Really great vibe for browsing, although a little hard to understand the organization. Lots of stools to look at higher books and nicely busy, but not crowded. A mix of new and used books. Great trade-in policy and fair prices. Lots of history/war, cooking, and floral books compared to other stores, but have decent number of fiction as well. I expected a few more diverse authors, but have lots of popular books and classics. read more

Incredible! Cannot rave about this store enough, particularly the fiction section. I felt like every other shelf I was coming across some book that I hadn't thought about in a while, but that I had been meaning to read. The fiction section was vast & curated. I was impressed at the many quite recent publications alongside many other well-known (or lesser known but well reviewed) books. I assume they have many loyal customers engaging in buy-back. Feels like the type of place that I could stop by without any particular book in mind, and walk out with a purchase I enjoy (which is essentially exactly what I want in a bookstore). The bookstore itself has a very old-timey bookstore feel, with wooden shelves (a bit narrow), a bookish smell, some haphazard stacks of books, and the kind of reverent silence I associate with the library. I loved it. read more

Lots and lot of OLD but gently used books. Some odd balls for sure. Very well organized. Great prices staff was knowledgable read more

Time Tested Books - Used books - Bookstores Near Me - Sacramento, California

What a selection! My husband and I stumbled across Time Tested Books while on a bookstore crawl together, and this store is awesome! They sell new and used books, though the store is primarily stocked with used books. Everything is priced fairly. Though there is a lot to look at, I felt like it was all organized well so it was easy to browse. The staff was also helpful when we had questions. I loved the children's selection. So many classic books for kiddos, and all were great quality. Check out this bookstore the next time you're in the area! read more

Time Tested Books - Lots of book cases! - Bookstores Near Me - Sacramento, California

See all

As someone who loves used bookstores, I had so much fun here! It took us a minute to figure out the organization, but once we got the hang of it, we had fun searching for all our favorite authors. The staff was so kind, the prices were fantastic, and I absolutely love that you can bring books back for half credit. Such a fun and eco-friendly way to keep books circulating. Can't wait to come back! read more

I really enjoyed this spot! This bookstore had a good variety of old and new books! The owner was very nice too read more

See all

Hey there party people Was decluttering my home and realized I had a few books to trade in. TIME TESTED BOOKS staff was really wonderful. I hit the door 1/2 hour before closing and I stupidly didn't make an appointment for the evaluation of the books for trade in. The staff graciously took my books anyway giving me a good trade value. Of course I had to pick up a couple more books to take home. Parking was good pulled up right in from. Be kind to one another read more

Based on the name, I thought this was a used book store. What the name means is that they sell rare and antique books (such as special/first editions) along with general books of all genres. They do also sell some used books. They have a decent selection of books and genres. The isles are a bit narrow, given that the store is small. The cashier was friendly. The price of the book was fair, matching retail pricing. I got a paperback book for $14. The tricky part is finding parking since this is in downtown. There isn't a parking lot, leaving only street parking. It is metered parking too. I found a spot around the corner, fortunately. There are also homeless in the area which is normal for downtown. read more

I always find something I want at this book shop and I love coming here! Such a cute bookstore with tons of books ranging in price from their $1 section to more expensive items. They have a small area by the children's section where kids can sit and play which I thought was really nice. The staff have always without fail been so kind! They explain their trade in system, ask if you need help finding anything in specific, and are generally kind and welcoming. Definitely stop by if you're in the area! read more

See all

Every time my boyfriend and I are in Sacramento, we always go to this book shop. It's nice and quiet since it isn't a chain book shop. The employees are always very kind and helpful and the books are never expensive. In the summer it gets hot and they have no A/C so you'll see a fan running in the back with the door open. Been going here for over 10 years, check them out ^_^ read more

I came in for advice on an old book. The person working was very helpful, kind & knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend this shop.

I popped in to trade some books and when I came in they let me know I was supposed to make a reservation for that (oops, sorry time tested books!!). But they still took a look over my books and offered me a fair value in trade credit for my books. Thanow for the great service even though I didn't have an appointment. I appreciate it! But learn from my mistake, friends! They basically bought everything except my hard covers. Which was surprising but they say they have a hard time selling those. I'm looking forward to coming in to find a new (to me :) ) book with my trade credit. read more

Cool bookstore on 21st street! It was quite busy on a Saturday morning since the midtown farmers market was nearby. They had a good selection of books and found what I needed. read more

Hands down the best bookstore I've been inside in years. Great staff - friendly, accessible, quick, knowledgeable. Incredible selection of new and used books at perfectly appropriate prices. Large and diverse selection of less popular topic sections, including Sociology and Anthropology. Great selection of art and coffee table books. I'll go back to this bookstore EVERY time I go to Sac from now on. read more

This is a real book lover's treasure. The first thing to hit me was the smell of books. The woman behind the counter greeted me right away and was very knowledgeable in helping me to find some pretty esoteric items (even ordering a few not in the store). I have called and gotten equally great service from a young man over the phone. Prices here are better than average across the board. The kids' section could be beefed up but that's probably just the grandma in me talking! read more

