Book lovers know the thrill of finding that perfect spot—where hidden gems line the shelves and booksellers remember your favorite authors by name. If you’re looking to lose yourself in a maze of stories near Chandler, you’re in luck… the area boasts a surprising mix of cozy indie shops, bustling multi-story bookstores, and collector-friendly comic havens that cater to every reading taste.
Let’s get to it.
Half Price Books
Stepping into Half Price Books unveils a well-organized mix of fiction, history, comics, children’s titles, academic works, and cookbooks. The music and movie section spans vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs that recall the era when Blockbuster ruled Friday nights. Each genre has its own aisle, and shelves marked “Bargains” invite you to browse. Even seasoned readers discover hidden gems in sideways stacks and endcaps.
A glass display case holds rare editions and signed copies, offering a glimpse at high-value finds. Teachers receive a permanent 10 percent discount, and staff members post handwritten notes with favorite selections, a welcome alternative to endless online reviews.
The children’s area features low shelves and colorful seating so parents can shop nearby. Collectors hunting vintage comics or hard-to-find albums often leave with a great deal. New arrivals appear daily, reinforcing the store’s focus on reuse and recycling. A trade-in program credits customers for gently used books, vinyl records, and DVDs, while community book drives invite further donations.
With half-off prices on many items and an ever-changing inventory, Half Price Books delivers a budget-friendly, sustainable shopping experience for readers and collectors alike.
Bookmans Mesa Entertainment Exchange
Specializing in media and more, Bookmans Mesa Entertainment Exchange surprises visitors at every turn. This sprawling store stocks used books across all genres, comics, collectibles, vinyl records, and video games. You may start with a paperback and end up carrying home an armful of board games, graphic novels, or that vinyl LP you didn’t know you needed.
Trades are welcome for cash or permanent store credit, with the latter a popular choice among regulars. The ever-changing aisles also hold rubber stamps, quirky jewelry, and a “Geeking Out” corner filled with pop culture posters and exclusive apparel.
Community involvement is a core value here. You’ll find notice boards for animal rescue fundraisers, teen comic workshops, and local author events. Wide aisles and organized displays keep the space from feeling overwhelming despite the vast selection.
Staff members know their inventory and can track down rare titles on request. Whether you’re hunting a textbook or a vintage comic, Bookmans Mesa rewards patience and curiosity with a unique treasure hunt in every visit.
Literally A Bookshop
Located in a snug 800-square-foot spot at Farmhouse Village in Gilbert, Literally A Bookshop specializes in children’s and young adult literature. About 80 percent of the inventory covers baby board books through teen graphic novels. A smaller adult section caters to general-interest readers, but the focus remains on young audiences. The owner curates selections personally, ensuring that staff-picked titles feel handcrafted rather than algorithm-driven.
Regular community events include weekly storytime, book swaps for kids and bi-monthly lunch-hour book clubs. Local authors appear for signings, and themed book bundles mark holidays or special occasions. Subscription boxes and advent calendars add a playful gift element. Staff members remember favorite series and tailor recommendations to individual readers. Pricing falls in the mid-range, with bundled gift options available at a premium. Despite its compact size, Literally A Bookshop delivers a personalized, community-oriented experience for families and young readers.
Wijaya House Books Flowers Coffee
Combining books, fresh flowers, and coffee, Wijaya House Books Flowers Coffee offers a welcoming retreat in Tempe. The compact shop features cozy couches and reading nooks interspersed among floral displays that grow directly from the floor. Shelves hold new releases, classic titles, local authors, fantasy, and special first editions or UK imports. A dedicated children’s section brings in the youngest readers with care.
The coffee bar stands at the center, surrounded by bright bouquets rather than tucked away in a corner. An outdoor patio enhances the relaxed vibe. The shop hosts regular book swaps and a monthly book club where mimosas are on the menu. Staff and the owner circulate through the space, offering genuine recommendations on both titles and floral arrangements.
