This month we are visiting another great used bookstore located in Mesa, Arizona. This time we are traveling to Half Price Books - Mesa!
Half Price Books originally started in Dallas, Texas in 1972 by Ken Gjemre and Pat Anderson. They now have over 120 stores across the country, as well as launching a website where people from around the world can shop for new and used books. Now they are the largest family-owned retailer for new and used books.
The founders created the phrase “We buy and sell everything ever printed or recorded (except yesterday’s newspaper).” And this still holds true to this day. All of their stores hold a mishmash of everything! You can purchase many of the books, random collectibles, movies, TV shows, music and more.
Besides being one of the largest retailers for new and used books, they are also very committed to giving back to their community. They have been supporting literacy and environmental groups for more than 45 years! They have two main goals: to share our favorite things and to help make the world a little better. Because of these goals they have donated over a million of their overstock books each year to local nonprofits and organizations around the world.
(Credit illustrator Jane Mount)
Besides the wonderful work they are doing in their communities, they also absolutely refuse to censor any product. So all those famous books that are on the “Banned Book List”, you will be able to pick up a copy there!
I definitely suggest you stopping by if you are ever in the area! Their address is 6339 East Southern Avenue; Mesa, AZ 85206. It will be worth the visit!