This bookstore is awesome!! I can't believe I've never been here until now, though I have visited the Campbell location. First off, I love the political signs posted on the windows, like the "everyone is welcome here except ICE". When I walked in, the store looked exactly like what I've always envisioned a cozy community bookstore to be like--filled to the brim with books and with a lot of character. I came here to sell some books and it was pretty quick--I had probably 20-25 books and the employee finished in less than 10 minutes. As I was waiting for my books, I walked around exploring. I was very impressed with the selection of fiction. There were actually quite a bit of new releases, but also older books and editions that I would likely not find at a corporate bookstore. If I had the time, I'd love to spend 1-2 hours here just browsing. I didn't expect to get much money for my books; I was actually going to donate them and didn't realize that they still buy books, so their offer was ok. I was moreso pleasantly surprised that the employee was so nice lol, and also a little chatty. Honestly the last time I sold books was probably 15-20+ years ago at Half Price Books and I remember they were always pretty rude/standoffish lol. In addition to the service, the atmosphere, and the book selection, the cherry on top for me was that they have a special shelf where you can buy a book there for 50% off for them to donate to the library at Elmwood Correctional Facility at a bit of a loss for the store. I used most of my credit from the books to get a Stephen King book for the library. read more

I've been visiting this bookstore for over 20 years and I definitely have a love/hate relationship with this bookstore lol. The Bad: The staff can occasionally come across as a bit unwelcoming, and I personally wish the storefront atmosphere stayed more focused on books and less on outside messaging. They sometimes price popular or trending used books higher than what you'd pay for a brand-new copy elsewhere. The Good: I absolutely love the character of this bookstore. Shelves packed floor to ceiling, creaky wooden floors, stacks of books everywhere, and even a cat roaming around the store it feels like something straight out of a fantasy novel. I've visited countless bookstores, and nothing beats the old vintage feel of this place. They have a great selection of beautiful leather-bound books, plus an excellent fantasy and sci-fi section. I especially love when they put books out in under $6! The prices at this location are better, and this store feels much more like a classic old bookstore. The Campbell location feels more like a modern bookstore, and the prices there can sometimes be higher. At the end of the day, this place is a San Jose landmark and everyone should visit it at least once. Even when I disagree with certain aspects of it, I still keep coming back because it's nostalgic. read more

I had some time to kill while in San Jose so naturally I found a local bookstore to peruse. Recycle has a vast array of selections to choose from. You can get lost walking around the hallways of books and browsing all the different sections. Bonus points if you find the napping bookstore cat. Every bookstore needs one of those. They're fortunate to have a small parking lot in back for customers and a public bathroom. The merch up front wasn't half bad either. Staff was friendly and prices were actually pretty reasonable. I didn't leave empty handed and I would go back the next time I'm in the area. read more

Recycle Book Store - My kind of place - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Jose, California

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I saw a sign for a used bookstore and of course I had to make a stop. This is the type of bookstore. I love. Rows and rows of old used books, slightly disorganized, comfortable chairs to settle in as you review the books and friendly staff. Perfection! read more

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I love this spot. It's so fun to dig for treasures. All of the staff are super nice and helpful as well. My son is into Richard scarry right now and I found one used book, one new book, and a super cute tote bag. Can't wait to return to see what else I can find! read more

Finally got to meet one of the bookstore cats! The bookstore was well kept. Not too busy when I visited. Ample parking available. read more

Recycle Book Store - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Jose, California

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A wonderful place with an impressive selection of books; the resident cat is an added bonus! You could easily get lost for hours exploring the different genres and editions they carry. They also have fun extras like tote bags, and the cashiers are incredibly kind and welcoming. A truly lovely spot to spend some time. read more

What a cute little store! I popped in on a weekday morning with a friend. It was not super busy, but the staff did not crowd us and let us take our time to explore. They have a mix of both used and new books here, which is nice for those with a tighter budget. I liked how diligently sorted the books were - super easy to find genres! I especially liked the selection of gift merch they had here. I ended up getting a book and several stickers shaped like iconic San Jose signs. You can really tell this is a beloved spot! read more

I made a good review of this establishment 6 months ago. I completely take back what I said. My sister and I came in to do a potential book buy, and they were extremely busy. Totally understand, it was a Friday. We waited 45 minutes to have the worker let us know that they were going to take none of our books, and this guy told us that our books looked like, "they were from a garage sale." Like, seriously!! If you really thought that, you don't have to tell us and be rude about it. Could have just told us that they weren't going to buy anything today, and my sister and I would have gone on our merry way. I can't believe for a place being called the RECYCLED Bookstore, we are being judged for the quality of our books that we bring in. It's not even like the books were mangled or unreadable, they were in fair or good condition. TLDR: Unnecessary comments being made from workers. Either take them, or don't--it's just that simple. read more

