Title Wave seldom has what I'm looking for. When I do find what I'm looking for, it is so expensive, I cannot make sense of how they came up with the price. I was so exasperated last time, I just went to Barnes & Noble and got the same book, HARDCOVER and NEW, for less! Hence, I will not be returning to Title Wave. These days, I either go to Barnes & Noble (GREAT sales!!!) to browse and sip my yummy, yummy Starbucks, or I order from Alibris.com and get unbelievable deals on books and shipping. read more

I was 10 hours away from hopping my flight back to MD, and I had finished my book. I wanted to donate the book because it was a pretty recent best-seller. I went to the counter, and they let me know it would be a few minutes for them to assess if they could use the book. I had to become a "member" despite explaining in a depressing way that I was probably never coming back to the bookstore. Someone later pointed out that made me the worst customer! This place was hard to navigate, and I had to ask about how the books were organized. I was looking for Erik Larson novels, which were scattered by subject. So "In The Garden of Beasts" was in the WWII section, and "Devil In The White City" was in the True Crime section. To my excitement, each book was $7.95, and went to check on my book. They said they could use it, and they could give me $2 for it. I tried to tell them don't worry, and to please take it. They couldn't take that for an answer. I explained that I would never be coming back to use it, and they were already giving me two recent books for a great price. When I went to check out, the woman said that I actually got $4 back. That was okay because between my husband and I, we picked out 5 books. I think I might have broken $20. Money well-spent. read more

Mathew was a huuuugggee help with finding books for my brother to read. My brother had no idea what books he wanted and Mathew walked him around and set him up with three new books; He's loving the recommendations so far! read more

A used bookstore the size of a Barnes and Noble, teeming with books on every subject imaginable leaves one capable of wondering the aisles for hours. Title Wave is in the perfect location for a weekend spot because there is an Alaska Club next door and a coffee shop w/ bakery so you can work out, grab a book and have a slow and easy morning...every morning. read more

I wouldn't suggest coming in here if you have a particular book you're looking for, unless it's so popular, its flying off the shelves at Borders and BnN. However, it's fun to browse through, and I found some great cookbooks and fiction. They have a large Alaska section, plenty of interesting reading on this wonderful state. I would also caution against guidebooks, as the information could be many years' old. I love the armchairs placed around the store, and for the most part, the staffers leave you alone to meander. read more

If you can find a better bookstore in Alaska I would be curious to know where it is. Very large selection of books, cd's, & dvds. I had no trouble using up two hours looking through some great stock, and I could have used another two hours. This is the second time I have been there... should I warn them? ... I'll be back. Oh ... to the knowledgeable man at the counter who was well versed in herbal and plant medicines. The You-Tube video was on Ibogaine. IBOGAINE-Rite of Passage FULL DOCUMENTARY part1/6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-Ap5lyYcI0 read more

Hella organized and filled with any book you'd want. I go here to buy all of my books, and also to sell them back. My only complaint is: Where did all those cool gifts and trinkets go from the front of the store?? That was my go to during Christmas time. Bring it back, Titlewave! read more

I could spend en entire day sitting at title wave! Their hours are super convenient. The atmosphere is just what I'm looking for when going into a book store. The staff have always been super helpful and obviously have a passion for books also. read more

Title Wave is a good place to go to browse while drinking a cup of coffee. Title Wave is a bad place to go if you are looking for a specific book, as they do tend to have a haphazard selection at times. Tourists and people with relatives in the Lower 48 will appreciate the Alaskana collection, which is bigger than other stores in Anchorage, and people who like literary merchandise and obnoxious greeting cards will appreciate Title Wave's selection of those items. Prices on used books are better than expected, at least in as far as a lot of the used books are in very good shape. On more than one occasion, I've reached for what I thought was a new book only to discover that it was a used book for half the price. Wandering around Title Wave is more fun than wandering around Barnes and Noble or Borders, but I will certainly agree with the sentiment that the selection is not as good as it really should be. This may not necessarily be the best place to find a particular book, but it is a pretty good way to spend a Saturday afternoon (especially in conjunction with the Kaladi Brothers and REI in the same shopping center). read more

