2nd Act Books

Michelle Wendell

2024-04

This is the cutest used bookstore with an amazing kid's section. All three of my young kids were entertained so I could browse books leisurely. The store is well organized and has friendly staff.

Lauren

2024-04

I visited three stores on the downtown mall and 2nd act was the first one that acknowledged I existed when I walked in the door. They had a great selection of books in various categories. I felt the prices were too high to justify any purchases though. All of the trade paperbacks I came across were priced at $8.00 which is barely discounted from full price.

A small cat (cat)

2020-05

We walked downtown before getting dinner to stop in some of the shops that were open. I loved the selection of books - they even had some that we haven't found anywhere else that we read. They have a story time area for kids that they offer. Great prices for their books. There is a 1.00 area and every book in there is 1.00 each. They have a community puzzle people can work on. There were a few places to sit down in the bookstore. I loved the door stopper because it was a kitty cat. 5 stars for this place. It has everything I want in a bookstore.

Torch Reviews

2023-05

This special little book store located in historical downtown Charlottesville, VA, is well stocked in second hand books. The book keeper was very friendly, helpful and knew his inventory. No kidding, I'd mention a book and he knew how many copies he had, and their location. The store was well organized for easy browsing and contained alot of little gems. If you're in the downtown Charlottesville area and would like friendly, courteous help finding a book come to 2nd Act!

Malaina

2020-05

I don't visit the mall as often as I should. Today I wandered downtown and visited this gem of a second hand book store. I spent $4 for two books I'm excited about and my friend was helped by the clerk (Michael) when she asked for a book that is maybe old and probably takes place in the West and in it the mother is eaten by a bobcat. Or maybe not a bobcat, but something like that. They were able to place the title and when it wasn't in stock he pointed her in the direction of another downtown bookstore.Now, the reason I felt compelled to write a review is that I love these moments when Charlottesville feels like a community made up of individuals. I like it when the person behind the desk is sipping chicken soup with garlic and there is a jigsaw puzzle on the table, inviting you to add a piece. I like places where dogs and kids are welcome and no one is trying hard to sell you anything, but they are happy to help you find something you might like. This is one way I can support these special places.

Matt Donnelly

2023-05

Wonderful shop. Walked in randomly while my brother was taking his kids for ice cream. Picked up a book of poetry by Sam Hamill on whim, and immediately fell in love with it. I didn’t spend much time there, but it had a great feel and the cashier was friendly and welcoming. I made a good memory there.

WenS

2023-05

This is one of my favorite places! On a rainy or a sunny or a snowy day.The shop feels good - timeless cozy, great selection, nicely displayed and affordable. The staff is so helpful and knowledgeable.

Michael B

2020-05

What a wonderful shop! Friendly and well-read staff, a nice selection, and best of all - a place for kids to read or play quietly while you browse! That is a game-changer.Definitely stop in!

Rafael Guevara

2023-09

Very cute store on Downtown Mall. Friend staff and dog friendly. Our kids and puppy enjoyed the kids' section layout and selection.

David Conmy

2020-05

What a charming bookstore! It's in a great location right in the heart of the downtown mall. I love how everything was arranged and that the space included seating and other amenities for visitors (adults and children, alike) to enjoy. The book selection is great and reasonably priced. The staff are very friendly, and I wish them great success!

Shannon Wagoner

2021-05

Good selection of books for good prices. The man up front was very helpful and courteous.The older lady that was with him when I checked out was a little rude. She had asked him a question and I was waiting for them to finish their conversation since it seemed important. Then she asked me “Do you need any help?” in a condescending tone that made me think she thought I was stupid for standing there and waiting. I probably won’t come back.

Damian Treffs

2020-05

Went to the bookstore while visiting family - first time there. Got a few books for my toddler, met the wonderful staff, and helped finish a jigsaw puzzle! Great books, atmosphere and people. I'll be sure to visit every time I'm in the area.

Chuck Moran

2020-05

I take my hat off to the owner and staff of 2nd Act Books. It must've been a bit daunting to choose to open a bookstore in downtown Charlottesville where others exist and the behemoths are a few clicks away.But for folks who like to touch, skim and talk about books, 2nd Act Books is a gem! Not only are is the store chock-a-block with books of every stripe, but it offers fun features for kids like a story time spot. Great prices and a friendly, helpful staff round out my favorable impression.In reading the other reviews here, I certainly agree with "A small cat!" I'm sorry "m. j. lorente" had a negative impression; kind of hard to imagine, but to each her/his own!I highly recommend this cheerful and well-stocked bookstore.

John Legere

2020-05

Ms. Daphne was extremely helpful and got us the exact set of books we were trying to find and just in time for my child's birthday. We are very happy with the quality of the books and the speedy service they provided.From Houston, thank you!

Jack Warfield

2023-05

They have a good selection and finds, but sometimes the pricing is a little high for used books ($10 for a used mass-market paperback).

Drew Sanderford

2020-05

2nd Act Books is a delight. Great space, incredible staff, and a wonderful array of titles. Such a great selection in fact, that I was reminded of the question from Jim Harrison, "I wonder how many things I am dead wrong about?"

Margie Shepherd

2021-05

Very helpful people, great selection. They have many kids' books in other languages. They helped me track down a book I couldn't find anyplace else.Wonderful!

m.j. bare

2020-05

Location, location, location!... that is about all this bookstore has going for it. Been stopping by this location for years when we come to town. Recently stopped in (July 3, 2019) to be dis heartened by a gutted store, new name and new ownership. This new store may try to imitate the previous bookstore at this location, but it will never regain the history or charm of 'Read it Again Sam"*edit: went back for a second visit to check if my initial impression of the new ownership was correct with the intention of increasing the number of review stars, but the 2nd visit (July 6, 2019) just reaffirmed a historical Charlottesville shop no longer exists on the mall (now 1 star). No need to go out of my way to stop here anymore, book selection is poor and atmosphere is like an airport lounge.

Joanna Marnell

2022-05

What a delightful find! We are here on vacation and were looking for a few summer reads and this adorable shop had just what we were looking for. Knowledge, friendly staff made our pop in a pleasure.

Hank Morrison

2020-05

Very nice shop with a great location! If you’re looking for a second hand bookstore in Charlottesville, this is a great spot to check out. Ownership is very knowledgeable and friendly.

Katie Stewart

2020-05

So much fun hanging out in this store! They have puzzles you can work on that they put up on their wall, it's awesome!! 😁

Carrie Comfort

2020-05

I love this store! Great staff, chill atmosphere, and I can always find a book to take home.

Steve Gibson

2023-06

A great little bookstore. Very kid friendly

Joe Mrozek

2022-05

Amazing little indie bookstore. Loved the vibe. Great selection

Libby Allen

2020-05

Small, fun and friendly. It's a used bookstore, so open yourself to serendipity!

Jake Layman

2021-05

Small selection and above-average prices, but the books are mostly pristine and well selected.

Sharon Esau

2020-05

Friendly and knowlegable staff help you find just the right book or you can browse as long as you like through the shelves.

Bruno D'Abreu

2020-05

really nice bookstore with a good selection.

Josh Cartee

2022-05

The staff was very pleasant and helpful.

Stacie Renda

2023-10

Great book shop