Great place for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Children and educator would greatly benefit

For the price, can't be beat! The model is simple: donate your books (up to 7 boxes per visit). They give them away for free! According to their website, you can't take more than 150,000 books per visit, so don't be too greedy, you bookworms! They sell 1-2% of donated books to cover overhead, but everything else is volunteer basis, keeping The Book Thing a free community even once a month. Be prepared to wait in line. We arrived at 11:45 so most of the big rush had faded. They let people in on the hour, with a max of 100 people in per time. If you arrive after someone leaves, they can let you in to finish that hour out. You could make a day of it - there are several cafés, breweries, and restaurants in the area that you could visit before or afterwards. Inside there are three rooms - red, blue, and green. They are organized by genres. A warning: this is not for claustrophobic people. It gets crowded and while people are generally polite and respectful, you will rub shoulders with plenty of other bibliophiles. My kids enjoyed it, though Child #1 was a tad overwhelmed and Child#3 wanted to get out of his umbrella stroller and run around! They all picked out something that was just for them. My wife gathered several books and I picked up a couple for myself. When you leave, you need to count your books and tell them that number (for their record-keeping) and your ZIP code. Other than that, it's a great deal, not to mention a fun way to meet other folks in the community. One parent reminisced about how her (now grown) daughter used to love a series that my middle child was looking at. I overheard one woman asking about a particular genre and a volunteer told her that those usually get picked over pretty early. So while there is more of a wait and higher demand closer to opening time, it sounds like there are some choicer items that are available then. DONATION - there is a small one-way road that leads around the back. After the morning rush, it seemed like it moves quickly. There's a small parking pad where you can pull up and give your books to some volunteers. Parking - it's Waverly, so pretty much street parking and you will have to look. We lucked out and saw someone leaving their spot right by the donation drop-off, so we were able to park close. If you have a bunch of books that could use a new home, come donate them here! If you are curious about grabbing some new books for yourself, drop on by! Just check the website for specific dates - it can vary from month to month what's available. read more

The Book Thing - Waiting to go inside and grab some books! - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Such a cool community completely FREE resource in the city! I first heard about bookthings in 2023 and this was my second time coming here. It has been in operation since 1999 and filled with volunteers and they now own the building. It's only open once a month now but I guess it used to be more. As a tip - go closer to the hour like on the :45 mark otherwise be prepared to wait an hour. People from all walks of life come here. This operates on donations so I dropped off my books and got in line. It is a bit overwhelming and the books are organized in categories. It is fun to browse but there is a chaotic energy that I don't always love. I don't think I would go back - I much prefer the little libraries! After standing in line, when you walk in, you do have to adjust to the brightness. It's a completely free resource. You can take as many books as you want. When you check out you just tell them the total number of books and your ZIP Code. It's amazing this free resource exists - make sure you don't hoard (like the two women in front of me who were on their fourth entry of the day). Make sure you partake in the recycling of the system. Take books back take new books and keep this amazing free resource in the community. read more

See all

Free Books , Once a Month !! We love it here . They're so many Free Books to choose from . Be prepared to stand in line . They also accept book donations at various times throughout the month . Check their website for info . read more

The Book Thing - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

This is a great concept. Unfortunately the neighborhood isn't the best, parking is hard to come by and it's really sketchy to park far away and walk to the location. Most parking is metered and takes card or coins. I appreciate the free books, but I will be honest 95% of the books are really old and worn. I was flipping through them before taking to check for issues such as possible mold, bugs, etc. Older/used books can carry these things especially book lice so be aware of that. They allow about 100 people in every hour, but the most popular area inside is the smallest. You will be super up close and personal with other people inside. Bring a bag or two to carry books!! read more