I love Title Wave. When I know what book I want, I phone TW. If they have it, they hold it for me. I save money because all I have to do is drop by the front desk. It's all over if I start wandering those aisles. As soon as you figure out which of the sales people has the same book tastes you do, you have to stay away from their suggestion shelves, because they'll get you every time. While I'm at the counter, I usually take a quick look at the cheap reads next to it-- my first stop when I'm about to get on a plane--junk reading that won't matter if I leave it in the hotel room. Other reasons I love TW--if I do want to sit and just read, I can. They have plenty of spots to hide. When a small class or study group wants to meet, TW always has space, and there is great coffee nearby, unlike what you'll find at the other bookstores. Finally, they do carry Alaskan books--since my mom is an Alaskan author, I love walking past her book and admiring it before I go buy whatever I came in for. read more

I love books and getting them on the cheap is even better. This is one of the best second hand bookstores I have ever been to with the largest selection. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I've had them call me when a book that I was looking for is in. The books are all in excellent condition and if not they are very marked down. You can even trade books for in store credit. I highly recommend you stop by. read more

This is by far the best bookstore in Anchorage. The people were very helpful and knowledgeable. In addition, there is an internet cafe adjacent to the book store with a wide opening joining the two. One can relax with great coffee while reading, studying or simply trying to look cool for the opposite sex. One needs to shine, and here, it's your mind. read more

Depending on who works you can get friendly service or attitude. Now that it's changed owners they rarely buy books that are decent. I'm not sure of what books they most desire but that was the best part of this place. Going in and trading or returning books that you have read from there and recycling them back into circulation for someone else to read. Getting the credit back (although it was never what the books were worth). I gave this place some gems. Bummed out a little at how it's changed but you can't have life without a bit of change. read more

I agree with every thing Mary-Allegra F. said. I bought some of my favorite cookbooks from here, as well as reading books. And I picked up some of the most awesome stickers of tiny little cartoon veggies japanese style. I could spend hours in this store. I wish we had something like this in Vancouver, BC. I never did try to sell any books to them though, so can't comment much on that. I will be visiting them on my next trip to Anchorage. read more

Hubs came here about two weeks ago and told me I HAD to see how cool this place was, so tonight we made a family outing of it. The verdict? I'm calling this place Anchorage's answer to Portland's Powell's Books. Anyone on here who has been to Powell's is going to know that's a BIG ass compliment! But the reality is that this place is even better, because most of the books are second hand, therefore very reasonably priced, and in very good condition. In short, this place is a damn goldmine! Moreover, you can TRADE books, which is unusual in this day and age. Got any books you've been needing to rehome? Take them here. You might even walk away with a whole new library lol. Selection is vast because this place is bloody BIG. Makes me realize there's got to be a lot of bookworms up here to support a place this extensive, thus further boosting Anchorage's superiority to the place I moved from...where there wasn't a bookstore to be had for miles. The store is also conveniently annexed to a fast Indian food joint whose food isn't too bad in its own right. Thus, you can sit down to eat and go peruse the bookstore to walk off the grub. Their kids section is the biggest and best kids section I have ever seen. There's a very cool little nook to hang out with the kids so you can actually look at the books that interest you. I loved it because it was in a private area that was set apart from the rest of the main store. Plus, it had dimmer light so it felt almost intimate if you can believe that. It helped that we were the only ones sitting there lol. Fantastic store in every way. 10/10. We will become frequent fliers of this place I am sure! read more

I'd like to thank the staff for the militant anti-beverage policy that ensures customers have their masks up at all times. If people want to drink coffee and look at books, they can go to Barnes and Noble! read more

Great place to go. Friendly staff. They have dvds and cds also. Ive purchase many books from here. I like the atmosphere and because it's big and spacious. The only bummer part is that they stopped selling Anne Taintor products :( Major bummer. But other than that, LOVE it, LOVE it, LOVE it! read more

Some of the prices are very high for used books, but it has a great children's section. I can usually find a better deal at other bookstores. I shop here when I'm just browsing for something to read...nothing in particular. read more

