Bibliophiles and casual browsers alike will find plenty to love among the book stores tucked around Mesa. Whether you crave the scent of well-worn pages, quirky comic shops, or the latest bestsellers, this city serves up inviting spaces for every kind of reader.
Let’s get to it.
Book Gallery
Nestled in downtown Mesa, Book Gallery occupies a restored 1910 Art Deco theater. The original Ritz Movie Theater signage still hangs above the entrance. Inside, almost 5,000 square feet of floor-to-ceiling oak bookcases create a winding path through antique and modern titles. Shelves hold paperbacks, classics, academic works, and colorful children’s picture books.
Soft classical music drifts through the aisles and enhances the gentle, musty scent of old pages. In one corner you’ll find signed first editions; in another, decorative bookends shaped like sphinxes. Prices range from wallet-friendly paperbacks to collectible leather-bound tomes.
The staff members know their inventory inside and out. They’ll help you locate rare editions or surprise you with an offbeat recommendation. If you mention the shop’s history, they’ll be happy to share stories about its days as a movie house. For those who fall in love with the collection, a sister store in Phoenix awaits your next visit.
Half Price Books
Stepping into Half Price Books, you’ll find rows of new and used titles, plus comics, manga, records, DVDs, and games scattered like lost socks. Each section is clearly labeled so you know where mystery ends and romance begins. The children’s corner, called Half Pint Books, offers a selection tailored for young readers with picture books and early chapter books.
Used paperbacks often cost about as much as a coffee, while hardcover first editions invite respectful admiring even if you skip the purchase. Clearance bins feature deep discounts that make you wonder why anyone pays full price elsewhere. Staff members assess trades and purchases right on the spot, constantly shifting the inventory.
If a title isn’t on the shelf, the team can order it for you. Reading nooks dot the store, each offering a quiet spot to sample a chapter or two. Teachers and librarians receive special discounts. Regular author signings, community book drives for kids, and recycling initiatives round out the experience. Knowledgeable staff recommend beyond the latest celebrity memoir, and used books start around two dollars.
Bookmans Mesa Entertainment Exchange
Bookmans Mesa Entertainment Exchange feels more like a curated warehouse than a typical secondhand shop. Tall shelves hold books of every genre alongside rows of vintage vinyl records and stacks of comics. A metaphysical section sits near incense burners and crystal displays. Across the floor, a fitness nook features exercise DVDs next to self-help bestsellers.
Dedicated comic aisles include a workshop table for community events. First-edition books occupy a glass-enclosed alcove, and demo stations invite gamers to test new tabletop titles. Regular events range from manga clubs to Dungeons & Dragons nights.
Prices stay affordable for casual browsers, while signed collectibles carry higher tags. The staff listens closely and offers informed suggestions on local authors or trade credit deals. At the café counter, you can exchange select items for espresso or a smoothie. Bookmans Mesa combines variety, community gatherings, and a café trade-in option to create a one-of-a-kind entertainment hub.
BOOKOFF Mesa
BOOKOFF Mesa offers a spacious, well-lit 3,510-square-foot store packed with used books, video games, DVDs, and more. Shelves are clearly labeled so you can find manga, light novels, or English-language fiction without wandering into unrelated aisles.
A dedicated section showcases anime merchandise and Gashapon capsule toys, while multimedia displays hold classic DVDs and CDs. The bright layout keeps you oriented, avoiding the crypt-like feel of some used media shops.
Bring in old games, books, and DVDs to sell or trade for instant cash or store credit. Staff members assess items on the spot, adjusting the selection daily. Prices often start under five dollars, with some items priced at just one dollar.
BOOKOFF Mesa also offers buyback promotions and seasonal discounts. Whether you’re hunting for a rare manga volume, budget-friendly video games, or affordable movies, the rotating inventory means you’ll likely discover something new on every visit. Friendly staff guide you through the catalog and answer questions about titles or pricing. This store provides a reliable spot to shop or sell secondhand media.
Bookmaze
In Mesa, Bookmaze blends a used bookstore with a gaming hub under one roof. Thousands of preowned books line the shelves, covering fantasy, mystery, travel guides, and children’s titles in a dedicated section. Board games and collectible figurines share space in another corner, featuring both new releases and classic strategy and party games.
A multimedia nook holds records and CDs, adding a retro touch to the store’s eclectic mix. Maze-like shelves create cozy reading spots, and lounge seating invites visitors to sample a novel or test a game before purchasing.
Staff members offer personalized recommendations, whether you’re searching for a specific title or a new game mechanic. Regular events include gaming meetups, workshops, and discussion groups via a Discord server where local fans debate expansion packs and new releases.
