Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Half Price Books in Berkeley

4.6 (199) 2036 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

Categories

Book store
Music store
Toy store

Location on the map

Berkeley, Alameda County, California, US

Phone: +1 510-526-6080
Site: https://hpb.com/037?y_source...

Opening hours

Monday:11 AM–8 PM
Tuesday:11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday:11 AM–8 PM
Thursday:11 AM–8 PM
Friday:10 AM–11 PM
Saturday:10 AM–11 PM
Sunday:10 AM–10 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.6

199 Reviews for Half Price Books 2024:

Review №1

2024-05-17 00:08:09

Really well priced books! I managed to get 6 books for around $25 with tax. Most of the more used books range from about $3-$5. They also have newer books and new releases for a higher price

Review №2

2024-06-16 21:11:15

I love this place, it has a very nice selection of books and is well organized. If you get a chance come check them out you wont be disappointed.

Review №3

2018-05-04 20:06:20

Your search is over. A staple of Berkeley for new and used books for every genre imaginable. This store has it all.Located in an historic building, Half Price Books lives up to its name, and also sells music records, CDs, movie DVDs, box sets, memorabilia, and board games. They will BUY YOUR USED BOOKS, as well as anything else they might be able to sell on site.Parking can be tough in the area, but luckily theres plenty of shopping around to make this a worthy stop on your next outing. 📖💲👍

Review №4

2023-05-31 21:56:20

Great selection of all kinds of books, and all at a really great price. They have a lot of fiction and non fiction books, along with helpful staff who are quick to help with questions. I asked about a book I couldnt find and a staff member was very helpful in looking it up for me and also suggesting another store they have the book in. Nice manga section, plus they have lots of DVDs, LP, video games and board games too. Would love to be back.

Review №5

2022-10-22 02:53:04

Love it! Good collection of books with very reasonable prices. You can find CDs, games and many more! Also, kids sections at the back and they have lots of options, too.

Review №6

2024-04-18 18:01:45

Wonderful spot. New books, second hand books, lots of neat stuff and books on every topic under the sun. Plus great gifts and a chill atmosphere. Huge store.

Review №7

2023-01-11 04:50:37

Oh, now THIS bookstore is a book lovers dream. Gently used books at stellar prices? Good thing I didnt go to UC Berkeley - Id spent half my days browsing these bookshelves rather than studying! They have a VERY extensive selection dedicated to fiction with a wide variety of authors I like or have considered reading in the past. Their Young Adult/Middle Grade section also had a few great finds - found a signed first edition of Artemis Fowl for less than 8 dollars! Some books were mislabeled (House by the Cerulean Sea is NOT a YA book. It is very much an adult fantasy) but nothing too egregious. If youre in the area, definitely stop by. They also have a pretty nice used video game/DVD section that include cult classics and blockbusters.

Review №8

2024-02-12 21:00:34

This is definitely the place NOT to sell books, DVDs or CD’s.I would not even bother showing up here again with the lowball offers provided.Rasputins and Amoeba will appreciate you a little more and give you at least .25-.50 per item.

Review №9

2024-03-25 04:58:22

What a great bookstore! The collection is vast and I found some good books. We need more of such places around! ❤️

Review №10

2023-01-19 02:55:58

Love this place. Amazing selection of books, games and so much more at a good price. The staff is nice and helpful. I will return!

Review №11

2024-04-08 05:35:11

This store has a very large selection of books and it is relatively affordable. I like also a clearance DVD section in the back of the store.

Review №12

2024-02-18 06:39:42

I always manage to find something new and exciting here, and the staff are so friendly and helpful! Its one of my favorite places to be in downtown Berkeley!

Review №13

2023-12-23 23:51:51

Terrible customer services, demanding me for an ID even though I was already in the system for years. Last time, I tried to sell 30 books, and they told me its gonna be around $3. When I refused, they suggested they could donate for me. How sneaky and shady they are, trying to use my books to get their tax return. However, the person who demanded ID even talked back to me and said we gonna give you money, thats why we need your ID. Exactly, the homeless down the street got more money than selling books here, and nice people dont ask their ID for $3 donnation. Seriously, a wannabe cop ruined peoples Christmas. Good job. 👍 Will donate books for people who like to read, not to take advantage of others.

Review №14

2019-10-17 18:16:44

I’m glad places like this still exist. Great boon store with a lot of books, comics, board games, used video games and consoles and more!

Review №15

2022-02-15 20:53:19

I am giving the full five stars because I think Half-Priced books does a good job of curating a good selection of used books. HPB is especially good if there is a sub-category of books you enjoy, such as travel literature. Here you will find many old treasures and out of print books that a bookstore like Barnes & Nobel wouldnt make space for.Concord, CA location is smaller than Berkeley but still a great store.

Review №16

2023-09-12 05:47:15

My favorite shop in Berkeley! Great selection of new and used books. I like to shop their old Modern Library edition philosophy books. Decent selection of used CDs, DVDs, vinyl records and comics. Even the curios in the glass case are fun to look at. They dont pay out as well as they used to but they still provide a good service by buying books. I ride my bike across town just to come here and its usually my main reason to come to downtown.

Review №17

2023-11-23 07:18:39

I kinda wanna work here. Always organized, plenty of options, always chill vibes and staff is always helpful

Review №18

2019-03-10 04:20:11

For all those book lovers, if you can get book for half price, what can be better than this. I guess they need to update books or create more space for new books. The way section is divided it makes easy enough to make the choice for deciding, to which section you prefer going. Everytime I visit, there is a huge line of people ready to checkout, so if this is considered and store adds more people during busy period, then it will be msgi

Review №19

2018-10-23 04:29:58

What an interesting shop. I really appreciate that bookstores like this still thrive. I’ve always been more of a Shop Around the Corner than a Fox Books kind of guy, so the quaintness and charm of this place makes me smile. I ended up buying an awesome graphic novel named Paper Girls. Half Price is worth checking out just to browse, and you’ll likely find a great book in any genre.

Review №20

2022-08-15 15:29:01

Awesome place with a good collection of books and great board games. Loved hanging around and picked up some classics.