Occasional floral workshops and author collaborations pop up on the events calendar. Prices lean toward the indulgent side, but the thoughtful combination of selections makes each purchase feel meaningful. For those who appreciate real pages under their fingertips and a fragrant cup of coffee nearby, this spot becomes a favorite local hangout.
Collectors Choice Comics
Collectors Choice Comics in Tempe offers a sleek, gallery-like setting unlike most comic shops. White walls and black shelving line the space, while display cases highlight key issues like pieces in an art gallery. The thousands of titles include Bronze and Silver Age gems alongside modern releases, variant covers, and a selection of Marvel, DC, and Star Wars trading cards.
A dedicated display features CBCS slab comics, and the staff handles grading and autograph authentication with precise expertise. They host regular in-store signings, manage special orders, and run a reward program that keeps collectors coming back.
Recognized by PHX Magazine as Best of the Valley Comic Book Shop for 2024 and 2025, Collectors Choice Comics also partners on charity and literacy events. The atmosphere never tips into dusty corner store territory. Instead, it feels high-end yet welcoming, with specialists ready to track down rare issues or confirm an autograph’s authenticity. Whether you’re a Bronze Age hunter or after the latest variant cover, this shop delivers both style and substance.
MVMNT CHRISTIAN STORES
At MVMNT Christian Stores, a family-run vibe defines the shopping experience. This bright shop near Chandler blends a bookshop atmosphere with a local gift boutique feel while focusing on Christian resources. You’ll find Bibles, devotionals, marriage and family titles, and a solid selection of kids’ faith-based activities such as the Jesus Storybook Bible Coloring Book. A dedicated corner hosts small groups and community gatherings, setting it apart from typical chains.
Sam, the owner, brings over twenty years of Christian bookstore management to the table. He and his team know their way around study Bibles and can place special orders if an item is out of stock. Staff members offer personalized recommendations without pressure and provide prayer support, plus Spanish/English bilingual Bibles. Prices on Bibles and devotionals rest in the mid-range, so they won’t break the bank. Local church partnerships, author events, and community outreach reinforce the store’s personal touch. MVMNT Christian Stores may not be a superstore, but its curated selection and friendly service make it a genuine neighborhood resource.
Deseret Book
Deseret Book in Chandler offers a 5,000-square-foot space that merges retail, culture and community outreach. Bright and orderly, the store features reading nooks where children can settle in while parents browse. The inventory focuses on LDS theology, Church history and values-based living, spanning self-help, family life guides, faith-based fiction and children’s literature. Musical recordings, teaching aids and faith-inspired gifts complement the book selection.
A café called Lion House Pantry serves beverages and snacks, and a dedicated area spotlights handcrafted Mormon Handicraft goods. Knowledgeable staff members assist with hard-to-find titles and can place special orders. Located in a mall setting, the store maintains a family-friendly atmosphere despite passing foot traffic. Prices range from affordable to splurge-worthy, depending on the item. Deseret Book also supports local schools by donating millions to library programs, reinforcing its commitment to literacy and community values.
Changing Hands Bookstore
Operating since 1974, Changing Hands Bookstore has become an Arizona institution. Two locations house a range of new bestsellers, carefully curated used books, and a graphic novel collection that appeals to comic fans. A remainder sale area offers discounts up to 60 percent, while staff picks and local author displays add personal touches.
Spacious aisles and well-placed armchairs invite browsing without the squeeze of narrow shelves. Natural light filters in through large windows, replacing fluorescent glare with a welcoming glow.
Each location features its own café partner. The Tempe store hosts Wildflower Bread Company, while the Phoenix shop includes First Draft Book Bar. Both serve coffee, pastries, and even cocktails among a selection of more than 100,000 titles.
Hundreds of events fill the calendar each year, from storytime sessions and author readings to workshops and school drives. Book clubs meet regularly, and community outreach programs support literacy efforts statewide. Whether you’re hunting for a bargain bin find or attending an author talk, Changing Hands blends selection, comfort, and community engagement.
