A Castle of Books

Long Beach, United States

3.1

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 562-448-2262
Website:
www.acastleofbooks.com
Address:
4302 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA, 90807
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.2 miWardlow
1.8 miDel Amo
1.9 miWillow Street
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes

Today

Today 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Closed now
Local time (Long Beach) 23:33 Saturday, 31 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Thursday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Friday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Sunday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm

Description

Specialties

We — Buy * Trade * Sell

Used, Rare & New; Books, Comics, Toys, Movies, Ephemera, and More.

Over 25,000 volumes shelved.

All Subjects – Every Genre!

Donations are always welcome.

Yes, we buy Books! (& also Comics, & Toys.) No, sorry we can’t tell what we might offer without checking them out, (how could anyone buy something without knowing what it was?) It can take 10 to 15 minutes to check a box, and we stop buying at 6:00, so please be considerate of the time when you bring a pile of boxes in.

We will check your books (&/​or other items) and make you an offer. We are confident that we offer you the very best price for your books, that’s why it takes a bit of time to check them out. You are in no way obligated to accept the offer (it’s an offer not a demand.) In fact if you don’t like it we encourage you to decline, we get plenty of books daily, it’s no problem if you don’t want to sell yours. Unfortunately some books just don’t have much value in the current bookselling market.

History

Established in 2007.

See the complete story of our Stanton store opening on our blog.

Moved to the Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach in 2010.

Meet the Business Owner

King A.

Business Owner

Bookseller since 1989.

Previously employed at Once Read Books.

Now the King of A Castle of Books.

A Castle of Books also recommends

Planet Books

36

reviews

Bookstores

King A. says,

«Good guys.»

Once Read Books

34

reviews

Bookstores

King A. says,

«Good place.»

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20 reviews of A Castle of Books

