Frequently Asked Questions
- When do you take books in for trade?
Every day up until an hour before we close.
- Do you take textbooks?
We only take Math, Physics and Chemistry textbooks that are within our guidelines.
- Do the trade slips expire?
They never expire. But, please, don’t lose them! We do not keep track of your trade balance, so you will have to present the trade slip at the time of purchase.
- Do you accept donations?
No. Anything we can’t take we have to give back to you. If you are looking to simply get rid of your books, you can try taking them to the library; they usually take them for their book sales.
- Do you have a list/catalogue/computer system of your books?
No, but we usually have a pretty good idea of what we have. Call us if you’re looking for a book, and we will check on the shelves for you! 703.491.READ (7323)
- What don’t you take?
We take books based on age, condition, and whether or not we are overstocked. Each section has specific guidelines, but we generally do not take: book of the month club hardbacks, audio tapes, VHS tapes, Reader’s Digest condensed books, ex-library books, books with highlighting and/or underlining, magazines, music tapes, records/vinyl, etc.
Bring in what you have to trade and we will evaluate what we can use and return the rest to you. We do not accept donations and do not like to discard books! Please try to donate what we cannot use to your local library.
Children Are Our Future Customers
We have provided a separate children’s area for your child to read and play quietly while you shop. Parents are responsible for their children at all times. Please do not let them run or push in our books. We work hard to keep our stores organized for you!
Cash/Trade Policies
We are currently paying cash for the following books:
- We will take these books based on their age, their condition, and C&W overstock.
Our selling price is determined first on supply & demand, and second on the publication date of the book.
- Classic authors: books by authors such as Charles Dickens, Herman Hesse, and Mark Twain
- New Publications: books published for the first time that are not more than 6 months old from date of copyright (we do not pay cash for any series romances)
All other acceptable books are considered tradeable at 40% of our selling price.
Please note: If we are overstocked on a book, we can not accept it for cash or trade.
Also note: Cash policy is subject to change as inventory fluctuates. Please call or visit for the latest current listing.