I'm thrilled that my friend introduced me to the wonder that is The Book Thing! (K - if you're reading this, thank you!) I visited for the second time this past Saturday for this month's book giveaway. I arrived around 10:30 AM and waited in line for about a half-hour and was part of the group of 80 folks they let in. Despite 160 people having gone in before me, there were an ample number of books, mixed media, magazines (and more!) in every section and every room. Volunteers were restocking shelves just as fast as books were flying off of them. I left with a full tote bag and both my hands full of some incredible reads (I can't wait to dig in!). The process at The Book Thing is so smooth and the volunteers are so kind and enthusiastic! The 'The Book Thing' community is a supportive one! Some tips: - The website announces dates in advance-- pencil 'em in on your calendar (or use a permanent marker to really seal in that commitment!). You can also check the times for the book donations. I also recommend reviewing the website to understand how it works. - The morning crowd at 9 AM is the busiest; in fact, one of the volunteers said people start lining up at 7:30 AM! The afternoon is the least busy. - There is free parking a few blocks over from The Book Thing. Don't park in the lot or you might get towed. - Each colored room is grouped by genre. Check out the legend ahead of time, especially if you're looking for something in particular. Thanks to The Book Thing for a fabulous way to spend a Saturday! I look forward to coming back soon! read more

The Book Thing - Blue Room! - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

went for the first time this past weekend! i recommend getting there early, showed up around 8:20 and my partner and i were the last 2 in the 9am/first group to enter. SOOOO many books! its incredible and the work theyre doing is fantastic. people from all walks of life! great for educators! a strong, organized system run by awesome volunteers. the warehouse does get cramped and busy, i wish there was a mask requirement. alas, 10/10 recommend. read more

The Book Thing - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

The mission: "To put unwanted books into the hands of those who want them." I adore The Book Thing. I have been a loyal monthly patron and will continue to do so. The books are absolutely free, no strings attached, FREE! And to top it off, you can take as much as you can carry out. I love exploring different genres and with my vast interests, purchasing books can be expensive not to mention terrible for the environment. I will always search the shelves at The Book Thing or go to a secondhand bookstore before purchasing newly printed books (if you can't get to The Book Thing take a look at ThriftBooks.com). The Book Thing is NOT OPEN DAILY. It is a monthly event that typically falls on the second full weekend of the month, and it alternates between Saturday and Sunday. They announce the exact dates on their website and Facebook page. If you are interested in donating books, please take the time to check their website for the exact days that you can drop off. Book donation hours are 9am-2pm on the designated days. The donation limit is 6 boxes per family. Boxes must be small enough that one person can lift them when full. They accept all types of books except encyclopedia sets. All donations are tax-deductible. We can provide a donation receipt on request reflecting the number of books donated. We also issue receipts for financial donations. Please do not leave books or boxes outside of their donation hours, you may be cited by the City for illegal dumping! read more

The Book Thing is hands down the best place I have ever been to. When I first heard about this place on Instagram, I didn't believe that all the books are free. I stopped by when I was in Baltimore and was shocked by how amazing this place is. All of the books are arranged by genre so if you're into a particular type of book or are looking for a certain book, you can guide yourself to the right area pretty easily. Quite honestly, I could probably spend an entire day at The Book Thing. There are rows upon rows of fiction books, many of which are barely even used. I picked up 7 books, 4 of which I am certain have never even been open. I wish I lived closer so I could come by more often, but I may just have to start driving down to Baltimore just to swing by The Book Thing. Every city should have a place like this! read more

The Book Thing - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

The most wondrous, amazing place ever if you love books! Had an amazing selection of all genres of books and they're free! Every book is free and it's ridiculously incredible. I love this place and I'm so thankful that it exists read more

5 stars for FREE books!! Issues though... 1. Parking is terrible. There's a huge lot, why can't people park there? 2. While other businesses are open to pre-COVID days/times, Book Thing is only open once per month...not every Saturday/Sunday like they used to be. 3. Waiting in line with limited entries and timed format takes forever. 4. It's not a library. People shouldn't be allowed to sit on the floor taking up space to read their books. Do that at home. No one wants to step over people. 5. Expand the Children's section. parents and kids cramped in the corner. Seems like if the number of days per month were expanded and people could come and go as they please, more people would visit the Book Thing. read more

