In-store shopping
Yes
Ricks Recycled Books in Rochester
Categories
Location on the map
Rochester, Monroe County, New York, US
Service options
Delivery
No
Planning
Quick visit
Yes
Phone: +1 585-442-4920
Site: http://ricks-recycled-books.edan...
Site: http://ricks-recycled-books.edan...
Opening hours
- Monday:10AM–5PM
- Tuesday:10AM–5PM
- Wednesday:10AM–5PM
- Thursday:10AM–5PM
- Friday:10AM–5PM
- Saturday:10AM–5PM
- Sunday:10AM–5PM
Comments (120)
Great prices! Huge selection. A bibliophiles dream.
One of the best used book stores in Rochester! Ricks recycled books is always my first choice when I’m looking for new books. The man who owns the shop is always super nice and very helpful. I recommend this store every chance I get!
Along with more recent authors, like King, Koontz & Cook, I am always looking for older authors like HG Wells, Asimov, Burroughs, etc. And Ricks have many new, and older authors.Keeps me coming back.
Have found many jems here- everything from Alan Watts, to Anais Nin- to Huxley to finding a copy of the I Ching. Rick’s a great person, the prices are amazing & he knows where everything is & wether or not he has it on the shelves. Thank you!!
This store may look disorganized, but that is the best part. If you look closer, even though there are stacks of books everywhere, the layout actually makes perfect sense. I could easily spend an entire Saturday there just browsing. There was a crazy selection of books in various genres, and none I saw were over $4.00. I got 5 books for only $17.00. The workers were helpful and knew exactly where things were. The overall experience has made this my new favorite bookstore!
A lovely “organized mess” of ~25K books; most priced at $4. You probably won’t find any rare “gems” here; it’s predominantly popular paperback fiction with some classics and hardbacks in between. Decent kids/young adult collection. It gets overly-warm in winter time - wear layers if you want to browse for a while.
Not one gripe from me. Perfect. Rick & His son are accommodating, his Son is a pleasure to deal with. Honest guys , & Rick tells it like it is. This is my #1 fav book store. Rick laundry mat next door is excellent too. Honest, clean, affordable & helpful laundry attendant. the older Woman is a doll. Helpful and honest.
If youre familiar with the House of Guitars in Irondequoit, then youll be well acquainted with the vibe of this place. Its absolutely packed with books of all kinds that are loosely organized alphabetically. My recommendation is to just browse without a particular book in mind and pick one that looks interesting.
Ricks has quite the selection of books. If you cant find something its best to ask Rick and he may be able to point you in the right direction. Ive been able to find some of John OHara less popular books, and others I had been looking for for awhile. The prices are fair.
It had been a while since I visited this bookstore due to the pandemic. The owner wore a mask the whole time and practiced social distancing. The store was as quaint and intriguing as it always has been. For true old school book lovers this place is it!
Found Ricks on Google while hitting up other local bookstores. Rick greeted every customer when they entered personally while we were there, and asked if he could help find what they were looking for...or to let him know. The books are priced really well, and there is something for everyone, including DVDs. You can park right in front of the building or there is a parking lot in the back.
Huge selection, geat prices, knowledgeable staff.
Wall to wall, ceiling to floor books. Enough books that you couldnt read them in a lifetime. You could get lost for hours looking at the titles. They are still organized despite the sheer number of books and the owners are incredibly helpful and can find anything for you in a snap. Definitely check it out if youre in the area, you might find your next favourite book!
Gave me a good deal on buying some used books that I sold. Eclectic collection of just about everything you could be looking for.
This place is the quintessential used bookstore, a veritable treasure trove of lost stories waiting to be rediscovered. Yes, its a little messy, but Ive never had trouble finding what I want, and it adds to the charm and anticipation of the hunt. The inventory of used fantasy and sci-fi cant be beat, and the prices are always reasonable. Try walking away from Barnes and Noble or Amazon with a bag full of books for $20!
Absolutely disgusting, especially during a health crisis. The proprietor was not wearing a mask and was blatantly ignoring social distancing guidelines by getting too close to customers while talking. Dont put yourself at risk - there are many other used bookstores in Rochester that are following health and safety protocols and have a much better book browsing experience. Stay away from here!
