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Best Used Bookstores In Minnesota

April 6, 2015 / 7:00 AM CDT / CBS Minnesota

Have you always been fascinated by a good story and anxious to recommend the last book they read to anyone who will listen? While digital devices have reduced the purchase of new books in their paper form, used books retain their popularity as a cheaper option than even the digital versions of books. In Minnesota, used book stores are easy to find and often a great way to recycle some books you may have lying around the house. Most used book stores sell and buy only books in good condition, and even pay or give credit for those bringing in books of their own. Take a drive to these used book stores for your next great story.

Midway Books
1579 University Ave. W
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 644-7605
www.midwaybook.com

One of the best places to spend an entire afternoon and come home with an armful of treasures is at the Midway Bookstore. Specializing in vintage and rare books, Midway Books has been a wealth of literature in the Twin Cities for well over 50 years. They carry the written word in all forms, from comic books to old magazines, to classic text. Browse through shelves of books you never knew you had to have and find something different every time you go. Midway also buys collections and helps collectors find the missing pieces of their library. Helpful staff and enthusiastic bibliophiles await your visit!

Once Upon A Crime
604 W 26th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 870-3785
www.onceuponacrimebooks.com

Anyone with a fetish or even a small interest in crime fiction will love this bookstore. The owners are more like curators of a fantastic museum filled with anything readable that pertains to crime, mystery, and thrillers. While the stock is tremendous, the store is very well organized and your next great read is easy to find. Check out rare and used copies of classics that range from Sherlock Holmes to more modern mysteries from obscure but great writers. The schedule of events is packed with signings and visits from crime writers and Once Upon A Crime remains a favorite used bookstore for many Minnesotans.

Sixth Chamber Used Books
1332 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 690-9463
www.sixthchamber.com

The most-loved stop on the drive down St. Paul's Grand Avenue, Sixth Chamber Used Books carries books for every age and every type of person. Their selection of children's books encourages young readers to keep reading old favorites and discover some new stories as well. Sixth Chamber also carries fun novelties and classic toys to accompany a neat and orderly selection of well-cared for used books. Find everything from cookbooks to academic textbooks or any other kind of book you may be searching for. Ask a helpful employee for a reading suggestion or just grab something that looks interesting.

Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore
2864 Chicago Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 824-6347
www.unclehugo.com

Anyone who enjoys a great sci-fi story must check out Uncle Hugo's. The shop is crowded with an almost unreal collection of probably every science fiction book ever written. Literally bursting at the seams from the amount of stock in Uncle Hugo's, sci-fi nerds and casual readers won't be able to resist picking up a new read. The oldest science fiction bookstore in America, Uncle Hugo's is a cult favorite in Minneapolis. Check out the back of the store, where Uncle Edgar has his own collection of mystery literature.

Kat's Book Nook
750 Paul Bunyan Drive N.W.
Bemidji, MN 56601
(218) 497-1011
www.katsbooknook.net

Head out to Bemidji, Minnesota for the day to find your next favorite book. Kat's Book Nook is not only a bookstore that features used books with that "new book" feel, but it is also the home to many foster cats from the local humane society. Enjoy browsing the aisles with feline friends and relax with a kitten on your lap as you take in a chapter or two. Trade in your own used books for store credit and find exactly what you're looking for in this well-organized and unique independent bookstore.

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.