Some new, temporary policies have been implemented at The Book Thing as of August 3, 2019. They are limiting the books that they will accept as they have a huge backlog of books to process. The drop box outside is no longer available. So, please, before you go, check the latest information on their website as to what they will accept. (https://bookthing.org/). Check out the photos for more detailed information. They directed us to go to the Maryland Book Bank at 1794 Union Avenue, 21211, which we did read more

The Book Thing - Other Places to Donate Books - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

I thought it was too good to be true, but alas, it's a completely FREE BOOKSTORE!! You can take as many books as you want, and all you need to do is sign out at the end of your visit with the number of books you too. I visited first thing last Saturday morning and it was already filled with booklovers and their bags, ready to be filled. There are tons of bookcases filled with books organized by genre like mystery, politics, cookbooks, children's, fiction, classics, art, language, etc. As a teacher, I took many children's chapter books; they had quite a selection and had many titles that I read as a teenager, which was exciting. As a food lover, I took 2 cookbooks. They don't have the most recent books or titles, however, if you look long and hard enough, you will be able to find some hidden gems and titles. I'm so excited to add these books to my classroom library! read more

This place is amazing if you love books! There's 3 large rooms full of books Found some really great vintage books, like 25 kids books for my friends class room and even a large coffee table book originally around $40! They do stamp the inside saying it's a free book and not for resale. Which I appreciate. I just wish for the vintage books there was some other way, just when you see a book that is 100 years old in great condition but stamped. But I totally understand why they have to do this. I brought my younger brother who isn't too into books/reading and he even found 2 or 3 books he was interested in. Side note- They have a restroom you can use. Which I wasn't expecting but SO thankful for since we drove 2 hours to get there haha When finding the place you'll come up to the back parking lot which you'll recognize from the pics. We first parked here but then signs in the building say to park in the front or you'll be towed. So we moved to the front which I actually preferred since it's super close to the front door. And easier to load your books. Def bring your own bag! And they encourage you to take as many as you'd like! Really such an awesome place. And next time i got I'll def be bringing some donations. Even though it's 2 hours away, I can't wait to visit again! read more

See all

Great book barn! Stowed away in the bowels of Northern Baltimore. Only open Sat./Sun. Parking is difficult, staff is absent. Somebody took my stack of books. It is a really fun place to while away a few minutes. Rebel review: 4 read more

Such an amazing concept...giving people the ability to learn about new subjects, for free!!! If you have a few hours to spend and look through books, this is the place to go. Make sure you aren't going in looking for anything in particular because they do not have things in alphabetical order. Books are order of category which helps tremendously...they have everything from mystery to self help to cookbooks to kids books. Before you leave, they ask you sign out by sharing your zip code and how many books you are taking...that's it! No cashiers, no money exchanged, and all this information available for no cost!!!! read more

Bring all your friends, families, co-workers, and enemies here! After the renovations after the fire, this place is better than ever!!!! A few amenities I've noticed now are that, there's a restroom available now and a rack with free bags for readers to carry their books in. I highly recommend visitors to come here to experience something one of a kind to Baltimore! I'm from NYC and I don't know of a "Book Thing" there or anywhere else. You can donate books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, records, and most importantly-- your time! The Book Thing always need volunteers throughout the week. Tip: A great resource to get updated information is through their Facebook page, "The Book Thing of Baltimore". It is constantly updated on a consistent weekly basis. read more

The Book Thing - Able to drop off books overnight (by entrance). - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

Someone from work mentioned this place, so out of curiosity I made a trip. What a nice place! I live in the suburbs so this downtown location was a bit nervous trip but we found a shopping mall parking lot (5 min walk) from the book thing. Inside had good selections of free books, very well organized and all of us found something that piqued our interests. This place is a gem! I did bring a few books to donate so didn't feel too bad taking out free books. read more

