Jim Reed Books/The Museum of Fond Memories — Local services in Birmingham

Pros: This is one of my favorite book stores! The owner is very kind and a joy to chat with. Compared to every other used book store within the Birmingham area,Reed Books unquestionably has THE LARGEST COLLECTION OF BOOKS!

The atmosphere is calm and relaxing! They could easily convert a small space,such as a corner,into a 'reading nook'. Bring a cup of coffee and it would be perfection on Earth! Surrounded by ceiling-high shelves which are double-stacked with books,you will love the adventure of browsing through the multiple rooms of books. The books are also lovingly stacked in front of the shelves throughout the store,simply due to the vast,seemingly never-ending amount of books available!

Cons: One issue I find difficult the grasp,which is the primary cause of my 4-star rating instead of five. I have now shopped here numerous times,although my very first visit ended with disappointment and empty hands. The cause was due to the pricing of their books. The pricing system they use could use a little work. I picked up a 10-year-old paperback book (small - 140 pages?) and was shocked to see their price was $16.99! I used my iPhone to check online and sure enough,this book wasn't of any literary significance. I checked the back of the book which listed the MSRP as $16.99!

Since this book likely sold for something like $9.99 when it was a new release ten years ago,I was perplexed as to why it was currently listed for so much. After all,anyone who regularly visits any bookstores can easily see that most books are originally sold for less than the MSRP. I can't imagine anyone paying that much.

I asked the kind lady who also works there (co-owner?) about getting a discount or something if I were to buy so many books or something. Unfortunately,she kindly told me "no" and that day I left empty-handed.

I believe in giving places second chance so I went in there and actually found a few books I really wanted,and that's the good news! Let's say the price is on the books are $40,well,the guy says "how does $21 sound?" And of course you are excited and everyone's happy!

I think instead of marking high prices on their books and then reducing them at the register,it would be better to Simply mark them for how much you want to sell them.

Someone like myself (who uses a budget) always goes into the store with a certain amount I can't go over and their pricing system makes it hard to know if I can only get one book or twelve,until I've gone to the register.

But the prices are reasonable once you get up there so the one-star is basically due to the persistent confusion. But this place is wonderful and I would highly recommend visiting because they have a little bit of everything for...

This bookstore is certainly interesting and unique. When one walks in, it's clear the place has a rich history. But after going to this place, I felt that it wasn't a practical bookstore. The fairly large store is filled to the brim with books, too filled. Books are laid on the floor, jam packed into shelves, and stacked on top of each other, up to four feet high. As an individual with a bad back, I wasn't able to peruse most books, because of their placement on the floor or up high, with ease. I also thought that the books were mostly overpriced. I went into this store to buy a used copy of a Harry Potter book for my nephew, and it was priced at $20. While I would prefer to buy from a local bookshop, I couldn't spend $20 for that book, when I could get it for $4 on Amazon. Other books, over 50 years old, I saw, were priced at almost full price as well. I thought this was unusual and out of touch with realistic pricing. I will say that the staff of this bookshop are kind and helpful. On more than one occasion, staff came to me to ask if I needed help, always politely and not pushy. Overall, it's a nice place to look around, but it is a little overpriced...

Jim Reed Books / The Museum of Fond Memories is truly a gem for book lovers and nostalgia enthusiasts alike. The store boasts an incredible collection of thousands of books spanning five centuries, making it a treasure trove of literary history. The ambiance of the store, with its curated displays and thoughtful organization, invites visitors to explore and discover hidden gems at every turn.

The customer service is exceptional, with knowledgeable and friendly staff who are always ready to assist and share their passion for books. Whether you're a casual reader or a dedicated bibliophile, you'll feel welcomed and valued.

Additionally, Jim Reed's website and podcast are fantastic extensions of the store's charm and expertise. The website is user-friendly, offering a glimpse into the store's extensive collection and providing easy access to rare and unique finds. The podcast is a delightful listen, filled with engaging discussions and insights that reflect Jim Reed's deep love for books and the stories they tell.

Overall, Jim Reed Books / The Museum of Fond Memories is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates literature, history, and...