read Books - Got this for 15$ such a steal - Bookstores Near Me - Long Beach, California

First impression upon entry was both a man and woman behind the counter who looked at me and didn't smile or say anything (which obviously made me feel weird) but I stayed and looked at the art section which was right next to the front door. All of the books on the shelves were difficult to access due to more books being in boxes on the floor crowding foot space to grab books high and low, it all felt very disorganized. So I purchased a few art books and one science fiction novel and this time at the counter there was a younger man who was eating his food as he rung me up. Sorry, but it wasn't a very homey experience from the usual book lovers businesses I've come across and stepped foot into. I got a few books for a good price though... read more

I just wanted to add the Updated Covid-19 Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 4pm Sunday 12 noon to 4pm. Thank youuuuuu read more

My first visit and the owners were nothing but sweet to me and my toddler daughter. Great selection of kids books, found some good gems and was able to sit and page thru a few more. Will definitely be back! read more

Support your local used book store! I love books. I love to look at them, read them, display them! I will never go to the dark side and read on a device! Having said that I try to buy used books when possible to save money and trees! They have a punch card for purchases and a trade program. read more

If anybody ever wanted to design the perfect bookstore, this is it... wide collection of any kind of book, any kind of audio book and even antique books (and periodicals etc). Staff is knowledgeable, store organized. Not located in a mini-mall, which is rare nowadays. Has a couple of cafes and coffee shops within close walking distance. Don't forget their daily sales on paperbacks... read more

I emailed the store about donating books, and made very clear what kind of books it were. They emailed back that they would accept. When I arrived, they did not accept the books. What a waste of time and fuel as I came from 15 miles away. read more

My favorite book store. The books are used but really cheap. From vintage, 90s books and all kinds. I get like 10 books every time I go in there. I like that when I open some of the books people from the past have left little messages in them. read more

Rodgers book shop is a treasure in Lakewood Village. It'a run by very kind and helpful people. I'm happy to be supporting a local business that has a wonderful selection of books. My four-year-old daughter and I love to go and spend time in the kids section. We always find at least a couple of really great books, and we've taken books were done with back. I'm about the closest we can get to the library right now. Check it out! read more

First impression, they are located on a small diagonal off Carson which already transports you to another mind set as you leave the busy street for what feels like a quiet place to stroll. Walking in feels like another time - they've got hand written signs indicating the different sections and your inner Belle, Rory Gilmore, or Elizabeth Bennet will swoon. The folks here are super friendly and offer just enough assistance without hovering (because although you might start off looking for something in particular, one of the best things is happening upon a great book). On my visit, there was a bride and groom digging through a table in the back of hard cover books (I think at a deep discount) they were looking for books with a certain look rather than for reading content - they were using them as centerpieces for their Game of Thrones themed wedding (yes I'm so nosey and had to ask) but having an eager bride and groom giggling about if a gorgeous linen hard cover book with murder in the title would be appropriate just added to the whimsy of it all (ps. they decided that it was appropriate and could just be a nod to The Red Wedding). read more

Great selection of used books, magazines, and paper goods. Friendly and extremely helpful staff make this gem over the top. Huge selection, great prices. For any used reading material, this is the place to go. read more

Once Read Books - Front store entrance - Bookstores Near Me - Long Beach, California

Came by since the store was open and I had an extra thirty minutes to spare. After browsing around, I was finally able to find a book I was looking into for awhile that was on my "To Read" list--When Breath Becomes Air. The small hardcover book turned out to be a little over $7 with tax. The only reason why I'm giving three stars is because certain parts of the bookstore is a little bit unorganized and sometimes it does feel a bit claustrophobic. Additionally, the price is fine for the place being a small business, but at the same time, I've seen cheaper prices at the used bookstore in public libraries (I just recently bought five paperback best sellers for $2.50). In the end, support small businesses when you can!!! I try my best; however, living off a teacher salary and still being a student, I might end up visiting a public library bookstore more often. read more

Turned in some books for consideation and he took them all. I was given a fair trade for a few books I needed right now!

My dude and I go to used bookstores whenever we travel (and locally, too). I LOVE this shop! I got a couple of really cool hardback railroad history books for $3.95 each, plus lots of other cool Christmas presents for really good prices. I go to a lot of used bookstores where the prices are ridiculous; this is not one of those. Their prices are really reasonable, their selection is solid, and the guy I assumed was the owner rocks. Let me tell you why: I teach incarcerated men. They love to read because, well, hello escape?! Anyhow, I went outside to the paperback area and saw the gentleman who looks like he might be the owner. I mentioned to him that I teach in a correctional facility and my students love to read, so I pick up cheap paperbacks whenever/wherever I can. He handed me an empty box and told me to fill it up and take it without charge. What?! How cool is that?! I got a whole bunch of great books and took them to my students and told them about this kindhearted man at a Long Beach bookstore who donated the books to them and they were really touched, as was I. This happened a couple of days before Christmas, which is a really hard time of the year for my students, so this gesture went a long way for them and me. Thanks, Once Read! Your generosity meant a lot and I really appreciate you! read more

