This place is a little step back into another time. It reminds me of certain bookstores in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland from the 90's. They just don't have too many bookstores left like this one. As the name suggests, you can bring your gently used books in and they will keep a record of them, and you will receive a discount of roughly half off of whatever you decide to buy in exchange for bringing in your old books. This turns out to be a great value considering the good condition and broad variety of the books that they carry. We can always find something good to read, and the price is definitely always easy on the pocketbook. The lovely people who work here are very well informed. I was looking for a classic by Pearl S Buck, and she knew exactly where it was located in the store. I have confidence in these guys, and I know that I can check with them before I go look elsewhere. A must see for any avid reader or bibliophile. read more

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I love this place! The staff is so sweet every experience going feels so warm and extra welcoming, they are alway such helpful ladies!they make me want to keep going back and I do lol! prices are amazing! I love the credit system 50% used books, so helpful! I don't leave this place without 5 books in my stack! My only thing is I wish they were open a tad bit later on weekdays): hopefully in the future? read more

The Book Exchange - Bookstores Near Me - Manteca, California

Overpriced & cluttered, there are better options for used bookstores in the area. I hate to even report it since I'm a big fan of physical media, including used books...but this store has way too much stock packed into it and they need to significantly reduce their prices to provide consumers with incentive to buy more books. I wanted to check a book out that was wedged into storage bin so I carefully removed it...which caused the stack of books that were wedged in BEHIND the stack I pulled the book I was interested in to come crashing down. The lady working in the store just asked "are you all right in there?" but never came into the section of the store I was in. I wouldn't go back to this store again. read more

I absolutely love this book store, staff is very friendly and helpful. I come here at least twice a month and even when they are busy helping other customers and the phone rings they will take down your number and the book you are looking for and give you a call back. The selection is also large they have new books and used books, prices are great even for the new books. Its cheaper than barnes and noble for the new books! I could spend hours in here looking around, definitely recommend supporting this local bookstore! read more

Wonderful store with wonderful people running it - they have a great selection of books. A gem! read more

The Book Exchange - Throne of Glass - Bookstores Near Me - Manteca, California

Come check out this awesome, peaceful, nostalgic bookstore! Two ladies I've dealt with are welcoming and helpful! We try to come here every few months and stock up on books for my children and myself. read more

Book Exchange! It may look like a small shop, but it's actually quite big on the inside, and actually appears to be two small shops combined. Hubby and I were driving through from Sacramento back to the OC area and we made a "quick" stop here for hubby to stretch his legs and me to continue spending money on books. It was actually a bit of a win-win situation for hubby because there is a dog salon right next door, so he got to see all of the puppies that were going to get groomed. Love puppies! Parking lot is decent. We came in around 10:30am, so it wasn't too busy or crowded. I was warmly greeted when I walked in, and the employee was happy to help with any questions I had. She was so nice, and we were able to chat about a few things. I was happy to see at least a few customers come in while I was there. As seen in the pictures, they have A LOT Of books and they're all organized into sections. They've got some great older editions of books, such as some Madeleine L'Engle novel, as well as Tolkien. I didn't see any leatherbound books while I was perusing, and there isn't any specific bookshelf that would have signed books; any signed books wouldn't be called out specifically on any shelf or section. While they mainly have used books, there are also new books, and it seemed like some of the new books are not at MSRP price, but lower, which is kind of them. Would recommend anyone to come by to support this bookshop. read more

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This place is wonderful. The owner is awesome and very helpful. I have been here a few times and she has a ton of books. If you are looking for a book - I would stop by and support a local business that has been here for I think over 30 years. read more

Value is outstanding since the average cost runs approximately $7.00. Service is great as well. They know most of the books in store and will walk you to the area of the store and help you locate your selection. All staff are helpful and knowledgeable. For those who love to read, you cannot go wrong. read more

There are so many books and the lady that has been there each time I go knows where things are. That's a good thing considering the inventory. read more