Review №21

2023-12-30 06:14:39

STOP USING A GARBAGE BIN FOR UMBRELLAS!I put my umbrella in the blue bin by the door marked UMBRELLAS. There was an unfolded umbrella underneath that hid what was in the bin. Turns out it was a bunch of containers of white sauce in a pool of foul-smelling liquid. My umbrella was soaked in this nasty sauce that smelled like puke when I returned. I asked the storefront person if I could use their washroom to rinse my umbrella because there was garbage in the bin; no because its not for public use. They offered to wipe it but its soaked and it needs to be rinsed--no they cannot rinse it in their own washroom for me. Had to go wash the puke liquid off it at the nearest public restroom (its pouring).Damn yall, stop using a bin that looks like its for garbage for umbrellas so people dont throw their garbage in.

Review №22

2022-04-24 14:35:31

Nice place to buy books. Good collection and friendly staff. Not too crowdy.

Review №23

2023-06-25 06:57:55

Fun Place! Great selection of Books. Highly recommended taking a peak. I also recommend their website! FYI, I loved the selection of vintage and old books that they had behind the glass cases in the store. Happy Hunting

Review №24

2024-05-04 01:02:27

Good selection, orderly and reasonable prices. Moe’s is still my favorite in Berkeley.

Review №25

2024-03-12 22:05:26

The book selection is great and the staff are really helpful with any questions.

Review №26

2023-01-12 05:47:28

I love this store. Awhile back my brother and I decided that we were bringing VHS back and began an epic journey for an EVEN more epic VHS collection. Dozens of tapes later we were on a strong roll thanks to this amazing shop of old school and new. They buy a large variety of media as well as pop culture ish toys and collectors trinkets. The book selection is perfection daily and the staff is pretty legit. Super helpful and very knowledge about the products

Review №27

2023-05-27 03:02:25

My partner sells here a lot and always brings a lot and it just doesnt seem worth the price to sell the books are games we have when they dont really give a fair price for the items. Theyll buy the items from us for like $2 $3 dollars $4 but then we go in to store the next day and its selling for $15 to $30 for them to sell it back to people at three times the price that they paid us for it as seems a little bit like a rip-off to me because they be taking like a lot of the good stuff and paying a really low amount compared to when we were in the store and see the actual price they want people to pay for it....just a rip off

Review №28

2023-07-18 14:19:28

The staff are always lovely art every half price location I go to. I love the treasure hunt aspect of used book stores, but if theres a specific thing I want they are always happy to help find out order it!

Review №29

2024-06-14 01:37:35

Lots of books at good discount prices.

Review №30

2023-04-10 05:23:18

This is a good place to sell your books.they dont pay a heck of a lot, but they also dont give this long song and dance about how they arent taking certain books etc and turn you away. It is work to come down and bring a box of books, and my time feels it isnt wasted. They almost always have buyers there.

Review №31

2023-02-20 18:22:59

Always absolutely fun to go here. I love looking for another good read. This place has varieties of books, tarot cards, board games, movies, magazines, fun gifts, and even more. I HIGHLY recommend at least visiting. AND THERE IS NO BEATING THEIR PRICES!

Review №32

2021-04-25 19:49:36

Great store for finding reading material, hobby info, comics, action figures, and finding a good home for your used media (books, CDs, DVD, VHS, etc.) as opposed to taking up land in the landfills! 🌎♻️

Review №33

2024-02-26 02:05:25

Large selection and good prices. There is a large clearance section near the back.

Review №34

2023-12-22 19:02:47

Lovely plavmce in Berkeley. Very well stocked. Students return their books for free.

Review №35

2022-05-07 05:40:48

Great bookstore in the middle of Berkeley. Lots of selection at pretty decent prices. A lot of mangas too.

Review №36

2023-10-22 16:40:32

Interesting selection of speciality books at reasonable prices

Review №37

2020-12-06 00:26:15

Half price books always has a book I would like to have. From signed rare first editions to small production run sets, there is always a Jem.

Review №38

2024-06-05 00:02:41

Well organized cookbook section, easy to browse

Review №39

2024-01-13 18:51:19

I found half price books to be an excellent source for used books, as well as new.

Review №40

2022-11-22 07:43:44

Great place to buy. Not the best place to sell. It seems like a great place to get rid of books you dont care for and arent bothered to be paid a significant amount for. Or pay it forward by offering a book to be bought cheaply by someone new.4 stars because they have a wonderful collection of books and I would definitely return to shop, but I didnt realize the offer would be so low.(I do understand that they have to make a profit and are located in an expensive city)So if you need cash for your books and can wait a few days or weeks just sell them online. I was happy to know that other students will end up enjoying my old copies at half priced books, though. (Im a bcc and ucb alum)

Review №41

2021-07-20 11:31:45

Very helpful & kind staff. Great selection. Too tempting. Cannot enter/leave without at least one purchase 😭

Review №42

2024-04-06 21:18:29

Very nice place, good books

Review №43

2024-01-27 03:05:34

Went with a friend to sell some books apparently they pay about 20 cents per book and make you wait over 30 minutes

Review №44

2023-12-19 19:19:05

A great book shop with an amazing graphic novel section. They also buy used books and movies

Review №45

2023-01-28 05:33:13

I dont like this place. Granted when they offered me $2.10 for 20 books that I wanted to sell to them, I could have said, No. I was too tired to carry them back home.I resent them also b/c as a country we must find a way for writers to retain some percentage of their copyright income even at used bookstores.As a word-obsessed reader, I dont find HPB to be a place where it is easy to find a book.

Review №46

2019-02-06 03:31:24

Great books. Some of the associates and customers were strange, but overall, the service was fair!

Review №47

2018-12-20 04:52:02

This store has enriched me in many, many areas!You can browse an astonishing variety and wealth of information at HPB in downtown Berkeley. One of the managers just shrugged and smiled: We sell what we are fortunate to have people bring by to sell us. This store reflects and even amplifies the diversity, wide-ranging skill sets, and intellectual depth of the surrounding environs. This is a great place to indulge your luck and curiosity - just wander into a section where you would never normally go, and if something calls to you - go for it and read, read, read. This is to me one of the best features of this store - topics I didnt expect or didnt even know about. There is a huge variety of material, often in depth, unconstrained by publisher or whether it is currently in print. Price and condition are generally great so it can be easy to indulge and explore. They will hold stuff at the register for a couple of days if you ask. Turnover seems fairly high; even the sections I regularly check are rarely boring although there can be months of riches followed by months of drought in any interest area. When the muse tells me to go, I listen and resist the urge to put it off - this has worked very well, except for some collateral damage to my budget. They buy your old stuff, too, giving the best prices to the things they know will move well - they offer you a lump sum but Ive found it insightful to sometimes ask nicely how it broke down; I was surprised! - but it has helped me pick whats best to bring. Also, they can do a search for you throughout the chain and get a specific title in a few days if one of their stores has it - I like this better than the big online used markets if I already know what I want.

