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Read's United Book Exchange
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1669 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 1Z9
(902) 423-6980
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
9 reviews for Read's United Book Exchange
9 reviews in English
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Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'll admit, I usually pop in here to avoid the rain/cold when I'm waiting for a bus. But every time I do, I think, "why don't I come here more often?". I miss their $2 magazine rack, but I still love this store. Friendly staff and a great selection of gently used and remaindered books and movies.
Hot tip for students/recent grads who are broke: you can sell or trade your books here. I've sold them some books on a few occasions and once it helped pay for Christmas during grad school (we had a serious collection of books). Just make sure your books are in good shape. -
Review from Laura P.
3/22/2010
United Bookstore offers a good selection of reads with a convenience store mentality. Instant snacks and carbonated beverages are available to customers alongside lotto tickets and Ticket Pro orders.
Its a pretty smart buy in, considering the store's busy downtown location. (And right beside the bus stop) They're able to catch people passing by and hook them in with a quick fix.
Any time I've been in, folks are always buzzing in and out. And its for this reason that I wouldn't consider United Books as a preferred destination. I enjoy the peace and solitude of a more traditional bookstore. This is more likely a placefor me to pop into for a quick look and then continue on my way.
But its all about what you like-- for some, this combo is a hit! However, I'm more opt to check out one of the other downtown bookshops for my fix. -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
3/11/2010
When I count my blessings, I include United Bookstore near the top. What's not to love about a bookstore that has an incredible inventory and takes trade-ins?!
United Bookstore fronts on Barrington St, just across from the Granite Brewery and Greco Pizza and down the block from Vogue Optical. Although you may be fooled into believing it's a small storefront sandwiched between two other business, the reality is that there's an incredible array of stock in-store.
United carries used books ("previously read" to you fancy types) and also brings in new novels and non-fiction at a greatly discounted price. United is one of the best places in town to grab a child's gift as they are guaranteed to have several brand-new titles in stock at a price that will make your banker happy.
I shop at United at least once a month. Why not more? Well, the parking downtown's pretty hit-or-miss. I don't enjoy circling the block(s) trying to wedge myself into a spot before someone else does. And in the winter months, the cold wind that whistles up Barrington St can give you frostbite on the bits covered up by scarf and gloves.
Nevertheless, United Bookstore is a must in my life. I read, trade and read again. Win/win. If you're a fiction fan, United is the place for you.
United also offers affiliated services, such as being an agent for both TicketPro and Metro Transit. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
3/11/2010 1 photo
All the Book Store Junkies will love this place. A perfect stop while you try to make your way up Barrington St.
You will find all selections of books, old and new here and a great staff as well. You can cure that hunger with the grab and go snacks. Or maybe if you are feeling lucky , grab a loto ticket.
This is a great gem along Barrington St. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/19/2010
A little book browsing was on the agenda this afternoon, so into United Bookstore I went. This shop combines a strange mélange of goods: some used books and not so used books at discounted prices, corner store goods like gum and chips, as well as tickets for local shows.
After checking out the selection and finding some good deals, I ended up buying a funny little kids' best-friends book for a dollar as a gift for a pal. I very much enjoyed the back wall selections categorized under three headings: historical romance, romantic suspense and adventure romance - I'm a little shady on the exact categories, but do know for sure that romance was the central theme of each.
I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this store, but do think it's a good place to check out if you're not looking for a particular title but more a good deal. There seemed to be more people filtering through to purchase lotto tickets and snacks than books, but remain in the know - this is indeed a bookstore (as the name suggest) with various titles and genres to choose from. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/7/2009
Need to catch the bus but also need a book, chocolate bar, soda or any last minute items? United Bookstore's got you covered!
I love this bookstore! They have a large enough selection of unhealthy snacks, healthy snacks, and books to make the store stand out in Halifax. It is also planted right in front of the most important bus stop for your average Halifax commuter. The #1 Bus Stop. The #1 Bus takes you to all the major streets in Halifax and can also get you to the Halifax Shopping Centre or to Dartmouth.
But the fun part are the books! They have classic children's books, fantasy books, fiction and nonfiction along with some really fun books like "Ripley's Believe It Or Not." I don't know who orders their selection but it is great! Their prices are also very reasonable. They do not overcharge from what I can tell.
Their staff are very pleasant and all seem to have a relaxed attitude which tends to calm me down when I am running in and out to buy a children's book for my Niece at the last minute or when I need Vitamin Water that probably doesn't really give me the health benefits it advertises.
United Bookstore is a very clever book and convienence store. They have a very unique selection of books that I always found was perfect for those last minute gifts or add-ons to gifts. They also have all the drinks and snacks you would expect from a convenience store with some bonus healthy snack bars.
I'd love to write more but really, that's all you need to know. This store is fantastic for snacks, books and customer service! If you are from out of town, this is a great place to visit! -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/21/2010
United Bookstore is located on Barrington Street, and is close to the waterfront. It's a pretty convenient place to run for a drink or snack if you are around (I come here often for water in the summer). Prices are cheap for all books (new and used) as well as for the treats.
The main reason why I usually find myself in United Bookstore is when I'm looking for something that I can't find anywhere else, my favorite Blueberry Arizona Iced Tea. There is so much more than books and magazines sold here, it could almost double as a variety store. Lottery tickets, cigarettes and lighters are available here as well.
Hot Hint: Check out the array of discount movies and DVDs. I once stumbled upon (and quickly scooped up) a copy of Top Gun for three dollars. -
Review from Krista L.
Westphal, NS
10/17/2009 1 photo
I always wondered why there was so many different bookstores in downtown Halifax, and I'm starting to realize why - they're all very different.
I was surprised to learn that United Bookstore is almost entirely second hand books and movies. They sell a bit of everything from comic books to VHS movies and DVDs all at really great prices and with a great selection. But at the front of the store they also carry a small selection of new books. In addition to selling books and movies, the store also sells lottery tickets, cold beverages and chocolate bars - kind of like a convenient store/ bookstore in one.
Overall, very pleased with the store. It's always great to see people making an effort to recycle books and leisure materials. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/30/2009 1 photo
United Book Store may be the anchor that's keeping Barrington Street from completely dissolving away into obscurity. A stalwart of the street, the shop sells second-hand books in many genres, plus newspapers, snacks and soft drinks and more. If you're about to board one of the many buses that stop just outside the shop's doors, this is where you can stock up on everything that will make the trip that much more bearable. Also, the folks that run the store are friendly and smart, and we could all use a dose of those qualities before boarding the bus home, as well.