Good place to locate hidden gems at good prices. Broad spectrum of titles and categories. Will be back! Excellent service. The staff really knows the inventory and can point you to the right shelves. read more

I love the service, selection and feeling of a real bookstore every time I come into Time Tested. All books are a really great value and I love being able to get used books and return them if I want after I'm done reading (it doesn't happen often because my mom steals the books, she loves time tested's selection as well!). I also love that they'll order any book for you and get 20% off the list price. Go to time tested! You will not regret it. read more

My college-age child brought in a box of first-edition books to sell. It was her summer project to help find homes for her late grandfather's 10,000+ book collection. Sadly, we realized that we needed an appointment once we entered the store. Before we left, we tried talking to a guy who worked there to get more info on their used book policies and preferences. The staff member was extremely rude, patronizing, and condescending in his interaction with my daughter. Not sure what his problem was, especially since any smart business can make bank with this collection, such as Beers Books, which were super kind to my daughter and spent a lot of time with her. In the end, my daughter left Time Testy Books very demoralized. We will never go back to that store. EVER. read more

Warm and cozy bookstore! I love having a used book store in my 'hood and 8 can spend a lot of time perusing the books here! And they even have a buy back program to help supplement you next purchase! They have a rack of $1 books out front and they can order you a new book if you can't find it on the shelves. The customer service is always great. My only suggestion would be a few more comfy chairs to sit in while I review my pile of purchases read more

As a teacher and a nerdy bookworm, I am irresistibly and unapologetically drawn to bookstores. We have been waiting for Time Tested to open back up and today was the day for us to venture inside! If the door is locked, make sure you're masked and just knock. For now, they are requiring masks for browsing, and I for one am not mad about it. Inside you'll find a bibliophiles' haven; stacks of new and used books gorgeously displayed in tall bookshelves set against exposed brick and wooden beams. Excellent selection, polite but not pushy service, and *that bookstore smell* that I find intoxicating. Can't wait to go back! read more

See all

Delightfully quirky spot. The stacks of overflowing books feels thrilling against the chain bookstore era we've found ourselves living in. Picked up quite a few vintage sci if and fantasy books. read more

Best bookstore ever!! The guy is so nice and I always feel welcome. I have also bought some great books from here in the past. I am always pleasantly surprised by the selection and u love their used book policy! 10/10 bookstore read more

A very cute, cozy, queer-friendly book store that has a plethora of different books to choose from. You can tell they periodically stock up on books as there's many cardboard boxes just filled with books waiting to be shelved. I love the way it's decorated and how they showcase certain books worth checking out. They even have a cool typewriter in there you could play with, no paper in it though. But pretty cool regardless if you've never seen one before. There's not many spots to sit and actually read in but can't be upset about that since you're obviously meant to take a book home with you. The girl working there is very sweet and knowledgeable. I was digging the music that was playing lightly in the background. I found this well-written, very cute book about how to hunt for mushrooms in the wild. Couldn't say no to it. This place is definitely worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood. read more

See all

Their store is very clean and beautiful. I love their little bits of decoration they have. I'm a sucker for romance, so if you're looking for that. This is definitely not the place to go. They have such an amazing collection of classic literature. Their prices are very fair for their location and their service is always amazing. The lady at the counter is a charm. I would check them out if you'd like :) read more

It's the place to shop for hard-to-find books at reasonable prices. Sometimes, it's cheaper here than buying it online. Murray Rothbard's For A New Liberty: 1st Edition was ten bucks. Proudhon's What is Property was only eight bucks. I found an interesting title Freedom to Go After the Motor Age by Colin Ward. Pamphlets costs anywhere from $1.50-2.00. Employee Finian is a friendly guy. read more

Time Tested Books - Bookstores Near Me - Sacramento, California

Overall had a great time with a great selection of books, the service person was very kind and helpful. I was with a date on Sunday and we kinda browsed around but the $1 books is a great deal because you get a great selection and value. Overall a very cute book store! read more

Stopped in after having breakfast across the street. I used to be a big reader when I was younger and love old fashioned bookstores considering in today's generation we rely so heavily on technology. I love being able to support stores like this in hopes they get to keep their doors open and bring joy and happiness to other people. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Willing to go the extra mile to make sure you get whatever book it is you're looking for. If they don't have it in stock they'll order it for you. There was a cart outside the store that caught my attention. All books on the cart were only $1! I snagged a fairly new crime fiction book as a gift for my mother-in-law who loves crime fiction. I headed inside and purchased 2 more books, a San Francisco Giants book and a golf biography book. Spent around $20 total not bad. The clerk said if I return the book with the price sticker still on it they'll buy it back for half price or something like that. I didn't really pay attention because I'll be keeping all the books. I was only there on vacation but it was nice to visit an old fashioned book store with plenty of books and friendly customer service. read more

See all

Great bookstore! The person at the front was super friendly and welcoming, and there was a good selection of books. I picked up a fiction book for $8.65! read more

