Tucked away at 8034 N 19th Ave in Phoenix, Arizona, Bookmans Phoenix Entertainment Exchange is the kind of store that makes you lose track of time in the best possible way. With over 6,900 five-star reviews and a massive selection of books, music, games, instruments, and collectibles, this beloved local spot proves you do not need a huge budget to walk out happy.
For just $45, you can fill your arms with treasures most shoppers would never expect to find under one roof. Whether you are a bookworm, a gamer, or just someone who loves a good bargain hunt, Bookmans Phoenix delivers an experience worth every penny.
Used Books at Unbeatable Prices
Walking into the book section at Bookmans Phoenix feels like stepping into a reader’s paradise. Shelves stretch in every direction, packed with used paperbacks, hardcovers, and everything in between.
One shopper found “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” for just $7, and deals like that are everywhere.
The store carries nearly every genre you can think of, from mystery and romance to science fiction and self-help. There is even a dedicated LGBTQ section that is larger than most used bookstores in the entire state.
Browsing leisurely through the aisles is genuinely enjoyable, not overwhelming.
With $45 in your pocket, you could easily walk out with five or six quality used books. Stick to the used section for the best value, since some new books are priced higher than retail.
Used books here are where the real magic happens.
Video Games and Gaming Systems
Bookmans Phoenix has a solid video game section that keeps gamers coming back regularly. From classic retro titles to more recent releases, the shelves hold a rotating selection of games across multiple platforms.
One reviewer was thrilled to snag a Nintendo Switch game during their very first visit.
Gaming systems are also available, and customers love browsing for older consoles that are hard to find in mainstream stores. Prices on used games can vary, so it pays to check a few times if you have something specific in mind.
The inventory changes constantly based on trade-ins.
With $45, you might score two or three used games depending on the titles available that day. The trade-in program also means you can swap games you have already finished for store credit toward new ones.
It is a smart cycle for any gaming fan.
Board Games and Puzzles
Board game enthusiasts will feel right at home browsing Bookmans Phoenix. The store carries a decent collection of both new and used board games across a wide range of styles, from family-friendly classics to complex strategy games.
Puzzles are also part of the mix, though some shoppers have noted they can run a little pricey.
Finding a lesser-known or out-of-print game here is genuinely exciting. Because inventory shifts with every trade-in, each visit can reveal something completely different on the shelves.
That unpredictability is part of what makes browsing so fun.
A $45 budget could land you one solid board game or a couple of puzzles depending on the selection that day. Families looking for weekend entertainment on a budget will appreciate the variety available.
Checking back frequently is a great strategy since new items arrive all the time through customer trades.
CDs, DVDs, and Records
Music lovers and movie fans have plenty to celebrate at Bookmans Phoenix. The store features a bigger CD section, a small but curated vinyl records area, and a solid DVD collection that covers everything from cult classics to mainstream hits.
Whether you prefer current artists or throwbacks, there is something waiting for you here.
Flipping through vinyl records has a nostalgic charm that streaming simply cannot replicate. The CD section is especially generous in size, making it easy to discover albums you forgot you loved.
DVD prices tend to be very reasonable, making it simple to build a home movie collection without spending a fortune.
With $45, you could grab a stack of DVDs, a handful of CDs, and maybe even a record or two. That kind of variety for that price point is genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the Phoenix area.
Musical Instruments
One of the most surprising sections at Bookmans Phoenix is the musical instruments area. Guitars, ukuleles, and other instruments show up regularly thanks to the store’s trade-in program.
For beginner musicians or hobbyists, this can be an incredible place to find a starter instrument without the steep price tag of buying new.
Reviewers frequently mention being pleasantly surprised by the quality of instruments available. Staff members are happy to help point you toward what fits your skill level and budget.
The selection changes based on what customers bring in, so availability shifts from week to week.
Depending on what is in stock, $45 might cover a basic ukulele or a set of accessories for a guitar you already own. Even if instruments are outside your budget today, they are absolutely worth browsing.
Seeing a well-loved guitar find a new home is part of the Bookmans charm.
Jewelry and Accessories
Jewelry might not be the first thing you expect to find at a bookstore, but Bookmans Phoenix surprises on that front too. One reviewer excitedly shared that she picked up a keychain, three sets of earrings, and a pin for just $32.
That kind of deal is exactly what makes this store so addictive to browse.
The jewelry section includes everything from quirky statement pieces to more classic styles. Pins, buttons, and accessories also line the shelves, giving shoppers a chance to express their personality without spending a lot.
Prices are generally very reasonable compared to boutique shops.
With $45, you could easily build a small collection of unique jewelry pieces and still have money left over for something else in the store. Shoppers who love one-of-a-kind accessories tend to leave especially happy.
It is one of those sections where patience and a sharp eye pay off big.
Collectibles and Funko Pops
Collectors will want to carve out extra time for the collectibles section at Bookmans Phoenix. Funko Pops, collectible pins, and various pop culture memorabilia line the shelves in eye-catching displays.
The rotating inventory means you never quite know what rare or beloved figure might be waiting for you.
Finding a Funko Pop of a favorite character at a secondhand price feels like a small victory every time. The store takes great care in presenting these items attractively, making the browsing experience feel curated rather than chaotic.
Staff members are knowledgeable and helpful if you are searching for something specific.
