Frequently Asked Questions
Does Books at a Fifth pay cash for books?
No. We are a small store and we don’t have the capital for that service.
So, how do you get your books?
We accept book Donations or you can trade for Store Credit.
What is Store Credit?
Store Credit is a little bit like having a gift card, but you earn it by bringing in books.
Store Credit is calculated at a rate of one-half our price for the book. For example: if we think we can sell your book for $4, you will receive $2 in store credit.
[Store Credit amounts of less than $5 must be spent at the time of your visit. Store Credit amounts of greater than $5 may be stored on an in-store account file to be used on a future date.]
You can spend Store Credit on 98% of the books in the shop - exceptions are clearly marked with the word "Cash" written on the sticker or by the bar code.
What type of books do you take?
We are looking for interesting books in good condition.
It is easiest to explain what we do not take:
PHYSICAL CONDITION - We do NOT take books that are wet, moldy, mildewed, worm eaten, covered in dirt or grass clippings, water damaged, used as gum wrappers, chewed on by dogs/kids/mice, or missing the front cover.
BOOK CONTENT - We do NOT take Reader's Digest Condensed Books, outdated text books, magazines, computer books, or most Encyclopedias (We will accept the 1911 or older Encyclopaedia Britannica).
If you have a lot of one type of book and want to know if we take it before you haul them all in, please leave a comment on this website under "contact us" or bring a sample into our store location to the person behind the counter.
Do you have a play area for children?
No we do not. We have a small store and use all the space we have to showcase our wide selection of books.
Unsupervised or undisciplined children can wreak havoc in a book store. Particularly when parents allow them to play with the books as if they are toys. Unfortunately, they are not. Books can be damaged when young children attempt to replace a book carelessly. When books get pushed to the back of the units (a favorite with the immature) it creates frustration and wastes time when we have to realign the books.
If you would like some tips or advise on how to encourage your child’s cooperation, we have a well-stocked parenting section that may be helpful. If you have a favorite parenting book and wish to share it with others, feel free to bring yours it in today!
Do you have books in the back room?
No, unfortunately we don't have a magic portal where we can go fetch books. What you see on our shelves is what we have. We are a small bookstore and work hard to keep books flowing out as fast as they flow in.
The door at the back of our store is a tiny broom closet where we keep our cleaning supplies, empty boxes, and a young wizard we are trying to purge of all magical powers. Please ignore him.
No, unfortunately we don't have a magic portal where we can go fetch books. What you see on our shelves is what we have. We are a small bookstore and work hard to keep books flowing out as fast as they flow in.
The door at the back of our store is a tiny broom closet where we keep our cleaning supplies, empty boxes, and a young wizard we are trying to purge of all magical powers. Please ignore him.
Do you have a Rest Room?
Sadly, no. The nearest public restroom is at Hornbacher’s, which is right across the parking lot. Their rest rooms are to the left on the far side of the customer service desk.
Sadly, no. The nearest public restroom is at Hornbacher’s, which is right across the parking lot. Their rest rooms are to the left on the far side of the customer service desk.
Can you look up a book for me?
Well... Yes and No.
Yes, when you come into our store with the title of the book and the author's last name, we can check our shelves for you. We organize our books by Genre, then Author's Last Name, then by Title. This makes checking for your book on our shelves very easy.
No, we do not have a phone on store premises for you to call and ask. Nor do we have a computer catalogue system for our books - this is because we do not have a bar-code system in place.
Instead, we work hard to keep our books organized. If you know the title of the book and the author’s name, we can check our shelves for you. Depending on what you remember, we may be able to use google to look up the information for you.
Well... Yes and No.
Yes, when you come into our store with the title of the book and the author's last name, we can check our shelves for you. We organize our books by Genre, then Author's Last Name, then by Title. This makes checking for your book on our shelves very easy.
No, we do not have a phone on store premises for you to call and ask. Nor do we have a computer catalogue system for our books - this is because we do not have a bar-code system in place.
Instead, we work hard to keep our books organized. If you know the title of the book and the author’s name, we can check our shelves for you. Depending on what you remember, we may be able to use google to look up the information for you.
Do you take cards?
Yes. We use a company called Square Reader. In order to cover the fee that Square Reader charges on each transaction, there will be a $1 "service charge" or "convenience fee" added to each purchase paid for by debit or credit card.
Square Reader operates by plugging a small white card reader into a smart phone, typing in your purchase total, and swiping the card.
Square Reader accepts the following cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover.
Cash or Check are accepted at no additional charge.
Yes. We use a company called Square Reader. In order to cover the fee that Square Reader charges on each transaction, there will be a $1 "service charge" or "convenience fee" added to each purchase paid for by debit or credit card.
Square Reader operates by plugging a small white card reader into a smart phone, typing in your purchase total, and swiping the card.
Square Reader accepts the following cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover.
Cash or Check are accepted at no additional charge.
