If you love books, music, games, or just hunting for hidden treasures, Bookmans Phoenix Entertainment Exchange on 19th Avenue is the place for you. Tucked in Phoenix, Arizona, this massive used bookstore is more than just a shop — it is a full-on adventure waiting to happen.
With over 6,900 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, locals and visitors agree that this place is something special. Whether you have an hour to spare or a whole afternoon, Bookmans has more than enough to keep you happily exploring.
A Massive Store You Can Easily Get Lost In
Walking through the front doors of Bookmans Phoenix feels like stepping into a world built entirely for curious minds. The store is genuinely enormous, and first-time visitors often describe it as a maze — in the best possible way.
Shelves stretch in every direction, packed with books, media, collectibles, and surprises around every corner.
Reviewers have called it their “Adult Disneyland,” and honestly, that comparison makes total sense. You can wander for hours without covering the same ground twice.
The layout is organized by category, though the sheer size of the place means you will want to give yourself plenty of time.
Located at 8034 N 19th Ave, the store sits inside a spacious shopping center with easy parking. Plan to arrive early and bring your patience — not because it is frustrating, but because there is simply so much to see.
Books for Every Reader Imaginable
Bookmans Phoenix carries an incredible range of books covering practically every genre you can think of. From mystery thrillers to science fiction, self-help to history, the shelves are stacked deep with options that appeal to all kinds of readers.
Used books are priced to move, making it easy to grab several titles without breaking the bank.
One reviewer was thrilled to find “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” for just $7 in used condition — that kind of deal is totally normal here. The store also stocks new books, though shoppers have noted that new titles can run a bit higher than retail price elsewhere, so used is usually the smarter buy.
A standout feature is the dedicated LGBTQ+ section, which is notably larger than what most used bookstores carry. Whatever your reading taste, Bookmans likely has something waiting just for you.
Video Games and Consoles Worth Browsing
Gamers, take note — Bookmans Phoenix has a solid section dedicated to video games and consoles that is absolutely worth your time. You will find titles across multiple platforms, from older retro systems to more current releases.
One happy customer picked up a Nintendo Switch game and completed their very first trade-in all in the same visit.
Prices on used games have drawn some mixed feedback from regulars. A few reviewers feel the used game prices run a little high compared to other resale shops, so it helps to know your prices before you shop.
That said, the selection and variety keep gamers coming back regularly.
Trading in your old games is a popular option here, and store credit offers are typically more generous than cash payouts. If you have a backlog of games collecting dust, bringing them in for trade is a smart move at Bookmans.
Music Lovers Will Find Their Groove
Music fans are in for a treat at Bookmans Phoenix, where the music section covers everything from vinyl records to CDs spanning decades of genres. Whether you are hunting for classic rock albums, jazz standards, or hip-hop throwbacks, there is a solid chance you will find something that makes your ears happy.
The CD section is notably larger than the records area, so collectors of both formats have plenty to dig through.
Prices on music media tend to be reasonable, and the thrill of flipping through bins and stumbling onto a forgotten favorite is a genuine joy. Several reviewers specifically mentioned appreciating both current artists and throwback titles available in stock.
For those who prefer listening over reading, the music section provides the same treasure-hunt energy that book lovers get from the shelves. Put on your patience hat, start flipping, and see what musical gems are hiding at Bookmans today.
Musical Instruments That Might Surprise You
Not many people expect to find musical instruments at a used bookstore, but Bookmans Phoenix consistently surprises shoppers with a rotating selection of pre-owned instruments. Guitars, keyboards, and other gear have all been spotted by visitors who came in expecting only books and left with something they could actually play.
One reviewer who visited with her daughter was delighted by the instrument section, calling it one of the features that proved Bookmans had “stepped up their game” beyond just books. The condition and variety of instruments change regularly depending on what people trade in, so each visit can bring something new and unexpected.
For beginner musicians or hobbyists looking to try something new without spending big, the instrument section at Bookmans offers a low-pressure way to explore. You might just find the guitar you always wanted at a price that actually fits your budget.
Board Games and Puzzles for Family Fun
Board game fans will feel right at home browsing the games section at Bookmans Phoenix, which carries both new and used titles across a wide range of styles and difficulty levels. Strategy games, party games, classic favorites, and hard-to-find editions all show up on these shelves.
It is the kind of section that makes you want to host a game night the very same evening.
Puzzles are also available, though a few customers have noted that puzzle prices can feel a bit steep compared to what you might expect for used items. Still, the selection is strong enough to make browsing worthwhile, especially if you are looking for something specific or unusual.
One enthusiastic reviewer specifically called out the board game section as a major highlight of their visit, saying it was a primary reason they walked in the door. For families looking for screen-free entertainment options, this section is genuinely worth the stop.
Collectibles and Funko Pops Galore
Collectors of all kinds will find plenty to get excited about at Bookmans Phoenix. Funko Pops, collectible pins, jewelry, keychains, and various pop culture memorabilia are scattered throughout the store, making it a treasure hunt for anyone with an eye for unique finds.
Prices on collectibles are generally affordable, with one shopper scoring a keychain, three sets of earrings, and a pin for just $32 total.
