The BooKnack

I’m crazy about books. Have been all my life. I enjoy all varieties and genres and I like to read and reread them over and over. For years I had a collection of books that filled up a bedroom and a half. Then I had to move and sold or donated hundreds of titles. Fortunately I was able to free up some space. Unfortunately, I started buying back titles and starting the process all over again. I’ve tried digital e-​books, but I’m still not sold – although I have over a hundred titles of these as well. I just love the feel of paper.
I found this place after an exhaustive search online. I’d tried out several establishments in and around Charlotte, but the sections weren’t all that good and on repeat visits the titles were usually pretty stagnant. While I like to sit and enjoy a coffee and read at Julia’s Café and Book on N. Wendover more, I’d drive the extra 20 minutes to devour the awesome selection they have at Booknack.
Booknack has it all. They have more categories, more copies, and more of everything. The thing about that is if they don’t have it, it probably isn’t available locally and needs to be purchased online. The bad news about having more of everything is you get real cross-​eyed just taking in the enormity of the place.
Generally I won’t venture to Booknack without a game plan. I make a list of the books I am looking for as well as others that I’d like to replace. When I arrive I usually pass by the staff who, when not working the stacks are positioned at the front entrance, and I head to the sections I need to attack. Finding the sections isn’t always that easy because of the meandering layout, side rooms, and nooks, but once you do, it’s pretty easy to locate what you’re looking for.
Perhaps the best aspect of Booknack is how often their titles turnover: especially in certain genres. I’ve found their History section to be very dynamic. You can visit every few weeks and find new titles without fail. I like to buy books about a few select topics and to date I have found something everyone I’ve walked in the door. I suppose not all the generes changeover as much, but I haven’t seen that happen in the areas I’ve visited.
Overall, their prices are pretty decent. Because they do a lot of online business, this is a great place to visit. Get the book now at a great price and avoid the shipping. Like I said, it’s the enormity of the place that is the only challenge. Very hard to wrap your mind around what they have because of the snaking setup – regardless it’s still the best around here.
I say this place is a solid 4.5. Wish it was easier to track down the books, but I’m a happy camper when I do.
Kudos

Their credit system makes perfect sense. If you give them book you get credit for other used books. Let’s say you turn in $ 50 worth of books, you’ll get a credit slip that says $ 50. You pick out that amount of used books and instead of paying that $ 50 you pay $ 25 instead.
It’s a great deal. If you want actual money for the books you are trying to give away, consider selling online.
They have a great selection ranging from antique to new releases and everything is organized nicely and books are easy to find.

Great book, great customer service maybe faster shipping. Thanks

I bought the wrong book from the BooKnack through Amazon. Following their return instructions I returned it. That was two months ago and there is still no credit to my account! I just tried calling. When I select the department I am put on hold but disconnected a minute later. I emailed them through Amazon. Hopefully they will respond. I will not buy from them again.

New name same place. Now known as «The Booknack»
They do not buy books, they only accept them for store credit, but what you won’t find out until you get to the store, is that the store credit only applies to other used books.
Since the books on my kid’s summer reading list are all new books, I decided to donate my books to goodwill instead. I didn’t see the point in store credit for a book that’s not new, but apparently that is the way things are going with used book stores.