Travel Tip #782: Exchange Your Books

Book sellers abound on the banks of the Seine, Paris.

I read. A lot. So much so that when we were originally packing our suitcases, I was willing to give up space that was intended for shoes for the ability to pack more books. In the six months that we've been traveling through Europe, I've learned the following:

1. Books are heavy.

2. Books are expensive.

3. Books do not fare well in suitcases, especially next to size 12, giant man shoes.

So in order to continue my reading addiction habit I'm a nerd, I had to get a little creative. Though I love the library I've collected at home, it became apparent that I would not be able to hold on to every single book I read throughout this journey. Instead, to keep the suitcase light and the wallet full, I started exchanging books in cities where I could find secondhand shops or English language bookstores. 

I've saved a lot of money this way, and didn't have to give up my reading "hobby" (Why the quotes, you ask? Because I hate that word. Almost as much as I hate "hump day." Just - ew.) So while I know this isn't the most thrilling blog post in the world, I thought it might at least be helpful for my fellow word nerds.

Window into my soul Shakespeare & Co., Paris.

Here's a list of shops that will exchange books - if you know of one in your city, leave the name and/or website in the comments below, and I'll add it here! I'll keep this as a working document, and while I am especially interested in places where the native language is not English, feel free to add to it even if your city/town/village/hamlet/hut/teepee/hippie van/whatever is English-speaking - it's always good to know where books can be exchanged for money or store credit.

1. Aix-en-Provence, France

    Book in Bar

    4, rue Joseph Cabassol

    13100 Aix-en-Provence, France

    http://www.bookinbar.com

    *Note: Please remember to greet the sales associates in French. They all speak perfect English, but it's 1,385,878 times more polite if you try to speak even meager French. They offer store credit or book exchange only, no cash back.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

    The Book Exchange 

    Kloveniersburgwal 58

    1012 CX Amsterdam, Netherlands

    http://www.bookexchange.nl

    *Note: The owner is a rather surly old man, so don't expect charming customer service here. They offer book exchange or cash back.

3. Berlin, Germany

    St. George's New & Secondhand English Bookstore

    Wörther Straße 27

    Prenzlauer Berg, 10405 Berlin, Germany

    http://www.saintgeorgesbookshop.com

    *Note: I have not personally been to this bookstore, but I have heard good things about it. Upon our return to Berlin, I will happily report back any pertinent findings.

4. Paris, France

    Shakespeare & Co. (a.k.a. My Very Own Mecca)

    37 rue de la Bûcherie

    75005 Paris, France

    http://www.shakespeareandcompany.com

    *Note: This place is a destination in its own right - the likes of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Djuna Barnes, and many other famous expats haunted its halls. Go for the history, stay for the smell of paper. 

    *Note #2: They exchange for cash or store credit, though they (weirdly) require some identification from the seller, such as a passport or carte de sejours. No idea why.

5. Prague, Czech Republic
    Globe Bookstore & Cafe
    Pstrossova 6
    Prague 1, 110 00 Czech Republic
    http://globebookstore.cz
    *Note: I haven't visited this bookstore personally, but it was recommended via tweet from reader Kelly Marie. Keep the suggestions coming, peeps. (And thanks again Kelly!)

*     *     *

Thankful as I am to the British for their invention of my native tongue, even their summer weather can be a bit dreary. Hop on one of these flights to Alicante from London, and be sitting in the sunshine in no time! Don't forget to practice a little español - adiós amigos!