Always an amazing stop for good books. Prices cannot be beat. Ladies at the register are always nice, welcoming, and helpful. You can also donate your old books towards store credit for used books. The used books are often in amazing condition. I am told they can order books if you are looking for something in particular. read more

The workers were amazing to me and my daughter and made her feel so special walking around and showing her all the different categories. Offered to give us 50 percent off but the care they showed her was worth the 100 percent full price. Go support this place. read more

This book store has a wide variety of books and you earn store credit that never expires if you take in used books. Service was fantastic, the woman working (I'm assuming the owner or manager or something?) was super friendly and helpful. She was very knowledgeable about the contents of the store. Such a gem for an avid reader. Can't wait to go back! read more

Not crazy about the prices when you donate a huge bag of books, and the owner is a jerk, but the everyday staff is awesome. If it weren't for the owner's attitude and her way of running a business I'd give this 20 stars. read more

I called looking for a book. The clerk busy as she was the only one there I guess. She took my number and said she's loom for it and call me back. She did, to let me know they didn't have it. She also called not a few minutes later to tell me that someone had just donated it right after I got off the phone with her. Needless to say I went down straight away and got the book! read more

I'm a sucker for used bookstores! There's something nostalgic about it. Perhaps it's because everyone these days are reading on Kindles, Tablets or on their phones, but I love the feels and smell of a great book. The handful of times I've gone here, the two ladies at the register have been nothing but sweet and kind. They both also know how to hold a genuine conversation beyond the typical store greetings. Don't be fooled though, they definitely get the hint if you're not in a chatty mood and don't disturb you while you're browsing for your next gem. I've gotten at least a dozens of books here but I mainly go because I'm growing my The Babysitter's Club book collection from my childhood. The first time I checked this place out, I noticed the series wasn't on the shelf. So of course I mustered up the courage to ask one of the ladies if by chance it was put on a different shelf or if they have any in the back. Low and behold, they had a whole bag full in the back! I was able to snag at least 10 books at seriously low prices to add to my collection! This is now my go to used bookstore! You'll be able to find the price for all books in the store on the top right corner of the first page of each book. It's penciled in. Their selection was great and like other yelpers have mentioned, the outside looks small but the space inside is quite large. You could literally lose hours just browsing. If you're looking to pick up affordable books at great prices or even pick up a nostalgic book from your childhood, this is definitely the place to stop in! Happy reading! read more

We LOVE this store! We went today for the first time and it's incredible! Great book selection, great prices, and super easy process to exchange your used books for store credit! The customer service is AMAZING!!!!! read more

The book selection is amazing . Because of the unique way that the store is ran there are always new books circulating through , as well as some older books or even harder to find books . The prices are so good and all books are in amazing condition . The owner herself and her employees are always so kind and helpful . I will always recommend this place . read more

Clean, well organized used book store. You can bring up to 1 paper bag full of books for store credit. Prices are written on the first page in pencil. Most books were the equivalent of half the suggested retail price (new condition). I quickly had 8 books in my arms within less than 30 minutes. I had no problem finding books I was interested in. YA is in the main room along with romance books. Novels outside of those categories are in the next room. They accept cash and card but the clerk said they prefer cash so that they aren't charged a fee. There is a small parking lot to the left of the store- you drive down the alley to leave. Employees were very nice and professional. I will definitely return the next time I'm in the area. read more

This book shop is a hidden gem, I have found so many books to complete my series in perfect condition. I love that some books are in new and used copies! I've found a few hardcover books half price or less from the competitors. I recommend coming on a day when you have no errands so you can really take your time and browse! read more

I loved it here, they have so many books! The prices are good, most books I saw were half (or even less than that) of their original price. Even if you come in not knowing what to buy, you'll definitely find a book here you'd like. The lady working at the front was sweet and funny as well. read more

THE BEST bookstore in town, run by some kick ass ladies. Their credit system is awesome and fairly generous, you can trade in old books and they'll give you store credit so you can save money on new purchases! I was heartened to see that they kept me on file after all these years. The book I bought was at least 20 dollars more on Amazon. Not only is this place good for your wallet but it's also just a great friendly/intimate environment where business is done the good old fashion way. Whether it was reading Twilight in Middle school to reading Chomsky as a young adult, this place has always taken good care of me and my phases. Manteca is lucky to have this store. read more

