Don's Paperback Books

245 reviews

1013 San Mateo Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

www.dons.com

+15052680520

About

Don's Paperback Books is a Comic book store located at 1013 San Mateo Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. It has received 245 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-5PM
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday11AM-5PM
Friday11AM-5PM
Saturday11AM-5PM
Sunday11AM-5PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Don's Paperback Books: 1013 San Mateo Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

  • Don's Paperback Books has 4.8 stars from 245 reviews

  • Comic book store

  • "This is the best bookstore in Albuquerque, hands down! ✋Liz and Grace are both amazingly wonderful ladies"

    "This is one of the few remaining mom and pop bookstores in Albuquerque, they are an u fortunate dying breed in this city"

    "Why are almost all the reviews submitted within the last year and owner responses generally within the last 5 months, even to reviews submitted months before that? Only a few reviews going back further"

    "I was lucky enough to meet the owner a couple days ago"

    "Best little book nook ever! FRIENDLY"

Reviews

  • Dibbles Girl

This is the best bookstore in Albuquerque, hands down! ✋Liz and Grace are both amazingly wonderful ladies. They make you feel so welcome. They help you find what you are looking for, if they don't have it, they see if they can order it and if they can't order it, they will keep an eye out for it. When it comes in, they will put it aside and give you a call.☎ Also, one of the best comic shops in Albuquerque, Liz has been collecting comics since she was a little girl. She knows her comics. Again, she will help you find what you are looking for. My husband will go and talk for hours with everyone, especially Liz. He loves to pick her brain on comics. It is one of his favorite shops. Their warehouse is amazing, with a huge selection of Marvel, DC and Independent. I Love Don's. I recommend them to everyone, book and comic lovers alike. I must add that I miss seeing Liz's K9 employee at the store. He was such a sweet and friendly staff member and always so helpful Also, I will add that Liz open carrying her firearm has never made me feel uncomfortable. She does so in a manner that is professional and one can tell that she knows how to use it. I completely understand her seasonings for carrying it as well, I am a survivor!

  • Multiple Migs

This is one of the few remaining mom and pop bookstores in Albuquerque, they are an u fortunate dying breed in this city. Don's has overcome all this even with the loss of the main signage awhile back, they have prevailed. The new signage is even nicer. The store itself is a staple for all books used and some newer as well. They keep a large stock of all genres of books in hardback and paperback. They also carry graphic novels and if I remember correctly get many new comics on a regular basis as well, they also have a comic warehouse they open periodically stocked with many collectible comics and a variety of other collectibles. Definitely a must visit for any reader, young or old!

  • Denise Robles

Why are almost all the reviews submitted within the last year and owner responses generally within the last 5 months, even to reviews submitted months before that? Only a few reviews going back further. Does Google remove older posts? There are a few earlier ones several years old, but can be counted on one hand. I like the store but was put off a little by the Glock 9mm the owner wears in a holster around her waist and the large German Shepherd that used to hang out with her. If that sort of security was needed, the other employees, who were there most of the time, were not provided with similar protection. And maybe should be.

  • Nicholas Connell

I was lucky enough to meet the owner a couple days ago. As far as experiences of being, this truly is a unique and awesome place. Being able to be a part of giving away free books to kids along with other various goodies warmed my heart a great deal. This is a the real deal. The comic book warehouse is massive and well staffed. And the employees who work here are family centric with a strong degree of helping attitude. If nothing else seeing soo many books I've read and many more i haven't stacked to the ceiling in loving and clean rows.. Was awsome. Exhange your old books for new ones. And of course.. Many smiles.

  • Thom Austin

Best little book nook ever! FRIENDLY.. VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE.. GREAT PEOPLE.. I go through books like water. Then just stop by Don's and get an armload of refills.. etc. etc. etc. BTW Elizabeth.. read your response to Ms Robles concerning the"dreaded gun." Sad that she couldn't hide her obvious distaste of same.. but your response was very well put, without getting your hackles up. If you ever did need BACKUP.. that intruder would be shocked at the number of us who frequent your little gem of a bookstore, carry concealed as well. Keep up the good work.