So many books, so little time. I think my best find was "56 ways to make devilled eggs." Just by looking through the books, you can tell that they have selected the better titles and picked them in very good condition. Another plus for this location, No Cats. My previous favorite used bookstore now has cats and has effectively stopped me from buying books there. The other plus to this place is that they have oversized books and many of those are special printings. Unique books in a unique corner store. read more

Once Read Books - Store front close-up. - Bookstores Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

Such an amazing store! It seemed to get larger the further I walked into it. There is a huge selection on so many genres and even National Geographic magazines from the 1910s! There were also areas with a good selection where books only cost $1, which is incredible if you're working on a budget. This place is truly a gem. After speaking with the owner it shows that he really has his heart in it, apparently he built many of the shelves himself! Please visit this store! read more

Once Read Books - National Geographic Magazines - Bookstores Near Me - Long Beach, California

I love used book stores! Growing up I would gravitate toward used bookstores, and now my kids share the same passion for books. We found this place after leaving the LB flea market. I loved the reasonable prices and wide selection. My kids found 3 books each to take home, as well as my hubby and I. They have a punch card so don't forget to ask for one. The guy gave us a couple books for free and discounted others. Very cool! My only complaint is that the restroom was not operational; we would have stayed longer. Support your local bookstores... They are a dying breed. read more

See all

Friendly staff, pretty good selection. Feels a little cramped and in the romance section I fell on some spiderwebs. They have a rewards program for people who live in area. Parking is difficult (street parking; I went on a Saturday and there was some kind of outdoor market). Bathroom available. read more

The laundromat I normally go to is only a block away, so it shouldn't be a surprise that I wandered around enough to find this bookstore. You can trade in 3 paperbacks for a free paperback (priced 4.95 or lower). It's a nice bargain, as they do have a pretty big selection of paperbacks (including Patterson, Grisham, Crichton, etc.) Lots of sci fi, romance, and fiction that are typically 3.95. However, the bigger paperback books are usually around 6.95, such as novels by Gregory Maguire, Barbara Kingsolver, and Isabel Allende. So, although my eyes were on the bigger paperback books, I wasn't allowed to get them due to the trade-in policy. Oh well. Overall, the store is pretty well-kept. I've seen much worse, with ants and other pests roaming worse bookstores. I hoped to see more books in leather-bound, which they have around 2 bookshelves full of. My favorite area is probably the children's section. It's a pretty cozy nook, with plenty of books to look through, and slight-ambient lighting. Plenty of books in lots of different genres, including history, war, war fiction, cooking, politics, economics, manga (very few), magazines, music, art, etc. Prices are fair. The vintage playboy items make me raise an eye though. There isn't any real problem with parking. You may need to park a block or two away on weekends, but everything is easily accessible. read more

Called ahead to see if they had some Required Reading titles for my 3rd Grader. They did have 1 of 3 & it was a Hard Cover at a very reasonable price. I'm appreciative of that, but I will have to check out other Used Book Stores in the area for the other 2 books my son needs. This location is small & cluttered...but it has that homey, eclectic feel to it that one would expect in a used book store. It's in a nice, cute, mostly college students area. Will certainly refer back to them if I need some specific titles in the future. http://www.buyingtogive.com/ If possible, choose a greener way of living. read more

Great that this enterprise continues to offer opportunity to those of us who read to get books a a significant discount from new purchase prices. With public libraries closed to in person visits and many other retailers out of business the regular hours at this outlet allows allow access to reading at a relatively low cost. This business must pay wages, utilities and rent. Nothing in life is free and profit making small enterprises like this store are at the foundation of our society and services we enjoy...thank you Roger...keep it up! read more

I find it hard to find a used bookstore that has a unique selection for great prices, this place has both! I came out with a few art and history books I've never seen before. The owner was real friendly and seemed passionate about his books. I'll definitely be visiting again. read more

So a guy walks into a book store looks at the shelves and goes, "surprise me". That's me, every time. It doesn't always happen, but these folks never let me down when it comes to finding an interesting yet uncommon title. They do buy-and-trade, but fiction is generally not welcomed unless it's the classics. A lot of titles come from estate sales, etc. and vast numbers appear from the mid-century era. solid selection of historical non-fiction, literature, and biographies. California history buffs will find something here surely; very obscure, cool selection. Prices are not terrible, however, they know what they've got, so don't go in expecting something for nothing; as it currently stands most prices range from $3.95 to $6.95. Additionally, frequent guests get a punch card for a later discount. Bibliophiles should enjoy this place very much. read more