The Friendly Used Bookstore

794

1174

5 months ago

I went to this bookstore for the first time last week. What a great experience, friendly staff and great prices, and absolutely love that the proceeds benefit programs that benefit the community. P.S. I thought I had already done a review and was surprised when Yelp prompted me to add one. Now I see I did already do one but I guess I just can't say enough good things read more

The Friendly Used Bookstore - Sales from the Friendly Used bookstore support the Santee Library - Used Bookstore Near Me - Santee, California

The Friendly Used Bookstore - The first annual Library Friends of San Diego County book crawl is happening February 14 to 21, 2026. - Used Bookstore Near Me - Santee, California

The Friendly Used Bookstore - The Friendly Used Bookstore in Santee is indeed friendly! - Used Bookstore Near Me - Santee, California

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Sarah H.

26 days ago

The staff/volunteers are so kind and genuinely friendly. Even before I went to the register I overheard so many lovely interactions helping a kid find a book he might like, letting an older customer promise to bring back the change she was missing on a return visit, and just chatting nicely with each person as they were checking out. My interaction was no different. The selection will be varied as with any used bookstore, but they have quite a lot on offer for the small space they occupy and I ended up leaving with four books, myself. Plus it is a lot more guilt free ending up disliking a book you got for a buck fifty than a book you paid upwards of $16 for. It can also be a great source for those who want an inexpensive book that they won't mind using for an art project like book page origami or blackout poetry, since they have tons of mass produced paperbacks. The location they're in is also ideal since right next door there are amazing cupcakes, plus a coffee shop within the same mall. And the Santee Library is right there if you're local and have a library card. Super easy area to kill an hour or two in. read more

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Valerie H.

27 days ago

Lots of great used books and convenient times to be open. The location is easy to find and they accept donations as well. read more

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Nancy S.

1 month ago

It was great! I brought a donation of several books, the person was warm and welcoming and expressed thanks for my donation. I was so glad to see several people in this little store shopping. read more

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Nicole G.

2 months ago

The coolest little bookstore! Very friendly staff, and amazing deals on books. We got two great children's books for only $2.50! They were both is such great condition. Books are so expensive, and we love growing our own home library, so we will be returning again and again. Absolutely adore this spot. read more

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Peter B.

8 months ago

I DO NOT KNOW why they are called "Friendly" HAHAHAHA THATS A JOKE! Im never greeted when i arrive I dont understand why There has been only one lady who has ever been warm and friendly towards me and i didnt get her name The ONLY ONLY reason i patronize the establishment is their prices are outstanding GRADE D- EPECIALLY the heavy set woman with glasses short read more

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Esme M.

5 months ago

I was looking for information about a book and had tried calling in but the lady that had picked up was extremely rude. She picked up the phone and automatically seemed to be in a terrible mood. When I had asked if she was able to look up a book for me she responded very inappropriately and had a demeanor as if she was a parent trying to correct a child. As a receptionist myself, the call that I just had was very uncalled for and made me uncomfortable to return for more books. read more

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Linda R.

207

4 years ago

The best place for used books!! Their prices can't be beat! They also have end of the month sales which make most of their books $0.50 a $1.00!! read more

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Bonnie P.

148

108

3 years ago

Scored on the last weekend of the month sale! Managed to get 12 Clive Cussler books for $8! Always friendly staff. Well worth the drive from Valley Center! read more

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Steve G.

2 years ago

I love this little bookstore. The volunteers are really nice, helpful, and it's pretty organized.

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Roxanne M.

2 years ago

Very helpful and a wonderful selection. their inventor of books is always a wonderful surprise. The staff is great., and are willing to go the extra mile to help with finding the books your are looking. Become a member and save on the members only sales. read more

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Ssue B.

2 years ago

The staff is very Friendly, the books are beautifully sorted by category and they have GREAT prices!! I ALSO love how you can put in a request and if a specific books comes in, they hold it for you read more

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Donna R.

3 years ago

This is a great store to find new released book at great price. Volunteers that run the store are friendly and helpful.

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Dani M.

3 years ago

This bookstore is a treasure! It is well-organized, has great selections, and the staff is super friendly and helpful. There is something for everyone from children's books, fiction/non-fiction, how-to books, and music books to games and puzzles! I live in another city but visit San Diego in the summer. This bookstore is on my "must do list" of places to go! And I go there several times! read more

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Bert G.

1032

1124

12 years ago

This is an excellent used book store, staffed with volunteers, and is affiliated with the Santee Library, which is a few doors away. (Friends of the Santee Library, a nonprofit organization). Prices are very modest, and the massive inventory is generally very well-organized and alphabetized by author's last name within each genre. Fiction is divided into two categories, Mystery and Non-mystery, I think. This makes searching for your favorite authors somewhat confusing, and a bit of a . . . mystery, since some authors pen both genres. However, most novels and books are otherwise very well organized. Hardbounds are shelved separately from the paperbacks. The volunteers are always very cheerful and willing to help. There is a special section for relatively recent titles, and they cost a bit more. However, prices are quite attractive here, much lower than any for-profit store could possibly offer. I always look forward to my weekly visit, and have found many worthwhile novels at very reasonable prices here. Be advised, parking can be scarce in the strip center's lot,at times. read more

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Jacqueline M.