The Book Thing - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

The book thing is a little unusual. First of all, all the books are free. Every last one of them. The only catch is you can only take 150,000 per day, per person. They actually encourage you to be greedy here and take as many books as you want. Secondly, it's only open on weekends. I did some reading, and found out the story behind the store is just as unusual and heart warming. In short, The owner/director of this nonprofit used to bartend locally and during happy hours he would hear teachers talk about not having enough books in schools. He took his tip money to buy some books at thrift stores and garage sales to offer, he eventually got a van filled with books, then a basement room, and then bought this dusty book-lined location off Greenmount. You can find the owner roaming around, he's very involved (he personally inspects every book received to make sure it does not contain pornography, bomb-making instructions or out-of-date CPR instructions, I'm putting this out there for some of you who were hoping to find vintage nude photos in copy of Great Expectations, I guess you're gonna have to look for your porn the old fashioned way: on the interwebs or tinder) and will often come around and ask if you need help looking for anything. For a "store" run by volunteers, I actually think it is quite well organized. Being to so close to John Hopkins, the best part of visiting is the text books and reading materials donated by students. I have a collection of old medical texts and books about diseases, and this is definitely a place to pick up more books about smallpox, the plague, etc. etc. I kind of have a thing for reading books on diseases and history of disease, first of all, I studied epidemiology, second of all, this usually happens when I'm reading a book: Creepy guy on metro/on the beach: Hey girl, what are you reading about? Me:the rise of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea Creepy guy: Ok bye. You can get the same result from reading wedding magazines, but I don't find those as interesting. There are several bookshelves in the center of the store with the owner's recommendations, which contain more recent bestsellers, which I recommend pursuing. Now onto some logistics, if you plan on visiting. Plan to spend more than an hour and you will need the following things: 1)Tote bag for your books 2)Comfy shoes to stand around in 3) Tissues and allergy meds. It's super dusty in here. Now, I can't wait to take my new finds, pack them in a beach tote and read at the beach!!! read more

1 million out of 5 stars for The Book Thing. When I hopped out of my car, a friendly passerby jutted his thumb towards the place and asked, "Have you ever been here before?" I said "Nope!" He said "Good. That means you're not addicted yet!" Oh passing prophetic stranger, how right you were! The review-y part of this review is as follows: this place has GOT the books. Most of it is obscure, old, and quirky, but there's a charm to that too! You'll find walls of old romance novels and other dime-a-dozen tomes. But what's great is that you'll also find a lot of classics and even some recent New York Times bestsellers. The poetry section runs out FAST so consider yourself lucky if you nab a good poetry book! The fiction section (both the section itself and the recommendations) aren't organized so it's tough to *look* for a specific title. But, I really think the Book Thing is a place of discovery -- you might not find what you were looking for, but if you just let yourself get lost among the shelves, it's almost a guarantee you'll find something that piques your interest. Alright, now to why I *really* think the Book Thing deserves 1 million (5 stars). It was a JOY to see so many people, families and children coming in with empty boxes to nab some books on a weekend morning. Keep in mind that they stamp each book with a "do not resell" label (which, for the cynics out there, I *hope* deters any money-grubbing intent). Just thinking of how many kids will go home with oodles of books to keep and read along with how many people curious about a subject can own something that will teach them about it makes me unspeakably happy. What a gift this place brings to so many people! What a brilliant idea and what a gem for the City of Baltimore. In the words of Maya Angelou, rest her soul, "all knowledge is spendable currency, depending on the market." With this idea in mind, the humble Book Thing is quite literally a treasure trove! read more

You know internet searching can be such an amazing thing, I needed to donate books that I no longer needed to use. So I searched it out and found this place, I can donate my books AND if I so choose, I can browse and select books to take home for FREE!!!! I was too excited to realize that a place like this even existed. Who knew? Anywho, the location is off of Greenmount, can't say it is in the best area, it is towards the back of the street around the bend. It is more like a one room store. There is NO AIR, so be prepared. Everything is kind of organized in sections foreign language, cooking, etc...you peruse and take what you want and write out on a little sheet what you took. The staff were helpful with obtaining the used books and in the store. I really didn't have time to take a thorough look but I definitely want to go back to check things out! Can't beat free! read more