My family and I love this place with our whole hearts! The smell and feel of old books warms my soul. But they can also order just about any book for you. The staff is so kind and helpful. They are very knowledgeable about different genes and authors... which helps greatly when giving recommendations that are actually good and on target. I will never stop going here. read more

The book exchange is everything you need to get a good price for your books. If they don't have it, they will order it for you. Great people too. read more

I love this little find in Manteca. They have a great selection and it's very organized. Elaine & Lois are so helpful- stop by and purchase a book. You won't be disappointed. read more

The Book Exchange - Bookstores Near Me - Manteca, California

Just met Lois at The Book Exchange. She is an avid reader & passionate about helping people fall in love with books that "fit you". I brought in a few books, got store credit, and got 3 to take home. Out the door...$9.00. As Arnold once said, "I'll be back!" read more

Love this used bookstore! Great selection of all kinds of genres.Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Bring your books for credits towards other purchases. read more

This is one of my favorite bookstores. Anything used is half off if you use your "book credit" ... you get book credit by donating your books. They also have good priced new books. Shop local! If they don't hAve it they are willing to order it for you too! read more

Got ANY books you need to get rid of? Just bring one bagful of them to The Book Exchange. They really accept anything. I had this utterly useless book that I really thought they wouldn't accept. To my surprise, they did. Plus you get credit points that are used towards the books you choose to buy there. This bookstore is lovely, it gives off a "homey" feeling. Sometimes I just walk in to admire the layout. The staff is nice but there is one particular lady who seems very clueless. I've asked her several questions and have never received a solid answer. I thought everyone knew of the horrid book "American Psycho." Maybe not, I don't know. In most cases you don't save that much(especially on popular books). It's just a tad cheaper than Borders or Barnes & Noble but still worth checking out. read more

The Book Exchange - Bookstores Near Me - Manteca, California

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Wow, just wow! This place is stacked and packed with books--paperbacks, hard cover--anything you can imagine. I turned to the left and thought that it was some sort of Romance novel store. Gaaaaahhhhh! As I wound my way through to the second aisle, I found mystery books and more. They even had text books, biographies, and many, many other genres of books. The people there were incredibly friendly and it was good to meet new people that cared about what they were doing. Hopefully, the rest of the area appreciates what they have here. read more

Always nice and help me to find the book I am hoping for lots of books all kinds and great place recycle books and a get a bit toward a pick you want to buy read more

First time here and already love this place! They have ton of selections and if they don't have it in stock they can order it. Usually they order books on Wednesdays and be there on Fridays. The two ladies that helped us were extremely nice and helpful. I'll def be going back. read more

The Book Exchange - Bookstores Near Me - Manteca, California

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I love this place. The people are so helpful and nice. I get good recommendations for new authors to try as well. As others said bring books for credit but only one bag per visit. The credit is great, it makes me buy more I think. I don't live in Manteca anymore and still visit tHe store every chance when I am in town, even making a special trip once in a while. Please support this business!!! They are a small business and I can't imagine ever going to bUy my books at the big box stores ever again!!! read more

Couple of complaints. First, the owner chided me for using a recyclable bag to bring my books in for credit. (Um, I think I am progressive thinker here....) Second, the owner said that most of the books that I brought in were crap. (There is a ton of crap on the shelves already....just say no thank you if you don't want to add to your crap inventory.....) Lastly, I was told that I was buying a new book that clearly was not new and that I was getting a discount because the cover had a slight bend. (A new book is not yellowed, and more then shelf worn.....) Otherwise, an occasional visit, since Barnes and Noble or any other reputable book seller is quite a distance away, won't kill me. Customer service could be better..... read more