Located off Alameda ave in SJ. 2 hour limit Street parking. Tons of vintage books available. Signs in store stating what subject In section. A maze of hidden rooms with more books to explore. Random seats in the aisles to get lost in a book. -Small DVD section. $4.99 up -book Prices from $1.99 and up. - Jazzy relaxing songs overhead -they buy books Last not least - friendly cats snoozing in the corners. read more

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Just a very fun store. If you like books, come here. Their selection changes rapidly... if they don't have something one week, they might the next. Some books are categorized strangely, but the hunt may point you towards something you hadn't considered. Very easy to buy a lot of books here, both due to the selection and the prices. Highly recommended. read more

This hidden little gem of a bookstore has a great selection and a beautiful little cat. Very friendly cat and staff. Parking can be a pain and the pricing can be a bit much sometimes on certain titles. read more

Well for one thing it's huge!! They bought back one of my books and I bought one on my credit! Not too shabby. Prices are reasonable. I'd go back. read more

Loved how quiet some places in this store were. Incredible selection and atmosphere, and extra stars could be given for the bookstore cat alone. read more

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This place is truly astonishing. Literal floor to ceiling books it's a bibliophile's paradise and I cannot believe it's taken me so long to find it. I can't wait to keep hunting for treasures here. read more

This bookstore is packed with both used and new books. The narrow aisles, creaky wooden floors and dark shelves names you feel cozy inside. The folks running the place are super nice and either go get the book you ask about, or they walk you to it. Plus the resident cat, Emma, can be found skulking around. She's very friendly. read more

Came across this book store through Reddit! I was looking into places so I can sell some of my books that I don't plan on reading anymore. This recycled bookstore is humongous with a great selection of genres and specific fields you are planning on looking into. It felt small when I walked in, but little did I know there are other rooms to explore around. I ended up staying here for an hour! They also have a huge range of vintage books from the 70s/80s! I came here to sell my books and ended up buying something that peaked my interests. It was a used book for $10, which is not too bad! The workers here are super nice. Would definitely come back again to browse around. read more

I was getting my bicycle serviced at Upshift Cycles so I spent some time at the Recycle Book Store while that was going on. It's gotten better since I last reviewed it (and visited) in 2011. They put down some new flooring, all of the unpainted bookshelves have been replaced by painted bookshelves and there's none of that strong musty odor I detected last time. The employees are more helpful too and no longer seemed to be interested in harassing the customers. It still kind of has that sort of low-budget, thrown-together vibe, but I decided not to take any stars off for that since some people might like that better than I do. read more

such a charming used book store with a wide variety of used and new books! i was a little overwhelmed when i first walked in as i didn't know where to begin looking but i soon figured out they organize by author last name. i was hoping to meet their cat but unfortunately didnt see them but definitely would come back next time! prices are pretty decent and all the staff were helpful and knowledgeable when i asked for help in searching for a book :) highly reccomend. read more

Lots of different choices-graphic novels, comics, you name it. They buy used books-choice of cash or trade. Parking lot adjacent too!

Beware!!!!!!!!! I would not recommend coming to this store!!!!!!!! If I could give this place, and ALL who work there negative stars I would. People are disrespectful, unprofessional, and they are so rude!!! The place looks like a disaster, and there were huge piles everywhere, and it was hard to walk around the store without tripping. I was really excited to check this place out because I heard good reviews, and that they had cats here. I looked everywhere for the supposed cats of the store, and when I found one, and went to cautiously pet, someone there chewed me out in front of everyone. So horrible experience, and I will just go online to buy any books I want. read more

Recycle Book Store - Logo in a shirt. - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Jose, California

This place is great! They've got an enormous selection of new and used books to go along with comics and dvds. So much that could strike the eye of the collector. The prices are decent too. I bought two comic books and two Curious George books for about ten dollars total. The service was also phenomenal. They were very helpful and polite. Its definitely worth checking this spot out. read more

Was in town for Fanime and wanted to check out their manga section. They have about 5 shelves full of manga (with some stacks of them on the floor, guessing they werent able to fit them onto the shelves yet). I ended up picking up 5 used mangas. Prices for manga (at least for the ones I picked up) are about half off of the listed retail price on the book. There is some kind of fee for using credit card, so I suggest having cash to avoid the extra fee. read more

Recycle Book Store - Manga section - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Jose, California

great book selection, and friendly staffs. My go-to place for book shopping in South Bay

This store is great! There are plenty of used and new books, as well as very beautiful books that can be given as a gift. I have bought Agatha's Christie's collection and some books as gifts for others. There are a few shelves with beautiful covers, and even though they are priced higher than the majority, they are worth it. There is a cat that lives there and it adds the "cozy" feeling to the store. The atmosphere overall is great! All the staff are welcoming and helpful. read more

