Best Used Bookstores in Oklahoma City

There's nothing quite like buying a brand new book, freshly bound, and left untouched on a shelf to be discovered; but when it comes to used books, a different feeling of discovery can be felt--one that resonates an archaic and enchanting exhilaration. Used books are all about the hunt and wonder in the possibility of uncovering a dusty manuscript that hasn't been opened in decades. If you find yourself in Oklahoma City, or if you've been a long time resident, there are several used book stores that should be put on your shopping itinerary.

1. Archive Books

Somehow reminiscent of the bookstore in the Neverending Story, Archive Books is a stockpile of constantly moving information. Just as fast as people buy books, used ones of all different genres come rolling into this store-many times as good as new. Most of the inventory is categorized by fiction, non-fiction, spiritual, historical and classic, among others. Because of the volume of books found at this bookstore, it would be nearly impossible to sort through the inventory by author name as well, which really just makes finding an interesting book more fun. Nearly all the books offered at Archive Books are a dollar a piece, but there are new books on the shelves that cost a little more. Only at Archive Books was able to find a mint condition book covering all things Nostradamus in two languages. You never know quite what to expect at Archive Books. Located on E. 2^nd Street in Edmond, just north of Oklahoma City, Archive Books is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday.

2. Best of Books

Best of books is a used bookstore that offers just what it's name suggests-all of the best literature covering hundreds of generations. Expect to find classics by Dickens, novels by Ayn Rand, and enough science fiction and romance to fulfill all your literary desires. This was the bookstore where I found The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant, a very important book in literary history. Although the selection may not be as extensive as others, Best of Books does offer good reading and better prices.

3. The Electric Chair (Bookbeat & Co)

Eclectic and engaging, The Electric Chair is more than just a used bookstore-it's also a music venue and an home for art. Classics like Shakespeare can be found at The Electric Chair along with hundreds of more obscure authors. Unknown chapbooks, novels and collections of fiction are waiting to be discovered at this bookstore. Grab a friend, grab a book and take a seat on the sofa. Enjoy the amiable ambiance offered at The Electric Chair and find some of the most engaging pieces of writing available.

4. Aladdin Book Shoppe

For over 70 years Aladdin Book Shoppe has served as a reader's paradise for the Oklahoma City Area. This store specializes in those hard to find manuscripts and out-of-print books. Well over 45,000 used books can be found among the shelves of this store that make it an attraction to residents and visitors alike. The Aladdin Book Shoppe is located on 5040 North May near the downtown area.

5. The Book Rack

The Book Rack is a small store located on the corner of SE 15^th Street and Air Depot Road. This store may not offer the diverse selection that Aladdin's Book Shoppe does or Archive, but have been getting good reviews by individuals as a useful and interesting new bookstore in Oklahoma City. Give them a call at (405) 737-3781.

The greater Oklahoma City area has a lot to offer when it comes to used books, and as a long time resident I've noticed used bookstores popping up all the time. If you have some research to do, or if you're just looking for a new read at an old price, check out these used bookstores before you buy something fresh off the press.