Piles of books. Amazing. When you first walk in it can be over whelming, but once you understand the system youll be fine. The staff working there, I assume this to be the owner, seems to possess a preturnatural ability to find the exact book you want if you dont feeling like digging, with a simple prompt he will reach his hand into the shelf and pull out the proverbial plum. You can easily lose an hour just sifting through the collection. I have found some gems, and typically find myself going in for a specific book and leaving with a stack. Amazon what? Ricks is the spot for books. Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed.
Time stands still in this bookstore... At least thats what i argued to my boss when my lunch hour went 3 hours long.Expansive collection ranging every genre. Upon entering, I was told the books are arranged by type and if I need anything specific, to just let him know. When i asked if there were any labels to show the genres, my question was met with a smirk.Nope.It did the trick. I found myself lost in the best way, searching through precarious stacks and bowing shelves weighed down with thoughts and time.“For some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.” - Ann Lamott
Great place to buy books. reasonably priced very unique selection. Intriguing selection of video games. Would highly recommended to any book lover
I had the most bizarre encounter in Ricks Recycled Books last night. I entered the store with two of my friends and a lady greeted us. She insisted on giving us a tour of the store and we gladly obliged. All was going well until she snapped at us for not paying attention. Mind you, this is a whimsical store with thousands of books lining the walls. Of course its easy to lose focus. This lady snapped at us like her life was hanging by a thread. Ive never seen such anger and venom spew from someone working at a store before. Clearly the woman is not well. But this scene was beyond the pale. Both the owner and the worker should be ashamed of themselves. Rick, do yourself a favor and recycle this lady! What kind of business is this?
Was visiting the area on vacation and being a book lover I decided to stop in. There is a lot to look at so give yourself some time. So many good finds and the prices were great.
Quite cluttered, but the owner knows where things are. I found quite a few treasures but it could be overwhelming for some. If you like staring at shelves and shelves of books, go here!
Rick rules!Lots of really great books, and quite inexpensive. I love bookstores like this.. a little chaotic with stacks of books scattered about, but still organized and alphabetized. Come support this local business!
This is my favorite bookstore in all of Rochester. There are literally piles upon piles of books and theyre all generally $3 or less. The owner knows where everything is, or at least where it should be, and is always happy to help.This is THE BEST place if youre looking for fiction, particularly fantasy, science fiction, mystery, horror, and other genre fiction. You can also find plenty of licensed fiction such as Star Wars or Warhammer as well as some pulp series.There is a fair selection of non-fiction but it isnt this stores main focus. There are also plenty of romance (not that I read them) and lots of classics. Other sections include childrens, music, art, and writing.On top of that, they have a wall of DVDs and I believe they have some video games as well. You can also find a small stack of comics in the sci-fi section as well as some old Asimov magazines and similar things.Im actually about to head out there now.
Rick is very informative. Watch out for his son he is very rude and clearly does not like to work at all. I will no longer visit if the son is working. I suggest to call ahead of time and see who is working.Rick does buy DVDs and books for cash or store credit. He has an excellent variety of books you can litterly get lost looking for your favorite books.
Love the bookshop. Amazing books great place to visit with buds if you want to find great reads. Really pretty, get that old bookstore feeling.
Great store packed with goodies. Owner was friendly and knowledgeable. Prices were great and there was something to be found by any reader
They have an excellent selection of books and movies and at a very cheap price. It can definitely be a place where you cant judge a book by its cover, because you never know what hidden gems you may find
Great place to find books. They have everything from old to new favorites.
Ricks is a messy treasure trove for used book lovers. Stacks of books everywhere all willy-nilly but Rick will help you locate anything specific or you can just browse. Prices are pretty good.
A wonderful treasure trove of books! This location is one for those not afraid to peruse through a maze of used books. That said, you wont be disappointed with the options available.
The owner is amazing, the customer base is not always.. lately we ran into a bunch of Democrats. Do not hold it against the store owner. Theres an awesome selection seriously, go check it out. ✌
Cheap prices and high quantity, with mediocre quality. Definitely worth a visit, especially with two other Class A bookstores nearby.
When I moved back in to the city, one of the first stops I made on Monroe Ave. was Ricks books. 5 yrs later, hes the only place I get my books! Rick and his son are great! Rick always seems to know what I want, what I MIGHT want/like. Its such a great little nook. Pardon the pun, as for electronic book reading. This is the spot to go to! You will not be dissapointed. Where else will you get to read 1000+ page biographies about TRUMAN, ADAMS for $3.50 ???? In MINT condition!????At Ricks!
