Book lovers have several choices when seeking used bookstores in Rochester, NY. Whether you are seeking gently used bestsellers or hard-to-find antiques, these stores are a treasure trove of literary finds.
Houghton Book Shop
The Houghton Book Shop is located in the Village Gate at 274 N. Goodman next to Mood Makers Books. The shop completely relies on volunteer workers, and donations from the community. Proceeds benefit Houghton College.
Because of the limited overhead, prices in this store are unbeatable. Favorite purchases from here have included vintage Peanuts books by Charles Schulz for a mere dollar apiece.
Visit the store regularly to look through their shelves. Every imaginable topic is represented. If you find something you want, be sure to grab it, because the next time you come in, it will probably be gone!
You will also enjoy seeing familiar faces behind the counter and browsing the shelves. You never know what kinds of conversations will be had!
The Yankee Peddler Bookshop
The Yankee Peddler Bookshop is located in the Village Gate at 274 N. Goodman in downtown Rochester. The store is filled from ceiling to floor with some of the greatest antique books in the city. Owner John Westerberg has an amazing wealth of knowledge about books and history, and will enjoy chatting with you about them. He is also adept at repairing books to near-perfection.
This store also keeps antique postcards and posters on hand, as well as a large collection of local Rochester historical pieces.
A favorite purchase was the movie edition of Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca from 1940. Also spotted on a visit was a rare first edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Yesterday’s Muse
Yesterday’s Muse is located at 32 W. Main Street in the Village of Webster. It was originally an online-only business, but opened up a physical location in 2008. Owner Jonathan Smalter keeps a steady supply of great used and new books on hand at all times. He even has a warehouse full of more. Find rare and collectible titles both in house and by searching on their website. If you want it, they will try to find it for you!
Yesterday’s Muse also works with the Webster Public Library to sponsor children’s storytimes. Aspiring poets can participate in Open Mic Nights. Curl up in a comfy chair and just read while you are there. Ophelia Paige, resident feline consultant, will curl up with you!
Sign up for their mailing list to keep abreast of all of their events and sales. Keep track of hot finds and sales by liking them on Facebook. A favorite find was a collection of vintage Vonneguts.
Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble may not be a local store, but the location in Pittsford Plaza has a great used book collection. Sell back your books for cash or limited store credit. Find vintage paperbacks, gently used recent releases, and reviewers copies. Your membership discount applies to these titles, as well as to new titles. The disadvantage to shopping here is the lack of intimacy, but some of the finds are fantastic.
Visit these local used bookstores in Rochester, NY for some great conversation and great literary finds.