Review №48

2022-05-05 02:58:30

Great store. Great selection and prices. Great staff. But they wont let you use their bathroom. They have a bathroom but paying customers arent alllowed to use it. It is a policy. Which doesnt make for great service or a very welcoming stay. Very illiberal and uncivilized for a town such as Berkeley, dont you think? They will let you use the public loo in a public parking lot a block away. You know, who else doesnt have a bathroom? Amazon. But I won’t need theirs when I next place my order with them instead of the small family owned local bookstore Id prefer to trade with but who don’t care one whit for the needs of their customers.

Review №49

2016-11-16 18:54:37

The clerks here can sometime be a little short but never rude. The selection is interesting and very cheap. There are a wide variety of new books here than are priced well and make decent gifts, if a used book is somehow inappropriate. There are a few chairs for reading but the floors are carpeted so sitting down to peruse this or that isnt a problem. Its easy to find yourself lost in time there if theres nothing else pressing.

Review №50

2023-10-02 10:12:43

I love the prices and sharing books as well. Such a broad selection. I miss bookstores!

Review №51

2022-04-28 11:32:04

A heaven for book lovers. You can find older mainstream books at a bargain and rare books that are difficult to find online. I personally could spend days here browsing everything they have. Even though they dont specialise in collectibles you can find some hidden gems here and there. Ive never found it crowded and its a calm friendly place.

Review №52

2023-06-01 05:32:11

I love this store I was able to find all the books I wanted and very good prices and a very large variety of books definitely going back

Review №53

2019-03-27 21:13:30

Best Half Price Books storefront Ive been to. They have an ever-rotating selection of awesome books from classic to new releases. If you plan on selling books, note that because this store gets so many you may not be offered anything (especially popular books).

Review №54

2023-08-14 15:40:01

Great selection of books. They are the best HPB I’ve ever been to when it comes to Buddhist books too.

Review №55

2023-03-15 22:58:57

This place has an incredibly broad selection of material, including what youd expect for books and a wide range of collectible editions, graphic novels, video games, and even a decent music selection.

Review №56

2022-04-16 00:00:07

Great selection of books, comics, music, movies, games, and more. Always check the clearance section at the back of the store as there may be hidden gems in the mix. Prices do vary widely but deals can be found.

Review №57

2018-06-13 11:16:46

Absolutely oNe of my favorite places. Ive been coming to this bookstore since they opened and just love it. Affordable books and more, and Im always buying bookmarks, plenty of selection to choose from. Once you come here, youre hooked. Book lovers, who bargain shop, this is the place for you! They have a tremendous selection. Also, if you cant find the book youre looking for, theyll order it and get it shipped to you.

Review №58

2018-04-08 16:26:12

They have a great selection of books, graphic novels, and even technology, you can find genres ranging from fantasy to horror. They carry authors like Steven King, J. K Rowling, and so many more. Stickers, magnets and pins are also sold here. It has a very good location and has very (as the name suggests) fair prices. I will definitely be back soon!

Review №59

2022-06-29 14:02:18

Always been my pleasure to stop by and shop in this good old store.Super nice and friendly customer service,excellently organized shelves with books and movies, exciting things for all ages.Thank you for being there for us !

Review №60

2021-03-10 12:11:34

They have a wide range of books! I went here not to buy books but to actually sell some blu-ray DVD’s. They were knowledgeable and gave me a reasonable offer. They also have board games and such. Great Customer Service! and Prompt Service!

Review №61

2017-02-24 20:38:44

My kids and I love the selection and come in regularly to stock up on books and movies. So much fun! One of our favorite places to kill an hour or two. And we get to buy twice as much, the prices are great!

Review №62

2023-09-05 21:25:50

Awesome books and media selection at reasonable prices. Highly recommended.

Review №63

2023-03-18 16:06:26

They literally are their namesake; half priced books. Meaning, whatever the regular price is, their charge will always be half that, no matter when the book was made, nor the condition of the book. I can find much cheaper books elsewhere.

Review №64

2021-06-14 05:18:34

I love this place as I can take any of my old books and sell them here. Don’t always get a lot $$ for them but that’s expected. Friendly people and knowing that the books are being put to good use makes it a no-brainer for me.

Review №65

2019-09-07 18:01:52

I love this book store! Everytime I come, I end up finding several books that I want and I end up spending more than I should. I’ve sold books here a few times. It all depends on what you’re selling, the condition it’s in, and if the book you’re selling is in demand. As expected, you probably won’t make much back but its better than just donating books to a Goodwill. I try to come here twice a month. The staff is super helpful and nice!

Review №66

2023-08-17 19:50:42

The staff, as a whole, are all business, not friendly. Theyve seen 100 customers like you today, will see 100 more; youre not special.Also, take your things to sell here ONLY to get rid of them, not for$.They pay bottom dollar.But its a bookstore thats still open, thats a big plus, so go for the merchandise, but dont expect anything more.

Review №67

2017-08-11 00:11:14

Good selection of used books. Generally helpful staff, but I have had sone pretty awful interactions with staff over the years. They also give you barely anything when you try to sell stuff to them, and it can get busy especially on weekends leading to very long wait times. Used vinyl is nice and decent selction but really expensive.

Review №68

2023-08-30 12:48:38

Service was quick, but i took 2 books that were fairly expensive and almost brand new that cost about 40-50 bucks and got back $5.71... So... yea........

Review №69

2019-04-07 23:26:13

Great prices, I mean great. Large selection of new and used books. Its a big, bright and inviting bookstore.Theres tons of kids stuff including some games and DVDs as well, comics, manga, all genres of traditional books.Located in the heart of Berkeley square next to Bart for easy access.

