$5 or Less Bookstore

What used bookstores ought to be. The staff are extremely helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. Last time I visited, they were not using an electronic inventory, but it didn’t matter; they are all remarkably familiar with their stock, so they can help you find just what you’re looking for (or something close). They do have a good selection, great prices, and they decorate for the seasons, but in a bookish way. (Example: a beautiful Christmas tree made out of books.) I highly recommend this place, but only go in if you have time; it’s so much fun to browse.

Today’s haul:
Nine books. Cover price WITHOUT TAX: $ 156.81
Amazon price, without tax or shipping: $ 105.73
$ 5 or less bookstore price, all together: $ 32
This place is incredible; a real treasure trove for people who have the insatiable need to read but don’t want to spend a fortune.
The only thing that knocked the store down a star was the fact that it is just like an outlet store — you may not find what you go there looking for, but you will inevitably leave with 5 (or more!) books you didn’t know you wanted. If you are looking for a newer title, this is not the place to go. These books are previously owned but in stellar condition.
I’ll be back!

Every visit to this store is a treasure hunt. I usually go in looking for something specific, but quickly discover so many other things I never knew I wanted. And, prices are so reasonable here I never have to pick and choose. For once, I really can have it all.

My new favorite bookstore! Last night I bought two new (to me) books… total price including taxes… $ 2.15 ! I almost wanted to give them more $$ to make sure they stay in business. I plan to donate all my used books to them in the future.

Great deals on books! The also buy books, CDs and DVDs… quaint atmosphere-​also have entertainment on certain days music, singers, ect… I LOVE this place!

This used bookstore is a real find. You can find some of the old best sellers for a low price, I’ve found books here that are still $ 10-​$ 12 on Kindle for $ 2 or 3. If you don’t mind picking up a book once a while, this is a good bookstore.

This store is UN-​REAL. I love this place, it is essentially my home. I’ve bought all my books from here since I’ve realized it was here (since I live in T.O. — it’s worth the drive). I’ve found absolute gems of books for less than 5 bucks, sometimes for just one dollar! The service is friendly and the music is always on point (Billie holiday today, death cab for cutie last time I went), I would recommend this to literally anyone in the Western Hemisphere. It’s worth the drive.

I love this store. We are so blessed in Simi Valley to have it. They don’t have every book out there, they are all used so the selection varies. But I can always find something good. They also have cd’s and dvd’s which I like to buy too. I can’t walk out of there with out at least 3 books, more like 4 or 5. I have also sold books to them (to make room for more books). I enjoy every visit here :0)

Solid book store in central Simi Valley.
Great selection for a dollar store. Affordable prices ($ 2-​$ 5).
Clean facility, plenty of parking. Safe area.
The staff was very friendly. I saw them helping several people locate the books they were looking for.
Perfect stop if you’re looking for some books (new and old) and want to save some cash.
4 stars!

This book store is great! It has a wide selection on a lot of genres from fiction, religion, classics, self help, science fiction, travel and almost anything else.
It obviously does not carry new releases but if you are looking for an older book at a decent price they may very well have it. I went in looking for Milton’s Paradise Lost and didnt find it but they get new stuff in all the time so I will be back to look for it.
It is also very organized. One of the main turnoffs of going into old bookstores is their lack of order but this one is very orderly. I highly recommend it

You could probably find any popular book in here that’s been published more than two years ago. I usual come in here about once or twice a week to pick up some fiction to read in my spare time, find a pregnancy or childcare book or two. They have a lot of DVDs and CDs, but are pretty short on things like puzzles. I definitely recommend this place if you have kids because it definitely beats running to the library all of the time and your kids will have a nice book collection of their own that they can go back and read whenever they want without breaking your bank like most bookstores.

Today was Harry Potters birthday celebration and they were giving away a bag of free books (you get to pick the books!) they had face painting, a magician and even tarot reading cards tonight. Love the Layout and staff! Definitely going back!

I love this place! They have a huge selection and their prices are unbelievably reasonable. It really is 5 dollars or less and they have so many options to choose from. Love this place!

The place is great. You can find so much and I do love supporting local businesses. The place is nice and always full of people. I also sold a bunch of books recently and amount of money they give you is great and you usually get double that if you want to turn it into store credit.

Dope bookstore .
After a failed workout attempt and a bank errand, I spotted this place with my peripheral. I was like $ 5 or less? must check it out.
The store itself is pretty big and has ample amount of selection. Books are divided into genres and they also have a huge selection of graphic novels and old comic books (albeit hand-​me-​downs and whatnot). I had a good time looking through old comic books and saw some really cool ones (vintage Spiderman comic, Fantastic Four, etc).
They also have a collection of vinyl, CDs, and DVDs for sale. Saw some great old vinyls and felt über hipster. The service here is also pretty damn awesome. The worker looked for a book with me for like 10 minutes.
They also have good background music inside the store. I think this is a must visit for any book lovers/​readers.

I love all their locations – Valencia, Northridge, Woodland Hills, and this one. I always purchase so much every time I go to one of their stores because they are so well organized, clean, with a great selection, and most importantly, they have cheap prices. Staff is friendly as well.
They are having a 50% off sale and I had to go twice today because I just couldn’t
resist. This is by far my favorite location and I can’t wait to visit their new location.
I bought about 15 books for $ 30 bucks – history, memoirs, classics, and historical fiction. You must go if you like books and a hella good bargain.