The collectibles section adds a fun, unpredictable energy to the shopping experience. Since inventory comes from customer trade-ins, what you find today might be completely different from what shows up next week.
That rotating stock keeps regulars coming back to see what has newly arrived on the shelves.
Funko Pop collectors in particular will appreciate having a dedicated spot to browse without paying premium retail prices. Finding a figure you have been hunting for at a bargain price feels like a genuine victory at Bookmans.
DVDs and Movies for Film Enthusiasts
Movie lovers browsing Bookmans Phoenix will find a well-stocked DVD section that covers everything from blockbuster hits to obscure indie films. The selection spans genres and eras, making it a genuinely satisfying browse for film fans of any taste.
Used DVDs are among the more affordable picks in the store, so stocking up on favorites is easy on the wallet.
Several reviewers specifically mentioned DVDs as part of what makes Bookmans such a well-rounded entertainment stop. Pairing a great used book with a classic film on DVD makes for a perfect low-key weekend without spending much at all.
The variety tends to reflect what the local community has traded in, giving the selection a nicely eclectic feel.
For families, the DVD section is a practical way to build a home movie library without streaming subscriptions. Browsing physical media has a nostalgic charm that digital platforms simply cannot replicate, and Bookmans keeps that tradition alive.
The Trade-In System That Keeps Things Fresh
One of the most beloved features at Bookmans Phoenix is the trade-in program, which lets customers bring in used books, games, music, instruments, and more in exchange for store credit or cash. Store credit consistently offers a higher payout than cash — typically about double — making it the smarter choice for regular shoppers who plan to keep buying.
The process is straightforward: bring in your items, wait for the evaluation, and walk away with credit you can spend right there in the store. One customer traded two large totes of items and received store credit for about 80% of what she brought in, which she considered a great outcome.
Experiences can vary based on what the store currently needs in stock.
Cash is always an option if store credit does not appeal to you, though you will receive roughly half of what credit would offer. Either way, the trade-in system is a smart way to fund new discoveries without spending extra.
Knick-Knacks and Home Decor Finds
Beyond books and entertainment media, Bookmans Phoenix carries a surprisingly large assortment of home decor and random oddities that make browsing endlessly entertaining. Cups, bowls, figurines, decorative pieces, and various knick-knacks fill a back section of the store dedicated entirely to these kinds of finds.
It is the sort of section where you go in looking for nothing specific and leave with three things you absolutely had to have.
Reviewers have described this part of the store as both delightful and a little overwhelming — in a good way. Items are tucked alongside books on shelves throughout the store as well, meaning surprises pop up even when you are just browsing fiction or history.
That unpredictability is a big part of what makes Bookmans so fun to wander through.
Whether you are decorating a new apartment or just love quirky vintage pieces, the home goods section adds a whole extra layer of discovery to your visit at Bookmans Phoenix.
A Children’s Section That Inspires Young Readers
Parents visiting Bookmans Phoenix will be happy to know that kids are very much welcome here. The dedicated children’s section is stocked with picture books, chapter books, educational resources, and toys designed to spark curiosity and a genuine love of reading from an early age.
It is a warm, inviting corner of the store that makes the whole family feel included.
One long-time reviewer shared that Bookmans became a wonderful alternative to the library for her and her daughter, offering the joy of ownership alongside the thrill of discovery. Prices in the children’s section are generally affordable, making it easy to let kids pick out a few books without worrying too much about the total.
Bookmans also welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs inside the store, which means the whole family — furry members included — can enjoy a leisurely browse together. Few bookstores can claim that kind of all-inclusive atmosphere.
Friendly Staff That Actually Helps
A great store is only as good as the people working in it, and Bookmans Phoenix consistently earns praise for its warm and helpful staff. Reviewers across hundreds of visits have highlighted how approachable and knowledgeable the team is, whether helping locate a specific title or guiding someone through their first trade-in.
The friendly energy in the store makes browsing feel relaxed and genuinely enjoyable.
One visitor was particularly impressed when staff used the store speaker system to redirect available employees to help customers — a small detail that shows real commitment to service. Cashiers often strike up genuine conversations at checkout, leaving shoppers feeling like valued regulars rather than just transactions.
For teachers, there is even a special discount available to those who qualify, which is a thoughtful touch that reflects the store’s community-minded values. Bookmans clearly sees itself as more than a retail shop — it is a neighborhood gathering place.
Store Hours and Practical Visitor Tips
Planning a trip to Bookmans Phoenix is easy once you know the basics. The store is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday running until 9 PM.
That extra hour on weekends gives you even more time to explore without feeling rushed. The address is 8034 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021, and parking in the shopping center is plentiful and free.
First-time visitors should budget at least two to three hours for a proper browse — many reviewers have spent entire afternoons here without covering everything. Bringing a list of what you are looking for helps, but leaving room for spontaneous finds is half the fun.
Cash and card are both accepted, and store credit from trade-ins is tax-free.
You can reach the store at 602-433-0255 or visit bookmans.com to learn more before your trip. Going on a weekday morning tends to mean fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience overall.