Review №70

2017-05-05 16:10:52

Probably my favourite bookstore in the Bay Area (I wish I had one closer, but this one in Berkeley is almost next to the BART station, which is pretty convenient if you ask me). The selection is huge and I always seem to leave with a full bag of new books to read. :)Its a bit difficult to navigate at first, but once you get used to the place it gets easier. They have a ton of different books, hardbacks and paperbacks. You can even sell your own books in the back, if you have nowhere to put them. You might search for a certain author/book and they dont have it, dont worry, they will check with other stores and have it delivered here, so you can pick it up next time. And even if not, Im sure it wont take long for the book to show up eventually (if its not a very old artefact). Did I mention the staff is really friendly? :)The books come (as the name says) half priced (or at least cheaper than in the usual bookstores). And if you have time you can sit down and read there already. There always seems to be quite a lot of people immersed in their books.Ive also noticed the movies/series just before the cashiers. Also some calendars and other stationery if youre into that.Come, look, read, buy, come again. :)

Review №71

2021-09-26 06:50:07

Great shop, they have a lot of variety and its well organized. they have a very special.and beautiful collection of old and rare books. The prices are very reasonable, with many book options under $10.

Review №72

2018-04-13 05:00:32

I love this place. Great, interesting selection of books and other stuff at fantastic, remaindered prices. I got Paradise Planned: The Garden Suburb and the Modern City (1072 pages, 13 lbs) for $20! If they ever go out of business I will be very sad.

Review №73

2023-09-04 04:38:08

Visiting from Australia, best 2nd book store ever found. Large selection of quality books at great prices.

Review №74

2021-09-03 06:10:52

I just love Half Price and only occasionally visit. I like their art books, stationary, puzzles, games, discount CDs (yes, I still have a CD player I can use when my wifi goes down and cant stream music), and romance novels. The employees are always nice and helpful. Mostly, I just like to browse or hunker down and read. Some days Ill come away with a full bag of books and CDs and other days, Ill come out with no purchase, but I always enjoy popping in. I like the other Bay Area Half Price locations like Dublin and Fremont, but Berkeley is my absolute favorite and has lots of restaurants around. (Bookstore, eat, bookstore again) Im biased because I went to college here, but Berkeley has changed a lot and Im glad this bookstore is still here and is surviving the pandemic so far.

Review №75

2023-02-18 01:27:26

Wonderful store! Keep this place going! Get yourself a cheap cookbook, a game, exercise DVD, fitness book, all sorts of stuff. Its a treasure!

Review №76

2023-03-22 23:18:12

Used bookstores are the best and this is no exception. I love to see what genres and unique titles turn up at a local used bookstore in a new place.

Review №77

2018-07-18 15:10:30

Love coming here. Probably just luck, but they had every book I was looking for. As a place that also takes CD, DVD movies, LP vinyl, and VHS - I love how they are interested in preserving some old media. The books I found are usually discounted too. Recommend taking Bart in to Berekely station though. It will allow you to enjoy the downtown area and not get stressed with the sparse parking. Lots of cafes nearby to sit down and enjoy your purchase.

Review №78

2019-05-16 01:36:41

Half Price Books hosted a book signing for me during Womens History Month. Although I contact the manager last minute, he gladly hosted a book signing without much planning. I was greeted by friendly staff and visitors and a great selection of diverse books. Half Price exceeded my expectations and has become one of my favorite book stores.

Review №79

2017-11-06 05:19:22

Absolutely love this store! Great prices and amazing selection--this is a fairly large establishment. Ive sold many books here, although you wont receive any killer deals, its a good place to offload collections, and likewise a good place to find said collections.

Review №80

2017-12-19 15:10:22

This is such a fun store to go spend half an hour in. There is a massive selection of books, as well as records, movies, board games, and various gifts/knick-knacks. Definitely go to the Half Price Books website and sign up to be on their mailing list, because they often have great coupons available throughout the year. There is no free parking nearby, unless you come in the evenings or Sundays when the meters are off.

Review №81

2016-11-30 01:29:48

What a gem of a bookstore! Pretty much everything is discounted here, and its so nice to explore the store and get lost among all the old books. Its very organized here, with everything in designated sections, like the art books, the YA books, the children book, the historical fictions, the science fictions, etc etc. With the loss of Shakespeare Books on Telegraph Ave, this is a good alternative to that to get discounted books. Its also very large, so you could walk around and get distracted by the books for hours.There is a comic book section, but if you want more of that, head to Fantastic Comics right next door.

Review №82

2017-11-09 03:04:22

I really enjoy coming here. Every time that I come I have been buying a book that I have been wanting to read. They gave a pretty wide selection of books as well as really friendly employee that are helpful. The location is pretty nice and being able to get books from their other locations is nice.

Review №83

2016-12-11 00:37:04

The review is essentially in the name of the store. Half Price Books! Fairly large store. Big and well organized selection. Theres also a lot of random stuff at sometimes surprisingly low prices. Board games, toys, vinyl, video games, etc.

Review №84

2019-06-16 17:21:53

I sold a bunch of nice books I no longer liked - some vintage, some in French, some signed - and board games. After an hour or so wait (there were a LOT of books in the queue, but it’s easy to prop yourself up in a chair and read), I was given an offer which seemed very fair. I was not given a super clear insight into the pricing algorithm used to calculate the offer, which would be nice to know. They have a good selection of used books and a couple endcaps of new ‘bargain’ books (overstock?) - for example, I picked up a hardcover gilded-edge illustrated version of Hidden Figures for $10 (msrp $40).

Review №85

2018-08-02 20:54:29

I can get European copies of CDs with artists that are hard to find. Theyre cheap enough where I can pick up several copies, and share them with friends and family. Their selection of used DVDs is amazing. More than not, I can find books of interest at resonable and lower prices. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Review №86

2019-04-01 06:38:50

Good discounts. Well-organized. Allow debit cards. Bought a cool puzzle for half the price. Friendly staff. Some dvds are used and too expensive ($20?? Not even blu-ray) Very limited music selection (vinyl, cd). Cute book store.

Review №87

2023-01-25 06:57:52

Im sorry I didnt go in sooner, they have some of everything, including board games, CDs, DVDs, and good deals on books of course. Definitely a downtown gem

Review №88

2018-04-05 20:59:29

Good deals on books & closeby Berkeley train station. They carry vinyl here as well, but pricey though. Ive attempted to sell books here before & found the buyers to be extremely selective. They would offer $.25 or less per book so i decided to just donate them.