No registration required
Place rating: 2
Chula Vista, CA
I found this place during Bixby Knolls’ first Friday events. Seemed pretty cool. Purchased some books I have wanted. The place is cluttered and you have to have time to look. The reason I am giving the place two stars is because of customer service. The first time I went in, the gentleman (wears glasses and a hat) was slightly rude when I asked about the store but I assumed it was because there were lots of people in the store due to the event. So I did not mind it and purchased my books anyway. I have gone two more times and have had similar interactions with the same guy, who I am now assuming is the owner. All I have to say is: A smile goes a long way; how are you doing?; is there anything in particular you are looking for? I feel if he just added this to his routine when he interacts with his customers, than maybe people would be giving him and his store a better review. I think I might just be sticking to Barnes and noble or Amazon next time I purchase books.
Place rating: 3
Venice, CA
Well, fact is it looks really cool in here. I feel like book stores are becoming obsolete so when I see one I always like to check it out. Super cluttered but I kinda like that. Enjoyed just walking around checking out the space. I thought dude thought I was wierd or crazy or something when I engaged him but I think maybe it was is just an introversion thing instead. They have $ 1 books outside which is cool. Prices seem kinda high for the visiting some of these books were in but whatev.
Place rating: 4
Los Angeles, CA
I thought it a lovely bookstore. «Cozy» in size, sure, but with a nice selection of books.
Place rating: 5
Long Beach, CA
This bookstore is awesome!
It actually has a large and well organized selection for a small used bookstore! I don’t think I’ve ever left without buying something! I usually leave with really great copies of really great books that have been on my «to read» list. (Some of you are just not looking, I swear.) There’s even a small spinning rack of recommendations (presumably the proprietor’s recommendations).
The books can be a little beat up sometimes. Or they can be in FANTASTIC condition. They’re priced pretty accordingly, but it’s always affordable.
And also, yes, it’s always the same man at the counter, but I have never seen him be anything but completely affable. And I’ve been going for years! He’s chill and I feel really relaxed in his store.
I actually enjoy digging through the dollar books that are outside. Every now and then, there’s a hidden gem.
There is always hella good music playing and the $ 10 store credit from the punch cards have brought me happiness.
Place rating: 4
Los Angeles, CA
I am giving this 4 stars because I ALWAYS find something to buy here (unlike many reviewers saying the inventory is junk).
It is actually highly organized and they have robust sections for every genre (from LGBT to art to animé to true crime). My favorite is horror fiction and they always have plenty of Stephen King, Anne Rice, etc. The last time I went they even had a dollar sale on most SK books.
The one thing I will agree on is that there is always the same dude working the register and he’s not the friendliest. Look dude, when you’re a mom ‘n pop store your community ties will make or break you, you need to appreciate your shoppers a bit more.
Place rating: 1
Los Angeles, CA
This place is full of nothing but junk! There are a few racks outside with really junky books for sale super cheap. Like $ 1 and under. We went here to see if there were any decent used books here and let me tell you there are not! These books are used beyond repair. Huge folds, tears, water stains, etc on the front covers. Some of the paperback books had the cover completely torn off and missing. The inside of this store is the same… total junk! You can go up the street to Dana Branch Public Library and get way better used books for $ 1– $ 2 a piece. The books at this store are books you would find in a box at a junky yard sale for 1 penny. I would not waste my $ 1 on anything sold here.
Place rating: 4
Lomita, CA
Went in the guy had just what I called for. Im glad i didn’t have to look for it myself
Place rating: 1
Paramount, CA
Is it possible to give negative stars? I’m clicking and the interface doesn’t seem to allow me too
Well, I’ve been coming here for 10 years now and it’s officially 10 years too many. The place is a mess, nothing is catalogued, he has no idea what he has. The extent of help is «if I have it, it’s on the shelf labeled ‘blah’.
So I go in to sell some books, over 150 books. After 20 minutes of walking to my car in the back he took 2 minutes looking through my books and with a BIG smirk said «ok here’s total, I can give you $ 20 cash or $ 40 credit» (Milhouse voice from Simpsons) I nearly choked laughing. I’m thinking he assumed I wouldn’t take the next 20 minutes taking all my books back to my car… but guess what, I did just that! I left that dark portal of robbery and went to Book Off in the Lakewood Mall and made $ 98!
So alternatives: Book Off, Metropolis Comics, and Gatsby Books… avoid this place.
Place rating: 1
Long Beach, CA
The guy over the counter had a horrible attitude. Not just with me but with the other customers as well. It’s also SUPER cluttered in the store. Wouldn’t recommend this place. About 10 other stores I’d rather buy books in
Place rating: 5
San Clemente, CA
This is a GREAT Bookstore… I was only able to stay for a few minutes but there are soooo many books, comics, dvd’s, etc… great prices… I got 2 books for $ 1ea…love it… the guy that worked there was very polite and professional… Definatrly going back when I have more time…
Place rating: 5
Denver, CO
I’m shocked to see a lower overall rating for this store than what I expected and bad reviews. I had a great experience. I was on vacation for a month from Denver and wanted to browse their business section (i know, I should be on vacation…) which then led me to look through their gardening and animal sections. I found 6 books of which all but one are in brand new condition (one had highlighting but still in great shape). Even my girlfriend back here at home was surprised to see the condition of these books; perhaps I just got lucky. 3 books were $ 4 and the other 3 were $ 7 so I got 6 books in excellent condition for $ 35 which I feel is a great bargain. I had a pleasant experience with the cashier. Just remembered I went back a second time for another biz book I decided to get for again, $ 7 in excellent condition and again, the cashier was pleasant and helpful. This is a «no frills» place — don’t expect someone to «take your coat at the door». This is my .02 cents, lol. I hope it’s helpful.