Recycle Book Store - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Jose, California

This is my new favorite spot! The store was quiet and filled with many different books. The service was lovely and the books were pretty organized too. I will say that some of their new books can be found for cheaper on Amazon, but nothing beats the experience of buying a book in a bookstore read more

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Always an interesting selection of used books I wouldn't find anywhere else. It's a pleasant atmosphere inside and not dusty, like looking at thrift store books can be (which I still sometimes do, but it can be a bit much on the allergies). I left with 4 books the last time I visited which was last week. And I'm still thinking about the one I put back... read more

To avoid an unnecessary trip, I call to search for particular books, they check on computer, then on the shelves to see if they have the books I want. They usually recommend calling the other store in Campbell if they don't have those books. read more

Wherever we go, we check out the local used bookstores. This is one is a gem! It's packed full of excellent selections, even graphic novels. I appreciate that they have staff picks and highlight indie picks, as well as organize books by genre. The store cat, Max, adds to the hospitable feel of the place. Helpful staff. I'd say the prices are higher than some used bookstores but the quality of the books is also higher(gently used). Wish we lived closer so I could come here often! read more

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Wide selection of books and friendly staff. The cats are also a treat to see whenever you can.

Lovely local book store! They have a very large selection of both new and used books! I frequent here often because I love the cozy atmosphere, and I'm often able to get the books im looking for! The second hand books are always in great condition and are at a great price! Plus there's a cat around! He's the best employee, always helping me find just what I'm looking for read more

A great place to find books locally. There is a cat residing at the location. Maybe it removes the allergy; who knows?!

Very helpful. Large variety of books. You can get cash or credit to buy books from them when you bring in your old books for resale. read more

My friend and I arrived here around 4:30 pm on a Thursday afternoon. There's street parking available and a private parking lot for the store next door, which is rare in the Downtown Asian Jose area. We were on a quest to buy books and sell/trade books. Walking in with a box of books, an associate immediately understood and recognized that I was trying to sell my books to the store. Great customer service. While he was evaluating the books, I decided to explore around the shop. Lots of books with personality and variety, clean and well kept shelves with subdivided sections on genre, and so many rooms like organized chaos. It was easy to get lost and wander in the sea of book covers and descriptions. After about 10 minutes, I returned to the front and got my valuation from brining around 15+ books; there were some that couldn't be taken in but I was offered either $23 cash or $38 trade in value. I decided to trade books in and got 3 used mangas for my sister and a music history book for my friend. Their trade in policy only applies to used books in the store. A wonderful experience and a hidden gem in downtown San Jose. They also have a furry friend, a black cat, wandering the store like it's playground. :) read more

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Love this bookstore. I often find both used and new versions of books I'm looking for. Great selection, you can get lost in here for hours easily. read more

Amazing place to check out used books as well as they also have new books! It is a huge bookstore with basically every genre ranging from Manga, Kids, Non-fiction, etc! The books are very reasonably priced. There are also 2 very cute and adorable cats that are around the bookstore! Parking is just on the street from what I see and it's not difficult at all to find parking. read more

Recycle Book Store - Book selling hours, store hours - Used Bookstore Near Me - San Jose, California

I would certainly not come back. I brought in some pretty valuable brand new books to sell and they gave me $13 for them all . looking back at it I feel like I was scammed. robbed. and I guess I was just so shocked in the moment when they offered me that amount I didn't even question it. An extractive, dismissive, and distorted exchange. y'all are lame asf. do better read more

The "old book" smell alone is worth it! Such a fun place to browse, turn onto new topics, and play Spot the Kitty. Submitting books for trade or cash back always goes smoothly. (Be prepared to possibly have some of your books returned to you. They know what they're looking for.) read more

Be Kind and Feed your Mind. This bookstore is on my migration route to most of my downtown San Jose haunts. I've found and fed my mind on many treasures here. Before any travel to an exotic country, I like to come here and peruse the works of travel writers who went to the same place. I love reading about the real adventures of authors. Especially interesting are the works that are decades or hundreds if years old. The past is vividly described by gifted writers. Yes, it is amazing to see with my own eyes how a historical event reverberates throughout the modern country. The persistence of a historical cultural experience plays out for years later. Walking in the aisles, there is an energy to the books. It is almost as if the words are alive. Given life by the passion and emotion and emotions of dedicated writers who sat hour after hour writing and rewriting and reliving memories. Trying to transform all this into words is daunting. A literary Gordian knot of what is in the mind being untangled onto the page word by word. read more

This business has been around for years and somehow managed to survive many turns in the economy, like Covid, all the while maintaining a customer service that is almost non existent in the world today. Way to go! read more