user
Changing Hands Bookstore
300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013, United States
Appearance
Changing Hands Bookstore
Comments
Gr
Review №1

Part of a shopping center with a shared parking lot that has ample spaces. Some street parking available when necessary. Takes cash and card, pre-orders, and special orders. Okay, now to the good stuff...Ive been stopping in here almost every Saturday for a few weeks now and I have no plans to let up. The feel of the place is just perfect, offering up a vast array of books, gifts, trinkets, and journal/sketchbooks/etc. for anyone in any situation. They also show off the staffs passion for reading, with employee recommendations accompanied by entertaining and helpful descriptions of not only thr pages within, but why they are so drawn to them. The only thing that could make this place better is a dope bar and event space to support readers, which they absolutely have in First Draft! I could not recommend this place enough, and if you are shopping elsewhere I highly recommend you give Changing Hands a shot. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

Do
Review №2

Such a charming place. Relaxing environment. Friendly staff. Its not close to my home but would make the drive just to go again.

Ak
Review №3

Amazing place, good selection of books and everything literary, I bought a couple of books and a cool Frida Kahlo magnet for my friend(who had recommended the bookstore to me when I was in Phoenix). They’ve a bar and a seating area where you can eat/chill. There are a lot of parking spaces outside where you can park(for free).I spent little over an hour perusing the bookstore. Support independent bookstores, visit this place! I’ll be back here again.

Tr
Review №4

A really cool bookstore. Almost every book that I browsed was super intriguing. The store is very cool with a very peaceful bookstore vibe. The added bar and coffee shop inside is an extra plus. I thought it’s like Barnes and nobles on steroids. Good prices on books as well.

Sa
Review №5

📚🍻The cutest little bookstore with a bar and adorable little touches. If you want to shop for a good book and drink then this is your place.

Ta
Review №6

One of my favorite bookstores. Great books and great vibes. My fiance and I love how diversity is celebrated here ALL the time (not just during certain special days or months of the year)!

Sa
Review №7

One of my all-time favorite independent bookstores in the states. Whenever I visit Changing Hands, which is as often as possible, I find so many books I have to purchase (like all my recent ones)! I’ll go in for one in particular and end up going home with at least two more. I love that there are so many books to choose from, no matter what you’re interested in genre-wise.Do yourself a favor and start a stamp card. I’ve been through several of them(and currently have two full ones!), and you can save $10 on a purchase with each full card you have with you. A great way to support a local business and save some cash each time you visit!

Th
Review №8

Exceptional bookstore and coffee bar. Their selection of volumes varies widely, but is also intentional. My favorite feature of the store is their personalized recommendation placards that they put on staff favorites. Probably the best bookstore in the valley.

Ce
Review №9

Called ahead to find out if they had an atlas. They said they did. I should have been more specific about what I wanted. I was looking for a big travel atlas to take on a road trip. When I found the one rotating rack with maps, the only atlas I found was a small one that would fit in the glove box. I went up to the counter and asked if the big atlases were somewhere else in the store. The worker said no. What I had found was it. I ended up having to go to Half Price Books to find an atlas. My friend had some Changing Hands store credit, so we picked out some stickers while we were there. Stickers were pricey, but super cute. Store is cute too, with books and lots of gifts (but not a big atlas when I needed one).

Gi
Review №10

Changing Hands went above and beyond to help me get a gift to someone long-distance. Customer service doesnt even begin to cover how Amy, Nancy, and Rafael are kind and helpful and thoroughly committed to helping customers.

Re
Review №11

A beautiful place with great book selections! Super friendly and good treats!

Ke
Review №12

Wow this indie bookstore was amazing. We are always looking for a great bookshop when we travel. We really enjoy supporting small businesses even when we are on the road. We stopped in and spent an hour browsing the books and making our selection. There are benches throughout to look at books. They have a great selection. There is surely something for everyone. They also have puzzles, games and Arizona themed gifts. It’s super important to pay a few dollars more to keep places like this in business you will not regret visiting and spending your money here!

