Book Exchange

Category:	Used Book Store
Address:	13198 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113, USA
Phone:	+1 804-379-2642
Rating:	4.2
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 46

Reviews 8

A Private User

I would like to corroborate the opinion of a previous reviewer. I arrived at 5:15 p.m., 15 minutes prior to their cut-off for looking at books for trade-in. I bring in one box of twenty books and let the lady at the counter (call her Kim) know I have a second box in my car. She says I can bring in only one box per visit. I tell her that her sign says I can bring in between 30 and 40 books. Another lady (call her Lisa) enters the scenario by saying, “Just bring them all. We’re already here, you’re already here, and you’ve got the books here.” But she says it in a very unfriendly, unprofessional, and overwhelmingly rude tone, and she and Kim examine all of my books begrudgingly. Note: I just asked them to look at some books, which they purport to do if they do in fact work at the bookstore. And I bring in the books before the cut-off deadline. I’m not asking them to perform brain surgery. No need to be rude or fail to conceal their resentment. After all, when I went in, Kim and Lisa were just sitting at a table reading. Indeed, they are lazy at the Midlothian Book Exchange. I wonder what happened to all of the old, friendly people who used to work there. They were really nice and always helpful.

A Private User

I brought some books to trade and one of the employees (the owner, perhaps?) was extremely rude about it. I said that I had never traded books before, she interrupted and said "We do trades all the time." I told her that I wasnt sure how they work, and she (very curtly, if I might add) said "They work well, depending on who does them." Undeterred, I placed my box of books on the counter and as I began to remove them, she said "Ill look through them, you can look around. Ill give you what I can." After browsing the shelves for roughly 15 minutes, I returned to the counter and was given an orange credit slip (looks more like a bookmark, really) for $112.91 that the employee/possible owner said was "good until you use it up or lose it." Which wouldve been fine, if I wasnt moving out-of-state in three weeks and would not be there to use it. I was trying to sell my books for some extra cash, and now I am stuck with store credit that is absolutely useless to me; I may as well have donated my books to Goodwill for all the good this did me. The rude treatment certainly didnt help, either. I will take my remaining books to another used book store (that issues cash for trades) before I leave.

A Private User

Ive been going here for years and while the service level hasnt been the same, I still have a blast whenever I go here and frequently make special trips. I do have to warn people: DO NOT bring in more than one container of books at a time. It doesnt matter how many books you might have in multiple containers, the rule is 1 container, which is usually marked pretty clearly on the door. Also, be aware that this store does not give you cash for books, nor has it ever. The reason behind this is that the store hasnt been doing as well in the last few years as it had previously been. They just cant afford to take the amount of books they used to. Its still cheaper to go here than it is to buy books new and youll be likely to find a lot of good titles here. I love going in to find new stuff and I absolutely love that the staff doesnt get in my way, unlike some of the new bookstores where they crawl down your throat with customer service to the point where its a little offputting. Ive never had to wait particularly long there, so I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a good book for cheaper than youd pay at another bookstore.

Katie Learned

Great bookstore! Very well organized. The place is like a maze of never ending bookshelves. If you cant find something, ask at the front and the folks behind the counter will hunt it down, or tell you right off if they dont have it in. Sometimes you do have to approach them and make a noise (deep readers, they are), but they know a LOT about their inventory. They only take one paper grocery bag full of books a day in trade for store credit (the policy is posted on the front window), and they really stick to that, so dont be surprised if they turn down a second box or bag. Also, they have to be pretty picky about what they take (the never ending shelves sometimes get crowded). Nevertheless, the selection is fantastic. Maybe you need a new author? Ask the staff. They make excellent recommendations. I like to wander the shelves and see what catches my eye. Anyway, its a great place. I seldom leave without finding a book or two.

A Private User

I grew up in the area and now that I live in NYC, am sad I didnt take more advantage of this store when I was around. Its a traditional stop whenever Im back in town visiting my folks. The exchange rate is great, but even if youre not trading, buying books at 1/2 the cover price is an amazing deal. They have everything from childrens books to current fiction, research books, and really everything under the sun. They also have a great selection of books on cd and dvds. Ive gotten everything from romance novels to vintage poetry editions. The staff is friendly and leaves you alone to browse and wander--which I love. But if you need help, theyre happy to answer any of your questions or offer suggestions. Wish more towns had stores with such a large selection.

Nervuus _99

There are plenty of used books here, but unfortunely 95 percent of them are paperbacks. I was told they have some hardcovers which are displayed up front & they are of new releases which are not yet in softcover form. But when softcovers are available in that particular book & they have obtained copies the hardcovers are phased out & not replaced. I found the proprietors to be very friendly & found myself conversing with them for almost an hour. While there I did manage to score a copy of " The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton which I have been able to find in hardcover form so I settled on their only used softcover copy of the book.

Katherine Grayson

Ive been here quite a few times and never left as a happy customer. The staff is not very helpful or friendly and just points in the general direction of where a book might be instead of getting up and helping you look for it. Theyre really picky about the books they take, which is understandable, but a bit irritating. The selection is what bothers me most. There are hundreds and hundreds of books, but never the one you need. Try having four copies of the Spark Notes for Catcher in the Rye and no actual copy of the book. I try my hardest never to shop here. If youre looking for a better alternative, try looking in Bon Air.

Chris Smith

I have been a frequenter of the Book Exchange for the past 5 years, I have to say it is the best book store in town. The owner has a very sarcastic sense of humor so dont be deterred if theres a witty remark. The staff is the most helpful and approachable group of people you could ever meet. If you have any questions about books they will answer them and then some more. Great for buying books for middle school and high school English classes. If you are trading in books make sure they are in decent shape. Hard books will only be accepted if they are titles in high demand(recently released).