Half Price Books

1980 reviews

2929 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

www.hpb.com

+15124433138

About

Half Price Books is a Book store located at 2929 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704. It has received 1980 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-8PM
Tuesday10AM-8PM
Wednesday10AM-8PM
Thursday10AM-8PM
Friday10AM-8PM
Saturday10AM-8PM
Sunday10AM-8PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Half Price Books: 2929 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

  • Half Price Books has 4.7 stars from 1980 reviews

  • Book store

  • "We love this bookstore so much that we are in there at least three times a month"

    "This is the first time for me to visit this location and it will be my last! FYI: 3 stars for large and clean store, but not for my experience"

    "I like the idea of places like this"

    "My son is 9 years old and is going to be 10 in August"

    "I go there at least once a month love this place I do! Find many great things there you can!! I go there mainly for the comics & graphic novels"

Reviews

  • Na Alexander

We love this bookstore so much that we are in there at least three times a month. The reason I am making this post is because the first time I actually sold books there, I was treated really badly by someone who appeared to be a supervisor. She was not only extremely rude to me, but also her fellow staff. While waiting for my books to be priced I overheard her say to “look out for our regulars” . because I was selling books and I had never seen her before- it made it seem like she was telling them to give regulars more money for their books…. And was obviously not a “regular” to her. I also asked her if it was worth bringing in a set of law books- she’s straight faced by and said “I can throw them away for you”. She also was really rude about me needing to go pick up my son before the transaction was completed. I had already talk to other staff members before proceeding with the book sale about my situation, and I was told it would be rather quick… and all I would have to do is sign a paper -worst case scenario- so that I could leave and come back. She made a big deal about this and had to read it verbatim slowly when I was trying to leave quickly and she knew it. The only reason I am making this post is because I feel bad for the staff that I have to deal with this narcissistic. A lot of employers love the narcissist, because they will go above and beyond to make sure that they look better than everyone else but in reality, they’re affecting your turnover rate and how much time and energy you have to put into hiring new staff. I didn’t catch your name but I’m pretty sure everyone of your staff members is gonna know who this person is

  • Cougar Caterwaul

This is the first time for me to visit this location and it will be my last! FYI: 3 stars for large and clean store, but not for my experience. I went there to search through the comic book section. They have group packaged so many of the books that it's almost impossible to buy a single issue!! Look, I get it.. a full bundle can be a good find...IF you don't have any of them. Perfect. But this location has bundled INCOMPLETE issues. An example would be like: 1-3, 5, 9 of 10. I am going to a store like this to find single issues to fill a collection I've already started; not to buy an incomplete bundle! Also, Half Priced Books is the name, right? Most of the single issues start at $3.00 and go up. The average cover prices are $2.00 - $2.99. What happened to the half price??? Imagine they bundled full series for books. What if I wanted #5 from the Harry Dresden series, but 16 books were wrapped together? Sound silly?? Yeah, it is! So why do it to the comics? It's a long drive out of my way and I'll continue to shop the HPB stores north of this location. I'll usually get lucky and walk out with about 80-100 single issues. Unless you are looking for bundles of some sort, save your time and shop the other HPB locations.

  • goddimmus

I like the idea of places like this. Half Price Books is a cool store with an ever changing selection of books and random cool stuff. The staff is always, in my experience, friendly and helpful. They take books and give you cash for them. I keep seeing people say that they rip you off or that they think they've been low balled. To that I say, yeah, they do low ball a bit but if you think your books are worth more, sell them online if you can. I personally needed the space. Traded some graphic novels and a few books for a couple bucks. Went and had a burger. They will help you locate a book wherever it is in the world. My kid wanted a book. She couldn't find it. The girl at the counter was helpful, found it, and called the store where it was so we could pick it up. They will assist you in getting what you want. Great selection of comics and books of all types. Great place to find manuals and instructionals. Just a really cool place overall.

