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Smith Discount Books
5237 Providence Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, United States
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Smith Discount Books
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Al
Review №1

Just went in for my first time - incredible experience. I know not many people like the clutter of books but that is 100% my happy place. Books EVERYWHERE! Absolutely lay me to rest here lol. They are priced a little differently than other used book stores Ive been to, but nothing outrageous. They do have brand new and great condition books available in addition to the used books. I also loved the way it was organized - very intuitive. Some great hidden gems here!

Mi
Review №2

The prices are a little high for a discount book place BUT it makes up for it in selection and ambience. They also have brand new books which are definitely cheaper then typical new prices.

Jo
Review №3

The books here are truly a diamond in the rough.

Fr
Review №4

Fantastic place to get any kind of book. They have so many selections. I went to see if they had a particular book and they definitely did!! So glad I came here!! I will certainly be buying more books from here. Great place. Great people.

Se
Review №5

Alot of variety of books. Even rare and jars to find ones.

Be
Review №6

The lady was so helpful I really appreciate her

Sa
Review №7

I love visiting this store! Theres a great variety to choose from and my kids always leave with something new to read. Ive found books that I read as a child that I completely forgot about. That was a happy surprise!

Vi
Review №8

I highly recommend this charming little book store. Not only do they have everything I was looking for from old to new but they were so helpful and understanding! They stopped and helped my 12 year old pick out something new that she wouldnt have chosen otherwise. I found things for myself, my 3 year old, 7 year old, 12 year old and 16 year old. I was very happy with our first visit and will be back weekly.

Ma
Review №9

My boyfriend spent hours here looking at books about airplanes, and their young adult section is expansive and great!

Ra
Review №10

Pros: cozy, small business, polite staff, old book smell.Cons: overpriced x 2. The same books are half price at any book retailer.

Gi
Review №11

Love this bookstore! Great selection! The prices are high for a used bookstore!!

A
Review №12

This book store is absolutely amazing! They also had the books I was seeking, a double win! The lovely lady at the front is kind, helpful and awesome!

EB
Review №13

Great friendly service and you will find a good book with a great price too.

Sh
Review №14

Extremely over priced for used books. Will not return.

An
Review №15

Great relaxing book store, you can just sit there and find the books you want to read. Highly recommend

Ti
Review №16

The people that work there were wonderful. The prices were like a full price bookstore. I really disliked have to leave empty handed. Only because I didnt take the funds in with me, because it was Kinda like going in to a second hand store expecting second hand prices, but only finding full price prices. I really wish it wouldnt have been like that, because I really enjoyed the atmosphere.

Ja
Review №17

Had what I needed but really expensive

Bu
Review №18

This place is packed full. Literally to the ceiling. Books on shelves, books stacked 5ft high on the floors. It has character and is fun to browse. Its organized according to genre and they have everything from Wok cooking to witchcraft spells. (Really!!) I loved it.

Pa
Review №19

A very large collection of used books..I was totally impressed.Very organized

Ad
Review №20

They may not always have what you are looking for but you are likely to find.something you didnt know you wanted.

Ap
Review №21

Love how you can get lost in this place and find some wonderful gems! Wish it was a tad bit more organized though

Ja
Review №22

We are always able to find a book here, sometimes not the book we are looking for, but always something we want to read. They had a large variety and friendly staff.

ch
Review №23

We had the best time here, took cute pics in the piled up book shelf isles, and got a great book!

Ke
Review №24

A little pricey but good selection

Da
Review №25

Lots of books to pick through and pretty great prices.

Al
Review №26

Great Store. Some used books are marked a little high. Good selection though. Looks like they need a bigger store.

Pr
Review №27

I love your store so much one of the best book stores I’ve ever been to because of the selection and customer service

K
Review №28

Everytime I come in there’s new books new variety of them too and you can’t beat the prices . They have a vibe of a real book store because unlike popular by name companies they have a good selection of non mainstream books . Can find so many Gems here.

Ni
Review №29

WHAT A HIDDEN GEM!! this place is a book lovers heaven!!! Yea the prices are a few bucks less than large retailers, but I’d rather support a local shop! I’d even pay more just because! ...They have everything!! I’m sad I didn’t find this place sooner, I will absolutely be back, the guy working in there was sweet and funny :) if you haven’t been here and you love books go check this place out!!

Da
Review №30

We love going here ! So much to choose from and browse through!