The BookThing is wonderful. I have been going for years. It is nice to have a place to take old and unwanted books and know they'll be made available to someone that may enjoy them. Everything they have is free. There is no one there hounding you to purchase or donate. You can drop items off and/or take your time and find something or some things you may want. There is no limit on how much you can take. The only issues... parking isn't the best, the place has several leaks when it rains and it becomes quite hot with no AC in the summer. The books are categorized by genre and subject for the most part. I just wish they'd make a specific section for romance and one for country/western to help make the search through the fiction section easier. Everything else is categorized nicely and I give the place 5 stars for what they are and what they provide. read more

The Book Thing - Each book is stamped inside stating the book is free & not for resale to prevent people from taking books away to make a profit. - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

THIS is FREEDOM. This is a treasure that should be in every city and town in America. A totally free bookstore. FREE. As in gratis. No money needed. Likely a 100,000 books. Lots of turnover too so always something new. Hit the classics section for great novels. Found several original O'Hara and a Roth in this section. Gardening, cookbooks, politics, children's. we all left with something we were excited about. Did I say it was free????? FREE FREE. read more

OMG FREE BOOKS NO GIMMICKS!! This is for real. Yes, I thought, how can this be?? Free books!? No way. BUT YES WAYY! The only thing it will cost you is a drive to a sketchy neighborhood. Otherwise, it's freeeee! Books are arranged by genre. I got a bunch of free children's books and education books to use for work! They even have classic books, such as The Hungry Caterpillar! FYI this place stretches out deeper into the building! Make sure you check out the back where all of the adult books are! I didn't know about that part, and I thought my friends left me! But I wandered further and found that there was a back part! AMAZING PLACE! I wish I lived in the area. If I did, I would be here every weekend. Seriously!! Ah you Baltimore locals are soooo lucky!!! WAH. read more

BOOKS. THEY ARE ALL FREE. FREE!!! Hundreds of books & magazines, organized by genre in a few large rooms in a warehouse. All for your taking! What a special place. I think I'd be here every weekend if I lived even an hour drive away just to spend hours looking through the stacks. This place was really one, if not the most, of the biggest highlights of visiting Baltimore for an avid bookworm like myself. If only this concept could expand to more cities! read more

The Book Thing - Open every Saturday and Sunday, without fail! - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

What an amazing and unique bookstore. It's actually inaccurate to call this a bookstore, since it's really a book exchange. In a nondescript warehouse divided into several rooms, with a small adjacent parking lot, The Book Thing (or, as I like to call it, "The Book Thang") offers an incredible collection of books - for free! Yes, free! Go in, pick up a box or bag (or BYOB) and browse and pick to your heart's content. The books are roughly divided into categories; but within the categories, you're on your own. Staffed entirely by volunteers, there is virtually no staff interaction. It's like legal theft! Lol. The only rules that I can identify are 1) you may not return a book you've taken to The Book Thing, and 2) any book taken from The Book Thing may not be sold. Seriously, they stamp the inside of the books "not for resale." Only for true browsers. They apparently operate solely on volunteer labor and donations. Definitely worth a look! read more

The Book Thing - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

This is an amazing resource! My daughter is a new elementary teacher and she picked up a huge stack of kids' books plus a bunch of teachers' workbooks. I got a couple craft books and several DIY books. Due to Covid, they are limiting donations so you should check if you want to donate. The three large rooms are fairly well organized with small signs to indicate subject matter. Not much selection in the hobby/craft area. Workers were helpful. We got there early and there was a short line to get in since they limit the number of people inside at one time. read more

Hidden gem, a free bookstore!! It's too good to be true, kudos to the founder , Russel Wattenberg! The Book Thing is operated entirely by volunteers. The store's extensive catalogue consists of a vast array of books and magazines, continually replenished through donations and you don't know what you'll find! read more

The Book Thing - Amazing collection of books and it's free to use - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

How can you not love this place?! Free books and lots and lots of them. There are even textbooks where you could potentially learn a new subject or two. It's only open on weekends, so plan accordingly. If you're sensitive to dust, you may want to pop an antihistamine. The age of some of the books are what makes this place interesting! My only beef is with the patrons that visit that take every single book they can carry. I mean, take a few, read them, bring them back, then take more. There's no need to horde them! read more

