Givens Books

Category:	Used Book Store
Address:	1641 E Main St, Salem, VA 24153, USA
Phone:	+1 540-986-1103
Rating:	3.8
Working:	Closed 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 11AM–5PM Closed

Location

Photos 4

Reviews 15

Lauren Estep

I have been going to this store on and off for a few years while in school. Usually, I go back to sell my textbooks or trade them in for books for next semester and get a fair price back. Not too much. I usually get $20-$30 depending on the books. The owner of the place is nice and courteous, but when I went there last, there was a brusque, younger (Looked like he was 30-40 yrs old) fellow behind the desk. (Not sure who it is, definitely not the owner.) I bought my books and some CDs for classes from Givens for a little over $200 which isnt bad, but when I went to sell 2 of the books back, (which was $45-$50 and another which was $80 which was a Chemistry book) he told me that they would only give me $5.... Really? I was expecting no less than $20, but $5? Theyre really that hard up for cash to be taking that much from a college student. Honestly, it made me think the store wasnt doing well or something. I was going to feel kind of bad for them, but while I was dumbfounded by his "offer," the phone rang. He wasnt very nice to the person on the phone and that person was obviously a student since they were asking about text books. This made me feel less sympathetic. I took the $5 and left. I might go back to buy books, but Im not sure. It doesnt seem like a very good business anymore.

Ryan Williams

Mr Givens is a wonderful man who always has the knowledge and experience needed to ensure college students and non-college students obtain the books they need. He is so very reasonably priced and affordable that I dont know how any college student wouldnt want to purchase books there. My fiance and I both obtain our books there for VWCC and have never had any issue with Mr Givens nor his books. He is constantly in contact with professors and students to ensure you obtain the materials you need and will make every effort to find books he doesnt have. He and his wife are truly blessings to students everywhere and for those looking for non-textbooks he has a wonderful selection of rare and slightly used books. We are never disappointed with Mr Givens nor his selection of books. Respectfully Ryan and Brandon Williams

A Private User

Its one thing to expect people to be rude... but its another when its a book store. Usually the individuals found in an area like this are somewhat sophisticated and very receptive to people. The owner of this store is a complete jerk. I called to inquire about a certain book entitled "the club dumas". This guy tells me he has no clue what Im talking about and has never come across it.... Okay, well first off you arrogant moron, there are millions of books in this world and you are not capable of being able to no every single one of them... Not only that, but he didnt even offer to go and check or even check a catalog. Not sure if its a good store because I havent been there but I would advise you go there expecting to deal with an a**hole.

Paul Hill

Figured Id post a review for Givens Books because of the bad review below. That review is very poor an inaccurate. This store is one of the very few good used book stores in the Roanoke-Salem area. Its an incredibly good place to find freshman or sophomore college textbooks because of its location between Roanoke College, Virginia Tech, National College, Virginia Western, and others. And for other types of literature? Well, the store is packed to the ceilings with books. The store is owned and operated by one person. Hes rather eccentric, and has been kind every time Ive been there. Hes often found engaged in a long conversation with another customer about politics or literature.

A Private User

Givens Books has a selection of stock like no BAMM or B&N. It is a USED book store. So if you expect it not to smell like books, then you are very unrealistic. Mr. Givens is there most of the time. I have seen in some reviews that he has been called a jerk or worse. This isnt my experience. He will not suffer thieves either stealing from him or stealing from someone else to sell to him. If he percieves an attitude or an unprofessional stance, he may well mirror what he is percieving. Ask him politely what you want of him, he will do his best for you. This is a man to whom character and a handshake mean something.

A Private User

Ive bought, sold, & traded with Givens Books a number of times over the past 20 yrs. My experience has always been pleasant. I have always received friendly & helpful service from Chip Givens, his wife, or whoever happens to minding the desk. There is always a vast selection of books at bargain prices, and Ive always gotten a reasonable price (or store credit) for the books Ive sold and traded. Highly recommended.

Duane Stokes

One of my favorite shops in the Burg. Staff is always friendly, but never pushy. Any time Ive needed something or had a question, they immediately drop what they were doing to help me. Theres a great variety books for any reader. Their antique section is a must see! My best friend even found a limited edition Harry Potter classic.

subhamoy dey

I am really honored and pleased with their rich collection of classic as well as other genres of books. Someone may have some points on the keeping of store, but, what you expect from a bookstore other than the smell of the books, which I am sure, Givenss has in its every corner. Wish good luck to the store and its keepers.

A Private User

Givens is a wonderful store where you can find almost everything you need at a wonderfully cheap price. Before you go buy a book new go to Givens, you might be surprised at what you find, and on top of that if you are a college student, I can almost guarantee they will have textbooks you need for half the price.

Josh Carroll

This place is a gem. I hope the new owners keep and maintain the same pride and practices as the original owners. Ive spent many years burrowing through the shelves finding treasure within the musty pages of their collection. Prices are great and the selection is eclectic.

Scott King

This could be a great bookstore if they would bother to maintain the building. Many fine books were lying there ruined from leaks in the ceiling.

lhea lessard

Got a book for school for $35 compared to $200 it would have cost me at the schools bookstore.

Angelica Davies

Ive delt with one guy.all the times ive been there n he was awesome!

sparkle lover

never open when we go either on vacation or gone till tommorow

Frank Bellamy

Poorly organized, and doesnt even provide a bathroom.