Used bookstores are my happy place. I love the hodgepodge variety of books available. When I walk through the door, I never know what I am going to get.
I don’t like a used bookstore to be too tidy. I prefer having books organized and alphabetized because that makes it easier to find what I’m looking for. However, I like the charm of a few cobwebs and leaning, slightly cluttered shelves. I see myself as a treasure hunter, and it’s much more fun to hunt for treasure in an ancient cave – complete with a few spiders – than it is to search for treasure in a brightly lit mall.
What book treasures am I looking for when I visit used bookstores? Well, cozy mysteries, of course! In addition to cozies, I am always on the lookout for young adult series books from the 1980s and 1990s. I was an adolescent during that time period, and it represents my golden age of reading. I also look for books on knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, quilting, and plastic canvas.
Do I prefer used bookstores over bookstores that sell new books? While I think all bookstores are awesome, I really do like most of the books I buy to be “previously enjoyed,” as they say. I like knowing that my books have been around, that they have some history attached to them. Those books have been places and passed hands.
I especially enjoy it when previous readers wrote their names in the books. I will read the name and wonder who that person was. Who did she grow up to be? Where is she now? I will never know the answer, but it’s fun to wonder.
I also love it when the used books I pick up are old library copies. It’s fun to see the stamps from different libraries from all over the country. I especially love it when my used books come from libraries in places I have never been. Yep, my personal book collection is well traveled and has been more places than I have! And I’m happy with that.
I make it a point to travel to nearby bookstores. I like buying books and supporting the local owners. I like having a reason to travel to a town I haven’t been to and wouldn’t otherwise visit. I’m not into traveling around the world, but I do like to travel to places within a few hours or so of my home. I plan daytrips around visits to local bookstores, and I always see something new and interesting.
My Top 3 Favorite Used Bookstores in Michigan:
#3: Jellybean’s Used Books and Entertainment (https://jellybeansowosso.square.site/)
Located at 2256 E M21, Owosso, MI.
I love browsing in this bookstore. I think their young adult section is well stocked. They also have a ton of vintage vinyl records. In addition, I have had great luck finding books that appeal to me in their crafting section. They have a wide variety of books on knitting, quilting, cross stitch, crochet, etc.
#2: Lowry’s Books (https://lowrysbooks.com/)
22 N. Main Street, Three Rivers, MI
I fell in love with this bookstore the moment I stepped inside. It is HUGE. Your mind will be blown by the size of the place, then you realize there is a downstairs level and even MORE books!
Lowry’s in Three Rivers has an extensive selection of cozy mysteries. The books are reasonably priced, so you won’t feel guilty about loading up. In addition, the owner offers a rewards program, so when you buy books you earn money that you can spend on more books. Sounds like a win-win to me!
In addition to books, Lowry’s also carries an extensive array of jigsaw puzzles, games, and toys. It is truly an amazing place.
What could be better than all of that? There is a free book section outside the store, and I have found many, many gems there over the years. I love picking through books looking for something that appeals to me. If you are a book treasure hunter like me, then you will love looking through the free books.
#1: Embrace Books (https://embracebooks.org/)
1050 W. Southern Ave, Muskegon, MI
There are no words to describe how much I love this place. Why? Because it’s a FREE bookstore.
Yes, you read that right. ALL of the books at Embrace Books are absolutely free. There are no limits on how many books you can take, either. They have books for everyone: kids’ books, romance novels, mysteries, nonfiction, crafting. There are even a couple boxes of sheet music.
This nonprofit free bookstore is located in the basement of a church. It is neat, clean, and super well organized. The staff is so friendly, welcoming, and happy to assist.
The books are spread out over a few different rooms, and everything is clearly labeled and organized by genre. I, of course, head straight for the mystery section when I go!
Embrace Books takes donations, so bring your used books to drop off before you check out what is on their shelves. I bring my own bags because I know I’m going to find plenty of books to take home with me. Be sure to drop some money in the donations box on your way out the door. They’ve earned it!