Em
Review №31

A wonderful store full of eclectic books with a million different subjects and although everything may seem unorganized, you get the hang of it after a few minutes of being here. Would definitely recommend checking it out. A mix of new and used books.

mj
Review №32

Floor to ceiling books new and used at great prices! The staff are always super friendly and helpful with anything you need! :D

Em
Review №33

My favorite book store. Better than Barnes and noble. Employees are so kind and genuinely helpful. Have almost everything, and if they dont, they can order it if its still in print. Tons of great old books too. Would give them a million stars if I could!

Ta
Review №34

Great selection, have always been able to find what I’m looking for or they will do all they can to find and get it for me even if it’s a rare book and the prices I’ve found to be very reasonable. I’ve been a customer since they were closer to the beach and now I go out to where they have moved even though I can’t go as often since it’s a lot farther away. I recommend this bookstore for anyone who loves to read they’ve always been so nice and helpful to me

Al
Review №35

The prices were the same as a regular book store. A cozy place to browse. Not highly organized so its easy to discover something new but wouldnt go back. They do sell cigarettes so if you like reading and smoking maybe give it a go?

Wi
Review №36

I really like this store, and it is literally jammed with books. Beautiful clutter, and I wholly enjoy it. Thats not for everyone, but Im sure there are plenty who agree. For such a small space, it truly holds an amazing variety of tomes, and Ive never left this store with less than a couple new additions to my collection. Its not a trendy coffee shop, or an overpriced corporate store that only stocks the newest whatnot, and that just adds to the appeal even more.

Do
Review №37

They order a book I cannot find where.

L
Review №38

There is not much discount at this store. They have some new books in the front section of the store and have some manga.

La
Review №39

The most beautiful chaos of new books and well loved books. As soon as you walk in the smell of books greets you and its so nice! The lady behind the counter is super friendly and knows exactly where everything is in the store.

NI
Review №40

I love bookstores but the employee at the store was rude. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and thought maybe she was having a bad day..she was rude. I still purchased books but won’t return. The prices are no different than Barnes and Nobles. I’ll stick to my happy place Barnes and Nobles.

Au
Review №41

Feels like walking into a library but with a less business feel. Books stacked high from top to bottom front to back. Just an awesome amount of books. If you cant find what your looking for or want something they dont have they will gladly take your suggestion down and look into trying to find said books for you where they can. Lovely cozy atmosphere and warm inviting people.

Ch
Review №42

Good prices on brand new books

Me
Review №43

Staff is friendly and helpful. Knowledgeable about the stock. Its a great place to browse thru if you have plenty of time. There are tons of books on shelves, displays and the floor. Prices are compatible for used books in various states of quality, from well used to brand new.

Jo
Review №44

Overpriced and unprofessional. I was perusing the science and math books which happen to be right near the bookstore ladys disturbing used 18+ 1970s magazines section. As I got closer to that section she yelled across the hall that she would need to see my ID although I was clearly not in that section. I told her I was not going back there, then she proceeded to stare me down for a solid 10-20 seconds. I kid you not. She stood there and just stared at me like a looney toon while I kept looking at the math books, trying to make sure I wasnt gonna make a break for it and run into the 18+ section. I tried not to burst out laughing at this absurdity. If you enjoy being treated like this as a customer, then by all means, go right ahead. I will stick with going to other bookstores where the staff is actually sane.

Za
Review №45

As soon as i walked in i felt in good hands. I asked the man where the book i was looking for is and he told me exactly where it was. Very friendly staff. Id recommend it to bookworms .

Ki
Review №46

I had a very nice experience there. They have a wide variety of books, I saw some of my favorite dystopian and sci-fi novels as well as a huge selection of classical books. The staff was very friendly and happy to help me find anything I needed, and everything was reasonably priced. I will definetly be making a return visit.Also it smelled like vanilla flowers which was a pleasant surprise.

Ro
Review №47

Amazingly huge variety of all sorts of books. I have found some very rare pieces in this place. I come here before I go to Barnes and noble.

Ve
Review №48

Great collection of books. The thrill of finding an unexpected book makes it a bit different from chain stores.

He
Review №49

I just love getting lost in the place. Affordable books and if you are looking for something in particular, just ask. They usually have it. Great prices.

S
Review №50

The staff is always friendly and helpful. I could spend hours here looking through the books.

Ti
Review №51

Transporting you into worlds you will never remember to Google! The welcoming scent and towering sentiments of generations, envelope the seeker who enters! This is the used bookstore you have been missing. THIS is something to do. Go check out this place.

T.
Review №52

They have a good selection of books, unfortunately its difficult to sort through the messiness of the store. That would be worth it if the staff were friendly. I ended up leaving before I was done looking because the person working behind the counter was having an inappropriate adult conversation while I was in the store with my young child. They are slightly overpriced for used books. If they clean up their store and their act they would be a much better store.