Place rating: 5
Long Beach, CA
Wide selection on a lot of genres. Biggest plus. Fantasy, fiction, romance, classics, memorabilia… you name it.
Found a classic copy of «Love in the Time of Cholera» for only $ 3.95 a true steal considering B&N typically starts at 10 $+
They do require a purchase of something like $ 10+ in order to use your debit/​credit card but it’s been like that for a majority of used book stores I’ve been to… So that’s expected.
Parking is usually pretty good right in front, there’s random stuff just hanging out for you to browse, no attendant nagging over your shoulder for you to buy something.
Now if you come in here looking for something super particular… come on… you know better than that. If you find it, consider yourself lucky. I find it extremely rude to place judgement on a place just cuz they didn’t have EXACTLY what you’re looking for. If that’s your style go to Amazon and chill out.
This place makes you open by having displays outside the store which I appreciated and is great if you’re looking for a read or to find a lucky gem!
Place rating: 1
Long Beach, CA
This place is a joke!!! At first my son was excited to find a place that buys comic books. He has a whole case worth of books. We went to his place to just check out the value of the books. Their web site states «we will take our time and give you the best value on you books» uh yeah right. The guy in the front looked like he was bored of being there he asked to see my son’s comics and flipped thru the few on top and stated I will give u 5 cents every comic… I told my son umm no we will go somewhere else. and it was a good thing we did. we went to a comic book store in Bellflower and found out 4 of the books are over 50 dollars… I will never go here again!
Place rating: 5
Artesia, CA
There are some really bad reviews on this place and I just don’t get em! I looooved this store! I stumbled upon it after grabbing coffee at a coffee bean near by. It was so cute inside; smell and densely packed with books! I loved the haphazard stacks of books and the variety and the uniqueness of the store. I had so much fun looking through all the used books and I was fascinated by all the versions they had. I found books in almost brand new condition for less than half the price at a book store like Barnes and Noble. The guy working there was very helpful and friendly.
Place rating: 1
Los Angeles, CA
It’s sad that I chose to go to my local used bookstore instead of running to Amazon and the person behind the counter was more concerned with heating up his breakfast in a microwave than giving me more than «over there» customer service. What a shame.
Place rating: 1
Long Beach, CA
He was a jerk when he worked at One Read Books and owning his own shop hasn’t changed him at all.
When I walked in and saw him, I knew I should turn around and leave but I didn’t.
I started buying overpriced used graphic novels from him every once in a while. I don’t know why since they are cheaper NEW at Pulp Fiction on Clark and Atherton.
So I fill my punch card over the period of about seven months and decided to use it on a graphic novel.
«It’s only good for books.» Excuse me? When did a graphic novel stop being a book? It has a cover, author, publisher, looks like a book. I just turned and walked out but decided to return just to put his punch card with his $ 10 credit on the counter. Don’t want it. I wonder how many customers has he lost with this policy? Get you to buy stuff with your card for the credit, then you can’t use the credit.
Place rating: 3
Long Beach, CA
This is where I buy used books now that my beloved Acres of Books was shut down by the city of LB to make way for developing downtown. Large selection, well labeled shelves, silly toys and actions figures to play with our buy, lots of comics if you like that — and the hipsters seem to. Some people on Unilocal were complaining about the prices, but I didn’t think was that pricey. If you can’t afford used paperbacks … go to the library. I know it is difficult because the city slashed library hours.
Place rating: 1
Downey, CA
The nerdy metal-​head working the front counter was not very welcoming or helpful. The store is small, dusty and cramped. All their books, most of which are in horrible condition, are unorganized and extremely overpriced. In addition to the aforementioned lowlights of this place, the inside of each book is STAMPED with their ugly logo.
I’m on the next page!
Place rating: 5
Los Alamitos, CA
I love this hole-​in-​the-​wall books-​crammed-​to-​the-​ceiling bookstore!
My mom, stepfather, sister, and I all agree that we cannot go into A Castle of Books and come out empty handed. We ALWAYS find something interesting.
Why? Because we’re book people. I spent an hour and half looking around their four aisles and had to stop before I bought too much.
If you’re looking for a place to buy the latest whatever book, this is not the place because a used bookstore is never the place for that.
You will find:
— GIANT selection of young adult and children’s books. Both my sister and I found novel after novel of things we had read as kids including a few we had to take home.
— fiction, non-​fiction, cookbooks, etc.
— very small poetry section
— decent sized sci-​fi/​fantasy section
— pulp novels
— random board games
— manga and comic books
Prices:
— general paperbacks were mostly $ 2.95
— reasonable (remember, they do have to make money somehow)
— I bought 5 books for $ 21
The staff member I encountered was friendly and offered to help each person who came into the store.
Far and away the best used bookstore I have been to in a long time.
Place rating: 4
Long Beach, CA
It was definitely the suit of armor that brought me in the first time, when he was in Orange County.
Guess what? It’s not a bargain bookstore, selling publishers extras of crappy How I Did It and You Can Too books and poorly written American histories.
His fantasy and sci fi section trounces many other bookstores. It’s not the best bookstore in the world, but since fantasy is so undervalued by the major retailers, I really appreciate his obvious dedication to the section.