Ni
Review №13

Amazing selection of books. Thoughtfully organized. Super helpful and knowledgeable staff. Prices are amazing, especially for pre-owned books.

Sc
Review №14

Awesome staff! Good coffee

Jo
Review №15

Favorite local book store in Phoenix. Friendly staff and great selection. What puts it over the top for me is bar/cafe :) great space. If I buy a physical book 9/10 it is from here :)

Al
Review №16

Love the atmosphere. The only issue was I had difficulty working on my laptop because the internet didnt really work for me. I tried the password and it wasnt working :/

Za
Review №17

Good quite place to have a beer and book to read. Friendly service. I would definitely return to this place.

Je
Review №18

I enjoy taking my time and looking at everything.I was comfortable doing so and was efficiently helped with my purchase and my preorder.Good job👍😎

Sh
Review №19

One of my happy places. If you are a bookstore lover or wanting to find a unique gift for someone check out chaging hands, you wont be disappointed.

An
Review №20

Great bookstore located in uptown Phoenix. Purchased two books today. They have a good selection of books& they have a coffee/wine/beer bar as well. Located on the west side if the bookstore they have a nice quite area.

Pa
Review №21

Happiness is walking into changing hands bookstore. Turns my mood right around coming here - whether I leave with something or not!

Ki
Review №22

Super cute bookstore with snacks, beer, cocktails, tea. or coffee options. Friendly staff and great vibe!

Al
Review №23

One of my favorite book environments in the country! Lots of great reads mostly focused on recent releases really good stuff oh yeah

Ka
Review №24

Great locally owned bookstore with fun gift items as well as a bar inside. What more could you want?!

Se
Review №25

Love it! Good customer service and the perfect place to enjoy a beer or coffee while enjoying a good read!

Iv
Review №26

Ive visited a lot of independent bookstores around the country and this is my favorite! They have an impeccably organized selection of new and used books. The used books are practically brand new and are sold at about half price, $8.50, in beautiful condition. They have a nice childrens and young adult section as well as science, philosophy, local, cookbooks, you name it, they have it! And the trinkets selection is beautiful, as well. I wish this was local for me.

Kl
Review №27

Loved it! Had a wide variety and featured LGBT+ books. The cafe was delicious (I cant remember which location has it but it is)

Jo
Review №28

Fantastic independent bookstore! Very nice atmosphere, very friendly staff, well-maintained selection of new and used books, as well as a great bar inside.

Li
Review №29

Nice selection, smqll, upscale bookstore vibe. The pub and lounging area seemed cool, but i didnt have enough time to hang out. Prices seemed a little high, but I cant be sure.

Jo
Review №30

Very Friendly place. Ive never seen a bar and bookstore in the same building. New experience, it was a very good first impression.

Ja
Review №31

I called ahead and spoke with Rafael and asked if he had the book called The Profit by Khalil Gibran. He said yes and offered to set aside several copies aside for me to pick from. VERY helpful and superb service. I will always come back to this book shop. Nothing beats working with a staff that care you.

ke
Review №32

If you love bookstores like I love bookstores this is your place. Theyve got books for all ages and interests. Theyve got toys, gifts, stuffed animals and candy as well. Theres also a nice bar with a great selection of drinks.

Mo
Review №33

Amazing bookstore! Great vibes, very up to date on social issues. Nice merchandising and clean store. Interesting selection of non book merchandise. Very friendly staff. Didnt get to try out the bar side. But there IS a bar side! So cool! Loved their LGBTQIA+ section.

Co
Review №34

Drove past this place so many times and didnt even know it existed. Loved the atmosphere. Will be back.

Co
Review №35

Cute little bookstore, not a huge selection of books but love the used book options mixed in with the new ones.The bar inside, First Draft, is a great perk. They have a ton of beer and wine options. I also noticed a small food menu. I bought my book, grabbed a beer and settled in next to the fireplace for a bit to read a few pages. Great space!