I came here on vacation a little over a year ago and i loved it!! its super cozy and the owner is really nice. i wish i had more time to look around; it was anything but boring here.
It is jam-packed with books, both fiction and non-fiction, typically priced at half the original price. Rick also has a large selection of DVDs. There is plenty of parking available, either on Monroe Avenue or in the Blessed Sacrament School parking lot across the street. Ive been in there many, many times, and have rarely walked out empty-handed.
The kind of bookstore youd expect to see in some indie movie about books. So many books they flow off the shelves and onto the floor. Not many new books, but you dont go to this store for new books. If you can visit, I hope you do.
This place is a haven for hundreds upon hundreds of forgotten old books as well as a few newer releases. Some people might find it a bit messy and have a hard time with some of the books on the floor, but otherwise, this place is fun.
This place is an absolute wonderland for the book lover. It doesnt seem to have organization because books are stacked upon each other haphazardly and in every nook and cranny of the store but if you look closer its all logical and if you cant find something you can ask the owner and he knows exactly where it is and if he has it.
Adore this place. One of the few gems left on Mo roe ave. Get great used books for $3-7 a piece, usually $4. Great.
Well the place has apretty good selection of books. Cheap prices and you can turn in old books to get a discount.
Loved my visit to Ricks! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Perfect place for Christmas shopping whether you know what you want or not!
Ricks has a great selection of books and the folks that run it are always helpful. I have been shopping here for years and always find something great to read when I get there.
This is where we always start our search for a certain book title and we never have to go anywhere else cause we always find what we are looking for. And they know right where everything is but it is also fun just to browse around.
Great little neighborhood used bookstore. Fantastic prices and a friendly owner.
Best place to go to if youre a book lover! Unorganized, but I love that part of it as well. Its all about the experience and cheap prices.
Great selection of books. Fantastic prices!
I buy mysteries & trade in some for credit. Truly recycled! Either Rick or his son will help you. Fun!
An avalanche of books. We got lost for about an hour and came out with a lot of sci fi for cheap.
Cool local place. Do you guys buy books? I have some I would like to give at a low price and others free.
The owners can be kind of rude and uncomfortable but theres a great selection of books and stacks that are fun to look through and reasonably priced
Great little bookstore, owner knows if he has specifics and where to find them.
Great store and owner is very helpful. Great selection. Always have had a good experience shopping there.
Excellent selection and great prices! Lots of recent titles too. Highly recommend!
Always a great place to find inexpensive books about anything. As an educator I highly recommend for childrens books!
Pretty much everything youd want in a used bookstore. A good blend of organized-ish and total chaos.
Love it! We are always on the hunt for used books stores when we travel. Great find.
Great selection, better prices. Just be willing to do some digging, theres gold to be found if you have eyes wide open.
Amazing selection of used books. The place may be a bit messy but its wide range is unparalleled.
Expansive collection of cheap books. Knowledgeable owner on hand on a Sunday to quickly locate, by request, the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
They always have an amazing selection of books and I always find exactly what I am looking for.
Great selection, shopkeeper is incredibly attentive and helpful! Only downside is that its a bit messy, but I think that adds to the shops charm.
Love Ricks! Great place to find books you didnt know you wanted.
I enjoy finding some good books for gifts, or for me here. I find many that are like new quailty.
I was able to sell some of my collection of books. I got a fair price on them!
Fantastic sci-fi section. Relatively well organized. Wonderful for brousing.
Found what I was looking for. It was affordable and Rick was very helpful and nice. Will go back again.
I found the clutter and organized chaos charming. The owner is very personable and the prices are extremely reasonable.
Small but a nice collection of used books.. Also buys but the payment is low
Wonderful bookstore with so many finds i blew out my debit card
Lots of book with good prices. Friendly owner
This is my favorite book store. Cozy, chaotic, easy to get lost in.
This is a great used book store! We miss it since we moved.
Smelled terrible, books were completely disorganized. Nothing good in the philosophy section or economics section. Terrible.
Great (little) used book store with fair prices!
Can find loads of wanted books! great source of fantasy & science fiction, non fiction also.
Good place to hunt for books, great selection and great prices
A terrific selection of books at terrific prices. Almost everything is below $4.00
Best used bookstore ever! Cheap books. Eccentric joint.
