Review Highlights
“Local business, active in the community, great lectures and workshops, staff that are super helpful.” in 7 reviews
“The selection here is really great and the feel that you get when you come here is that it's one of community.” in 18 reviews
“I can't wait until Nov 1 when their Phoenix location opens because their current location is just too darn far away.” in 5 reviews
Location & Hours
Tempe, AZ 85283
Mon |
| |
|---|---|---|
Tue |
| Closed now |
Wed |
| |
Thu |
| |
Fri |
| |
Sat |
| |
Sun |
|
You Might Also Consider
in Shoe Stores, Men's Clothing, Swimwear
in Jewelry, Art Galleries, Bookstores
Amenities and More
About the Business
Business owner information
The Staff, which is Class A.
Books -- new & used, fiction & non-fiction, classic & contemporary, for kids, teens & adults, in many categories--body, mind, spirit, history, science, memoir, travel, cookbooks, foreign language, poetry, science fiction, mystery, nature, health, relationships, birth, education, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Taoist, Celtic, Pagan, Wiccan, art, photography, crafts, GLBT, business, personal finance, ... also a wide and constantly changing selection of gifts, including scarves, educational toys, incense, candles, bath & body products and pottery by local craftspeople.
Ask the Community
Q:
Hi!, do you have any book clubs? Can I have more information ? Thanks
A:
Hi. Thank you for reaching out. We have a few store run book clubs and a few book clubs that meet in the stores that are managed by others. Here is link with more information. https://www.changinghands.com/page/bookclubs
Bob S., Business Owner6 months agoQ:
Does changing hands have a coffee shop?
A:
Hi Shannon, Yes, we do have a coffee/espresso bar in our Phoenix store on 3rd Ave & Camelback. In Tempe, we recommend Steve’s Espresso. It’s one mile south of us on… more
Bob S., Business Owner11 months ago
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
367 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
J. R.Lake Havasu City, AZ13417Apr 13, 2024Updated reviewCindy from the store contacted me and assured me the staff will be trained on how Apple Pay works for returns.
She also gave me a gift certificate. This is a store that values their customers so I will happily return and leave the incident in the past.
Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0Mar 30, 2024Previous reviewI have been a supporter of this store for years. I have chosen to support small business over big businesses like Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
Today, this changes. I went to make a return from two weeks ago. I didn't have my receipt but I did have my credit card statement showing the transaction. The check out person also found the transaction in their system and verified the date and amount.
I paid with Apple Pay and when you use Apple Pay the last 4 digits of the credit card will be different than the physical card. They do this for security reasons.
Again, I showed the clerk my phone which had the name of the credit card and the transaction on the same date and amount.
For almost one hour, three people came over and tried to help the one cashier. I even called my credit card company and that customer service representative said pull up the transaction in the app and show the merchant.
I kept my cool and remain calm. It was only a 16.00 dollar purchase. Finally, another person came over and they returned the money to my card.
Will I ever shop there again? Nope. It's been a good run since 1995 for me and this store but never again.- Nov 16, 2023
As a part of Thank You Thursday, I want to write my review for Changing Hands Bookstore.
Changing Hands is Arizona's leading independent bookstore, offering new and used books, unique gifts, toys, and more than 300 author events every year in Tempe since 1974.
How can you not love Changing Hands Bookstore?
With the holidays coming up, you can find some really great items here from oracle cards to incense holders, knit cardigans to crystal sun catchers. Want some cool earrings? Need some Christmas ornaments? Come here! You'll truly find some unique items for everyone on your shopping list. Plus they have a really fabulous book selection. Support independent; support local!Helpful 60Thanks 15Love this 60Oh no 0 
Alexa B.Menifee, CA33240Nov 25, 2023Probably the best selection of books in any bookstore I've visited. You can find just about anything you're looking for and the store is very organized which makes it easy to browse. This store has a coffee shop, bar, and seating area attached. The matcha latte was delicious.
The staff are very friendly. In addition to books, they also have stickers, gift wrap, magnets, journals, pens, notebooks, pencils. There's something for everyone.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0
51410784056Mar 31, 2023Great local bookstore that champions readers throughout the valley. They bring in authors all the time and keep us all connected to reading. Love our local businesses! Thank you for bringing us together!
Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 5Oh no 0- Mar 15, 20232 check-ins
This is a bookstore and more!
The selection of books and the placement of the bookracks gives a person plenty of time to roam.
I liked that there was a table available to sit and read.
Now to the More.... There are local products available for purchase as well as fun gift items.
I didn't have a lot of time to wander, but I know the next time I am in town - I will definitely plan on another stop in, so I can really take time to explore the books and all the fun gift items.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Jul 18, 2023
Changing Hands feels like small town bookstore. I love buying gifts here, and the store itself is charming and full of fun and quirky things. This particular store is connected to the Wildflower restaurant. It would be wonderful if Changing Hands, Tempe started carrying more merchandise made by local artisans. Otherwise, you could get lost in this place for hours, and I highly recommend it!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Bob S.
Nov 19, 2023
Sarah Thank you for this very lovely review and for supporting our small indie business.
Barry J.New York, NY492914Dec 26, 2023The best independent bookstore I know of in the East Valley. So charming. It's been a part of our lives for 25-years.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0- Jan 28, 2022
I love finding local bookstores and been wanting to come here but it was in Tempe. Luckily for work I was in the area got some lunch that happened to be next door. After lunch I came inside to check it out. Honestly very cute store so many books, but to me is was like a Barnes and nobles when it came to pricing books I was interested in was like 18 bucks. They did have books outside that was on clearance some interested me wish I had more time to look through but their was some voter person outside and I didn't really wanna deal with them.
I will come back next time I'm here, but I wish the prices were cheaper, maybe cuz most the books were hardcover is why they were more on the pricier range. But still a cute shop and they even sold cute gifts and toys and tourist items.
Helpful 4Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - May 10, 2023
I absolutely love this place! There is something for everyone! You could get lost in here. They buy books, sell books, new and used (amazing condition). There are so many other tchotchkes/trinkets. You really have to stop by and check it out. Always something on discount, as well as a punch card towards $10 off when full. All in all, it is a great place for everyone to enjoy. There is also a cute little restaurant attached as well. Such lovely employees too. I'm going to miss this place when I leave AZ.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Kathy A.Payson, AZ14346Nov 13, 2023
Service was exceptional and friendly. Store is very clean and well organized.
Trade in prices are very fair although I do wish they would take more of my books when I bring them in.
Also, love the non book section of the store where you can find unique gifts.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Bob S.
Nov 19, 2023
Thank you so much for your kind review and the 5-stars. I'm sorry we're not taking more of your books. Our buys are based on our needs. Thank you again for this lovely review
