The Book Bin
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About The Book Bin
The Book Bin in Salem, OR, is a cozy family-owned bookstore that's been serving the community for over 40 years. They offer a fantastic selection of both new and used books, making it a go-to spot for book lovers of all ages.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, highlighted by the presence of Rose, the beloved store cat who adds charm to the shopping experience. The friendly staff is always ready to help, and the store often hosts fun events like book clubs that foster a sense of community.
Conveniently located in Salem, The Book Bin is easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. It's a great spot to pop in for a quick visit or to spend a leisurely afternoon browsing through the shelves.
Editor's Review
Stepping into The Book Bin is like entering a cozy haven for book lovers. Nestled in Salem, Oregon, this charming bookstore has been a beloved family-run establishment for over 40 years. Customers rave about its eclectic selection of both new and used books, with one reviewer, Kelly Thomas, noting it as her "1st stop for gifts." The atmosphere is warm and inviting, often punctuated by the presence of Rose, the adorable bookstore cat, who has become a mascot of sorts for regulars. You really feel like you're part of a community here, where the staff genuinely cares about helping you find your next great read.
However, not everything is perfect. A few customers have shared frustrations regarding the store's gift certificate policy, with one reviewer, Phillip Perry, expressing disappointment over the lack of digital tracking for these certificates. While this unique handwritten system adds character, it has led to confusion and dissatisfaction for some. Still, the overwhelming majority of reviews highlight the friendliness and knowledge of the staff, making it easy to forgive minor hiccups.
All in all, The Book Bin stands out for its delightful mix of books and gifts, its welcoming atmosphere, and the passionate staff who make every visit feel special. Support your local independent bookstore, this one’s a gem!
What We Like
- Wide selection of new and used books
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Charming atmosphere with a resident cat
Room for Improvement
- Confusing gift certificate policy
- Can get crowded during peak hours
What Customers Are Saying
“They have a little bit of everything! Book Bin buys and sells books.”
— Dawn A.
“You can tell they’re readers themselves because they always have great recommendations.”
— Britt Cooper
What Shoppers Say
Based on analysis of 5 customer reviews
“Great selection of new and used books.”
“The staff are incredibly kind, helpful, and knowledgeable.”
“It really feels like a community bookstore.”
“Refused to honor over $100 of valid gift certificate funds.”
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds.
Check the validity of gift certificates before visiting.
What to Expect
- Expect a cozy and inviting environment perfect for browsing and discovering new reads.
- You'll find a diverse range of books, from popular bestsellers to hidden gems in the used section.
- Pricing is reasonable, especially for used books, making it a great place to find value.
Google Reviews
Wish I could put zero stars. TLDR; this place didn't follow their own protocol and refused to honor over $100 of valid gift certificate funds. Bought a family member a gift certificate. This place only uses hand-written paper gift certificates and...
Phenomenal local bookstore, with a cat, Rose, too!! My 1st stop for gifts. The Book Bin is a family owned business that celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2023. They are a general interest book store that has a little bit of everything. They carr...
Great selection of new and used books. Rose, the book store cat, is adorable and it's the highlight of my visit if I can find her. The staff is very friendly. They have fun events, like book clubs. Support your local independent book store!
I absolutely love shopping at Book Bin. Every time I visit, the staff are incredibly kind, helpful, and genuinely knowledgeable about books. You can tell they’re readers themselves because they always have great recommendations and never make you fee...
I love this book store, they have a little bit of everything! Book Bin buys and sell books. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Nice place to walk around and find treasures. They can get a little busy, so visiting early is best. They also have ...
Reviews from Google
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting Tips
If you're a first-time visitor, take a moment to seek out Rose, the store cat—she's a highlight of the visit.
Try to visit during the week when it's generally less crowded for a more relaxed shopping experience.
There's ample street parking nearby, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a spot.
Hours
- monday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- tuesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- wednesday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- thursday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- friday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- saturday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- sunday10:00 AM - 7:00 PM