  • Jennifer Witte

My son is 9 years old and is going to be 10 in August. My Aunt thought that it was the perfect time to introduce him to the world of Harry Potter. I am told that Harry Potter is also a August baby and he was age 10 in the first book, which is what we set out to find and ended up at Half Price Books. I had never been there before so i had no expectations... When i opened the door to enter, the very first thing I noticed was the smell.... Aahhh... The smell BOOKS, both new and old. There is nothing better than the smell of an old book... ( Those book lovers out there understand , I'm sure) We found what we wanted very easily. The place is very well organized in a way that makes sense. The staff was very kind and overall it was a very enjoyable experience.

  • Orlando Herrera

I go there at least once a month love this place I do! Find many great things there you can!! I go there mainly for the comics & graphic novels.If you have time to dig & search you can find some good deals If you like paperbacks there's a dollar bargain rack by the buyback Center where you can find some good books. The store is always clean & the staff is cool , friendly & helpful. If you can't find what you're looking for they will go out of their way to help you. They can order it from one of their other stores and have it brought to the store for you. Great place

  • Tina Hoffman

Really efficient book buy back process these days. I wasn't very happy when I tried to walk in to sell my books and found out I had to make an appointment, but now that the appointment day has come, everything went really smoothly and quickly. Although they cannot pay as much for books as they were able to in the past, it was still a pleasant process with a desirable outcome. Thanks to the great and caring staff at Half Price Books for hanging in there even in this crazy time we're living in!

  • Margi Jones

Went looking for vinyl records on Valentines day. Couldn't even park at the "record store" and remembered this place. I found so many reasonably priced albums, all genres, choosing from all the awesome recordings was truly difficult. I purchased new, they also have a great previously loved section. I lose track of time wandering around looking at everything from games to aisles & ailes of books on every imaginable subject. The staff is always super helpful as well. Very worth the trip.

  • Terry Herres

Half price is the bargain lovers store of used (and sometimes new) books. I've saved a pretty penny building my collection here instead of at the big box guys. If you're in need of a book, dvd, board game, cd, vinyl, etc. Check here first. You can even check their website for inventory and it seems to be almost perfectly accurate. Love what they've been doing here and I'm thrilled that they seem to continue to thrive. P.s. they even have collectible and rare books.

  • Teltsa R

Love, Half Price books. It's a wonderful place to find everything your reading hearts desire. It's a great place to take your children, to pick up gifts, to look for bargains, or even to find a rare signed book. They also have movies: blue ray, DVD, tapes. Also: 8 tracks, LPs, Tapes and CDs. And to top it off, Games: PC, board games, table tops, consoles games, card games. The staff is helpful, friendly and attentive. I urge anyone to drop by for a spell.

  • A.J. Bale

Huge selection of great stuff. Love coming here for board games and puzzles in addition to the sprawling collection of books (both fiction and nonfiction) and graphic novels. I haven't taken the time to look at their movies or CDs but there is a decent size section for both. They also have a video game section with mostly previous generation games, great place to pick up last year's version of Madden or other sports games for cheap if you're into that.

  • Nancy Hildebrand

I've been going here since the very first one opened while I was at U.T. Austin in the 70's. I can always find a gift here when I need one, whether a book, puzzle, game or book-related gadget. You won't get rich selling them your unneeded books, but they'll always have something you can afford the next time you're looking for a good read. We're lucky to have this place. I like it so much I've decided it would also be a great place to work.

  • Bonnie Gomez

I was harassed by that ghetto security they have. I was sitting under the tree in back and I had asked one of the workers if it was legal to get a book while I wait. Well she said I was lying. I'm from Austin and I've been going to half price books since it got there and this was very humiliating. She threatened to call the police on me. It was awful.... I love the place but that security guard wasn't right.

