Business Details
39 Years
experience
Rare & Used Bookstore in Long Beach, CA
Established in 1987, Once Read Books has served book enthusiasts for over three decades. Our physical store in Long Beach, California houses over 35,000 items including rare, out-of-print, and signed books - with at least 30,000 titles never listed online. We relocated to our current 1,800-square-foot space in 1999, preserving a historic vault from the 1940s that now safeguards our first editions and collectibles. Our knowledgeable staff specializes in military history, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and romance genres.We offer flexible trading programs allowing customers to exchange mass market paperbacks for store credit. While we primarily purchase books on art, military history, transportation, and specific subject histories, we evaluate all potential acquisitions during our regular business hours. Our online platform provides secure credit card transactions through verified email protocols for customer safety.
Services
Rare Books
Signed Fiction
Science Fiction
Gift Cards
Trading Program
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in rare and used books since 1987
- Our inventory includes over 35,000 physical items
- Knowledgeable staff with expertise in multiple book genres
- Flexible trading program for paperback exchanges
- Secure credit card transaction processes
What people say
Vast selection
Knowledgeable staff
Great trading system
Historic store location
Secure transactions
Services
Rare Book Sales
Specializing in hard-to-find and collectible books, our inventory includes first editions and unique volumes preserved in original condition. We maintain a secure vault for valuable items and offer expert authentication assistance. Customers benefit from our decades of experience in book valuation and historical context.
Signed Fiction
Our collection features signed works from notable authors across various genres including science fiction, mystery, and literary fiction. We verify provenance for all signed items and provide documentation upon request. This service caters to collectors seeking authenticated author signatures.
Trading Program
We offer a book trading system where customers exchange mass market paperbacks at a 3:1 ratio. The program allows flexible redemption with no expiration date for store credit. This service promotes book circulation while providing customers with cost-effective collection building opportunities.
Online Ordering
Our secure website enables purchasing of available inventory with verified credit card protocols. While most items require in-store pickup, we facilitate shipping arrangements for purchased items. The online platform maintains updated inventory listings from our physical store holdings.
Estate Services
We provide consultation for large book collections or estates through scheduled appointments. Our team evaluates potential purchases at original locations and offers professional guidance for collection management. This service supports estate planners and heirs managing literary assets.
People
Roger
Owner
Roger has managed Once Read Books since its founding in 1987. He oversees all operations including inventory management, estate evaluations, and customer relations. With extensive knowledge of rare books and collector markets, he leads the store's expansion and preservation efforts.
Questions
What store hours should I follow for in-person visits?
Our physical store operates Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time, and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
How does the book trading program work?
Trade three qualifying mass market paperbacks of similar genre to receive one item of equal value. Credit has no expiration date and applies toward any merchandise.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept PayPal for online transactions and credit cards for both in-store and phone orders during regular business hours.
Can I purchase books online?
Yes, our website displays available inventory for purchase. For items not shown online, contact us directly to check current holdings.
How secure is my credit card information?
We use verified email protocols for secure communication. Credit card numbers are transmitted through split-message techniques to prevent unauthorized access during email transactions.
Do you handle estate book collections?
Yes, we evaluate estate collections through scheduled appointments. Contact us directly to arrange for in-person assessment of large book holdings.
