Helen's Book Mark - Paperback Book Exchange

Beware!!! Do not waste your time trying to "exchange" your books here. I brought in 30+ books, about 20 were accepted as trades and I was offered approximately $60 of "in-store credit". Yay! However, I quickly realized that this "store credit" cannot actually be applied toward purchases and instead functions only as a small discount at checkout... Their website uses the term "exchange" and states that customers "receive 35% of the publisher’s price as in-store regular credit," yet nowhere is it clearly communicated that this "credit" cannot actually be used as credit at checkout. Only after reading the fine print and experiencing the process firsthand does it become clear that customers are still required to pay most of the book price out of pocket, and that what is offered in return for a large stack of books is a DISCOUNT on future purchases, not true "store credit". This discount excludes new releases. None of this is explained before books are accepted. When I asked if I could use my store credit to buy a book, the cashier stated, "Well you always have to pay something… it’s not a library." The owner then echoed this in a rude, demeaning tone: "This isn’t a library. It’s not free!" I was never expecting something "free." I was hoping that my $60 credit could cover at least one book, but apparently the meaning of the word "exchange" has been lost here. If this "exchange" model is how the owner wants to operate her business, that is totally her prerogative. What upset me was the lack of transparency upfront, coupled with demeaning comments insinuating I was looking for something free, especially given that she is the one who essentially received 20 books from me at no cost. In hindsight, I regret not donating these books so they could have gone to a good cause rather than supporting this shady business model.

Such a cozy location and more astounding is it's collection of trade paperbacks. If your into love and romance or a bit of a mystery you will not be disappointed. Lose yourself within the store and dive deep into the imagination.

A lovely Escondido staple, the kind of place that makes Grand Ave so special. It's traditional and nostalgic like the other Grand Ave legacy shops, but it's fun and current- not sad and crusty like Doarts shoe shop or the clock repair place up the street. Helen, the proprietor, is SO great. You can just tell she's a good egg. I mean it's a book shop, and there are always kids there. That must be because of Helen. They accept book donations (mostly kids / young adult fiction) for store credit (not cash.) Warning to dog owners- Helen LOVES giving treats! She has turned mine into an ADDICT! 🤣 When we pass by and the store is closed, she has a meltdown.

As I was about to purchase my book, the staff openly began to mock a customer in front of me. I immediately put my book back as I can't support a business that has no reservations in mocking its customers. Edit: As someone who works in a public-facing business myself, I would never express condescending remarks of the customers openly. The conversation was not "perceived negatively" as the owner remarked; it was certainly negative. There was no explaining involved as the owner claims. The employee was complaining to her coworker.

Have you ever been into such a thoughtfully decorated bookstore, where every book has its place, and yet each room area has its own colorful little vibe?!? Oh my goodness! This place is special! You can just feel how much this owner loves books, and the moods they create. Check out the picture of the "romance" room!! So amazing! Just come in to see this! I mean, really!?!? Very special!

I love jigsaw puzzles. They have a variety to select from. Once I've completed a puzzle I bring it back and get credit. I use it towards my next one. My favorites are the 1000 piece. Challenge is 2000!

This oasis for readers has thousands of books to explore. I accidentally spent an hour here when I intended 15 minutes, and even then I had to drag myself away. Then I learn that I can bring in my read books for a credits on future purchases?! Overhearing others discussing their favorites while I search out the many books on my expanding to read list felt heavenly.