This is a great place. Donate unneeded books, take whatever books you need. Simple yet genius concept. Kudos to the owner. Great service for the city! Completely free! read more

I wrote a glowing review several years ago. At that time they were run by Russell Wattenberg, the man who started the book thing in a bar for teachers who came at happy hour and told him that their kids had no books. He finally, on his own dime, rented a basement to offer free books from a local man who later kicked them out when he could make a big profit. I spoke repeatedly with Russell about getting their own place and then it happened. For years they were at the present location, thriving, until a fire destroyed everything. I would come by and watch Russell, who already had respiratory issues, sitting there trying to rebuild from scratch. Many local people made it happen and so did big businesses which had never said hello. Russell, who had received a nothing salary for his full-time work, did everything to help rebuild the place. Finally, they reopened but then Russell decided that he could no longer continue doing what he did. The people who took over were very different. The first thing they did was to announce that they had forgotten to file the regular IRS statement for non-profit status that Russell had done for years. Lo and behold, this was their reason for closing the whole operation for some time. Then when a free lawyer did that for them they used the pandemic as an excuse for no visitors though the financial donations continued to come in and grow larger and larger. They have more books than they can possibly fit in the building in many other locations. At the same time they said that covid made opening impossible, the city of Baltimore was allowing patrons in restaurants and stores who wore masks. But not the book thing. Russell never took financial donations. The new crowd aggressively encourage them. But where is all the money going? They are accountable to the community but no one outside is told where all the money goes. And this is after all the money for the cleanup has been put to use and the place is looking good. More money comes in but where does it go? The building is on a million year lease with only minimal payments to the bank and all the books are donated as was the wood for the shelves, etc. etc. Finally, after a very long time they opened the place. It used to be open every single weekend, both days. Now they open one day a month and with very limited access. Today, 14 November 2021, I visited. The line was barely moving when I arrived at 1 pm on Sunday. It stretched around the block to the parking lot behind the. building. After waiting for over 30 min I walked to the front of the line and asked, How long have you been waiting? An hour. So where I was in line, we would have had to wait two hours at least. Why even open and encourage people to come if they will have to wait so long just to enter the building? I got in my car and went home. I am very disappointed. Such a beautiful idea totally mismanaged by people who are obsessed with fame, fortune and, as the woman who came after Russell put it, Making a totally new image, getting as much money in donations and in essence, going big time but without any managerial understanding. This is the familiar story of what happens when things fall apart. I hope they get their act together but am not holding my breath. read more

The workers were unfriendly, rude, and demeaning when we tried to donate our books. With their haughty attitude, we left with a bitter taste in our mouths. We will never return again. read more

If I were to compile a list of Baltimore's hidden gems, this free book store would be at the top of my list! Picking up and donating books is hassle-free at the Book Thing; just show up with an empty bag, walk through the door, and you are free to take as many books as your heart desires. This is also a great place to donate any unneeded books as well! The Book Thing has a vast array of books for any given interest. The bookstore is organized by sections (business, history, fiction, travel, etc), with a large number of books in each category. However, be prepared to devote time into hunting through the bookshelves if you are looking for something in particular, since the books are not ordered by author, title, or subject within each major category. Overall, this is one of my favorite places in Baltimore! read more

I can't believe a place like this exists. It should be a must for all book lovers who live or are visiting the Baltimore area. My friend who grew Up in Baltimore had told me about this place, but for some reason I thought you had to also donate books in order to take some home. That is not the case! You are welcome to take as many books as you like, all you have to do is sign a paper giving your name and how many books you're taking with you. I left with a 22 books that day, and half of them are things I've been looking for for a long time! A lot of the books are older books, so even some things from the 40s and 50s, but that's the sort of thing I'm into. Also, this place is pretty huge! Things are categorized by topic, but other than that the books are stacked as they come in (not in alphabetical order). If you do want to donate books, there is a drop off slot outside the store so you can drop off books even when they're closed. What a great concept! Thank you, Book Thing! (And my friend's mom for letting me throw over 20 books into her backseat!) read more