Ca
Review №36

And Book Bar. This was a cool place. Book store with a bar attachment. Bar serves coffees,teas, beer and wine. As well as light bites.

Ra
Review №37

Gem of a bookstore. So many awesome recommendations from the team that works here - I wanted to take 20 books home but managed to limit myself to 2. Wonderful spot to spend an hour or three.

Ce
Review №38

Wonderful bookstore that supports our local communities. Excellent staff and rewards program. Highly recommend for books and memorable gifts. :)

Ja
Review №39

Great vibe. Good books, and even better people

Vi
Review №40

I love the variety of things to look at, and the First Draft bar.

Au
Review №41

Great place to find books and gifts - all while having a glass of wine!

Be
Review №42

I love this place. Its a book store. Its a gift shop. Its a bar. From the kitchen to the garden you will find fitting unique gifts at Changing Hands. Also you will find lots of books.

ch
Review №43

I called on a Sunday afternoon about 5:00, voicemail picked up and said the stores open till 7:00. I drove 5 mi to get there and there was a sign in the window saying closed early for staff meeting. VERY INCONSIDERATE! WHY DIDNT YOU CHANGE YOUR VOICEMAIL MESSAGE?! I GUESS YOU DONT NEED MY BUSINESS!

Ch
Review №44

Ever delightful visiting Changing Hands to discover new titles and authors! Plus the witty, clever, sassy (snarky) doodads tucked here and there on endcaps never fail to provoke appreciative (and guilty) giggles.

Sh
Review №45

Keeping it local! This bookstore is huge and houses a variety of books and gifts. They even have a bar inside thats makes for a very friendly atmosphere.

Sh
Review №46

What a cool and chic place. Lots of cute gifts. Obviously there are limited in size so selection is okay.

Ch
Review №47

I love to read and support bookstores especially locally owned independent stores. Changing Hands is a wonderful place! They carry a broad inventory of books and other publications, the staff are smart, helpful, and courteous, and they support their community! They will graciously search for books for patrons if the item is not in stock. They carry non-book materials as well so one can find a great variety of gifts. The online store is easy to negotiate and makes it safer to shop during the pandemic. The two locations have adequate parking with some limit at the Phoenix store but Ive never had problems. Read! Think! Know! and utilize a super community resource such as Changing Hands Bookstore!

Le
Review №48

Always a fun place to browse books,unique gifts and grab a bite to eat (and something to drink). Best bookstore AZ.

Iv
Review №49

Urban iconic ambiance with many books, knickknacks, and chocolates! I really love the cafe area which is used for book presentations from time to time.... I only wish it has a little bit of something for conservative folks too....like myself 🤪

Lo
Review №50

Great books and local products with quality art !

Ro
Review №51

Changing Hands always has the bestsellers and some of the harder to find books, too. On top of this, the bookstore has food and beverages nearby if you have a cranky or hangry child with you. In addition, they carry great gift items (desert items, gag gifts, some toys, mugs, puzzles, and more). I like to buy a book and an additional gift for each person in my family for the holidays. They always have what I need.

Br
Review №52

Daughter needed a rare old book for a school project. After looking at 2 or 3 other stores that didnt have it,Changing hands had it. She was able to complete her assignment on time and read a cool old book as well. She commented after going in how cool the store was and she wanted to go back soon, thank you!

Ra
Review №53

The best bookstore in Arizona. Has plenty of unique gifts to spice up your visit. The adjoining First Draft offers a nice relaxing area to read, write, study with a drink and pastry of your choosing. Get there and enjoy your day.

Ca
Review №54

Love this place and the attached first draft.Unicorns are real!

St
Review №55

A gem of a place here in Phoenix. A lovely place to gather with friends at the book bar... or for quiet alone time meandering the book store, or relaxing by the fireplace with a latte. The Book Bar even has great Gluten Free pastries, muffins, donuts and the like.

Ja
Review №56

Great place to pick up an interesting gift and a killer Arnold Palmer!