A surprisingly strong YA section
An adventure in every visit. You never know what hidden gems youll find around every corner.
Excellent and cozy book store with a very diverse selection
Love this place. Certainly a great digging spot for all literature lovers
Very organized and peaceful, books are good quality as well
Always good finds and very nice store owners.
Wonderful owners, great book collection.
Lots of books to choose fromVery small and quaint.
Everything you want from a used book store.
It was very warm in here for some reason and super disorganized.
Rick is cool. Books are plentiful. And cheap.
These guys are great. Everyone should check them out.
Ricks is the place to go! I love this shop!
The owner was very helpful and I found exactly what I was searching for!
I felt like home walk in this book store
Awesome selection, friendly staff!
Its a mess but plenty of books to choose from.
25 years and counting. Rick and co. are my go to place.
Large selection of fiction, inexpensive
Lots of choices at great prices!
I couldnt find anything.
Great variety, nice owner
They have a book for everyone.
Very disorganized and messy.
Great selection.
Scatterbrained book nerd heaven
Love this store..
Lots of books
Huge collection.
Great place to get used books.
An old book stand with an antique style. There are a lot of books waiting for book lovers to find, and the boss is also a book lover. Reading attentively with a book in the office will not give people pressure at all.
Total reviews rating 4.7
120 Reviews for Ricks Recycled Books 2023:
Review №1
2022-08-04Visited this bookstore while in the area. It’s the perfect place for the average reader - so many books to look at, has that old bookstore feel where you hunt for your finds. The owner was very helpful too: I gave him my phone with my to-read list, and he trotted around the store helping me find the ones he had. I could have spent hours in here! If you’re looking for more technical or non-fiction books (textbooks, higher level learning, etc.), there isn’t much here. But if you’re like me and love fiction and memoirs and stuff like that, there’s no end in sight for options. 10/10
Review №2
2022-06-11If you enjoy hunting through piles of books for hidden treasure, this is the place for you. The books are intuitively organized, and the proprietor checked on us to make sure we were finding what we wanted. My in-laws want to come here every time they visit.
Review №3
2021-08-14Absolutely LOVE this place! All used books at amazing prices! Pretty much everything is 4$ or lower.My wife and I are pretty avid readers so we are constantly swapping out books. We always bring them there for store credit which is nice, I believe he also allows you to sell him books for cash as well.Can be a little crowded in there at times... but hey that just means its a good place to be and that hes got something the people want!
Review №4
2022-05-22They have an incredible selection of books, especially in the fiction section. Plus, the owner is super kind and helpful.
Review №5
2022-05-01What a nice surprise this place was! HUGE selection of all kinds of books. I will definitely return!
Review №6
2021-12-10I really love Ricks because there is a great find every single time Im in there. And Rick has the best prices in town for books of all genres and movies. Absolutely great on a bookstore crawl and highly recommended. Its very stuffed to the gills, but dig and you will find great stuff.
Review №7
2021-11-27I love this book store!!!! It has a really nice and warm atmosphere/vibe, and the books are in great shape. The owner is so nice and came to greet us and gave us the layout of the store. A great place to visit and find amazing books!!!
Review №8
2021-09-06Plentiful amount of books.Store is tight and books more on the floors than on the shelves.Book subjects are grouped together.Authors are not ABC order just put in the subject section.If you have the TIME then this charming little used book store is the place to check out.I did find a book I was not particularly looking for from an author I read years ago and liked tho.4 star due to disorganized, cramped, clutter , hard to find author set up.
Review №9
2021-04-11One of if not the best used bookstore in Rochester. Amazing selection, even better prices, and on top of it all you get to work for your food. The books are only fairly well organized. There is, however, a pleasure in digging through shelves and boxes and striking upon the book you came into the store looking for. Go here before buying a book online or at Barnes and Noble or whatever: you wont regret it.
Review №10
2021-06-26A fantastic traditional hole-in-the-wall bookstore, crammed with bookcases and narrow hallways. Theyre all previously owned books, but theyre all in pretty good condition, and theres a serious variety, yet all quality authors. Pricing is best in the city at $2-$4 for most paperbacks, and a buck or two more for a hardcover (unless its hard to find or a special edition, of course). You can sometimes pick up a whole series in one go, for a tiny fraction (1/5th or less) of what it would cost elsewhere. If you like a good read, give it a go.