Review №89

2022-10-15 00:26:51

Excellent selection of books at decent prices. You can peruse the aisles and be sure to find something interesting to read.

Review №90

2016-06-17 17:16:20

This place is full of great finds! Prices are great, and the condition of most items is fairly decent. The selection on a lot of book series is not complete, but I think that makes it more fun to browse and discover hidden treasures.

Review №91

2019-10-02 19:18:08

Excellent staff. Large collection of books. However, only a very few of them are cheaper than Amazon. Unless one wants to physically see a book, I wonder why anyone would buy books from here instead of Amazon if reduced price is desired.

Review №92

2018-01-09 20:11:54

Halfprice books has been my favorite book store in the East Bay for a long time. I go there for.... wait for it..... books. Ive gotten some awesome deals there. Also the one at this location is next door to the jazz school so you can hear some exceptional live music coming through the walls there while you looking over the books.

Review №93

2022-06-04 21:59:17

Love it! Super friendly staff and a good collection of books with very reasonable prices.You can find a good variety of kids books $1 each.

Review №94

2019-12-17 07:38:19

I LOVE this bookstore! It has a wonderful selection of various items. If they do not have what you are looking for, they will try and find it in another store. Helpful staff too.

Review №95

2017-05-08 17:18:08

Huge selection of books from all different genres. Lots of places to sit and read as well (which many patrons were doing on the Sunday evening I visited). Also cool how they accept used books for sale. Only disappointing thing was that it was a bit hard to find the “Staff picks” section.

Review №96

2021-03-17 00:02:02

I found a great book however the manager had a hard time with a customer that wouldnt wear his mask properly. The manager resorted to cursing at the disgruntled customer continuously. My husband and I felt unsafe and as we left to get out other customers were scared waiting to hear how the fight would end. People never know if someone has a weapon and I want to make sure that I shop at a place that can handle a situation without making it worse.

Review №97

2019-01-14 23:17:19

Best bookstore in Berkeley, in my opinion. Amazing selection, lowest prices, and theres a whole clearance section with good books for only $3. They also give good prices of youre interested in selling!

Review №98

2018-12-28 02:12:47

Half Price Books is one of those rare gems that you hope will never go away. Ive been going to this specific one since I was a little kid (24 now) and it has pretty much everything type of book and genre available. They even carry awesome Pop! Funko collectables here now, and they also buy any unwanted books you cant sell elsewhere. Im a big fan of Manga and comics, and while their manga selection isnt always the best, I still always find something new that I want to get. As for their comic/graphic novel section, its vast and a real treat for the avid collector looking for a deal. They also have a movie, CD, and video game section, which is pretty cool. Youll always find at least one thing you want here. And if youre a college student looking for text books, you might find what youre looking for here for much cheaper (albeit a different edition from what your professors are demanding). Love this store, and the employees are always helpful and nice. Had a guy help me out today and when I couldnt find what I was looking for he offered to order it for me, which is something I didnt know they could even do.

Review №99

2021-11-15 06:38:18

Such a nice store to browse with an incredibly well organized sci Fi section. Would love to see an anthropology section of books that werent haphazardly spread through cultural studies and sociology.

Review №100

2018-08-18 23:41:40

The vinyl record section is LAME now. No good deals as anything unique is behind the counter and marked way up. Also my collection of leather books is nicer than theirs even though they have 3 times what I do. Nothing to see here anymore. Im not going back.

Review №101

2021-05-18 04:03:51

The spot in the East Bay for llghtly used comics/graphic novels, as well as a great way to put a couple bucks in your pocket by clearing out your bookshelf and selling them, or ya can make out even better if you opt for store credit to go ahead and replenish those newly vacant spaces on your shelves. All the employees are the pinnacle of friendly and helpful and the availability of wall outlets and wifi can be a life saver in a pinch and makes for a pleasent little spot to get some work done on your laptop. One of my favorite places to spend an afternoon in the whole Bay Area

Review №102

2021-10-15 23:30:51

I have been going their for long years. The workers mostly hippip they love stone and tree so the service is beautiful. The places sell old books and classics thing that is that place. Beautiful place.

Review №103

2023-05-23 22:43:42

Found 2 really good books ...toy robots and another on metal wind up toys ...nice art and antique collectible section.

Review №104

2022-07-02 21:35:27

Awful experience with an online order. Its been two weeks and no sign of a book that should have arrived (according to the website) a week ago. Now the carrier (DHL) says it will be here in another week. Someone could have set out on foot and have had it to me in the same time.

Review №105

2017-11-20 21:35:25

I love how this bookstore is laid out--very clean, and easy to find books. They are dog friendly so my Basset comes with me. They also have a great discount section at the back of the store!

Review №106

2022-07-03 21:56:13

Always love to browse there. Always find lots of books i want. Have no experience with the buying of books in the back. Love that they have free books for kids at the annual bookfair

Review №107

2023-04-11 12:35:29

A lot more offerings than what it may seem at Great prices. They had a fun collection of used games on top of everything

Review №108

2019-07-29 22:24:29

They have a great selection of books and other items such as games, toys, keychains, notebooks, etc. But the staff at this specific location were very snobbish and can come off rude to a shopper. My experience with a couple of them was horrible! A female worker looked at me and joked about how I was dressed with a coworker right in front of me, as if they were oblivious that they were being offensive. I choose not to say anything there, but thought I would let you all know here!

Review №109

2019-08-08 18:10:28

One of the best book shops around! Always fun to go in whether youre looking for a specific journal, movie, vinyl, or book or even if you just want to browse around. The staff are very helpful and friendly!

Review №110

2019-08-19 05:12:59

Love this bookstore. Its considered a treat for the kids in our family. We love their clearance section but our last visit was a real disappointment. There was almost no books for little kids in their clearance section.