192

7 years ago

I love this book store! The ladies are so sweet! It's very organized and they always have great books! For kids, Christian, marriage! They are also in really good condition too! read more

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Babs R.

Elite 14

190

9 years ago

Yep, I'm with everyone else: this place is a hidden gem in Santee. Everything is meticulously organized by categories you didn't know you were looking for - classics, Shakespeare, Star Trek, and even a section for books turned into movies! Their books are so cheap and make reading accessible to everyone. They also take debit with no minimum just in case you forget your cash! As an English major, I can't love this store any more than I already do! read more

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Lydia P.

185

133

11 years ago

Great book store! I was honestly surprised on the collection! Great prices and friendly staff :) will definitely be going there more! read more

The Friendly Used Bookstore - .50!?? And GREAT condition? How can you beat that!!! - Used Bookstore Near Me - Santee, California

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J P.

14 years ago

I'm almost hesitant to review this place, as it's a sweet little gem and I don't want everyone knowing about it haha... On the flip side, everyone should know about this place. They usually have a box of free books outside. They do have a half-off day, I think it may be every Thursday or every other. You'd have to ask. I've never bought a book for more than $1.50 here. Very nice staff. A gem, I tell you. Edit: I didn't even realize the other person referred to it as a gem as well! That should tell you something :) read more

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Dorcee P.

7 years ago

Great prices, random treasures to be found. From text books to fiction and DVD's. Love this place. Great and friendly staff!

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Rebecca L.

9 years ago

THIS is my go-to place for book-shopping! Their prices are crazy cheap, and they've got tons of books here that you might have trouble finding elsewhere! Books for every category are able to be found here, whether you're looking for some good old fashioned cookbooks, how to take care of your new pet, children's books, science fiction, romance, and plenty more! Friendly and helpful staff are ready to help at any time, too! read more

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Heather D.

14 years ago

I love this place! Books for a quarter or fifty cents! I am a frequent customer & love the people who work here. Great store!

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Sarah B.

11 years ago

Love this place! They have a wide selection of books, and great prices. They are affiliated with the Santee library, and the people who volunteer to run it are very nice and very helpful. We took our daycare kids here today; the library gave them each a coupon for a free children's book, and the ladies working today were extremely patient. Definitely will be returning! read more

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Jen F.

11 years ago

Amazing bookstore with great prices and super friendly staff. I stop in on the regular to find new treasures.

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Hannah I.

6 years ago

just went here for the first time today and the ladies running it were so nice! i got perfect condition, hardback books for only $1.50.... such good prices!!! read more

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Evelyn G.

12 years ago

This is a wonderful little shop with a treasure of books. I shop here weekly and have been able to pick up some nice hardback books for my little collection. read more

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Jessica F.

17 years ago

My cousin and I went to this bookstore to check it out, and in the end we bought 6 books for 3 dollars! What a bargain! They all were newer books and in great condition. And the books that you buy go as a donation to the Santee library. read more

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Megan M.

14 years ago

This is my favorite place to score some amazing books for amazing prices! They have a really great Classic Literature and Poetry selection which is hard to come by in most used book stores around here. And the name doesn't lie- the staff is very friendly too! It's a great gem in Santee and I absolutely enjoy my weekly trips here. read more

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John P.

9 years ago

Great way to get unheard of prices on a great selection of used books and support the Santee Library at the same time!!

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More info about The Friendly Used Bookstore

9225 Carlton Hills Blvd
Ste 8
Santee, CA 92071
Directions
(619) 596-1525
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.friendsofsanteelibrary.com

Payment methods

Does The Friendly Used Bookstore take credit cards?

No, The Friendly Used Bookstore does not take credit cards.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Friendly Used Bookstore have bike parking?

Yes, The Friendly Used Bookstore has bike parking.

Does The Friendly Used Bookstore have parking?

Yes, The Friendly Used Bookstore has parking options.

Other Amenities

Is The Friendly Used Bookstore wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Friendly Used Bookstore is wheelchair accessible.

From the Business

Specialties

Come shop or Donate books at the Friendly Used Bookstore located next to the Santee Library. Most prices range from $0.50 - $5.00. Donate used books or media. We accept all used books, textbooks, DVDs, CDs, videogames and more. Volunteers Wanted. Stop in and ask about volunteer opportunities. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which exists to support the library as it strives to encourage literacy, lifelong learning, and the love of reading throughout our diverse community. We have thousands of used books – fiction hardcover and paperback books, nonfiction books in every genre, coffee table books, vintage books, large-print books, children’s and YA books, reference books, cookbooks, DVD’s, CDs, audio books and more.

More Info

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Review Highlights - The Friendly Used Bookstore

“They are affiliated with the Santee library, and the people who volunteer to run it are very nice and very helpful.”

Mentioned in 5 reviews

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4.1

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Rancho Santa Fe Book Cellar

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5.0

(116 reviews)

Thank you, Arman and AJ! We appreciate you…read more They took our pile of stuff and quickly and efficiently stowed it in their truck. The price was more than reasonable. And, they are lovely people. We have used their service twice and we will always recommend them. Thank you, again, Arman and AJ!

Highly recommend, good communication on timing. Very friendly and professional extremely honest…read morepricing and they did an excellent job. I will definitely use again.

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