Dear, Jerk Kung ayaw mo ng trabaho mo! Mag quit ka! Problem solve. Hindi mo naman kalianhan na maging BASTOS sa mga namimili.. ((yung matanda na binastos mo baka hindi na jan bumalik sa title wave)) mag quit ka na Jan Kung mainit ang ulo mo sa mga tao. At pwede ba wagkang extra Kapag hindi ka kausap! Hindi ikaw ang pinaguusapan! CHISMO ka! Kung feel mo matalino ka Yan Kaya mo na maintindihan yan! Mahiya ka sa mabait mo na manager! Bastos! read more

Okay, so the dictionary defines a "wave" as the ability to move freely and gently back and forth or up and down, as by the action of established currents. Title Wave accomplishes this and more. If you're looking for a specific pricey book really fast; then you may, or may not, find it; the purpose of the store isn't to replace the large superstore book chains or even the local library. But, if you're looking for a wonderfully eclectic atmosphere where you can browse aisles filled with literature, meet new people, surf the internet, or just grab a good cup of coffee, then this is the place to go. You can just drift along the "established (title) wave currents". In my visits, the staff has been quite adept at looking up titles in their database and cross-referencing similar reading material. I've also stumbled across books that I wouldn't otherwise have considered purchasing at the bigger bookstore chains. All in all, it's a great place and I hope it stays around for a long time. read more

Based on my exploration of craft, cooking, travel, and literary fiction sections, Title Wave has an amazing selection. Books are in excellent condition, and include new releases. The Alaska section is quite large, and I bought several Alaska art cards for $3 each. Prices aren't yard-sale low, but hey, yard sales aren't this comprehensive and well-organized. I brought in a couple of boxes of discarded books and ended up getting (and spending) around $80 in store credit. There is a cozy coffee shop in the store. Both times I've gone, I've spend a few hours. read more

LOVE Title Wave. I lived in Anchorage for a few months last winter and this was one of my favorite places. (Conveniently located near Middle Way, so between lunch and browsing, easily the best way to spend a cold Alaska afternoon.) Great place, I continue to look for something similar in the Lower 48. read more

This used bookstores has the widest selection of books in Anchorage, maybe in Alaska. That is not counting libraries. Title Wave is also the best place in Anchorage to meet with other writers and readers. They have a nice sitting area which is quiet enough for carring out a discussion of literature. read more

Title Wave Books - Bookstores Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

First time going here, my son wanted to read the Harry Potter series and this store is closer to my house than Walmart or Barnes and Noble. The staff was cheerful and pointed us in the right direction but didn't help us look for the books. We found one book (was looking for 2 and 3 in the series) but not the other. Realized they had movies too so we went to look for the first 3 movies. Found one again, the realized they had a kids movie section and went there to find the other two movies. By chance my son spotted the missing book on a random shelf. So... We got all 3 movies and the 2nd and 3rd book (he already read the 1st) but it was such a hassle to look all over the store. I don't know why they wouldn't have all of the books together (you know, a series) and all of the movies together (of the same series). The prices were ok. I googled Walmart dvd prices before buying the movies and they were the same price. I bought them at title wave because I was already there and had them in my hand but would've preferred new unopened DVDs. They aren't blu Rays so I will be pissed if I watch the movies with my son and they won't play. The first two did play good though, just waiting on my son to finish the 3rd book to watch the next movie. I'd probably go back, my son did think it was fun to search for books and look around, I'll just plan on more time to spend on our next trip. read more

What a great new / used book store. I'm all about passing on a good book to someone Big and spacious with a hearty selection of various topics. Totally worth the stop in if you need to burn time in Anchorange! Also noticed they just opened a downtown location. read more

I like going to Title Wave, but their customer service skills for their employees could use some work. They don't seem very helpful or engaging. There is only one gentlemen that I have came across that seems to be friendly and eager to help you. I kind of cringe when I have to go have them get c.d.s or dvds because they seem like they hate that part of their job, but why put them out if you don't want sell them. I do enjoy the markdown dvds and c.d.s you can usually find a good deal and some good ones. If you are taking in dvds for credit make sure you don't fill up more than 1 bin, that's all they allow per day. Also if you have books to sell it's 2 bins per day. read more

I enjoy a good variety of books, I wish there were more . The prices are affordable and it's a good place to chill in a book for a second. Take a break from staring at the phone lol read more

