Montclair Book Center

Category:	Book Store
Address:	221 Glenridge Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA
Phone:	+1 973-783-3630
Site:	montclairbookcenter.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 11AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Ricardo Rivera

Pro: -Great selection of books, easy to get lost in Con: -Unpredictable attitudes of staff (one day they are nice and helpful, another they are rude, pompus, and dont pay attention when they are making change) This mostly applies to the older gentlemen with the long white hair. Neutral: -Some prices are reasonable, some are a little outrageous, depends what you are looking for. ----I have come to this store a few times, and usually had a good experience. You have a large selection of books to choose from, some of the prices are alright if you want it then and now, and some just seem really off. You can easily just get lost in looking through all they have. ----Although, sometime I just want to see if they have a few books in stock instead of spending a large amount of time of sorting through all the different sections trying to find it, this is where the staff, especially the gentleman with the long white hair, can get unpredictable. Some days they are fully willing to help you find the book by checking in the computer to see if its in stock, and even go to the section with you to help find it, and some days they just dont seem to want to help you with anything, and even get rude, like recently i had a list of 3 or 4 books I wanted to see if they had, since I wanted to get in and out of the place, and the man with the long white hair got a little rude with me after the 2nd book i listed off and said "why dont you go check the section yourself." ----Also, on this same day, when I was paying for 3 books I had wanted, the total came to 11.25, I gave him 21.25 so I could get a 10$ bill back. He was not paying attention and gave me 2 cents, I told him I gave him 20 and a 1, he then took the change back and gave me $8, and I told him again he gave me the wrong change, but he raised his voice a little and said he did give me the right change. I persisted for about a minute and explained what I gave him and he kept saying he was right, even though he was already wrong, but I just said fine and grabbed my purchases and left. I wasnt mad that I was out 3 dollars, i was mad at the fact that he goes from treating customers with respect one day, and treats them like crap another out of nowhere, and then the customer pays for their incompetence. ----This place is nice just to get lost in and find some good old books you may not find in a large chain store, and sometimes for a reasonable price. Although, I say be a little wary of the staff, as their attitudes can be unpredictable, and make sure they pay attention the amount you are giving them so you do not get robbed like I did.

Craig Corbeels

I absolutely love used bookstores, and this one is no exception. Montclair Book Center has a huge space, although it may not look like it from the outside. The store really has character - its not just one big room with shelves. As you walk around, youll find a bunch of little nooks and crannies filled with more books. They also have a good record selection, although I cant speak much on that as I spent most of my time checking out the books. The store basically has three floors. The main floor, a balcony around the back room upstairs, and a basement. You can spend hours and you wont see everything. The only reason Im giving 4 stars is the prices - they are a little bit higher than than other used bookstores that Ive visited. Overall, definitely worth checking out.

Peter Talbot

Best used book store in New Jersey, bar none. Largest shelf space, most eclectic mix sorted by interest. Rare and collectibles are impressive. New hardcover book stacks are decent broad selection. This is one of only two book stores in the entire state that are actually worth traveling to see. Only the Strand in NYC has a wider selection, and its much pricier. Nothing like this in Westchester, Nassau, Greenwich, Rockland, Brooklyn or Queens. Add to that its location on the best street for reviewed Restaurants in New Jersey. Parking is easy in the Muni lot across the street. Go be welcomed and inspired. If you cant find something here that you need but never knew existed, youre illiterate.

A Private User

I have been living in North Central NJ for more than a decade and have seen used bookstore after used bookstore close in Jersey City, Hoboken, New Brunswick, and elsewhere. It is a shame, and I had resigned myself to the sad truth that to buy good used books, I had to cross the Hudson (even though used bookstores in Manhattan have also closed). But, hooray, I found the Montclair Book Center. It is what a used bookstore is supposed to be, several floors of used books, reasonably priced, located across the street from a decent (if overpriced) coffee house. It is still farther from my home than lower Manhattan, but it is definitely worth a trip, if only to keep Jersey literate.

Bill D.

Tired of your local ersatz Barnes/Noble and/or Boredom, I mean Borders? Where the stock is based on precalculated demographs and the used books are nothing you want to read? Then make the trip to this place. Great stock, rarities, good prices, personality. Condusive to browsing and even hanging out. Like the old Gotham Bookmart, chances are something may be revealed to you. Frequently rotating stock as well. ++

Myrrah Grey

This bookstore has great prices for the savvy shopper. The selections of books range from classics to a various range of subjects. The prices are better than B&N and very easy to get there. The staff are knowledgable and theres always a sale when you pre-order a book. It may not be a chain-mega book store but this little wonder has much to offer in price and variety.

A Private User

In a world of vanilla big box bookstores, Montclair Book Center is a delight. Some may be daunted by the tree-fort decor and seeming lack of obvious logic to the layout, but if you cant find something, the wonderful staff will be glad help you. And -- if they dont have it -- they can order it, just like the big boys. Im glad to give them my business.

Sanghee Lee

뉴욕의 strand 서점보다 훨씬 더 Local 느낌 물씬. 책도 책이지만 옛날 레코드판이 많이 남아 있는 곳. 오랫동안 남아있기를 바란다.

Jessie Law

If you love books, you must go here. Used books, rare books, old books, new books, records... this seemingly small store goes on FOREVER inside. Seriously, you could spend an entire day in this store and still not see everything they offer. Bibliophiles, check it out.

A Private User

I moved to the west coast from Montclair and never miss this bookstore on a trip back east. I have bookstores here in No. Cal, but I still find things there and carry them back in my suitcase. This is a great book store, and really well organized too.

A Private User

I have shopped at the Montclair Book Center for more than 10 years. Their staff is really knowledgable and helpful. The selection of books is terrific and they even buy used books at resonable prices. Its worth spending your time and money there.

Erin Clemens

Very helpful friendly staff that arent pushy. Great selection of books, new and used. Staff will help locate used books for you as well. I got two used books for good prices. One was like new quality. Will definitely frequent this book store.