See all

Great books! As soon as we came in My husband and I were being followed by an employee. Even when I went to the register. He continued to follow my husband simply because we are black. Don't recommend shopping here if you are of color! read more

So many books!! The employee working the register was very helpful and another man asked if we needed anything. You can surely find something for your tastes at this book store! I especially appreciated the labeling on the shelves. I felt the prices were a little high for me, but I also believe in the value of a good book! They also had many "like new" books. read more

One of those last bastions of quality literature. Time Tested Books lives up to its name by providing an extensive, eclectic selection of tomes for readers of all stripes. If you're like me and like the tradition of wandering a bookstore, getting lost in centuries of literature, then look no further than this quaint little downtown shop. It's always quiet when I walk in, which I love. The most they ask you is if you need any help looking for anything particular and are happy to offer assistance. They have a good variety of books new and old - classic literature and newer, more well-known authors. You can tell they put time and thought into what they pick for the shelves. They aren't going to throw just any ragged old edition up there. I've purchased multiple books here over the years and find the prices more than reasonable. Instead of going online or to some place like Barnes & Noble, take a couple extra minutes and browse the shelves here first. It may just open your eyes to some awesome literary finds. read more

Time Tested Books - Bookstores Near Me - Sacramento, California

Mom and pop type bookstore. The type You'd expect find an old, comfy chair in and a cat walking around. Fun to visit but not a store you can expect to find every book you're looking for. read more

I miss being able to go inside and browse in this quaint but overly charming bookstore. Clean, unassuming, and with reasonable pricing of books in excellent condition. The staff are always friendly and helpful; and even during pandemic times they could assist you in finding what you need or may be interested in; and have them available to you for pick-up. read more

A Colorful, Eclectic Bookstore, For Both New & Used SITREP I love supporting local bookstores out of principle, especially when there is a decline on readership of the actual pulp documents, such as books, magazines and newspapers due to the internet highway, providing an EXTENSIVE online availability of options. SETUP But unlike newspapers, which have an extremely short shelf-life for the most part and no reason to keep them around (outside, of course, from the momento of dramatic headlines like "Victory over Japan!", "JFK ASSASSINATED!" or dramatic pictures, such as the explosion of The Hindenburg), books are CLASSIC repository mechanisms for storing knowledge, and do nicely when your hard drive crashes and or Comcast has a serious f*ck-up crashing everyone's internet for a day. BOOK AND BOOKS AND JOURNALS I love Time Tested because of their extensive array of offerings. Well organized, and with very helpful staff, they provide fantastic customer service for anyone stepping in and inquiring about "this" and "that", even books about poop. [Srsly!] HARD TO FIND, BOOK CLUBS AND READINGS What is dynamic about Time Tested is how they truly promote a spirit of readership in the community. A huge plus for this bookstore is that I find Time Tested favors a lot of hard to procure, very special interest books, many of which are done by local authors. I like seeing a bookstore that features the works of many of our local area, knowledgable, and aspiring authors. Some of the bigger stores like Barnes & Nobles and Costco give these individuals almost no recognition (if even any). They also favor Book Club interactions and provide a lot of support for promoting books that make for excellent book club readerships. YELPER WILLIAM B. BOOK READING And speaking of local author, on a related note, I was happy to attend a recent book reading by our very own fellow Yelper William B. on his most excellent book on the history of downtown "Sacramento's K Street Mall: Where Our City Was Born." This was an excellent presentation by William, and I was truly impressed to see how Time Tested went out of their way to provide William with such a great infrastructure of support in seatings, audio-visual set-up support, and getting the word out. THE LOWDOWN Time Tested Books is a great find and the first place I stop to find books I want to read. read more

See all

This is a warm and inviting space, with room to sit and peruse. Also, there is a great kid's section that is perfect for little ones. The staff are happy to order anything for you, and the turnaround time is usually quite fast. read more

This is a great used bookstore! I really wish we could find more used bookstores of this calibre nowadays. I was lucky enough to stumble upon this place when I was browsing on Yelp and I am so happy I did! Every nook of this place is covered with books and they are really well organized. I loved getting lost in there and finding corners full of books and new genres to explore. The gentleman that was there the day I came in was very nice and helpful. He was able to direct me to different areas when I was looking for something specific and was very knowledgable. I definitely recommend this bookstore to anyone in the area. Take some time to explore and find a good book to read. I'm looking forward to coming back here the next time I'm in town. read more

It was a very cute bookstore, but I had thought it was more used books, and they seemed to all be new.

Really fantastic experience! COVID has stopped them from being able to let you browse, but the guy who assisted us (Vinnien) was just incredibly helpful! Thank you and we look forward to coming back post pandemic and spending some time in your store. read more

Time tested books is a large, clean, and homey type book store. Everything was organized and specific titles were easy to find. The person at the front was helpful and looked up a book I was shopping for, when they didn't have it she offered to order it for me, which I thought was convenient. They are requiring masks atm. read more

Nice store with a lot of books! It is very cute and they have a large selection of books! Also very well organized! I really appreciate how they require masks and even have extras! It is clearly very well staffed and is definitely worth a visit. read more