Frequently asked

QUESTIONS

Do you buy used books?

We pay cash for rare, collectible, and signed items. All other items are taken in exchange for trade credit. We buy books in gently-loved condition. For example: hardcovers must have the dust jackets (if issued), books should be undamaged with no ripped pages or torn covers, and clean. **Please note any sign of live or bug residue will result in immediate removal of the entire collection from the store** For general inventory/store stock (you know, that copy of '1984' that's been sitting on your shelf for forever) the trade credit price offered is .50 cents to one dollar for paperbacks and one to two dollars for hardcovers. For current releases, art books, rare/collectible, and signed books cash price varies and is based of the current internet value. We CAN NOT value your items without seeing and touching them! PLEASE make an appointment! Please note, we may charge and hourly fee of $20.00 to value large rare book collections and collections of more than 150 books. This cost covers the time that it takes a professional bookseller to evaluate your books. This fee also applies to off site evaluations. We are ALWAYS buying: Science Fiction/Fantasy Comics and Graphic Novels Classics Mythology Psychology Philosophy Rare/Signed/Collectible Complete Series We are currently NOT purchasing: Popular bestselling authors (Patterson, Grisham, Clancy, etc. Mystery/Thrillers Religious materials Memoirs (with some exceptions) Cookbooks (with some exceptions) All other genres dependent on current in stock inventory; a bookstore can only have so many copies of 'The Alchemist'!
Can I trade/exchange my used books?

Yes! The same rules apply to exchanging as buying; we aim to keep our inventory in the best possible condition. Trade value can be used for either books or coffee/cafe items. Trade credit may not be used for special presses and/or ticketed in-store events.
Can I donate my used books to 'Shelf'?

Yes! We happily accept all CLEAN book donations. Anything that we can't use, we will pass along to someone who can!
Can I work on my laptop at the bookshop?

Yes, free wifi is available for our customers. We do ask that guests be aware of our limited seating and be mindful of other dine-in customers and book browsers.
Can 'Shelf' cater and/or host my event?

Yes! PLEASE contact us directly to discuss your on or off location event! After hours space rental is available at $25.00 per hour.