Free books, categorized free books, great staff working to categorize free books. How can you not love The Book Thing. Don't want your books? Feel bad just recycling old books? Donate to The Book Thing and get a tax deduction letter. read more

This is one of the most magical places on the Eastern Shore!! I tell everyone about it, especially students! The staff are nice, the books are surprisingly organized for the sheer number of them, and the vibes are rare for this day and age unless you're at Disney's Magic Kingdom: feelings of pure joy and general enchantment. This is a place untouched by corporate interest, put together for the community by the community, and maintained through hours of hard work generous volunteers every week. Books are arranged by category and handy print-out maps and friendly staff will help you navigate this printed word wonderland. TLDR; GO read more

This place is amazing. It's completely staffed by volunteers, but seems relatively well stocked, especially considering that you are encouraged to take as many books as humanly possible (The website's FAQ answers the question of how many books you are allowed to take with "You can only take 150,000 per day per person.") The books are organised according to category (fiction, education, poetry, religion, philosophy, etc.) There is no catch. You can take and/or bring as many books as you'd like. They have a pretty extensive collection of National Geographics and other magazines as well, so this might be a good resource for teachers or others that would need old magazines for collage type projects. I was only there for about half an hour due partly to the fact that they are only open on weekends, and I still managed to leave with 7 books. There is a sign out sheet where they ask to you write your first name, and how many books you took. I LOVE THE BOOK THING. read more

The Book Thing - Part of the front room - Bookstores Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

Not sure if we just picked a bad day with a bunch of smokers, but the entire place smelled like an ash tray. I really wanted to love it because we love books and FREE books are even better!! The place is fairly big and has every type of subject you could want; I even saw a newer hardback fiction book that I read a few months ago. I picked up a cookbook that I was interested in, but the cover was so filthy and sticky that I just left it. We will probably return and give it another shot sometime. read more

Wonderful to see so many positive reviews about my favorite thing ever, books! The Book Thing probably doesn't need any more gushing but I just wanted to bump the five star total up another notch :) Will add that the building is a lot sketchier looking than anything you have in mind (intriguing, right?) and during the winter it is super cold so bring a coat and gloves! There's a recommendations section in the back of the Fiction area which is where I found most of the four books I decided to take home, but obviously a lot of the fun here is scanning the crazy rows of unsorted books looking for that hidden gem. Really cool to see so many different editions and covers of books that haven't been available for years. read more

So most people have wisely given this establishment five stars, but I'm still seeing two criticisms that I don't totally understand. For one thing, people seem to think that this is a sketchy neighborhood. I can't vouch for how it is at night, but when we were there it seemed pretty extremely wholesome to me. There were kids playing basketball and people bumping into friends and chatting on the sidewalk. A scant block away from the Book Thing there is a residential neighborhood with a lot of cars that have bumper stickers about NPR and vegetarianism. If that sounds like a bad neighborhood to you just because the buildings are old and there are a couple of shuttered storefronts, I guess you'll think this is a really bad neighborhood! Everything could use a coat of paint, but I didn't feel unsafe here for even a second. A second thing is that some people seem to be pretty upset that they sell some of the books that are donated to them. Presumably they do this because BGE won't accept payment in copies of Lee Iacocca's autobiography. They aren't even secretive about it, it's in the FAQs on their webpage. They sell less than 1% of the books they receive, and there are plenty of recent, popular books in good condition that make it onto the shelves. Now that that's out of the way, this place is really seriously excellent and definitely worth your time. Everybody is welcome, no questions asked. If you're worried about whether you should go because you don't strictly speaking need free books, just bring books to donate and try to leave more than you take, or treat it like a library and bring the books back after you've read them. Parking can get tight, so bring a few quarters in case you need to use the metered parking on Greenmount Ave. Make sure to bring a reusable shopping bag if you don't want to carry your books out in a box. read more