  • Sam Archambault

It's hard to find a good used bookstore these days. I was relieved when my English professor recommended that I check out Don's. The store has a very homey feel to it and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The books are organized neatly by genre and author and they have a great selection (I especially like the amount of horror/sci-fi/fantasy they have). Oh, and don't forget, they have COMICS!!!! Long story short, if you're looking for something to read, skip over the big name chains. Support your local businesses and check out Don's.

  • Mr. Spoon

Love this place. Always a good hunt Update: I still love this place and i love all the staff. Always so friendly and welcoming. Side note: I find comfort in the gun toting lady (I think is the owner, not sure). To me, her and its presence its a positive thing. I am not a gun owner nor am i an advocate for gun agendas. I am, however a supporter of control, such as licences, safe usage and carry laws. her gun is on display and safely in a holster, as it should be. *stepping off my pedestal*

  • Cecilia Castillo

Definitely a gem. They know their books. I remember going to Don's with my mom when I was a child in the 70s. I returned recently to recycle some of my mom's books and was pleased to see the shop is still as good as ever. In fact, the owner reached into a drawer of 3x5 cards and pulled out my mom's card that had not had activity on it for 30 years! Today, it is difficult to find a local business with this kind of longevity and integrity. Here's to another 50 years!

  • Ami Dawnielle Eifert

Yay for Don's Paperback Books! My father is an enormous fan of all things Scrooge McDuck and Don's Store helped make my dad's birthday super great when I was able to gift him with a small but fun supply of comics that Don had in stock. Thank you so much for your overall assistance as well as the time taken to make sure there were no duplicates in my stack of comics. The greatest customer service found here is most fantastic and I will definitely be returning!

  • Garvin Phillips

Was in town for a conference and went looking for some specific comics. The staff was great helping me find what I was looking for. I think it was Elizabeth that went to the back and found me a huge stack of the comics I was looking for. Who would have thought that the store that would have the comics I was looking for wouldn't be a comic shop, but an exceptional used book store. Next time I'm in town I will definitely stop in again.

  • Ashley Griego

I absolutely love this store. The owners and their staff are extremely kind and helpful. They know us by name and treat us like friends. I love that we are able to get credit for the books we no longer need. My daughter loves all of the events they have for kids. If you are looking for books or comics please shop local at Don's. This is a great business and I highly recommend it to everyone.

  • Bonnie Jacobs

Always an exceptional visit! My sister & I read lots of books, and we sometimes get them at yard sales, or friends pass them along. I have done the return and purchase at Don’s for almost 20 years. Always comfy and gracious. A couple times they have ordered a book for me and call as soon as they receive it. Thanks to the entire family for their continual care and service in the book world!

  • Michelle Snider

Don's is a great place to go to trade in books you no longer want. You get credit for your books and can apply it toward other books. The staff and owners know their books and can help you locate what your seeking even if it's not at their store. The staff have a passion for reading and it's contagious. Stop at Don's for a good read and make room in your library by rehoming your books.

  • X Man

This store went from being pleasant before covid, to unpleasant now. Don't know what happened to their mindset. From the moment i stepped into the store to the small purchase i made. Bad vibes. No thank you, or please come again, the cashier acted like she was doing me a favor. Stores like this are one of the reasons why people go to Amazon or Ebay.

  • Stephanie Snyder

I love this place. I have been coming here for 33 years. All my life lol. And my mother before me. After all these years it is still my favorite place to get a book and to see a friendly face. So nice to go somewhere they remember you and have passion for what they do. You don't see that anymore . I'm praying you make it through this pandemic.

  • Dee Sanchez

Owner always friendly, courteous and can answer any questions you might have about any type of books, authors and everything about the comics you can think of. Love going there. You're missing out if you don't go there to browse and find some good reads!! You'll be sure to keep going back for more!!

