Frugal Muse Books Music & Video

Aside from the sucky weekend hours, this book store is pretty amazing.
I haven’t spent much time browsing the other sections, but their gaming, comic, fantasy, and science fiction sections are amazing. Unfortunately the gaming section has been a bit sparse lately, but I’m hoping it’ll return to normal shortly. The staff is really lovely and always willing to help. I honestly don’t understand how they manage to be so cheery all the time. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a staff member who was less than bubbly.
Frugal is much better than Half Price and it’s nice to support one of the dwindling local bookstores.

I’ve visited Frugal Muse a few times and purchased one book for work there. I haven’t had tons of time to browse for various reasons, but this is a pretty big bookstore with a lot of stuff. I’ll echo Stacey L.‘s statements and say that if you know you need a certain thing and don’t have time to order it, this might not be your wisest choice. If you’re just browsing, looking to score some books on the cheap, or don’t need something specific and immediate, Frugal Muse works just fine.
The store is pretty well organized with just a touch of the absent-​minded professorness that makes for good personality in a bookstore. The staff has been exceedingly friendly with me, and they’re very knowledgeable about what’s in the store and who it might be appropriate for, not just what’s on the shelves.
When I was in graduate school, money was in short supply, and one thing I always missed was being able to get the personal touch of shopping in a local bookstore. Now that I have the financial stability to come back to places like Frugal Muse, I remember what I liked about them.

Really great store with just tons of books. You don’t see places like this around anymore. You could get lost in there. Super friendly as well.

I’ve been into Frugal Muse a few times over the years. The rundown:
+ bright, clean, wide aisles
+ friendly staff
+ in my experience, better offers on buys than a similar chain store
+ free book bin out front
— when I’ve gone in with some idea of what I want, I’ve never found it
The last point isn’t really under their control — they can only sell what people are willing to give them, and then those titles are probably in fair demand. Despite not having had what I want specifically, it is fun to browse around and see what they do have.

I’m an avid reader and carry a few small notebook pages and post-​its in my wallet at all times; each bit of paper filled with lists of various books that I’m keeping an eye out for or have been recommended to me by friends. I’ve forgotten how long ago I first came across Frugal Muse, but they have been my first stop when I’m out to buy books for at least ten years. Actually, aside from the occasional gift card, library sale, or antique/​thrift shop find, this really is my only stop.
I’ve killed many hours wandering the shop and crossing what I can find off of my ever-​changing/​growing lists. Sometimes I go just to wander the stacks and see what random and interesting title I might find that day. I almost always leave with at least one, if not a stack of books. More often than not I’m buying used books, but they will carry new stock if the title or series is just out or popular with the masses (i.e. Game of Thrones). They can also order most new books for you at 25% off the publisher’s list price. For me, this eliminates most reasons to go to the big-​box stores or order online with shipping. Since I’m also an avid supporter of small businesses and don’t do much digital reading, this pleases me greatly. Sure, I might not find exactly what I’m looking for every time, but for me that’s part of the fun.
The store is always clean and the staff are very friendly and helpful. They do have separate hardcover and paperback stacks in the fiction area, so be sure to hit both sections if you don’t have a preference. You’ll also find a mix of subjects on the clearance shelves in back. If you’re looking for graphic novels, comic books, video games, CDs, DVDs, children’s books… they have some of everything. I’ve come across some complaints regarding their book buyback, but considering I’ve purchased used books for as little as $ 2 – 5 and the stacks are already loaded — I’m not surprised that they’re picky about what may or may not sell.
As if you needed more to beat all of that… I’ve received a «frequent flyer» discount when someone who recognizes me is working. You’re simply not going to get this kind of attention or service (or dollars saved!) at one of the big bookstores.