A $45 budget could snag you three to five Funko Pops depending on the titles available. Serious collectors sometimes find discontinued or hard-to-find figures here at prices well below what online resellers charge.
Visiting regularly is the best strategy for scoring the most exciting finds.
Children’s Books and Educational Resources
Parents looking for affordable ways to build a home library for their kids will appreciate the dedicated children’s section at Bookmans Phoenix. Picture books, chapter books, educational workbooks, and even some toys are tucked into this cheerful corner of the store.
It is a great place to foster a love of reading without stretching the family budget.
The selection covers a wide age range, from toddler board books all the way up to middle-grade novels. Prices on used children’s books are often extremely low, meaning a $45 budget can go surprisingly far in this section alone.
Many families make regular visits part of their monthly routine.
Beyond just books, the children’s area occasionally features educational games and puzzles that make learning feel like play. One longtime reviewer shared that the store helped spark her daughter’s love of reading.
That kind of impact is hard to put a price on.
Home Decor and Knick-Knacks
Bookmans Phoenix is not just a bookstore in the traditional sense. Tucked in the back of the store is a section filled with all kinds of home decor, including cups, bowls, decorative figurines, and quirky trinkets that are hard to categorize but impossible to ignore.
It is the kind of section that pulls you in even when you were not planning to shop for decor.
Prices on these items vary quite a bit, and sharp shoppers can find genuine bargains mixed in with higher-priced pieces. The eclectic mix reflects the randomness of what customers bring in to trade, which means every visit looks different.
That unpredictability is genuinely part of the fun.
With $45, you could pick up several decorative pieces to freshen up a shelf or a desk. Shoppers who enjoy thrifting and treasure hunting will feel right at home here.
Sometimes the most unexpected corner of the store holds the best surprises.
The Trade-In Program
One of the most talked-about features at Bookmans Phoenix is the trade-in program. Customers can bring in used books, games, music, instruments, and more in exchange for store credit or cash.
Store credit is typically worth about double what the cash option offers, making it the smarter choice for anyone planning to keep shopping.
The process is straightforward: bring in your items, let the staff evaluate them based on condition and current demand, and then decide between cash or credit. Some shoppers have reported receiving generous offers, while others found the valuation lower than expected depending on what the store currently needs.
Condition matters a lot.
One reviewer traded in two large totes of items and was happy to receive credit for 80 percent of what she brought. Using trade credit is also tax-free, which is a nice bonus.
It is a smart way to stretch your $45 even further.
The Dog-Friendly Shopping Experience
Here is a detail that genuinely sets Bookmans Phoenix apart from most bookstores: well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome inside. For pet owners who hate leaving their furry companions in a hot car on a Phoenix summer day, this policy is a total game-changer.
Browsing the shelves is simply better with your dog by your side.
Reviewers have specifically called out this perk as one of the reasons they keep coming back. The store is spacious enough that even larger dogs can navigate the aisles comfortably without causing disruption.
Staff members are friendly toward four-legged visitors just as much as their human companions.
Making a morning trip to Bookmans a regular outing for you and your dog is a genuinely enjoyable routine to build. The store opens at 9 AM every day, which is perfect for a cool early browse before the Arizona heat kicks in.
Few bookstores in the state can say the same.
Teacher Discounts and Community Perks
Bookmans Phoenix goes beyond just selling stuff. The store offers a teacher discount for qualifying educators, which is a meaningful gesture toward the community that does not go unnoticed.
Reviewers who have benefited from this perk mention it as one of the reasons they feel good about spending money here instead of at a big chain.
Supporting a local Arizona business while also getting a discount is a win on multiple levels. The staff is consistently praised for being friendly, conversational, and genuinely helpful rather than just transactional.
Cashiers take a moment to chat, which gives the whole experience a warm neighborhood-shop feel.
For teachers working with limited classroom budgets, $45 in store credit goes even further with a discount applied. Finding affordable books, educational games, and supplies for a classroom through a trade-in plus discount combo is a genuinely smart strategy.
Bookmans makes giving back feel natural and effortless.
The Overall Store Experience and Layout
Spending time at Bookmans Phoenix is an experience in itself, not just a shopping trip. The store is enormous, and while that can feel a little maze-like at first, most visitors quickly settle into a comfortable browsing rhythm.
Reviewers have compared it to an adult Disneyland, and that description is not far off.
The store is clean, well-lit, and carefully arranged despite its massive size. Bathrooms are notably spotless, which is always a good sign for a large retail space.
Parking is easy thanks to the shopping center layout, and the hours are generous, running from 9 AM to 8 PM most days and until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Whether you have $45 or just an hour to kill, Bookmans Phoenix rewards curious shoppers who take their time. Going in without a strict shopping list is often the best approach.
You will almost certainly leave with something you did not know you needed.
How to Find Us
Finding Bookmans is easier than you might think, and once you know where to look, you will want to visit every single location. Bookmans has multiple stores across Arizona, including spots in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Flagstaff.
Each location is easy to find with a quick Google Maps search for “Bookmans near me.”
Store hours are generally generous, making it simple to pop in after school or on a weekend afternoon. Their website at bookmans.com lists every address, phone number, and current store hours.
You can even check out their social media pages for announcements about special sales or community events happening nearby.