  • Lyc Davis

Amazing little bookshop, massive collection of romance novels as well as a great selection of Greek plays and Classics texts. My mom and my aunts used to practically live in the shop during their high school days, so it's great to see that it's still up and stacked to the ceiling with books.

  • Kelly Smith

Loved it. Since moving here 8 months ago from I've been looking for an inexpensive store with quality used books to replace Half Price Books. Not only are their books just as good, but they beat the half price mark. Do yourself a favor and go by there. You won't be disappointed.

  • Robert nd

Great people and great selection of books....wish I still lived in Albuquerque so I could go in and spend time and money there...can't wait for a visit so I can use up some of my credit also...by the way guys this is from Robert Hopple and I will be visiting as soon as I can...

  • Gutterkrawl 1

I love this store! More importantly, I love the staff. I grew up in used book stores, and am always trying to turn my children into fellow bibliophiles. Elizabeth and Grace have made a huge impact with my three year old, Scarlett. She asks for books every day. Books and ducks!

  • Giovanni Cone

Stopped in on a whim to pick up the last two books of William Gibson's Sprawl series (Count Zero & Mona Lisa Overdrive), sure enough as fate would have it, there they were. Very organized and friendly staff. Will be returning in the future in hopes of another fortuitous find!

  • sailorstarfairy

Fantastic service :) The lady who works there gave me a call when a big stack of Sweet Valley High books came in (they are older books from the 80s and thus out of print.) :) Got an armload and got my husband some books for a Christmas present too :D

  • Jennifer Valdez

Hypocritical small business owners - they open carry a gun on them but make customers wear masks. Can't support a business that supports only one part of the Constitution. WAKE UP - first they make you wear a mask then they take your gun, hypocrite.

  • Teresa Pijoan

Magnificent book store. New shelving, wonderful staff, excellent prices, every book anyone would love within this small store. Comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, fiction, murder mysteries, novels, large print to small. Truly a magical book store!

  • Skudmonkey 2.0!

This place is just plain awesome! I love the smell, looking at all the books, and the very friendly employees! We got asked if we needed help finding anything and the cashier gave us a small discount, because my dad had a hard time finding

  • Carsten Brandt

Our favorite place to stock up on books. Real books. So much better than ebooks. Trade in your old one's and you get credit towards any books you pick up. Fantastic selection of most genres and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

  • Dana Powers

This place is magic- every time I come here they always have that book I've been looking for forever, or exactly what I needed to find. I don't know how they do it, but I've never left unhappy. Their prices are very reasonable too!

  • Eloisa Grace

There looks to be a tons of books to browse through but unfortunately you can’t go in. You bring a list and someone tries to find them for you. Hopefully soon they’ll open it up to maybe two people a time? Can’t wait to browse.

  • N Roche

Super-organized, well-lit, extremely clean bookstore offering a good variety of both newer and older books and some DVDS. Definitely a gem worth spending an afternoon in. Has one small armchair in the back to sit in.

  • Erin Ruscetti

Don's is the best!! Clean.and organized. They gave me a generous credit on books I brought in and I left with some exciting "new" finds (at least, new to me). Staff is awesome and I could have hung out all day!!!

  • Vanessa Luniewicz-Martinez

Love this quaint local bookstore. They are jam packed with books and offer insensitives to donate your books to them. They sell their books at such a reasonable price and the staff is helpful without hovering.

  • Troy Olsen

Very helpful. Very nice people. Huge selection. Great prices. All paperbacks are 60% off full price. They also sell new and old comics. They buy books too so if you need to get rid of some. Take them there.

  • Charles Hostetler

There are too few bookstores left. This place has a very good selection of paperbacks, all types. Also sells comic books, not too many of these that sell disney like here, either. Nice place.

  • K A YOUNGMAN

Excellent place for exchanging already read books and picking up used books. Excellent customer service very well organized. Every time I'm back in New Mexico I go see Don's bookstore

  • D B

Go once, and they'll always remember you. Credit lasts forever and there is a good selection. This is the last of the small business bookstores! Stop in and give them your business.

