The Corvallis Book Bin — Local services in Corvallis

This bookstore is one of a dying breed, meaning one that's curated by people who really care about books. Such an abundant and thoughtful selection, and very reasonably priced. Lots to look at, great stationery, posters, interesting art. We were only in Corvallis two days and visited twice, and almost needed a second suitcase to take back everything we'd purchased.

The reason this isn't a five-star review is our interaction with staff. As another reviewer pointed out, many of the tables are set up for browsing rather than by topic, so I'd seen a book I wanted to circle back to and then just couldn't find it again. I asked a staff member if she could help me find it, and she gave me an incredulous look when I told her the subject (history of flight attendants) and said vaguely that no, she couldn't help, the books were just kind of displayed randomly. Okay then!

The second time we went in, this same staff member was sitting behind the counter on her phone, scrolling, ignoring a mother who was standing with her toddler daughter holding a book and who seemed to want to ask a question.

We probably browsed over two hours on our first visit, and that entire time there were three, sometimes four, staff members behind the checkout counter talking busily to each other. It could be they've been told not to bother the customers while browsing. But when we finally figured out how to check out (every opening seemed to say "no check out here"), we felt like we were rudely interrupting their conversation. The person who checked us out made no attempt to interact or talk with us.

The best bookstore in the world, and I think this could otherwise be in the running for that, is diminished when customer service isn't part of the equation. Not sure we'll return, as there are other places to buy books where we don't feel...

I’ve been going to the book bin regularly for the past 10 years. Their selection is great. This used to be my happy place. I purchase books as gifts for all my friends and family. I’ve probably spent many hundreds or even a thousand dollars at the Book Bin. But over the last two years I have noticed their customer service not just being sub par, but they are down right rude. I love browsing books and then when it comes time for me to bring my books to the checkout, I dread the interaction with the staff. When you walk up to the counter they don’t acknowledge you or tell you which register they are logged into. You just kind of stand there awkwardly until they take your book and scan it. I’ve made multiple purchases here where the only thing the staff tell me is the price. I say “hello”, they don’t say anything. Not even “thank you” when you are leaving. I have seen management commenting on other reviews I’ve read like mine, but I get the feeling this is a systemic issue for the Book Bin and I don’t think management actually cares. I tried for years to continue going here, but I’m done. I will only be shopping at Grassroots from now on. They have a smaller selection but it’s a great selection and if they don’t have what I’m looking for they are happy to order it. If the Book Bin didn’t have the title I was looking for they never offer to order because they are already annoyed I came up to ask for a title. I love Corvallis and I support our downtown on a weekly basis. I am a friendly shopper and usually have great customer experiences. I don’t know what’s going on at the Book Bin but this is a regular thing. Many of my other mom friends have noticed the same customer...

I have gotten some fantastic gifts for people here, as well as from people who got it here. My favorite part is the oddities that can be found. e.g. the "Women of Power" Marvel comics coloring book that I got for Christmas. Sometimes you may even get lucky enough to find an old classic comic book. I have found all of my favorite children's books here too, including the 80s and 90s prints that I grew up with. I also have found many self help and informational books when I needed them. Staff is helpful when needed and I have never felt "watched" or "harassed." The old shop cat is super friendly though I haven't seen it in a while and I know it was pretty old. I am thankful this store survived the Borders occupation of Corvallis; I just hope we can help them survive this...