  • KMS

Arcie (hope i spelt that correct) was sooo helpful! i could not locate a single book on my own. not only did he find every single book i was looking for, but he even offered to give me a discount on a book from a unknown author that had been sitting a while. he continually checked in on us, offering his assistance. i enjoyed our small talk & will definitely visit Arcie and half priced books again :)

  • Richard Kies

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Half Price Books! They have BOOKS! LOTS of them! This is where the knowledge is! I am glad that most people today don't like to read books, or so it seems. That means MORE for people who DO READ BOOKS! The staff are SUPER FRIENDLY! This is a GREAT company that takes care of it's employees and provides a great service to the community. THANK YOU HALF PRICE BOOKS I LOVE YOU!

  • Matthew McCafferty

I wanted to thank a member of staff for a lovely encounter I had the other day in South Lamar HPB. I was waiting in line to purchase a book when a lovely lady handed me a magnet with Batman on it. At first I was really confused as I'm from Ireland and had no idea what she said to me. It was a really nice encounter and a lovely gesture. So thank you for making my day

  • Renee Israel

I don't live near this store but was in the area and decided to stop in. They have a good selection of books. The store is well lit and the aisles are roomy. The staff is helpful. My only complaint is that they didn't tell me about Half Price Books upcoming sale in November nor give me any coupons. Regardless, the next time I am in the area, I will stop in to shop.

  • Angel Williams

This is one of the smallest ones I've been at. Did t have a food selection of anything I was looking for. Most staff wouldn't even help or ask If they could help. When asked where a book would be they just pointed to where signs were. The ONLY person I can give a food review for was the older woman who was the cashier. She was very kind.

  • Julia

I love this book store. The employees are so friendly and the prices are fair. I always have great luck here and have found a few very cool limited edition box sets. It’s also a great place to sell your old books, CDs, games etc. I always use my credits to get new books, so I never end up spending much $$$ either. Highly recommend!

  • Michael Engler

I haven't had a bad experience here or at any Half Price Books yet. If they don't have the book I'm looking for they find it and get it, and recently, well before the expected date. The staff is super friendly and eager to help as they are all book lovers too...and the prices are great. No better way to give the gift of reading.

  • Anita Trapp

Good variety. It's filled with stationary, music, video, gifts, antique and current books - it makes me want to buy a bookcase! The children section is great. Busy, but well-staffed with helpful, friendly people. Good, because you'll need their help for items high up. One less star as I would avoid the bathrooms if possible.

  • Luke Ramsay

Great selection of books, dvds, and more. They sell some new stuff, but most is used. Don't go expecting to buy something specific because most of their stock is donated. Still, if you're a flexible reader/shopper, you'll definitely find something to be happy with at a reasonable price. I could spend hours just browsing.

  • Bri

small-ish parking lot but spots aren't ridiculously tiny, people could easy park their trucks there. The location itself is a good location. The prices are about average of what use books sell for online. The store is smaller than the other location but I prefer that because it doesn't overwhelm me. I enjoy this location

  • Kevin Simmons

I've been coming to this store for years, and will continue to for many years to come. They have hundreds of books across every genre, CD's, videogames, movies, vinyl, and boardgames. The staff are always super friendly and really nice, always happy to help. Half price is usually my go to place for my media needs.

  • Greg Degeyter

Nice location. Had a good selection of books and games. Found a wrapped custom produced game from Orange County, Texas. The selection of audio books, especially nonfiction, was small. However, this is more than made up for by the great selection elsewhere. Definitely worth going to even if you are a distance away.

  • Rosella Pena

Love this book shop. It's getting to be more frequent that the public library only has the "ebook" edition of something we want to read and Amazon might carry the book but for a stupid amount of money. Half-price will usually have it at one of their locations for very cheap! So grateful to have them as an option!

  • Vivian Sosa

The wonderful employees, especially Agusta and Fred, were extremely nice! They helped build my classroom library by providing my students with three BIG boxes of books. I looked through it and can already see so many that my students are going to love. I can't thank this store and it's employees enough!!!