  • Keith Stahli

Dons is one of the few used book stores and was my second choice after Birdsong. These days I go nearly exclusively to Dons. Friendly and willing to help you find the book you need.

  • Dave Hacker

Great little store filled with books, DVD's, comics and more. I picked up 3 DVD's and a magazine for only $15.00. Great deals and nice people. I will return for sure. Check it out!

  • Michaele Tenorio

If you're looking for a specific book you'll probably find it here, friendly and helpful if they don't have what you're looking for they can probably find it or order it for you.

  • Abee Mills

Found a complete fantasy series I didn’t expect to find all together, very grateful! The woman running the shop knows her selection. No inside browsing but she’ll work with ya!

  • Scuba Bunny frodsham

My father turned me in to this store over 20 years ago. It is the best for the true book lover. I go in for 1 book and leave with 4 every time!! Can't recommend them enough!!!

  • john signer-romero

Don's has been around forever. They have a fantastic selection of books and a huge container of comics and graphic novels in the back. They are knowledgeable and great people

  • Sarae Smiel

This place was super cool, the owners and the staff were so friendly! The books were neatly organized and in alphabetical order by author. Will definitely be going back!♡

  • Elizabeth Bean

Super friendly staff and they had a great free kids books day where they gave every visiting child a free book and a popsicle. Great selection of books and movies too.

  • VidaDeMikey

Always love coming here. Liz and grace are always enjoyable to conversate with. They always have the book or comic im lookin for and the store always has good vibes.

  • Anthony Hayes

I have been shopping there for nearly a decade. I love the staff and eclectic mix of patrons. If they don't have it in stock, they'll order it. Don's can't be beat!

  • Ariels Crafting

This place is so amazing. They have loads of books and also pretty nice movie select. Very surprised. Also so many comics. You can trade DVDs, comics and books.

  • Steve Fye

The best used bookstore still doing business in Albuquerque. The owner has an encyclopedic knowledge of books from trashy romance to serious literature to F&SF.

  • Kay Rice

Outstanding little store! So well-organized. Easy to find what you want. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Great prices. So glad to find this little jewel!

  • Max

Small local bookstore with a decent collection of used books (mostly novels written within the last 20 years) staff friendly and passionate about books

  • Mary Hernandez

Best bookstore in ABQ! Huge selection of books, comics and now movies! The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable about all things books and comics.

  • Peter Rael

Oder a book from Don's. Books the girl was nice in off. To bring it to my house thks so much Will buy books from them again do appreciate thks again

  • Jesse Zeitz

My personal favorite used book store. Very knowledgeable and courteous staff, I've been coming here since I was a child and will continue to do so.

  • Carmen Park

Love this place. Great place to geek out if you collect vintage paperbacks like me. Really great staff. My favorite bookstore so far in ABQ!

  • Daniel Watson

Loved it. Second time there will come back again. Very nice selection of classic Sci-Fi and Fantasy books. Helpful and very friendly staff.

  • Laura Brown

The selection is great! The staff is amazing! So friendly and helpful. And you can't beat the prices! Shop local! This is a great place

  • Kael Marshall

Great family run bookstore...reasonable book prices good selection of new comics and the best selection of back issues in the region.

  • Zjani Wynne

The employees were great. Wonderful employee took me to every section that I requested and helped me search for my book wish list!

  • William Graeme

This is a great book store! Local and family owned! Very friendly and helpful. I recommend this store to anyone who loves books!

  • Christopher Schade

The owner is very nice and will almost always remember who you are. Large selection of books for how small the store appears

  • Kevin Fryer

Ordered via Alibris as I'm in the UK. Book is superb at a great price, shame we don't have book stores like this in the UK.

  • Erin Marshall

Books! There is no substitute. We love coming here and always find old favorites and new gems. I cannot live without books.

  • L. S.

