Books keep collector in the know
I love books. And like a lot of women, I especially love those heavy decorating books full of big, glossy, photos of beautiful rooms filled with antiques and collectibles.
I refer to them frequently in my work, but I’m too accustomed to bargains to fork over $30 or $40 for each one new, even if the budget would allow it. Instead, I usually pick them up on the bargain table at the bookstore, or buy a used copy.
I routinely check out the book section whenever I stop by a thrift store. There is always a chance that something on my wish list, something I don’t have or couldn’t find on sale at the bookstore, will turn up. Or better yet, something I never knew I wanted but suddenly can’t live without.
This Monday I had way too much work to do to justify any shopping, so naturally, I stopped by BJ’s, the thrift store boutique next to the Goodwill on Third Avenue. (But only for a minute.) And I’m glad I did.
When I looked over the books, I was surprised to see more than the usual number of books on decorating, antiques and gardening. On a good day you might expect to find five or six copies, but on Monday, there were dozens of up-to-date books, priced from $4 to as much as $10.
There were vintage Laura Ashley and Martha Stewart books, as well as a number of Better Homes and Gardens and Country Living compilations.
I started going through the books, and my stack of “keepers” grew. More women came up and joined in. It was fun. We were swapping titles and chatting, and everyone came away with something. The prize of the day was a brand new copy of Rachel Ashwell’s “Shabby Chic” for $5.
I came home with nearly 40 new books on decorating, antiques and architecture to add to my reference library. Most of them were hardback books in excellent condition and had the original dust jackets. Some are out of print and hard to find.
The other women took home large stacks of books as well.
When I added up the original cost of the books I had purchased, the total came to well over $500. Averaged out, I paid less than $4 apiece.
I was thrilled with the find, and I was especially grateful to a nice man named George who helped me carry all of those heavy books to my car. It would have taken me several trips to load them all by myself.
I don’t know the story behind the large number of expensive decorating books on the shelves at BJ’s this week, they have been revamping the store so it could be they had saved the books for the re-do, but I’m glad I stopped to shop.
More than a treasure trove of pretty pictures, these books are tools for my writer’s toolbox. And I can’t wait to get to work.
Where to shop
Here are a few of my favorite used-book-haunts. I know there are others in the area, but these are the stores where I usually score at least one good find.
If you have a favorite bookstore, let me know and I’ll pass it along.
• Aunties Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave.;838-0206; www.auntiesbooks.com.
This is my favorite place to run away and hide. They don’t have the cheapest prices on used books, but the atmosphere is the best and you’re guaranteed to find something wonderful.
• 2nd Look Books, 2829 E. 29th Ave.; 535-6464; www.2ndLookBooks.com.
I get lost in this place. It’s easy to look up and discover several hours have passed while I prowled the shelves. I always pick up something useful.
• BJ’s Store, 202 E. Third Ave.; 462-0517.
BJ’s combs through Goodwill donations and grabs anything that is antique or collectible. It offers upscale thrift store shopping so the vintage items can sometimes be pricey. But this is my favorite spot for bargain books. There is always a great deal on the bookshelves. I always come away with something for someone in the family.
• Value Village, 708 W. Boone Ave.; 325-569.
The book prices are higher than Goodwill’s but the turnover is fast. It’s worth checking in at least once a week. Value Village is also a good source for cookbooks.