The best book store in town! We've come to the Book Exchange for years to drop off old books or buy new or used ones! It's jam-packed with books for every reader, and since many of them are used, if you set up an account with them you can use the store credit you earn from bringing in books to get them half-off! New books are full price however. I know tons of students that come here for books off of summer reading lists for school, and there are lots of classics as well as contemporary books. If they don't have it, you can order it through them with the Author's name and the book title! The employees here are always great and quite knowledgeable about what's in the store. The prices are slightly higher than stores like Target, but it's a locally owned business so it makes sense. There are TONS of books for children and kids, by the way, so pick out a few! Parking can be tricky since the lot is small, and you pretty much can only leave via the alley behind the store, but it isn't sketchy or anything and it's not really that big of a deal. Shop locally! Go to the book exchange! read more

I always visit the book exchange when I am in town visiting family. The selection is great, but I spend most of my time in the large classics section. They offer new and used books for very reasonable prices. If they don't have what you are looking for they will order it for you. Also, bring in books you no-longer want and receive store credit! They allow you to use your credit toward 50% of the price of any used books, but not for new ones. The staff are always friendly and helpful when I visit. read more

I was very wary about coming to this store because of some of the horrible reviews I've read, but the reviews couldn't have been more wrong. Once my husband and I went in, we were greeted by all three employees. Granted there was not a lot of room to move around, but most used/independent book stores are jammed with books...so no complaint there. I was trying to find some books for my stepdaughter who has recently started reading teen science fiction, but I couldn't remember the title of the book or the author. My description "it's a trilogy and on the cover of the books is a girl wearing a red, blue and green dress"...so helpful I know. But one of the girls immediately turns around, grabs a book and shows me. Yup, she got it tight! And the book she recommended, my stepdaughter loves and has read twice since I bought it two weeks ago. My reading preferences vary from romance to mystery to thrillers. The employees were able to recommend different authors based off some of my various authors, which I really l liked. So much different from the employees at big box book stores, sometimes I wonder if the really read and what they're doing working at a book store. We ended up buying 20 books and the total came out to $90 which I isn't too bad since there were 3 new books. Definitely will be coming back! read more

Long live independent bookstores! I'm not exactly an avid reader, but I AM preoccupied with book shopping. I think it's a combination of elements -- the smell of those old paperbacks, the discovery of an interesting title, or sometimes just the quietness of these little shops. I make it a point to seek out a local bookstore in nearly every city I visit. There's plenty for Manteca to be proud of with this little store, nestled discreetly in a quiet section of Main Street. I hadn't been here in several years, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that they're still doing a great job running the place. Staff members were friendly and helpful, and one went out of her way to explain their exchange program to me in detail. Prices for most books seem fair, and almost all the books I checked out were in good shape. I ended up finding what I was after -- a hefty journalism textbook that only set me back $10. Great condition, too. Aside from that, I had a good time perusing their wide selection of novels. Great old ones, great new ones. The main room is devoted to fiction, and a smaller room off to the right is host to their nonfiction collection. (Which, by the way, was quite expansive too.) When you come, expect to stumble on lots of reference and self-help books. One small thing I should mention: this is probably more a woman's bookstore than a man's -- I noticed a certain preponderance of romance titles over other books. But that doesn't bother me too much. You're more than likely to stumble across something that interests you. And the best part about a place like this is finding those old gems. I'll definitely be back when the mood strikes me. read more

$$ only because it's a used book store. Still great prices for books!!! The people who work here are super nice. Engage in good conversation and don't make you feel like a bother (like most people do since they are at work after all..). I bought a used copy of Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls. Very nice copy, $8. Take debit cards, check it out. Great store!! read more

This is a great place to buy, sell and exchange books. All of the woman are extremely nice and knowledgeable. If they don't have the book they can get it. Very quickly I might add. Not to burst any bubbles but my favorite person is Elizabeth. She is funny, friendly and helpful. She recommends good books and so does her mom. I go here all the time. I love the fact that you are not rushed. You can ask tons of questions and they don't condescend to you. They are always smiling and giggling. Please take the time to stop by and take a look. Lastly, you can talk in a regular voice and no one shushes you like st a library or other book stores. read more