Review №111

2020-01-26 03:48:43

Trade in value dont expect much. Your better off selling on facebook market place or even letgo. Buying books its a nice place to go. They even sell board games and kids books. The prices for new is good, and sometimes you can get a discount on your first visit

Review №112

2019-05-24 16:49:35

Huge selection. If youre selling, I recommend bringing stuff in no more than a few boxes at a time. Its been my experience that no matter the quantity, quality, and resale value of what you bring, youll never get more than maybe $125, max (usually much less). Its almost like being punished for bringing in lots of books. High-value items should not be brought here; eBay, Craigslist, or some other local shop are a better bet. HPB, however, is hard to beat for liquidating a bunch of run-of-the-mill books in good condition, maybe three boxes at a time. Weekday mornings and afternoons are best (you may wait an hour or longer to sell if you come at a busy time). DO sell off typical comics here, but not valuable ones (they go by cover price not book value). But try the comics shop next door first. Anyway, HPB generally has a great staff, and if youre buying, they have EVERYthing. No public restroom, though. Ive docked an entire star for that, especially since they demand you wait on-site if youre selling.

Review №113

2018-02-21 01:16:12

This is definitely my preferred book store in Berkeley. The selection is gigantic, and covers a pretty wide variety of subjects and genres. The sale section in the back is always worth a dig-through, and there are often some gems in there.

Review №114

2018-06-20 04:08:51

Independent book stores are a rarity now a days and most are tiny in comparison. Half Price books is a large location with plenty of used and new books. Location is great across from the park, across from a Starbucks and on the same block as a Peets coffee.

Review №115

2019-04-07 01:10:41

A typical chain store, but with fancy and rare books and also video games. Even old consoles. The rare books can run north of $1000 but even they are included in half price sales.

Review №116

2021-09-26 20:08:52

Hard not to stop at this iconic store whenever we visit Berkeley. They have a treasure trove of books and youre sure to find something, even when youre not intending to get anything.Love this place.

Review №117

2021-09-12 02:40:32

Theres a plethora of books and resources available for everyone. However, you cant pay with Google Pay or Apple Pay. Thats annoying. The staff are nice and area is also good. You can definitely find a good spot to read a book.

Review №118

2016-03-16 22:07:13

This is the best chain of bookstores ever because they carry such a variety of things.Let me start at the front: they change up the art books and stationery, gift sets frequently. You can browse the rare/collectible books too.Then there are the vinyl LP and CDs. They have the best prices for used vinyl and CDs.You can earn money or credit by selling your books and music back in the rear. I was in search of vintage books with pretty covers for an event and they sold me a whole case of 1960s Readers Digests for $10.They also carry video games, childrens books, and boast a large section of sci-fi, mystery, and fantasy. You can spend at least 2 hours here.

Review №119

2019-09-28 16:35:31

Was so glad I found this book store just down the street from Bart at Downtown Berkeley! Ill be back to explore more books & other products they have there. Friendly helpful staff! Bought two biography books with a gift card I still had!

Review №120

2016-10-11 23:00:48

I like this book store because I can usually find something of interest to bring home as a little treasure. This time my wife found the first book of an author she recently read and enjoyed; and often times its a used art book or travel guide.

Review №121

2018-02-07 03:11:49

Love books, love discounts, glad this place is still here. Good selection and large, lots of categories. As always w used books, cant count on finding what you want but I still walked out w a bunch!

Review №122

2017-11-10 03:24:48

Staff are very helpfull and informative. Great selection of all genres of literature and movies for a low cost. One of my favorite bookstores hands down.

Review №123

2019-01-25 05:43:01

This is a medium sized Half Price Books on the main drag through Berkeley. I was surprised they didnt have more art books, also surprised that they had a decent record selection and disappointed by the childrens section...it didnt have as much as I would expect.The counter people were nice and Ill swing through again when Im in the area.

Review №124

2019-02-25 01:00:50

This place is fun to hang out and I have lots of memories. The back wall is fun because you can get some great finds. Good for baby and gifts. Lots of nice journals and notebooks.

Review №125

2018-11-21 05:27:49

Great source for good books on the cheap. An amazing selection of slightly read books. There are also some really good deals on newer books along with some classics. Its nice to find a real book store these days, and this is a really nice one

Review №126

2021-06-11 13:38:54

This place is great. The staff is very friendly, If you are not able to find whatever you are looking for they have a system in place that will search within their stores for the item an shipping is free if its pick up at the store..would highly recommend as I shop here frequently.

Review №127

2022-12-23 03:14:32

Such a lovely bookshop. The atmosphere is nice and relaxing. The smell of books is an experience alone :)

Review №128

2022-03-21 00:49:08

Love this store. Its like a treasure trove for book lovers. We can spend hours here and always come home with something unexpected!

Review №129

2022-02-01 00:05:16

I love this place. Carry in 30 pounds of books, walk out with a fist full of cash. Theyll take almost anything. Great for spending an afternoon browsing, too.

Review №130

2019-05-12 23:37:02

Books, board games, cards, music, records, CD, dvds... they just about have it all! They also have a variety of small knick knack gifts, random things that are great if youre looking for gifts for people you have no idea what to get ;)

Review №131

2024-03-26 14:29:20

Great selection and great prices.

Review №132

2016-09-06 11:37:43

Love digging through the treasure troves of books and movies. High rating mostly because of the experience itself and the nice finds. The cash for trade ins is as terrible as any other place, so not much to say about that.

Review №133

2020-12-31 00:10:06

Great place for picking up cut-price editions of my fave mystery writers. Got an Inspector Bruno (Martin Walker) and Wilkie Collins seminal work The Moonstone. Impressive sci-fi section also.

Review №134

2019-05-15 18:15:25

Near BART. Parking is quite tough. Too much silliness in the religion section, but otherwise they have a good selection. Check the bargain shelf. Interesting area. Be alert: lots of sketchy folk about. Many are harmless or nice but some are deranged. Berkeley.

Review №135

2017-02-09 07:05:18

Their sales associates have just the right amount of douché to them, oh theyll help you, and snark it up the whole time like youre totally clueless thats whats happening. I kinda like it.Always a good selection, and more importantly, I always make it out of their under what Im expecting it to be judging by the fat stack Im typically carrying up to the counter.

Review №136

2019-06-05 14:16:23

My go to bookstores and one of my favorites. They always have so many selections of interesting reads. They also have a ton of movies and music selections too, if reading isnt your thing.

Review №137

2017-12-18 07:42:01

Frustrating experience today with store employees, who denied access to their two bathrooms when my daughter needed a diaper change. They told me to go across the street to PIQ Bakery & Cafe. The store has good books. Customer service could use improvement.

