Once Read Used Book Store

4.7 (157)

629 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 388-8144
mnriv.com

Claimed
Used book store

From the business

  • Small business

Service options

  • In-store shopping

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

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Lisa Carmichael

2023-11

Interesting little find in Mankato while visiting from out of town. I didn’t know used book stores like this existed. Although I didn’t make a purchase or make any trade-ins, it could definitely be a good way to repurpose all the books I’ve accumulated.

Jackie Fisher

2024-04

If you love to read,or even if it's not your favorite this is great! All kinds of books,fiction, non-fiction,biographies, how to books,cook books, children's books, eat. All in very good condition and you are saving trees! Prices are very low, great place to browse!

Crystal Clark

2021-05

It's such a treasure to take your time in this place. It's definitely a fun stop for people who are nostalgic about books, and bookstore kitties. If you are looking to support businesses in these times, this place is a good one. They give credit for bringing in books to make reading more accessible on a budget, and I've seen them let people just rest in the store.

Josh Schultz

2024-03

Cool place. A ton of books in a small area. Could literally spend all day looking around this place. I’ll definitely be back in the future.

Shawn Stewart

2024-02

Wonderful used book store. Good selection & prices. Make sure to say "Hi" to the resident cat- Fred

Jennifer Hodge

2023-05

We visited this store on a Saturday and it had a steady stream of patrons. The selection is very large, although many of the books are old and worn and the topics we were interested in seeing were pretty thin (travel, bird and animal identification, metaphysical topics, and children's books). The woman who was working was fantastic --she helped us carry in our books to trade and she was very helpful and personable. This is definitely a fun place to spend some time if you enjoy perusing.

Emmah Braulick

2023-12

a warm and quiet feeling shop with a large variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction + a super cute kitty to greet you

Ryan Anderson

2023-05

MEOW! Cat in the store!I have a cat allergy, however it is very clean and does not bother me.The selection of used paperbacks is second to none. The owner and employee I have met are great. I miss this place and go there every chance I get when I’m home. 10/10 visit here!

Jane Hotvedt

2023-07

I love used bookstores. This one was interesting, from the sign to the full shelves. Unfortunately, it was poorly organized and difficult to navigate. The owner was very personable, though, and very willing to assist, but didn't seem to know what was in the store.

Bryan Tomforde

2024-03

Mark the owner is a great guy he is very pationate about his books!

The Tasteful Taurus

2023-08

Update: I no longer have a severe cat allergy. The owner is really cool and cares about the local small business shops in the area. It has been redone a bit in the last few years. Books are easy to find and there's always something new.I have a severe cat allergy, so I could not shop here. People in town like it though, so be sure to check out their reviews too.

Meghan Moore

2023-05

The owner was friendly, the space is charming. There is a very approachable cat living in the shop. Please note: they only accept cash or check payment.

C Whitcomb

2023-05

Great prices, amazing selection. Love their trade in policy - they give you a lot for what you bring in. The shop is quiet and usually isn't over crowded so you can take your time browsing and find just what you need. Also there's a cat that let's you pet it if you're worthy.

Chris Berglund

2022-05

This store is a bookworms gold mine! As you walk you'll notice how clean it is and that the aisles are well spaced. The shelves are well organized and best of all loaded with gently used books!From now on before I go to a certain big box bookstore or order a new book I am definitely coming here first!Plus the stores mascot is a very friendly gray cat that likes to help you look around the store.

Annette Anderson

2024-02

A warm and welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of books.

Sam

2022-05

Cute & small, packed with ample amounts of character! Oh... I’m reviewing the bookstore, not the cat?Well, the bookstore is equally as charming. The owner was very friendly & helpful, and the prices were fair. Easy to spend hours here without realizing it, definitely check it out!

Missy Isles

2023-05

I could spend hours looking through this store! If you like used book stores, part of the fun of shopping is the hunt for a new or unheard of book, and this store definitely has that. Things are organized well, and they have a good selection. Good location downtown with street parking just outside.

Trav J

2021-05

I have been to a lot of bookstores over the years and this one was the best by far, easily. several rows of floor to ceiling books and every genre and discount rack inside and outside and there is even a friendly cat in attendance. fair prices and great exchange system. will be stopping by again next time in the area.

J “JJ” J

2017-05

All my purchases of both paperbacks and high-end collector's art books have went very well.I was also happy with trade-in values.Of the in-store felines, Fred is my favorite cat.Not the best place for poorly behaved children, but a nice place for those who want unique non-fiction and cheap popular fiction titles.That 15-50 cent rack out front on hot days is always neat and sometimes has really cool gems.

Tara F

2018-05

This is a classic used book store with floor to ceiling shelves. It can appear overwhelming but it's great for browsing and if you happen to be looking for a particular book you are in luck because the man who runs the place seems to know his entire inventory like the back of his hand and he's also friendly so don't be scared to ask for help.This store also has resident cats (they don't seem to shed or smell, plus they aren't overbearing, so they are an all-around nice addition).

Ryan Jensen

2016-05

Cozy little bookstore with more books than you or your grandmother can handle. The shopkeeper is not intrusive. When I went to pay, he was very friendly and polite. It was my ideal bookstore experience. Absolute quiet until I want to purchase a few books. I will definitely keep going back and I hope they stay open for a long time.

Sam Maurice

2018-05

Pretty much a quintessential used book store. Books of all types and conditions are crammed on old, bowing bookshelves and in the crevices in between. Lots of hidden treasures to be found if you take the time to look. The proprietors are welcoming and genial. The icing on the cake is the cat, though. You know you're in a good store when there's a happy cat overseeing the operations.

Cynthia Surprenant

2022-05

Friends & I love this warm, friendly, welcoming CAT as well as all the books and quirky decor involved in a visit to Once Read. Daughter plans to bring her Montana bf this summer when he visits because it’s truly unique.

Tim Drake

2023-05

Wonderful little bookstore, complete with friendly cat. Smells the way you want a bookstore to smell. I could spend a whole afternoon in here.

C B

2020-05

Stumbled upon this cute bookstore, large selection of all kinds of old books- bonus points for the sleepy, little kitty roaming around

Martin Marten

2022-05

Wonderful small, independent bookstore at the heart of walkable downtown Mankato's living community of real people. Far and away, the closest thing we have (at writingl to a public library in any meaningful sense of that term in this town.

Courtney Tate

2021-05

Plentiful of reading materials. The prices were relatively decent but I think they could be slightly cheaper. This place does off an exchange program though so that's very nice for an everyday reader. Also has a small clearance cart with books as low as 50¢! Would recommend!

Ace Filter

2024-02

Lovely quaint place to browse and find some hidden gems

aubrey iwanicki

2023-05

Wonderful little bookstore. Found some treasures there and the prices can't be beat! Plus, the cat was so welcoming! Fantastic greeter!

Brandon Tischer

2019-05

Best place in the Mankato area for books -- especially "classic" authors, such as Faulkner, Hawthorne, or James. Books are priced reasonably, usually within the $4 to $7 range. The two main employees, -- Mark and Eric, are sociable, intelligent and worldly. I go here a couple times a month, and always walk out happy. Most of the "junk" books one would find in thrift stores or the like are absent here, only the best.

Opening Hours

Monday 10 AM-5 PM
Tuesday 10 AM-5 PM
Wednesday 10 AM-5 PM
Thursday 10 AM-5 PM
Friday 10 AM-5 PM
Saturday 10 AM-5 PM
Sunday Closed

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