Recycle, reuse and reread at Recycle Bookstore

The Recycle Bookstore

Any student looking for a cheaper alternative to buying books at the campus bookstore would be wise to check out The Recycle Bookstore. The wide selection, cheap prices, and friendly atmosphere make The Recycle Bookstore a prime location for the Bay Area literati.

Located at 1066 The Alameda (just after the bend), The Recycle Bookstore is a short bike ride or medium-length walk from campus. The exterior of the building can be a little deceiving; it is fairly dirty and gives the place a sort of adult-bookstore feel. Those willing to look past this will be rewarded. The store is larger than it appears from the outside, but still cramped because of the number of books inside. Not only are there completely packed bookshelves in every available space, but there are also random stacks of books from the ceiling to the floor.

Recycle's claim to be the largest used bookstore in San Jose may not be entirely true, but its variety is truly unrivaled. Its specialties are fiction and science fiction, but it also features huge sections on everything from historical writings to medical dictionaries. There is also a small VHS, DVD, and CD section. If you're looking to score a VHS copy of "Stripes" for less than $6, Recycle is the place to be.

The aspect of The Recycle Bookstore that turns shoppers into immediate fans is the atmosphere. Several cats roam the store freely and there is even a bed/litterbox room in the back. There are several large, comfortable chairs in which a person could spend hours and the owners encourage people to sample as many books as they wish. They always offer suggestions for further reading and will sometimes offer a student discount.

â€" Written by Jeff Renfro