Review №138

2023-12-23 07:09:55

Great collection of books and other media.

Review №139

2021-03-08 03:23:23

I took over 63 books there and some videos they barely gave me $15 the lady started whispered to some of the guys they were tended to book behind that she got something from me I do not recommend that you go there I dont know where to go but dont go to Half Price Books I understand what they said I had some books that I do that I should have at least got at least five to seven dollars for they dont give you nothing and that he had my whole town of Berkeley I was cleaning out a storage and I had some old book when IB bio they were 1/2 years old anyway so go here at your own risk

Review №140

2021-05-26 02:57:03

05/ 25/ 2021I enjoy the LARGE selection of BooksinEducation,Learning,Economics,Politics,Communist / Socialist, Scientific,Self Improvement.The prices are Just RightANDI usually get Eclectic books that are Marked Up in an INTELLIGENT & INFORMING way :)

Review №141

2018-12-17 16:17:31

My go to place to get new video games! Sometimes Id get a game that doesnt work but they happily exchange the game for a different one of give you a full refund. Great place to find a great read too -giant selection!

Review №142

2019-11-01 18:51:08

PERFECT! If you’re a bookaholic this ks the right destination for you. The place is cozy the staff are very friendly and helpful, it has a large selection of books you basically can find whatever you’re looking for. I recommend this destination and if you’re around take a look at it you won’t regret it.

Review №143

2018-03-17 05:41:21

They have a great location, right there in the Berkeley Downtown, next to Berkeley Downtown Bart Station & the 51A, 18, 6, & F Bus Stop. The hours are late for a bookstore; forgot their hours, theres plenty of chairs too. So get cozy, try a bunch of books. Im usually glued to the Non-Fiction/History section, but recently have wondered into Non-Fiction Short Stories, Sci-Fi, Comics/Graphic Novels (also have a Manga Selection). Theres also board games (e.g. Path Finders), Computer, Video Games (relic/recent), Vinyls, DVDs/Boy-Rays, T-Shirts, & cool book marks. Something for everyone. Forgot, kids section, with wee-little sitting area for little ones. Lastly, too much books (school text, games, movies) trade for some pocket cash. Again, right in the Down Town.

Review №144

2023-10-28 10:42:47

Excellent Customer Service here! An awesome and speedy experience. Thank you!

Review №145

2017-06-19 15:24:55

You dont always have to dig really deep to find something cool here, they even have a signed/ 1st edition section at the front of the store. They carry movies, CDs, records, books, games, and even some novelty stuff. You never know what youll find.

Review №146

2018-03-18 15:20:59

A great bookstore with lots of selection, helpful staff, and nice atmosphere. I particularly love browsing the history sections-- I found one of my old textbooks for a quarter of the original price.

Review №147

2024-04-25 22:25:11

The best, most nostalgic place

Review №148

2020-01-01 18:13:38

Well-organized, well-stocked bookstore, not a safe place for anyone on a schedule or a budget to explore. A special thanks to the management for compassionate treatment of people in need.

Review №149

2017-02-23 23:36:10

Decent sized store, organized okay but its not very well lit, clean and Ive been hassled by a bum in here. Theres a lot of bums on this street because its busy and sometimes they go into stores to get out of the rain, which is fine, but the workers ignore them even if they are giving customers trouble.

Review №150

2018-02-28 23:27:29

Before you spend full retail price for a book come here first. Awesome store full of books of all kinds for half the price. Plenty of other items too, comics, vynls, movies, and games.

Review №151

2023-04-05 17:46:45

Huge and diverse selection of books, games, and other items at a very reasonable price.

Review №152

2018-03-18 17:47:19

I love this bookstore, there is also one in Fremont, CA that I have been to. The one in berkeley has dvds on sale for 1 dollar on clearance. Great prices on books too. Worth checking out.

Review №153

2018-01-14 18:27:28

The name of the store is spot-on, most of the books in their are at a fantastic price. Depending on what youre looking for, there might be a large or small selection of books, so thats the tradeoff when compared to a place like Barnes and Noble

Review №154

2019-05-25 23:11:54

Lots of cool stuff here. If youve been to a Half Price Books before you know what to expect, but its always fun to stop in after a meal and browse, hoping to find some hidden treasures.

Review №155

2018-06-01 20:57:59

I love going to discount book stores in college town because theyre likely to have international authors. This one did not disappoint: I found Murakami, Anita Desai, Kiran Nagarkar and more.

Review №156

2022-09-16 19:46:19

You never know what books you will find when going into this store. I always find something that interests me.

Review №157

2020-09-17 20:47:08

Excellent service and a great place to sell your old books that are just taking up space. Also a great place to find those hidden gems that you werent expecting to find.

Review №158

2021-08-17 20:06:15

Stopping your old books is never easy but they are fair and the process is simple. Their selection is interesting, especially rare items.

Review №159

2018-07-31 19:46:05

A really well sorted book store with great items and even better pricea. The comic book/graphic novel section is awesome,... The staff is great and very helpful if you need anything.

Review №160

2018-08-18 18:17:21

This is a great chain. You can find books here at decent prices, sell your own books, and I have always had a good experience with the staff.

Review №161

2019-07-13 13:25:11

Not just books but records, cards, toys, too. They will buy your used books and you can use the credit to buy other books. Convenient to public transportation.

Review №162

2023-07-09 02:19:17

This place is great..real friendly staff.. highly recommend this place..you will definitely find great buys

Review №163

2019-03-11 06:00:37

This our usual must visit whenever were in Berkely. They buy & sell used books, DVDs, CDs, tapes LPs. They also have lots of new books, new toys, new nick-nacks for sale.