Greed level rising — I repeat the greed level is rising.
While still a comparative bargain to retail chains, this store’s offerings have noticeably crept up by at least a buck a book. Also, forget about finding records here. They are either thoroughly scraped through by the staff and guide priced.
What once was an armload now fits between the thumb and pointer neatly.
/​/​EDIT
I read a review below which stated that this place is an outlet for American Book Drive. So I did some digging.
American Book Drive does not appear to be a registered fundraiser with the state Attorney General. I’m not sure they need to be but the search came up nil.
ABD shares an address and telephone number with Schwabe Books. There is no mention of them on the ABD site. But there is in an older version. (see below) There is no mention of ABD on the Five Dollar site.
There is nothing nefarious about three businesses seemingly owned by the same people operating at arms length of each other. It’s simply interesting to know who you are dealing with and how they do what they do.
Given that they get their supply for free and keep 75% of what they sell for according to their website
you’d think they would be able to not raise prices and in fact, lower them.
From an older version of
:
«About American Book Drive
American Book Drive is a campaign that raises money for organizations, while finding new homes for old books, CDs & DVDs. We work with schools, religious groups, libraries and non-​profit organizations nationwide. Based in Southern California, we do our best to support the local economy by practicing methods that help to reduce, reuse, recycle, salvaging tens of thousands of books from going unused or dumped into landfills every year. Instead, books are resold through 20 online-​marketplaces, at festivals, book fairs or our $ 5 or Less Book Store. We are very conscious about the environment, if we determine that a book does not meet our criteria or cannot be reused due to its condition, we properly recycle them. Our streamlined process of collecting, sorting and reselling books allows us to offer the most money for books and digital media.
Schwabe Books has been buying and selling new, used, rare and collectable books since 1990. Schwabe studied business and finance at USC and got a taste of the book business from his father. They traveled all over the country doing niche shows; selling books about cars at auto shows, books about aviation at air shows and books about gardening at home shows. Schwabe Books specializes in selling books at discount to schools looking to bolster their libraries. The Internet accounts for a majority of our sales but Book Fairs have helped us develop strong relationships with schools and libraries all over the country. Our Book Fairs have raised money for PTAs nationwide and it was only natural to offer our fundraising service to other organizations.
Our Book Drives can be customized to meet your needs. The event can run as long as the organization is willing to accept books, however we recommend at least 14 days. All collection containers, marketing and promotion material needed for a successful book drive are provided by ABD. We advertize your event in the local paper, handle all logistics, cover all shipping costs and provide a FREE in-​home pick-​up service for patrons donating over 200 books. Our representative will schedule an appointment to box up, pick up and deliver all donated books to the collection location.
We often hear that our program is „too good to be true.“ There are no service agreements (unless requested), sign-​up fees, monthly fees or one-​time fees. We understand the budget constraints many organizations are facing. Other than taking time to reach your community and properly box the books, there are NO costs associated with having an American Book Drive.»

”

This store is a great concept! I have still yet to find a book I could actually use.
I’d say great for kids and if you just read a lot. But good luck if you are looking for something specific.

This surprisingly large bookstore holds the key to my heart and soul (definitely not a nerd *coughcough*).
Hours easily slip through my fingers as I eagerly peruse the back cover of as many books as my mortal eyes can handle. This is serious book porn for all you book lovers. The aisles are filled with a gargantuan and thorough selection of books (fiction, non-​fiction, comic books, children’s books, self help books, etc.) as well as three or four aisles solely dedicated to DVDs and CDs.
Words can’t describe my adoration for this place. And the fact that everything I get is usually $ 1-​$ 3 each – rarely $ 5 – consoles my feeble heart when I end up spending $ 40-​$ 50. I just can’t help myself. Us Moorpark and Simi Valleyans have been blessed by the literary gods with this little gem of a bookstore.
Friendly staff, unbeatable prices, books galore = this magical place.

This place is TERRIBLE. DO NOT GO HERE. I truly would rather not see anyone in this store. you should never visit.
(Unless you love reading, find gems in books, engage in a variety of interests, are passionate about learning, and love great service)
No seriously, this is my Happy Place. Please do not disturb.
I was dragged in here. I did not want to go in a stinky second hand store. I think, however, I was there for 2 hours and bought something like 40 books for under $ 100. They were not stinky! Brad was a great helper and found me all sorts of things I am into. They also offer a teacher discount and a senior discount on wednesdays of 20% off. Really amazing selection at simply ridiculous prices. I am set for the year now!
some stock: umberto eco, richard feyman, susan orlean, john updike, barbara kingsolver, gore vidal, bill mckibben, gabriel garcia marquez, jane austen — history, art, science, military, landscaping, fiction, children’s, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc I can not rave enough about this place, it’s a few hours later and I am still buzzing with delight at my finds! I have a hard time writing about my favorites, this place, guido marcello in SM, wades wines… these are my favorite finds and hard to share. but i guess if you like it too, then what comes around goes around, and you will also share your favorites with me. right? thats how it works?