Changing Hands Bookstore

I should be here more frequently! Probably the best book shop and gift shop in all of Arizona. I bet their other location in Phoenix is just as good. They have such a wonderful variety of unique and special gifts that can't be found at "typical" places, its great. The variety of books in The Book Exchange program is wonderful. The staff has always been excellent as far as customer service is concerned, and that goes a long way for me. I feel like having lived in different states throughout my life, Arizona unfortunately gets the stamp of the worst customer service that I've experienced in general. Not this place! This place really reminded me that good customer service STILL exists!!! Thank goodness.

What an enjoyable bookstore. Offer many types of books as well as interesting items for gifts. The staff is excellent and they are always willing to help.

It's a nice small bookstore. It's hard to find one nowadays that isn't part of some mega chain that doesn't really have the focus on interesting books and new authors, it's hard to find a bookstore that is willing to circulate through interesting things that aren't necessarily of the two or three things are trying to push from a mega store. I can't think of very many independent bookstores anymore so if you get a chance you should stop in and support this one because you're going to blink and they're going to all be gone someday. But I hope not.

One of my favorite places in the Valley. I try to buy books from here instead of Amazon, even though it’s 20 minutes from my home because I want to support independent bookstores. But Changing Hands is way more than a bookstore, it is a gift shop, toy store and a gathering spot!

This is what a bookstore should be! Intimate, with lots of book nooks, a huge variety of new and used books, and fun gift shopping for the friend you dragged with you that isn't much of a reader!.
The kids section has a good selection that is ranked by age groups, so it's easy to find the perfect book for any aged reader. My 6 year old granddaughter picked out 7 books ( and a sticker book) and wanted to read them there.
I have also attended some of the book readings that are held from both famous and not so famous authors.

My favorite books and more store for many years. Can sit and read. Big reduced items section in the back of the store. Can get money or store credit for used books.
Might have free used books outside store and have a nice, clean restroom.

I was quite impressed with this independent bookstore, huge inventory and extra friendly staff. I was attending a Terry Brooks book signing.

I love “Changing Hands!” I have to be really buzzed about a place or thing to review it & this store does it for me. Their selection of books, cards and gifts is top notch and so interesting. “Changing Hands” has an eclectic mix of merchandise you won’t want to miss!

I love this place. It’s a bookstore with personality. The staff is always personable and helpful. They have a wide variety of titles. It’s great that you can often get a used copy for a deep discount. In addition to books, they have many other items that are perfect for gifts. As an added plus, it is near Trader Joe’s and Wildflower (should you want a bite to eat).

I love this store. There are so many unique things you don't see other places. Great for finding gifts. I really like the small calendars. I get one every year.

This place is just so cute. They have so many interesting items. My whole family got stuff, books and other items.

Changing Hands Bookstore is a local independent bookstore located in Tempe, AZ. They offer a wide selection of new and used books, as well as book-related merchandise such as journals, tote bags, and bookmarks. They also host author events, book clubs, and other literary events.

Based on online reviews, Changing Hands Bookstore has a positive reputation for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, welcoming and cozy atmosphere, and diverse selection of books. Customers have also praised the store for its community involvement and support of local authors and artists. If you are a book lover or looking for a unique gift for a book lover, Changing Hands Bookstore is worth checking out.

I make a point of coming here whenever I'm visiting from Los Angeles. It's really one of my favorite places because I'm an avid bibliophile with more books than clothes. Changing Hands is well-lit with a nice selection of new and used books. They're amazing when it comes to #ownvoices, marginalized and indie/local authors, but I'd still like to see MORE fluffy, escapist romance reads from Black and other PoC/LGBTQ authors featured prominently, because not everything about us is about "the struggle". Kudos though to their wonderfully diverse YA and MG book sections. Barnes and Noble could take lessons from CH. It's always fun to wander the shelves and look for interesting gems that I might have missed. Add to that the whimsical decor, awesome journal selection and unique gift/bath items and this store is a total win. In fact, I prefer this location to the one with the bar. The staff are always super friendly and helpful with suggestions. Speaking of staff, they are masked and doing everything they can to keep themselves and patrons safe. I'm glad to see many customers doing the same.

It’s a good book stores very good selection and the staff were friendly I’ll be coming back. There are also options to buy used or new. The book I was looking for was discounted so I had I had to buy it!

Wide variety of books & book related items. A great little area for the family to sit and read or color. Nice, clean, calm & the associates are friendly & knowledgeable. They genuinely want to assist customers in any way they can. I definitely recommend Changing Hands Book Store to everyone. Thank you.
~JC

UPDATE 2022: I still adore Changing Hands! They have amazing staff that talk to me and actually recognize me when I come in, and chat to me about previous purchases! The store has great prices, amazing items, wonderful books with a ton of representation hard to find elsewhere, and just fantastic booksellers. The store is also beautiful- I actually took prom pictures here with my best friend who also loves the store! Pictures attached :)

2 years ago: This is my favorite bookstore! The staff are so kind and friendly, and they always have the best books. I used to be in their bookclub and that was so fun! I enjoyed it alot, and hope when I get more free time, I can join it again. 10/10, it's the best bookstore ever!

How I LOVE this place ! Not only are the clerks special, the people you meet shopping there are wonderful too. I visit often, always find unusual gifts that I tuck away for when I need them...Oh, and the Books ! Great

Our first time here for a book signing for John O'Callaghan's new book. This place was so cozy and cute. I'm definitely going to come back !!

Absolutely wonderful local bookstore - huge selection of new books, used books and all kinds of other items perfect for gifts for yourself or someone else. Lots of parking available, super convenient spot.

I just found my all-time favorite bookstore. There are so many things to see and explore in the aisles of this beautiful shop. Journals, notecards, candles, Christmas stocking stuffers, and of course books books books!

There are even a few rows of books, new and used, out on the sidewalk before you enter. The shelves are clearly labeled so you can easily find what you’re looking for—but the store is set up in a way that makes you want to wander aimlessly and look at every little interesting thing. I bought two books during my visit—one book I’ve been eyeing on Amazon and was very pleased to find that Changing Hands sold it for less expensive; and the other book caught my eye because it was on sale and I thought it would make a good gift.

I had a great experience here from start to finish and I’m definitely planning on returning soon!