  • Veronica Valdez

We went and were quoted a 30 minute wait time for our offer to sale our books to them and that's about how long it took, maybe a little less. All staff was helpful and friendly. My kids enjoyed taking their old books and using the money for new things. There's a good variety of books and toys and games.

  • Keri Hermann

Very discouraged to see a video circulating online of your dumpster. Tons and tons of books thrown away. There should be a much more sustainable option for these titles. With all of the little free libraries and countless nonprofits in Austin these could have gone to a better home. Such a shame.

  • Emily Severance

Love Half Price books! Quick, easy, and fast return on selling. It's easy to get lost in here :) Staff are not the friendliest sometimes though. Would it be possible to have some sort of online store catalogue? It would be helpful to use for current inventory when looking for something specific.

  • Charles Taylor

This store does the same as the main store in Austin. When buying books they make two piles and then make you an offer. If you don't ask which are you buying, they will take them all. Often the pile "rejected" is bigger than the pile the they pay you for. Watch them. It is a cheat system.

  • dianne pereira

I am a book worm at heart & so are my kids! We love going to half price book store before a holiday to buy a couple of new books to add to our collection. This store is always clean, organized, and the staff is helpful and kind. Just wish there was a store closer to me.

  • Iola Hallock

Books are my weakness, but I don’t dare pay full price. I don’t need any more, but I always find at least 10 I can’t live without every time I enter this shop. I have no place to put them all. Luckily, HPB will buy back the ones that I’m done with. I love this shop!

  • Leila Plummer

This is my favorite of all the Half-Price Books. I almost always find something there that is unexpected and that influences me for the better. It's nice just walking through the place - the kind of place you can walk through and it helps to spark your unconscious.

  • brendan maloney

Not the easiest place to find exactly what you are looking for, but a fantastic place to find hidden treasures. I always end up finding 5-10 things I didn't even know I wanted. And with the low prices I don't feel so bad buying extra - and neither does my wallet.

  • Gabriel Guerrero

I love this location. They have an amazing assortment of old books there, as well as newer releases. I could spend hours looking through their collection of books and records. It's never too busy or crowded in there either. Definitely one of my favorite locations

  • Bartholomew C. Berggren

Great place to buy and sell anything printed or recorded. Mostly Books, but also vinyl records, cds, DVD, & even VHS / cassette tapes. Super good finds/deals on $2.00 clearance section. Knowledgeable staff and database to find what you are / aren't looking for.

  • Anand M

I went to half price books for picking books for my toddler kid. There is a section exclusively for kids and there is good number of options to choose from within reasonable price. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for kids books.

  • N

Half price books is a bastion of hope in this world. It's never hard to find a good book, movie, or show to take home and get lost in. It's a shame to see so many of them closing down over the last few years. A truly happy and wonderful shop.

  • Warren G

This location has a decent enough selection of books, movies, and music. It's a fun place to browse, but they can be a bit on the slow side if you're selling your books. Not terribly impressed by their offers when I want to sell (sometimes

  • Chenin Buck

I go here to kill time, because I can lose myself for hours in their clearance section alone. The. Best. I buy all my foreign language stuff, old games, movies, journals here in addition to all the books! There's always something great if

  • c ap

I love this place. Not only is it a great book store (new and used) but it's a great spot for used CD's, records and bluray/dvd, games/puzzles/etc as well. The staff here are always incredibly helpful and the store is incredibly well laid

  • Rachel A Scott

I love Half Price Books. Clerks are always friendly and helpful. I always come out with at least one "new book," usually history or a new mystery/thriller--or both! I love browsing & meeting interesting people on occasion. (Hint: authors

  • Hasan izmir

Half Price Books, inviting minds to an endless world, serves as a treasure trove opening doors to exploration. Its shelves extend an invitation to a journey into the sea of knowledge, with each page marking the beginning of an adventure.

