Books-A-Million — Local services in Albany

I don't know why I keep giving this place a chance. As I walked up to the counter, there were FOUR staff members behind the counter. There was no clear line forming, and customers were trying to ask the staff where to line up, but not one employee would respond. As people queued up behind me, we would joke that we didn't know where we were supposed to be. Whatever the cashiers were working on at the counter was taking forever. I was next in line for about ten minutes. No one said "thank you for waiting," or even a simple "we'll be right with you." The staff would not even glance up from their computers. Finally I inched and put my items on the counter, asking if they would put them back for me, because I was leaving. Only THEN did an employee look up from her cell phone to tell me, "Oh, you can walk to the back and check out at the cafe." I was angry, but not surprised. No one at that store wants to do their job, and it shows. I haven't had a good experience with the staff at the store in years. Now I will...

Like much of anything in Albany, this place is acceptable but nothing that you want to make plans to go do. You just happen to stop in if already in the area. Very small BAM. I miss the big one that used to be in Albany when I was a kid. Small selection of just about every section, including their bargain priced stuff. Which is the only section to shop as just like with most BAMs, they are way over priced. Books are cheaper at Walmart, Target, Amazon, 2nd & Charles etc. Occasionally, they get Pop exclusives so we stop in every couple of weeks to see if they have finally put out stock that other stores have had for months. Employees are usually super nice and helpful when needed. I wish the Bargain section was restocked a little more often.

Bargain section has been rearranged and a few new titles added but nothing...

I was shocked and dismayed to see prominent and centrally-placed displays showcasing books with titles filled with vulgarities. I have always considered my BAM bookstore a haven where I might examine and ponder diverse ideas and viewpoints, but to be confronted with such profane obscenity and unable to avoid such in-your-face displays, is discouraging and creates a hesitancy to enter any bookstore that considers this a viable...