The wise Mayor of Spenard once said "ANY idiot can make it in Anchorage!" Title Wave's popularity argues in favor of this point. Sure TW deserves 5 stars... as an epicenter of kitschy knick-knacks. As a used bookstore it's just more idiots making it in Anchorage. Contrary to a previous review, their service is neither helpful nor knowledgeable - they are bored bumblers and stuck-up bookie cookies who care more about decorating their lockers, er, "personalized staff pick shelves", than helping you find section X. It's not because we are morons that we can't find section X - it's because TW has a secret policy to rearrange the entire store every few months - a useful tactic in making us wander desperately through all their piles of craptastic non-book inventory. But we're in Anchorage, we can get bad service anywhere - so let's get back to the books. Title Wave's book buyback is a joke. Customers are excused from the totaling process and the store refuses to itemize their offer. Then, when you gamely accept their pittance of credit (cash isn't even worth the drive), it's only good on SOME stock. If they have one copy of "1984" and it happens to be new, you can take your credit and shove it! I might also discuss their differentiation of "pocket" and "trade" credit. Or their overtly judgemental buyers. Or their interminable buyback wait: if you have to leave and fail to return that day, they steal the books they don't buy. Yes, steal. If rejected sellbacks are left on their shelves, do you really believe TW doesn't use them for their profit and your loss? Don't be cross, though, help the Senior Center or Municipal Libraries by donating your books instead! Here's a typical TW experience: You're in Fiction-O and can't find "1984". You check midshelves, endshelves, and the "banned books" display with no luck. The little helper checks their computer and says "it's definitely in stock!" You reluctantly head to employee picks, where you must scour dozens of unordered recommendations (because, of course, no self-respecting bookie cookie has just ONE favorite book... no, they must convey their identity properly, and often choose to do so with wall to wall image conscious self promotion. By the way dude, I don't really believe that you leave work and go curl up in your mom's basement with Rand AND Joyce AND Nietzsche). Say you do find a good used copy - paperback, minor shelf wear, slightly discolored, yay! Turn the book over... seven bucks!? For a crummy old pocket paperback edition of a book that has been in print fifty years and sold millions of copies? Yes, TW says, because the sales price isn't about the state of that particular book, rather on how much a newer edition of that same title might sell for elsewhere. Screw That. For seven bucks my dollars walk to Barnes & Noble or Amazon.Com, where I can buy it brand new for two bucks more, OR (even better) purchase it used from independent sellers advertising online. Unlike TW, these sellers don't have the customer-duping advantage of being the only horse in town and therefore sell used books at a reasonable price - so reasonable that they are often cheaper than TW, even after shipping! Also, why bother inviting interesting and popular authors to Anchorage if you can only offer them one speaking engagement in an awkward store that is cramped so full the audience must sit in aisles in parts of the store wholly disengaged from the event? Especially when our town has alternative lecture halls that provide both the appropriate seating and ample parking that Title Wave pretends not to lack. Yes, I've spent hundreds there: in dollars and hours. That still doesn't make them "good." Wake up Anchorage, stop being so grateful for being treated like the easy-target you are. read more

I used to have a great love of this book store. My ex and I had positive experience with them. As we lived very close. And we were both avid readers. I'm sorry that the bookstore market, is in the decline. But at the same time. I was offered 15$ credit. Or 7$ cash. For 3 rare hardback books. And 2 softback. All in mint condition. And I'm sorry if you are in financial dire straits. But that was not even worth the gas to drive there. But books that are only available online or shipped? And in pristine condition. Or out of print? And you waste my time and gasoline for some pathetic offer? Nope. One of these books was worth 250$ Alone. I did not expect that amount. But there's still people like me, who wants a tangible and physical book. Not digital. I am sorry about your lack of being able to recycle used books properly. But that's a total joke. You made an Alaskan business into a good book store. That I, and others loved. A place that was fair in trades. And turned it into a very uncomfortable place, with rude staff members. I am not using names or descriptors. But that seals it. If you cannot provide a decent trade? Nor ( in my case). An attitude from a rude from the Get go, employee? I will never be a customer again. As for the recycling? Millions of illiterate people have no option for digital. Print is vital. read more

Sorry--I don't get this place and it's reviews. I can never find the book that I'm looking for. I've had to go to Borders after every visit to Title Wave. And I have been trying to give them my business since they were located on Fireweed, so it isn't because I haven't tried. Everyone raves about this place, but every time I've been there it is dead. What am I missing about Title Wave? read more

