Readers' Paradise: How to Find Used Books Around Placerville, California

Avid readers know that used book stores are a treasure trove of missing volumes, out-of-date books and long-dead authors. All used book stores are not the same; in fact, some are more than used books. Placerville, CA and the surrounding area are no exception.

The Bookery

326 Main Street
Placerville, CA 95667-5606
(530) 626-6454

Located in the heart of Old Hangtown, The Bookery is everything you might expect in a used book store. The shelves are arranged in a charming labyrinthine manner that leads you ever deeper into the shop. Here you'll find virtually every genre represented.

Labeling is excellent, with informative posters pointing the consumer to where an author is located if he might fit into more than one category or has been moved, say from Fiction to Classics.

The staff is helpful and they know their inventory. Pricing is reasonable.

One thing potential sellers might find difficult: the store only accepts books for consideration at certain times on certain dates. The staffer responsible returns an offer on the books, which the seller may accept or decline. The offer will have two values-one for cash and the other for store credit. Sellers will get a higher value by choosing store credit. There is no across-the-board policy on price.

Books 'n Bears

6211 Pleasant Valley Road
El Dorado, CA 95623-4232
(530) 621-1766

If you're in the mood for whimsy, you'll love Books 'n Bears. In addition to the new and used books, there are stuffed animals scattered throughout the cottage that houses the shop. Pass through a small garden with places to sit and a fountain for relaxation, and you'll enter the world of Books 'n Bears.

The shop has an ambiance that encourages lingering over the selections. Because the store handles new books as well as used, special orders rarely cause a problem. Fiction makes up the bulk of the used book section.

Bring in used paperbacks for evaluation during business hours any day but Thursday. For any books accepted, you'll receive store credit.

The store offers a discount on purchases to senior citizens, making it friendly to the wallet as well as the soul.

Other Possibilities

Thrift Stores

When looking for used books, don't forget to check out the local thrift stores. Your purchases can help less fortunate people if the thrift store is affiliated with a charity.

Jireh's Christian Bookstore

4340 Golden Center Drive
Placerville, CA 95667-6280
(530) 626-9922

Jireh's carries Christian books and gifts, but recently added a used book section. The store is very modern and friendly, with amenities to rival many of the less focused-market bookstore chains.

Acceptance of used Christian books depends on where the current supply stands. Jireh's offers store credit for used books accepted.

Gothic Rose Antiques and Curiosities

484 Main Street
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 295-0703

Gothic Rose carries used books dealing with the macabre, mayhem and horror as part of her line of gothic-flavored merchandise. If you're wondering whatever happened to Barnabas Collins of the TV show "Dark Shadows," my guess is that he's moved into a back room here at Gothic Rose.

Not your typical used bookstore, but if you're looking for quality merchandise in a gothic vein you'll be likely to find it here or she can get it for you.