Enjoyed visiting this little bookstore. Was very organized and the staff was super friendly. Can't wait to visit again!

  • Lou Wagner

Loved it. Very knowledgeable staff. Better organized than other used bookstores around town. Worth a moment to stop in!

  • Stephen Wood

They've been around for a long time, and used bookstores are not exactly found on every corner. Support local business!

  • Jason Lamberth

Super friendly staff! Fun local shop! If you can't find a book, they'll do their best to locate it for you! …

  • Emily Craig

Wonderful little Mom and Pop store that has great prices and even better inventory. Knowledgeable and welcoming staff.

  • John Ames

Awesome book store with tons of books. Great staff who are more than happy to help you find what you are looking for.

  • Max Serna

The book selection...Huge. Adults and kids alike. Great store, really great. Ask anybody, they all know. -donald dump

  • James Martinez

The people are pretty helpful at this place very knowledgeable about every kind of publications from comics to novels

  • JESSICA Holt

This is is an affordable place to buy used almanacs and it's communal exchange policy allows you to trade books.

  • Nicole D

Best Used Book Store I have found for out of print or hard to find books form the Regency Period.Friendly staff.

  • Tony Toni Tone

I absolutely love this place! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and I always find something good to read.

  • JethroBodine33

Awesome store the friendliest staff. Also first day there won 20 dollar certificate for a shirt or book.

  • Warner T

Excellent service and a great selection. I've been patronizing them for 40 years. They never disappoint.

  • John Hickey

Great place for browsing for used paperback books. The folks who run the place are friendly and helpful.

  • Shayne Ely

Great small bookshop. Ordered & pre-ordered a number of books through them. Very f friendly and helpful

  • D Dow

Best book store in Albuquerque. Wonderful, well educated staff. Perfect store for many perfect books.

  • Juli Fowler

Books! Videos! Comics! Books! My go-to store for used books for twenty years. Liz the owner is a gem.

  • SweetLue75

Lots of sci-fi and fantasy books from past and present. Great service. Very helpful. Well organized.

  • Jessica Wilson

Really great and large selection of very gently used books. I will definitely be coming back often!

  • Carol Summers

The people at Don's are the best. I love their selection of mysteries and trashy romance novels!

  • Zay Fulton

It's small and closterphobic but it's nice and they have books and comics and stuff seemed cool

  • Laura Blohm

Love this store. We come every timenthey open the Comic Warehouse. Always find great stuff!

  • Mari

Lovely shop with a great selection. Family store that has been in business for 50 years.

  • FemboyNerd

Friendly staff, felt safe knowing the staff open carries. Would definitely recommend.

  • ray hoffpauir

Very friendly very knowledgeable excellent used bookstore can't give it enough kudos

  • Dude Lost man

Ok place, didn't have any books I was looking for. But hey they are worth the stop.

  • Fabio Schneider

When you want to binge read, to there is a nice spectrum to choose from. Have fun !

  • Celeste Mena

I love it here! I found some old manga that I cant find online! Thank you so much!

  • Anthony H

Great place if you're a bookworm like me... I've been going there for years.

  • Tammy Madrid

Great way to trade used books! Tons to choose from and very friendly staff.

  • Skyler Cornell

Best used book store period. I always find something every time I stop by.

  • lila cook

Great book store!! They will even trade for your used books,! Love em!!

  • Rosemarie Rooker

Great place. Employees are very helpful and know what books they have.

  • David Gibson

Wonderful shop with a super friendly staff. We found our new favorite!

  • Monique Aragon

Great prices! Great selection! Can easily spend the whole day looking.

  • Emily Griffis

Good selection of used books and comics. Love the ducks for the kids!

  • Deblyn McCaughin

Good selection of books. Quiet and relaxed place. Will be going back.

  • Bob Smead

We love Don's. Liz and her crew are super knowledgeable and helpful.

  • Sean Kennedy

Great overall selection. One of the last used book stores in ABQ.

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