Lo
Review №53

Love this bookstore. They have been here for almost 30 years. To survive 30 years...they must be doing something right. I can always find an old gem for a great price in here. They also carry new books as well. When I dont feel like digging through treasure, the owners have always put the book I wanted right in my hand.

Cl
Review №54

Great little “nook” with great/knowledgeable staff.

Me
Review №55

I love visiting this shop. The two owners are always super friendly and helpful. At first sight, the store may seem overwhelming. But each time Ive come in, Ive found a gem from my childhood or an opportunity to reread one of the classics. We think of it as a treasure hunt. Ive even been lucky enough to swap some of my own books for store credit.

c.
Review №56

Finding a used bookstore in the area was difficult and I was happily surprised to find Smiths. I disagree with some of the previous reviews about the books being overpriced. The books that are more than three years old are priced at exactly what I have seen at other bargain stores and wasnt at all shocked about the price of the newer books. Honestly I love that I was even able to find a bookstore seeing as they seem to be a rarity in Virginia Beach. There is an amazing selection and the owners are very kind and fair. If you are looking for a bookstore this is certainly one I would reccommend and will return to.

Wi
Review №57

Excellent selection.... friendly service.

Za
Review №58

There is a lot of books here. Old, new and in between. The people running the shop are friendly. Though you better be prepared to spend some time there as you may get lost looking through all the books.

Am
Review №59

Rude owners and overpriced books

Ka
Review №60

Awesome selection. Both new and used.

Ne
Review №61

I would like to take the time to recount my experience(s) at Smith Discount Books. I am a bookstore lover. Though I do not have a vast collection of beloved literature and books of my own ($$$), I personally find that one of my favorite pastimes is browsing through personally owned bookstores such as this one. I said it before and Ill say it again, I adored the cute and cluttered atmosphere of the bookstore and I appreciated the variety of books in terms of old tales, serious literature, nonfiction, modern young adult stories, and childrens books.I unfortunately did have a rather upsetting experience in terms of being misunderstood by a clerk at the store though now meeting both owners, I fully understand that they both do not tolerate that kind of prejudice. We had a wonderfully pleasant talk about the misunderstanding in which they explained that they would mever condone anyone getting harmed especially since they care very deeply about their store and value all their customers. I explained also on my end that I had never meant to sound aggressive or cause harm, but instead voice a concern that was properly met with a sincere apology, and we were able to work out a mutual understanding of one another.I also never wanted to give this store any kind of bad rep in which the second I fully discovered that no harm was ever intended, I completely agreed to take down my posts without compensation of any kind since I didnt find it right to take from a store I had caused trouble to already and a store that in general seemed genuine and struggling like any other. I was very happy to sort things out and have my concerns heard but also met and dealt with in proper manners to which I fully decided to continue and be a customer.It also turns out that they do have a few LGBTQ+ novels out on the floor, but they do have to be requested like any other book! I was still happy to see those!I hope to share the genuine, kind, and accepting nature of the store and owners and wish that all goes well! Keep it up!

Cl
Review №62

Love all the books in here wish I could buy them all

Am
Review №63

Got a couple of cute books on drawing. Great selection and super friendly staff!

Tr
Review №64

I almost didnt go to this store because of the reviews but after having gone despite the reviews I am so very thankful. I had been looking for an old Stephen King novel, which at Books-A-Million was nearly $20. I called Smiths and he had it for exactly the price I love and expect from a used bookstore. It was only $4 and in great condition. I think his books are fair priced. The newer books that are less than two years old are of course going to be a little higher than the older books, but even the newer novels arent to the high priced level of bookstores. Im thankful that I called and ran over and hope that this review helps other wayward searchers looking for a good used bookstore.

Te
Review №65

Soooooo many books! You can spend hours in this store. Excellent selections, topics and reasonably priced. Great store.

Ma
Review №66

Stuffed with books! Good place to browse. Not a good place if youre looking for something specific (unless its a bestseller).

Ve
Review №67

Amazing amount of books great book store a little pricey though!.

Be
Review №68

A great little book store. This is the kind of place that you need a little time to explore as its filled top to bottom. If you cant find it, theyll order it.

Fa
Review №69

Its a cute little store but they have lots of inventory.

Ka
Review №70

Im in love with this place. My wallet, however, is cowering in fear! So many books!!!

