The Bookwagon is a frequented place for any book lover in Ashland. Even though I love the cramped, cozy corridors that most used bookstores seem to utilize, one of my favorite things about Bookwagon is the more spacious, open layout design they have chosen. While the layout is more reminiscent of a retail bookstore design, the sheer volume of inventory on the shelves will quickly reassure you that used findings are ready for purchase.
The most popular genres offered here are science-fiction, fiction, mystery, a modest selection of classic literature, and religion/philosophy. I always enjoy searching for various Stephen King collections and purchased almost every David Sedaris book I have from here, so there is essentially something for everyone. I have noticed that in comparison to other used bookstores in the area Bookwagon usually has a wider variety of recently published and slightly used books. I think this has to do with the large amount of trading and selling that Bookwagon does with its customers. Bookwagon's current sell/trade policy is as follows:
Ø Trade credit is given on a 2-1 ratio, based on what our price will be for the book. We give you half our used price in credit.
· PAPERBACK: On most paperbacks, our used book price is 40% of the original publisher’s price, so we give 20% of the original publisher’s price in trade credit. We sell old paperbacks with an original publisher’s price of $5.00 or less for $2.00, so we give you $1.00 in trade credit.
· HC FICTION: Our price for most hardcover fiction is between $3.50 and $7.95, and we give half that amount in trade credit. We determine what our price will be for the book and then give half our used price in credit.
· HC NONFICTION: Our price for most hardcover non-fiction is between $2.00 and $7.95. We determine what our price will be for the book and then give half our used price in credit.
Ø Books must be in very good or better condition. We won’t accept any books with water damage or smoke residue.
Ø We won’t accept series romance, book club hardcover, comic books, or Readers Digest condensed books. We will decline books that we have overstocked or which have outdated content (for example: older business, health, and technology books). We are currently not taking any hardcover fiction or mass market paperbacks unless they are newly released.
Ø Used book trade credit is not good towards new books or special orders.
While the selection is slightly more limited than some other used bookstores featured on this blog, Bookwagon offers an inviting and simple atmosphere that doesn't allow the inventory to overwhelm you. If you're looking for a quality used bookstore that you can easily browse in an afternoon, this is the place for you. And with an inventory that is constantly expanding be sure to keep a eye for the new Bookwagon website that will allow you to search through thousands of titles! Website is currently under construction and will be up and running this June.
Please see next post, which will feature a short interview with Bookwagon owner, Carl Hilton.
Parking is available in front of store located in the Ashland Shopping Center.