Review №164

2017-12-26 15:10:04

These book buyers are absolute, over the top, complete, maniacal and a Websters collegiate definition of SICKOS ! The place smells like a flock of cows passing gas, book buyers in the back start salivating as you walk the concourse to their desk & immediately start to explain to you how theres no demand for whatever book you may bring to justify their conscience offering you PENNIES per book, all the while snickering inwardly, a sort of Tales From the Crypt laughter from the control room upstairs next to the fattys you never see eating donuts as main course meals throughout the day & night, birdseed piles of substances here & there scattered on tables with straws besides. These folks are complete sickos, chanting Our offer is for ALL the books in a low muffled echoing maniacal hysteria. And then theres Sarah... No mention of singing along with that 80s pop song No time is a good time for goodbye ¤~¤ . Sarah, a 007 double agent of sorts working both sides of the Isle for maximum advantage and leverage, getting her way, smiling at the same time covering the blood dripping off her fangs from the corpse under the buyers desk, remnants of blood on her forearm after each drink & cleaning of the mouth with a characteristic vampire-esque wiping motion of the arm and a gritting smile of expected deep down satisfaction, light smacking of the lips after each feeding frenzy. Sarah, a name only fitting to be identical to my only Ex. Too resounding.

Review №165

2023-10-17 00:45:55

Love this book storr. Always come here to shop in berkeley

Review №166

2019-01-12 02:30:04

This place got sales often. They sell books obviously and have collection of movies, music, video games and even board games. Great place to check out.

Review №167

2021-03-26 20:04:52

Impressive mass collection of unique reads on just about any subject. All reasonably priced. Would definetly reccomend shopping here, even if your not an avid reader there is something for everyone.

Review №168

2018-02-11 16:44:49

This book store is well stocked with common and obscure titles and has the. Vibe youd be looking for in a Berkeley bookstore. Great customer service and knowledgeable staff.

Review №169

2022-01-28 22:59:30

Have been able to find books and literature related items I couldnt find at other book stores. Has a cool vintage vibe!

Review №170

2022-03-05 21:53:06

They have really good books for a good price! Only problem is that they pay a really unfair price for books. I was really disappointed 😔

Review №171

2023-05-14 02:58:24

Great store and prices. They have comics, movies, video games, etc.

Review №172

2016-11-24 17:11:25

I stop in at Half Price books every time I visit Berkeley. They have a fantastic selection of great quality books at fantastic prices. Highly recommend it as a bookstore.

Review №173

2019-05-16 22:58:17

Great book store with a eclectic mix of books, and music. The prices are good and they actively buy used books, so bring some used books with you to save more.

Review №174

2018-02-16 11:17:11

Great lower priced books both new and used. I have always enjoyed shopping here and found the staff to be knowledgeable and helpful!

Review №175

2014-11-02 04:39:51

Awesome unique selections and super cheap. Plenty of used books also, if youd prefer to not buy new products.

Review №176

2017-12-21 12:55:43

When its time to sell your books, CDs, or DVDs, make this your last stop: other buyers will pay more for a few things, but HPB will pay for things the rest wont even touch, and will generally make even what they wont pay for go away if you like.

Review №177

2018-05-16 23:59:13

Love this place because of the prices and the selection. Although, you wont necessarily find the latest books, you will be surprised by some oldies showing up.

Review №178

2016-03-03 01:25:47

Lovely place to browse. Such bookstores are hard to find in these days of e-books. Browsing online is just not the same as being in a good old-fashioned bookstore. Good selection of paperbacks.

Review №179

2019-02-22 18:27:23

Great, but they dont give you your stuff back if they cant buy it. Every other one askes you if you want to donate or take it back. Plus its always busy

Review №180

2023-01-30 20:50:34

One of my favorite bookstores. Hours of browsing and great prices.

Review №181

2019-05-18 20:05:00

Could get lost in here for hours, but in a good way. There’s a cute kid’s corner in the back. Just wishthat I’d get a little more back for my books, but I understand that they are trying to keep the lights on.

Review №182

2019-06-26 03:51:52

Amazing used bookstore. Staff are very helpful. I always end up walking out with something despite my best efforts not to.

Review №183

2018-05-17 04:26:20

Friendly front desk help was able to see if the book was available for me. Pointed me to where to go look for it. The store is well-stocked, very clean, very comfortable, and safe feeling.

Review №184

2022-06-10 13:14:18

A great bookstore with good selections of books & great prices. The staff was very helpful & knowledgeable.

Review №185

2022-01-01 23:31:14

Cool employees and awsome range of of books ( you know, rectangle objects that dont make a bunch of beebeeebeeps! And contain things called words!)😛 and Dvds!

Review №186

2016-08-28 09:35:25

They have an ever-changing selection of books, vinyl records, cds, anime, cookbooks, etc. Some current books, but not that many. Every time Im in Berkeley, I check this place out. Literally steps from the Downtown Berkeley BART stop.

Review №187

2021-10-02 22:05:20

Great place, I frequently go there and they frequently change their products. There are a lot Manga you can find there for a very good price.

Review №188

2023-09-04 01:53:41

Good to Great Books; Quality prices.

Review №189

2012-08-15 23:04:00

Great little bookstore. I was sad to see borders close but Im glad Ive found half price books. People there are friendly and the prices are great.

Review №190

2021-09-01 14:11:49

Cool selections, great prices. Beautiful art books and foreign language books for children as well.

Review №191

2023-04-26 08:10:09

Good bookstore, Has a variety of iteams you need, great staff.

Review №192

2015-11-21 08:34:42

Massive selection of secondhand books and remainders. Not much thats very unusual, though, but theres enough inventory here that youre bound to find something. Particularly good on history and literature.

Review №193

2022-08-25 21:57:23

These books are 110% Price Books

Review №194

2019-06-02 06:21:34

📚📕📖I love half price books . I could get lost for hours finding a plethora of great finds here! You wont regret coming here, just make some time to browse.📚📕📖

Review №195

2017-01-03 01:24:42

I very much like this place. If you dont have a shopping list its like visiting the grocery store on an empty stomach. Youll end up with a dozen books you didnt know you needed. They dont have everything, and if youre looking for a very specific book youll probably have more luck at the Berkeley Public Library nearby, but if youre going to browse, this is great.

Review №196

2023-09-03 06:14:56

A great place to browse, spend some time, and shop for books, new and used.

Review №197

2017-12-12 07:36:04

A rip off. We sold them around a 100 dvds and several books in very good condition and they paid us only $16. Not right or fair.

Review №198

2018-03-15 03:47:17

It was so good to step into a physical book store, especially used books. The smell of books! Good variety of books and very friendly staff.

Review №199

2018-03-11 01:33:58

Its OK - they have a huge selection of older books. Prices are very good - if you can find something that you like.