Fr
Review №71

Went here on a whim because I am new to the area and an avid book reader. Although very crowded because of the size of the shop, they have an extensive selection of just about any kind of book you could want or need. Also will also order books if there is a specific book you need that they dont have in stock. Will shop here again.

Dr
Review №72

Sorry this is going to be a long one:This is my only bookstore. Yes, there are piles of books about the place and the shelves are loaded, but thats the charm. They try to carry a little of everything. To appeal to everyone. Unfortunately you can see by the negative comments that *some* people dont want to have to look around. They want it upfront and center on a huge shelf under a big sign saying Its Right Here Betty. If you dont want to browse the awesome shelfs and stacks then simply ask the desk for what you want and theyll hand it to you. Or if by some odd chance they dont have it, they order it which they have done for me twice and my mother as well at no additional charge. Every once in a while Amazon might be less expensive but they are a huge corporation. This is a shop. Small businesses are about supporting your fellow man, the citizen in your neighborhood, the guy down the street trying to make an honest living. And for the one who is bothered by adult reading, you may be relieved to know that the section is barricaded and marked as adults only.To the person who thought it was odd they carry cigarettes, they have been carrying them since they opened decades ago when people smoked on t.v. and in doctors offices. They also carry gum and candy. Not that any of that matters. Go read a book for Petes sake.There is simply no reason to not love this store.

Ka
Review №73

They had a wide selection of books, however when I went with my friend, the employee was extremely rude even though it seemed she was attempting to be funny. That attempt didn’t really work too well in her situation, and she was also rude to another customer who had walked in after us. The books there were overpriced for a used book store and I won’t be going there again.

Jo
Review №74

I have to agree with the other reviewers. You will not find used book store prices and in fact that prices are higher than retail on new books on Amazon. I received a book as a gift that was purchased here and it had been damaged and then repaired. Found out they paid more for it than if they had bought a new copy online. Very hard to find anything since there is not much organization. I would love to support a local shop like this but it really does give used book stores a bad name.

Ka
Review №75

A great selection but rather pricey.

Ro
Review №76

Very helpful staff and such a huge selection.

K
Review №77

Lots of hidden treasures. Fun to look around.

La
Review №78

Best book store Ive ever been to!

Ma
Review №79

You can always find a deal here you just have to spend a little time to find what youre looking for.

Di
Review №80

Super high in prices. Including very old and used books. Dont waste your time.

Ti
Review №81

Definitely NOT a discount store... unless you consider about $0.90 difference a discount. Their selection of used books is very scarce.

Jo
Review №82

No matter what you are looking for, just give the employees as much info you can about any book or arthur and they will find it for you

Ch
Review №83

Best place to find the old stuff. Great selection and service.

Ja
Review №84

They sell cigarettes and books and their prices are great

tr
Review №85

Lots of selection (if slightly disorganized and overflowing!) I found some things I have been looking for for a while. Only thing is the prices are a bit higher for a used book store.

Au
Review №86

This is the most junky unorganized book store and the prices are outrageous!!

co
Review №87

Very Nice Slection.

Ce
Review №88

Large selection of books that are reasonably priced.

Ro
Review №89

They sell super cheap cigarettes!

An
Review №90

It was quite unorganized. To the point that I couldnt be in there to look for a book without getting overwhelmed.

De
Review №91

Beautiful hole in the wall packed with books

Ha
Review №92

The prices were barely a dollar less than new books. The staff was rude

Ke
Review №93

New to VB but love this place.

ni
Review №94

Very nice and friendly place

Ar
Review №95

Good selection of books, sometimes its very daunting how many book they have.

Al
Review №96

The service there was horrible. Me and my friend were there looking at books and the manager was being so rude for no reason, i would not recommend shopping there.

Gl
Review №97

Found what I wanted. Friendly place!

th
Review №98

The prices were outrageous. Everything is extremely dated, except the prices. I almost exclusively shop used book stores. But this is one place I would never return.

Ma
Review №99

Wide selection of every category. Could spend hours just roaming the aisles

Fr
Review №100

Not a real savings here. Most books that are on sale are $1 off the price listed on the back of the book itself.

Information
12 Photos
100 Comments
4.1 Rating
  • Address:5237 Providence Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, United States
  • Site:http://smithdiscountbooks.com/
  • Phone:+1 757-474-9448
Categories
  • Book store
Working hours
  • Monday:10AM–8PM
  • Tuesday:10AM–8PM
  • Wednesday:10AM–8PM
  • Thursday:10AM–8PM
  • Friday:10AM–8PM
  • Saturday:10AM–8PM
  • Sunday:11AM–6PM
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
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