Vi
Review №57

I love the place, books, and a great coffee shop

Er
Review №58

I unigue books and much better than chain book store

Jo
Review №59

What an gem! Just here visiting family and Phoenix and I am SO GLAD I stumbled upon this place. I immediately felt welcomed and at home. First Draft is a great place to work or read over a yummy latté or craft brew, or you can pick up a few books for your collection at Changing Hands. The employees are WITHOUT EXCEPTION friendly and knowledgeable. I am sad to be leaving Phoenix... I wish I could take this place with me back home!

Ja
Review №60

Nice to see a bookstore recognizing Black History Month. Great selection of books and gifts. Also has a great bar! Check it out! Highly recommended!

No
Review №61

One of my favorite bookstore. They have a great selection of books and other items. The staff is amazing and knowledgeable. The store is clean and has a great atmosphere.

Je
Review №62

Books good, tv bad. Go get em.

Al
Review №63

Very cool bookstore with a good selection and a fun and eclectic style. The staff is friendly and helpful and the sections are clearly identified. They have a huge selection of kids books and every section of the store has great employee recommendations. The bar area was closed due to Covid, but they have a bar area in the bookstore! Very fun and very cool, plus you get to support an independent bookstore.

Li
Review №64

Best bookstore anywhere. You could fight me on it. I would win.

Na
Review №65

Best bookstore, hands down! Its local, supports its community, has so many wonderful nick knacks and random must haves, plus partners with First Draft book bar where you can sit down and enjoy your new book and have a craft beer or glass of wine! Its truly amazing!

Ka
Review №66

The best customer service and selection!

Ky
Review №67

A bookstore and a bar. What could possibly be better than that? This is a unique bookstore with a pretty good selection of titles and unique gifts (though theyre really going to have to work on carrying more PoC authors in their science-fiction/fantasy and YA sections. Seriously no Nisi Shawl or Nnedi Okorafor or Tannarive Due😮). Still, as a huge bibliophile, I could easily spend hours browsing with a glass of wine.

S
Review №68

This place is always a pleasant experience! The staff are down to earth and the bookstore offers more than just books!

Di
Review №69

Friendly atmosphere. Helpful associates

Sa
Review №70

Super cool bookstore and bar.Overly sensitive about cobid still even though vaccines are out and state has dropped the mask mandate though...

As
Review №71

Love this small business. Amazing book recommendations. Fun gifts. A bar with A fireplace and a local artist has an installation in it. Champagne by the fireplace with your recent book purchase, all the stars.If youre crowd wary during covid, you can still support this small bookseller by buying online.

Jo
Review №72

Felt smaller than the Tempe location, nevertheless, the atmosphere is great and the staff is really helpful.

Jo
Review №73

The coffeeshop in here is amazing! I love the atmosphere. Note due to the pandemic, you can only be there for 2 hours at a time. Great place to read a book or get some work done.

No
Review №74

The staff was very helpful and nice.

Ka
Review №75

A local gem. You could spend hours perusing here, with lots of interesting nick knacks in addition to books.

Ve
Review №76

Cute place, abundant amount of books & they are pretty nice :)

Iv
Review №77

Super eclectic bookstore with a wide selection of books! I love coming here and just cracking open a good book, putting my phone down for a little while and reading something new. Theyre local too, so every dollar you spend here helps empower the local community and keeps our dollars in this neighborhood. The staff are always super helpful in helping you find whatever it is that youre looking for. If youre into knicknacks, they also have a wide array of those too.

Ow
Review №78

A little pricey but great setup

Am
Review №79

I absolutely love this place. The books are typically full price, but this local place that brings to the community, is worth paying full price. They also have nice trinkets and gifts. Cant go wrong.

Mo
Review №80

I shop here at least monthly, the selection is incredible, the business is well organized and I always discover something new and fun each time! The bar is an excellent addition for those who are looking for a treat while they shop. Ive spent countless hours here roaming the book aisles, picking jigsaw puzzles, and buying small gifts for friends and family. Highly recommend stopping by this lovely local establishment.