I pretty much love this place. It's got a surprisingly decent-sized selection of books and DVDs. I know they have CDs, and it looks like they have a whole lot, but to be honest, I never look at that section because... I mean really, I can't remember the last time I bought a CD. Don't judge me. They have some vinyl, too... which is always awesome. But, their book selections are awesome and extensive; great selections of Alaskan-authored and Alaskan-themed books, impressive kids' selection including a reasonable comic books selection, and all your normal book sections, all a lot more well-stocked than I'd expect to find in a used bookstore, especially outside of like super rich neighborhoods of giant cities. Yeah, that was a weird way to explain that, but you know what I'm talking about. I've also found a bunch of super obscure movies and TV series DVD box sets, some old autographed first edition copies of archaic looking literature I've never heard of, and even Rosetta Stone packages. Which... I mean, I assume is legal. Who knows, really? Plus, you can sit and read, drink coffee, or play checkers. Which, in my opinion, pretty much makes up for the lack of a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Anchorage. It's also connected to Yak & Yeti if you're hungry for some awesome pretty stinkin delicious Himalayan/Indian/Nepalese food. But, that's a different review. Anyway, Title Wave is sweet. Oh, and the staff are always nice and helpful... and sometimes talk like pirates. So... that's obviously a positive. read more

Such a fun store to go and visit! Who doesn't love a good book? This place has a wide variety of options for bookworms. Why buy new when you can get a gently used book at less than half the price? There are fun areas within this store that you can sit and read parts of a book prior to purchasing. There is also a huge section for the kiddos so you can make it a family outing. The staff members are very pleasant and the overall layout of the store is nice making it easy to find the genre you are looking for. If you are looking for something to do I highly recommend visiting this place. read more

Thank you for stepping up and giving Anchorage a real bookstore, you have so many facets...it is always a treasure to spend a minute or hours in your store. Kid-friendly....has a cafe', internet shop and honestly, this is where I buy most of my gifts from~not just books but the great and humorous stuff, magnets, sun catchers, office accessories....you put the franchises to shame....I feel at home in your store and have never ever had a customer service issue nor problem. Keep it up and don't go changing;) read more

All that I expect in a used bookstore. The prices are a bit inflated for a used store, but the selection is excellent.

This is where my hardcopy books come to live a second life. Title Wave had a nice trade-in of books for store credit. It's a very easy process. When browsing, the store is well organised by category & everything is pretty easy to find. I've gotten great maps, plant id books, classic biographies, Alaska-centric books, etc. It's a treasure trove! There are some tables & chairs to rest a bit in case you're marathon shopping. Sometimes there are game nights, which i have not been to but saw posters. The store is also conveniently located adjacent to Yak & Yeti (tasty meals, giant desserts), Kaladi's (caffeinate me), Middle Way (organic food, smoothies, coffee), Grassroots (fair trade trinkets), REI (outdoor co-op), sushi - all places I like in Midtown. read more

It's an okay book store. I always have to ask where a specific book is because there doesn't appear to be a rhyme or reason in regards to order. read more

We go here all the time to trade in our books. I don't feel they have as high of a trade-in value there as they would in some places in the lower 48, but that's all we have up here. They tried to make it as fun as possible, and to the person that earlier stated that it's crap in the way of an "indie" bookstore....that term is misleading. It's "independently owned", but that doesn't mean it has to be all obscure and off the wall. For what it is, I'm a huge fan. For some of the prices of the used books, not so much. read more

Great store! Helpful staff! Such a blessing to have a resale book shop like that here. Yes, trade-in value could be more but hey, it IS a business. There are other resale (online) options, but they increase the hassle factor too. Keep up the good work Title Wave! read more

In town for work and had to stop at this place. It is huge. There is a very large children's section. I liked the section on Alaskan books. Prices are a bit higher then expected but the quality of the used books is really good. Get a book and go next door to the coffee shop. read more

First place you should look for books that were published over 2 years ago. Huge selection & cheap prices compared to retail. They also have a selection of greeting cards, a comic book section, and even calendars and day planners. You can play chess or Japanese Go on the weekdays in the game table area. read more