2nd Act Books is a one-of-a-kind shop, offering used books in great shape, that is truly a gathering place in the community.
We give book junkies a place to indulge their habits at affordable prices, and provide a place for book-lovers of all ages to spend time together enjoying the adventures of imagination.
Who We Are
From book-lover & volunteer to shopkeeper
Daphne Spain opened 2nd Act Books to preserve the space known for a quarter century as Read It Again Sam. While still teaching at UVA, she wielded a fierce feather duster while volunteering there. That was the extent of her training in the business prior to opening - though her grandmother did own a bookstore when she was growing up!
A 2nd Act for Daphne
and the store
After Daphne retired and found out the empty location on the downtown mall was available, she became a reluctant entrepreneur who had to get smart quick.
Luckily, several staff members stayed on to help, which they continue to do.
Customers loyal to Read It Again also stayed. They donated hundreds of books to kick-start our inventory and attract new customers.
2nd Act Books is truly a community effort, and is reflected in the diverse and caring clientele that grace our shop every day.
Books and More
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Please call the store or download the current Book Credit pdf for current Book Credit Program hours. Our hours change seasonally.
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Please bring only two medium boxes or bags at one time (no large plastic tubs or bins).
If you have more books than that, please contact us to arrange a house call to review the books.
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We will ask you to fill out our intake form authorizing us to try to sell any of your books that we accept.
We ask that you return within one week and take back any books that we decline, or you can indicate that you would like them donated to a thrift store (if in good condition) or to Goodwill or the McIntire recycling center (if in poor condition).
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The credit amount you’ll receive depends on the condition of the book and whether we already have a copy.
We typically grant $2.00 credit for trade paperbacks and $4.00 for hardbacks.
We want books that are clean and in very good condition, without writing or marks except for owner name.
Hardcover books generally need dust jackets.