Lu
Review №81

This place is great. It has a calm atmosphere and cool to walk around in. It has a little bit of everything one looks for and is spacious. Things can be really pricey though but when you buy something there you’re guaranteed to be happy with your purchase. Your bank account maybe not so much. I always check out the books in the back left corner because some are marked with a color dot sticker and those are usually discounted a lot! I got this book for $12!

Av
Review №82

Great experience...got a book and a chai tea at the in-store Cafe!

ev
Review №83

This store was so cute! Support your local independent bookstores! Lots of new and slightly used books. They will look at books for store credit, 15 books per person. For an independent store they still have a great selection, including childrens books, and are directly connected to a bar/lounge where you can order a drink and food and sit down. Loved the recommendations that were easy to find on the shelves. Felt very homey and was peaceful :)Great way to buy books locally, you womt leave without something.

Ma
Review №84

I stopped going here a while back because I found their staff kind of pretentious. However, I dropped in today for a coffee and remembered why I used to go there regardless of their pretentious staff. The coffee is delicious!

Te
Review №85

Love the variety of books available and the drink bar inside is a nice touch.

Ro
Review №86

Its everything you need all in one place. I mean everything and a glass of wine. Its also a community events location so can see what events they will be hosting

Do
Review №87

Fun. Great staff. So helpful.

Em
Review №88

If you’re looking for a book, start here!Seriously.

Da
Review №89

Cute store. Good selection of fun gifts and books.

Do
Review №90

Such a great hidden bookstore.....readers are leaders.Minor problem stale gum, but come on Fancy Fruit...where can you find a childhood memory, and my little peep loved the zebra tattoos.

Ri
Review №91

A fabulous gem for wonderful books and more in Phoenix!!

Ni
Review №92

Super cozy, well-organized and friendly, with thoughtful recommendations! What more could you ask for? Both locations have their own charm, 10/10!

Mi
Review №93

Best bookstore in Phoenix. Wonderful selection of new releases and classics. Very knowledgeable and friendly booksellers.

Em
Review №94

Ordered books online for curbside pickup during store closure due to COVID-19. My order was filled within an hour, and the pick-up instructions were easy to follow. The whole process was a wonderful experience! Instead of ordering books from massive online sellers, you should support this local gem and get what you want THE SAME DAY (without a plastic bag or cardboard packaging!) all while feeling safe and AWESOME! The staff member who delivered the books to my car was wearing a mask and gloves and he definitely respected our space. Thank you for making my day, Changing Hands!

Te
Review №95

I love this place!! So cool! Theres a nice Bar! Such a cool place to hang out. Great book selection.

Ja
Review №96

One of my favourite bookstores of all time period

De
Review №97

A great establishment, I highly recommend using the bar and getting the pretzel!

Co
Review №98

What a fun place. Great stock of books and merchandise and you can sit and read while having a great-really great craft beer. Definitely going back. They are also doing a great job with Covid, etc

Je
Review №99

The store has a welcoming setup with a cozy bar and a comfortable sitting/working area. They also provide many opportunities for book club and author forums. I gave it four stars because the prices were a little high compared for other book exchange venues.

To
Review №100

Want to grab a book and a beer (or wine)!? You can here...😋😷👍Great staff, great community place. AND its next to the Southern Rail!

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013, United States
  • Site:http://changinghands.com/
  • Phone:+1 602-274-0067
Categories
  • Book store
  • Bar
  • Childrens store
  • Event venue
  • Gift shop
  • Snack bar
  • Toy store
Working hours
  • Monday:10AM–7PM
  • Tuesday:10AM–7PM
  • Wednesday:10AM–7PM
  • Thursday:10AM–7PM
  • Friday:10AM–7PM
  • Saturday:10AM–7PM
  • Sunday:10AM–7PM
Service options
  • Curbside pickup:Yes
  • In-store pickup:Yes
  • Delivery:No
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
  • LGBTQ friendly:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
Similar organizations