  • Bryn Harrington

I could get lost in any Half Price Books for hours, but this particular location has great selection! If you are looking for a decent copy of classic literature, there is NO need to go anywhere else but here. I have found rare copies of

  • Hathakhm LaFox

Can't go wrong shopping HPB. I was looking for NVC by Marshall Rosenberg at my local HPB. They didn't have it, but found it across town at the South Lamar store. Happy to have gotten the book today for less than Amazon listed it for.

  • Alex Moore

Been in twice close to opening, great shop. Quick to offer help and I really like the arrows on the floor. Most customers follow them. Prices are great! I've found a bunch of books in great condition, I'll definitely be returning

  • ATX Always

This place is just fantastic. We always find really good books at really good prices here. And I am super impressed by the selection of children's books as well, check out all the treasure we found in the nature section today!

  • Danielle Gonzales

Great book store. I love that they offer a wide selection and lots of used books. They also have games and unique items. Location easy to access and prices very reasonable. Great place to find a new hobby and kids love it too.

  • Ben B

Love it! Great place for all ages! I found a bunch s I've always wanted for way cheaper than buying online. Staff is absolutely fantastic and I could not recommend a better place to shop! Books, gifts, collectibles, etc. …

  • Skylar Calhoun

I recently took up more hobbies, and reading is one of them. My favorite book store to visit so far. Loved the prices, and the layout of the place guides you really easily to what you want to read! YA is my favorite section.

  • Alec Neumeyer

I love half-price books but up the locations I’ve been to this one is probably the most difficult to shop. Maybe it’s the oldest? But I found it hard to find things and not as nice as some of the other half price books shops

  • Arda Kert

Perfect store for books, records, basically what you would like expect from a bookstore, plus many more. Nicest place to hang out on a lazy Sunday. Prices are really bargain and there are loads for collectioners too.

  • Robert Snyder

I love this chain of stores. They are my go-to when the library doesn't have what I'm after. This store is spacious and has a great collection. The staff was friendly and helpful with my questions and transaction.

  • M M

HPB can't be beat. Went there for books for presents for my nieces and nephews (as opposed to just another toy). Picked out 4 GREAT books (they had an amazing selection for amazing prices) and everyone was happy.

  • Christian De la Pena

Best used books selection in Austin and the man working knew not only who I was talking about but also knew that someone had come in with some rare books by the same author and guided me to them. Love this place.

  • Jeremy England

Great experience finding a few books for my 8 year old avid reader. The sections were clearly marked and the staff was really friendly/helpful guiding her based on her description of what she was looking for.

  • Phillip Ogle

I love getting lost in the books and music. I can always find amazing used CDs and vinyl in addition to used books. Wel-organized, friendly staff, and clean environment where you want to hang and spend time.

  • Matthew Herzog

Every time I visit, more and more of the books I grew up reading have been moved from the pulp sci-fi shelf, to the classic, collectable sci-fi shelf. Not sure why they want to call me out that way.

  • Blake Moody

This store is small but has HUGE amounts of inventory. This HPB is my top favorite location for the friendly employees and incredible inventory. Be prepared to spend if you visit this location.

  • Kurt Su

It has a wide selection of literature, religion, poetry, CDs or any media you can think of, and the price is a bargain. The bookstore is clean, the staff are friendly. It's my happy place!

  • Ari Marisa Knight

Scooped up some vintage comic books for my nephew! It has become a holiday tradition. He loves them, and I love getting lost in the selection! Born & raised austin, gotta support local!

  • Mari Almz

I love HPB. I love this specific location because the staff is so very friendly and always willing to help you find the book you're looking for and they do so in such a sweet way.

  • Dakota Clark

This is the best half price book store in town. Amazing selection. So many rare finds at a good price. I'm for sure coming back here at least twice a month to see what's new.

  • Christopher Bird

for me personally, there is no bad Half Price Books. this one def has a more used and less chain feel -- an extraordinary amount of dvds and cds.it's as always a great store

  • Calitigerpink

Very kind and helpful staff. Sold several of my books here. The price offered wasn't what I expected but I didn't have anywhere else I could sell them for upfront cash.