Prices remain wallet-friendly, so browsing often leads to unexpected finds without overspending. With its combination of books, games, and community events, Bookmaze delivers a relaxed environment for casual readers and dedicated gamers alike.
Barnes & Noble
At Barnes & Noble, the spacious layout guides you past shelves of novels into sections for board games, stationery, and gift items. The front wall hosts a massive magazine rack, and beyond that you’ll find graphic novels, hardcovers, and paperbacks. Bright signs point the way to science fiction, romance, cookbooks, and collector’s editions.
Staff picks are arranged on tables in the center, offering quick insights into popular and underrated reads. In the kids’ area, colorful shelves and comfy beanbags invite young readers for weekly storytimes. Regular book clubs and author signings bring community energy.
Adjacent to the main store, a Starbucks counter serves coffee drinks and snacks. Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi make it a favored spot for students and remote workers. Whether you need a quiet corner to study or a new mystery novel to unwind, Barnes & Noble delivers a broad selection and a welcoming atmosphere.
Deseret Book – Mesa
Walking into Deseret Book in Mesa feels like discovering a store that carries every resource for LDS members. Rows of scriptures line the walls, alongside study journals in special editions. You will find signed copies, foreign-language texts, and leather-bound volumes that stand out on any shelf. Artwork and music themed around faith occupy dedicated displays, so it’s easy to spot that perfect gift.
The children’s section features illustrated scripture stories and hands-on activities, especially fun during summer months. Nearby, the home décor area offers framed prints, inspirational signs, and small accent pieces that bring a personal touch to any room.
Staff members greet you with friendly smiles and expert knowledge. They can track down rare manuals, suggest thoughtful gifts, or explain the differences between various editions.
In the adjacent café, you can grab a scoop of BYU Creamery ice cream—mint brownie is a popular choice—and enjoy it at a small table overlooking the main floor. Deseret Book in Mesa blends faith-focused selections with a cozy spot to relax and refuel.
Gotham City Comics
Gotham City Comics in Mesa stands out as a dedicated comic shop rather than a cramped corner store. Family-owned since around 2010, it offers wide aisles between sturdy shelving so you can browse without bumping into stacks. New releases line the walls, while back issues and rare variants fill glass cabinets. A special display features graded comics for serious collectors.
An import magazine rack holds overseas titles and niche publications. Nearby, a small area showcases vintage wrestling and music memorabilia. Staff members know every genre—manga, superheroes, horror—and they’re ready to recommend a must-read or help locate elusive issues.
Prices suit casual readers searching for affordable stories as well as collectors hunting investment-grade copies. The inventory rotates each week, and the shop buys and trades collections on request. Having earned “Best Comic Store” awards around Phoenix, Gotham City Comics delivers a well-organized, enthusiast-friendly experience.
Samurai Comics
For comic enthusiasts in the Valley, Samurai Comics has stood strong since 2002. This family-owned shop features multiple aisles arranged under bright lights, offering a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Staff members know their collections and provide recommendations without assuming you already know every hero and storyline.
New single-issue releases arrive weekly… the store hosts LiveSales events on Wednesdays for fresh arrivals. Shelves also display graded comics, rare back issues, manga, hardcovers, blind boxes, and collector’s editions that appeal to long-time fans. If you’re searching for a specific back issue or a graded treasure, fill out a special request form and the owner, a consultant on the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, will track it down.
Online and mail orders are available, plus curbside pickup and even personal delivery to your car when you call ahead. The inventory covers today’s hottest titles alongside vintage finds, all carefully organized so you can browse by publisher, genre, or series. Regular store events include artist signings and community gaming nights. Whether you’re a new reader or a seasoned collector, Samurai Comics delivers the comic shop experience you expect today.
Enchanted Crystals
Enchanted Crystals in Mesa combines metaphysical supplies with a cat adoption corner in one cozy shop. Hundreds of stones fill the shelves, including amethyst chips for chakras, rose quartz, and other tumbled crystals. A dedicated wall displays tarot decks, many featuring cat art alongside traditional decks.
The store also carries spiritual guides covering yoga, chakra balancing, animal magic, and general metaphysical wellness. You can pick up a cat-themed tarot deck or a book on crystal care in the same aisle. Jewelry cases hold gemstone necklaces and bracelets at approachable prices, with small stones starting around five dollars and decks or books up to thirty-five dollars.
Every purchase supports a local cat rehab and rehoming program. The adoption corner connects visitors with cats ready for new homes. The women-owned business offers free parking, wheelchair access, and friendly staff who explain crystal properties and deck uses. Visitors leave with tangible supplies and a sense of community involvement. Enchanted Crystals focuses on quality products and local cat welfare without any pretension.
