Recycle Book Store

Recycle Bookstore is a renowned used bookstore that has been serving the San Jose community and beyond since its establishment in 1967. Founded by Pat and Joan Hayes, the bookstore has undergone several transitions, including changes in ownership and location, but it has remained a constant and beloved presence in the city's literary and cultural landscape. Today, the bookstore is owned by Eric and Cynthia Johnson, who have been at the helm since 1998.

Situated in the historic district of The Alameda in San Jose and a second location in Downtown Campbell, Recycle Bookstore offers a wide selection of used and new books in almost every subject area. With over 50 years of experience in the business, the bookstore has built a strong reputation for its vast and diverse collection, attracting a large and loyal customer base. The bookstore's inventory is constantly updated, thanks to the steady flow of books that customers bring in, ensuring that there are always new and exciting titles to discover. The bookstore's sections are particularly strong in Sci Fi/Fantasy, Mystery, Literature, Art, Children's, History, Metaphysical, Cooking, Spirituality, and many more.

Book Buy-back Services

Recycle Bookstore offers a book-buy back service to help customers get the best deals on used books. Customers can bring in their old books and trade them in for newer titles or for cash. The bookstore has a selective book buying process, available from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. Customers are advised to bring in their books before 4:30 pm, as the book buyer leaves right at 5 pm. The book-buying process is straightforward: customers bring in their books, and the bookstore offers a choice of cash or store credit based on the books taken. Any books not taken by the bookstore are returned to the customer.

The bookstore's book-buying policy is designed to ensure that the inventory remains fresh and relevant. The store is particularly interested in buying quality Children's and Young Adult books, current Fiction and classic Literature, Science, Photography, Crafts, Graphic Novels, History, Metaphysical, Psychology and Self-help, Film, Queer, Sports, and many more. Customers who have questions about the book-buying process are encouraged to email the bookstore.

Our History

Recycle Bookstore's origins are somewhat serendipitous. When former owner Joan Hayes sold the store to Eric and Cynthia Johnson in 1998, the couple had no money, no real assets, and no experience running a small business. Despite these challenges, the city of San Jose approved the sale, and the Johnsons' venture has been a success ever since. Eric worked at the San Jose Mercury News full-time while also working nights and weekends at the bookstore. Eventually, he quit his job at the newspaper and devoted himself full-time to the bookstore.

Under the Johnsons' stewardship, Recycle Bookstore has steadily grown, becoming one of the best independent bookstores in the area. The store has expanded its inventory and floor space over the years, including a recent expansion in 2019 that increased the store's size by nearly a third. The Johnsons attribute the store's success to listening to their customers' needs and preferences. The store's growth has been a source of joy, but the Johnsons are most proud of maintaining a cultural oasis within the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.