Firehouse Books

Short Version: This is an amazing little bookstore, and you’ll be hard-​pressed to find better prices on used books much of anywhere else in town (short of thrift stores that have virtually no selection). The staff was friendly, the books are in fantastic shape, and it’s really easy to find what you’re looking for.
Long Version:
I usually try to avoid used bookstores because I find that most stores charge way more than I think is fair for a «used» book — especially if I could get them for «free» t the Library or purchase them online for less than $ 5 per book. However, a friend convinced me to go to Firehouse Books, and I’m glad they did!
First off, this place has a HUGE selection. Lots and lots of books to choose from. The new bookstore in town (BAM) dwarfs them by a lot, but when it comes to used books, you aren’t going to find a better selection anywhere else in town. They have video game guides, roleplaying game guides, lots of historical books, tons of romance and western novels, a huge selection of fantasy/​sci-​fi books, lots of books based off of TV series (Doctor Who, etc.), self-​help and psychological books, biographical, art and nature books, tons of science books, lots of classic books, and an ENTIRE area of children’s books. There’s also a tiny café here with some tables and chairs but it didn’t seem to be open when we came here.
If that wasn’t enough, the books are very affordable! Most of the softcover books are $ 3 or $ 3.50. Some of the larger guides/​books were up at $ 6 or $ 7 (that retailed at $ 30 or so), but I didn’t see anything over $ 7. Some of the books were in absolutely pristine condition, and my friend and I were remarking that it seemed sad that some of the books didn’t even have spine creases (so you could tell they were never read). (We find it sad when people don’t read good books, but at least they’re getting a second chance at life here at Firehouse Books!)
The bathrooms are pretty clean as well. They took credit cards at checkout (though not a Discover card). Store has its own dedicated parking lot, but it’s right next to a lot of businesses on Lincoln Way, so you could pretty easily walk here from Main street or other areas of parking.
Books themselves were very well-​organized. There weren’t any books just lying around on top of shelves. All were put away neatly and organized. However, there were some piles of books that looked like they needed to go into the system sitting around. It gave the place a «small business» feel to it — it didn’t feel like it was cluttering or in the way, but it was noticeable.
Staff was very friendly and offered to help us find any particular books we were looking for, but as he also seemed busy and works in a bookstore, he also seemed to understand the priority of just letting people browse and look without being bothered. Very quiet place here in Firehouse books.
Definitely worth going to. I’ll be coming back again.