  • Drew Gartman

Great selection of used books and comics, occasionally some used classic video game systems. The employees are helpful and knowledgeable. Parking is available and free.

  • Isaiah Harrell

I was able to exchange some.old books for one really cool book that relates to the next thing I want to be able to achieve in life. Restoring old things.

  • Carina Jahn

Great book store with a good selection of books at nice prices. The layout of the store is conducive to easily finding what you are looking for as well.

  • Michael Merritt-Heath

Staff was super nice and I watched one guy do research for any books in the series I was looking for. 20/10 every one that works here deserves a raise!

  • Andrew Bentancur

Very quaint and organized book store. Affordable prices. Friendly and attentive staff. Will definitely stop by again next time in the city.

  • Johanna Johannsson

Always a wonderful experience! Find something new every time- books, cookbooks, games, and puzzles. Definitely recommend popping in!

  • Deanna Munger

Great selection, very helpful staff. They often won’t take a lot of books that a brought in to sell, though, or offer crazy little.

  • Cheyenne Spears

Always have great funds!! The staff is always super helpful and friendly as well. I love the employee recommendation shelf :)

  • Steven Nowick

Good selection of books, etc. Convenient location. Rarely crowded. Helpful staff. Clean and orderly. Great place to browse.

  • Elizabeth Garza

Stellar customer service And GREAT selection of even current trending books. My daughter asked if we could go monthly.

  • Lloyd Carroll

What an excellent store! Huge selection, helpful staff - I just wish I had more time and money to spend there!

  • Alberto Perez

Visited Half Price Books for the first time, what a great selection of books.... purchased "Good to Great"....

  • AJ

Good people, large store, but their selections of sports, or sci-fi/fantasy books is exceptionally limited.

  • Victoria Hernandez

I’m so happy discount book stores exist! Plus they sell music here as well CD’s + Vinyl + cute Knick-knacks

  • Ivana Bronstrup

This place is awesome and great prices on books. Also love the toys, puzzles and collectable sections

  • ImEddyB

Bought some cool books from that place! The most books I bought from a bookstore actually 7! …

  • David DeBalko (DD)

Very organized. Very clean. Super helpful staff. Sign up for discounts. Books, records, cds, more.

  • Jake Akers

I really like books. Customer service is as you would expect from people who work in book stores

  • Adam Rios

Nice staff and good selection, very accommodating to have books set aside before you get there.

  • Daniel Hernandez

Great selection of books from science to mental health. The staff is always willing to help.

  • Steven Naji

Staff were experts on various subjects, very kind, and helpful. Fun book store for all ages!

  • Ali Scott

Always fun and feels like a treasure hunt because no telling what gems youll find

  • Pierce Sullivan

It has a large selection of everything it also has a very good manga collection

  • Susan McPherson

Great selection of books. Alway find something that I like or im looking for!!

  • David Andrews

This is probably the most organized and clean Half Priced Books I've been in.

  • Maylin Murray-Krezan

This place was so cool!! Tons of interesting stuff and welcoming atmosphere!

  • Patricia Thornton

The only bookstore I ever visit! Good finds and highly knowledgeable staff.

  • Metal Death Goat

Good deals good variety, always a pleasure to stop in and see what's new.

  • Sherry Nappi

Great used book store! I have been coming here for years, and I love it!

  • Felix Stimets

Had a textbook on criminal organizations that my Don wanted me to read.

  • Esmeralda MacedoDePaz

The clearance is your best friend! And awesome books signed by authors

  • James Neil

Good at what they do. Good selection, good service, good prices.

  • Zackarias Martin

Such great selection and the staff are always super helpful!

  • Steven Ayala

This HPB always has the best selection every time I go

  • Nick S

A great place to shop for new and old books.

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