The Bookish Shop
At The Bookish Shop, every detail showcases a deep passion for books and their fans. Shelves display exclusive hardcovers with sprayed edges, decorative dust jackets, and signed editions that stand out as collector’s items. Beyond books, the shop carries branded apparel, enamel pins, and hand-poured candles. These seasonal candles evoke scenes from cult-favorite fantasy realms or gothic manors, while limited-run enamel pins celebrate memorable characters and iconic cover art. Whether you gravitate toward steamy fantasy or dark romance, the curated merchandise spans a wide range of genres.
After eight years online, The Bookish Shop opened a physical location in downtown Gilbert. The interior resembles a live Pinterest board, featuring a coffee bar, plush reading nooks, and couches that invite customers to linger. The store hosts author signings and themed gatherings every month, creating a vibrant community space. A portion of every sale supports nonprofit organizations, and the annual Pride Collection contributes directly to LGBTQ+ causes.
Prices reflect the craftsmanship of limited-edition releases and artisanal products, but periodic sales help make special items more accessible. The Bookish Shop delivers an immersive retail experience for readers and collectors alike.
Samurai Comics
Samurai Comics has anchored Phoenix’s comic scene since 2002, and it stays current with fresh issues arriving every Tuesday. Wall-to-wall shelves hold superhero floppies, indie graphic novels and manga volumes. A neat row of anime figures watches over the main floor, adding visual interest. For collectors hunting older editions, extensive back-issue filing cabinets offer Silver and Bronze Age treasures.
The bright, family-friendly layout avoids the cluttered feel of many comic stores. Glass display cases showcase rare collectibles and limited editions while staff members appraise and buy used collections. Weekly LiveSale events highlight the latest releases, and local gaming tournaments bring players together for face-to-face competition. Employees, including Mike Banks—an Overstreet Guide contributor—provide well-informed advice that extends beyond standard shop talk. New releases are priced at market rates, and hard-to-find items in the cases can command premium prices. Samurai Comics balances a welcoming atmosphere for casual readers with the depth serious collectors seek.
Zia Records (Chandler)
At Zia Records in Chandler, vinyl enthusiasts and pop culture fans collide in a space that blends a classic record shop with a sprawling collectibles library. Since opening in 1980, the store has built a reputation for carrying a wide range of music formats: rows of vinyl spanning jazz to indie, walls of CDs, and a selection of DVDs and Blu-rays. A nearby section hosts graphic novels and books, while a dedicated kids’ corner offers age-appropriate reads. Action figures and posters fill a collectibles area that surprises on every visit.
Bright lighting and clear aisle signage keep the retro vibe from feeling cramped or dusty. Shoppers can browse listening stations or relax in lounge seating to sample a record or flick through a comic. Knowledgeable staff make informed recommendations and guide customers to hidden gems. The store partners with local schools and hosts community events, strengthening its role in the Chandler scene. It also accepts trade-ins, allowing customers to exchange old records and comics for store credit. Zia Records proves that a well-run, all-in-one pop culture shop can still thrive today.
Barnes & Noble
Stepping into Barnes & Noble feels like entering a vast two-level bookstore designed for both browsing and relaxing. The open layout includes quiet nooks furnished with deep armchairs that invite readers to linger. Shelves and tables display new releases, graphic novels, popular thrillers and even a selection of birthday cards. The in-store Starbucks serves fresh coffee and free Wi-Fi, so it’s common to see a student typing a thesis at a corner table while nearby children assemble a Bluey LEGO duck cake.
Games and gifts occupy dedicated tables, showcasing puzzles, toys and collectible editions. Seasonal and local-author displays break up the main bestseller sections. If a title is out of stock, staff will special order it. Employees know their genres and often suggest lesser-known titles rather than pushing only bestsellers. The store regularly hosts author events, community book drives and a summer reading program for kids. Prices tend to be higher than discount retailers, but member discounts and in-store promotions help offset the cost, making Barnes & Noble feel more accessible than a typical bookstore markup.
