Book Trade-In FAQ

Do you buy used books?

Yes! We buy used books selectively, based on what we're currently looking for, what we already have in stock, condition, and what we think our customers will want to read.

Because we're a small, curated bookstore, we aren't able to take every book that comes through the door. Our goal is to build a collection that feels intentional and interesting—not simply to accumulate inventory.

What kinds of books are you looking for?

We're especially interested in:

• Literary fiction and classics
• Contemporary fiction
• Poetry
• Essays and literary nonfiction
• Philosophy and cultural criticism
• Art, design, fashion, and photography
• Music and music history
• Interesting history and biography
• Books with a strong Nashville or Southern connection
• Unusual, collectible, or beautifully designed editions
• Books that fit the East Nashville Books aesthetic and our current inventory needs
• We're always looking for books that we'd be excited to put on our shelves.

What books don't you typically take?

We generally don't take:

• Textbooks or academic editions
• Outdated business, technology, or self-help books
• Encyclopedias and reference books
• Mass-market books that we already have a lot of
• Books in poor or heavily worn condition
• Books with significant writing, highlighting, water damage, odors, or missing pages
• Outdated travel guides
• Advance reading copies
• Books we currently have too many copies of

This isn't an exhaustive list. Ultimately, every collection is evaluated individually.

Why are you selective?

We're a small independent bookstore with limited shelf space, so we have to be thoughtful about what we buy.

We'd rather offer store credit for books that we know we can sell than take everything and have books sit on our shelves indefinitely. Our selection also allows us to keep the store focused on the kinds of books our customers come to us for.

How does the process work?

Bring your books into the store during our book-buying hours. We'll look through your collection and let you know which books we'd like to take.

Depending on the size of the collection and how busy we are, we may need to keep your books for evaluation rather than making an offer immediately.

How long does it take?

We aim to evaluate all book-buying submissions and get back to you within 48 hours.

We'll contact you once we've finished evaluating your books and let you know which books we'd like to take and how much store credit we're able to offer.

Do you offer cash for books?

No. We offer store credit only.

For books we accept, you'll receive East Nashville Books store credit that can be used toward eligible purchases in the store.

What can I use my store credit on?

Store credit can be used on used books, merchandise, and other eligible East Nashville Books products.

Store credit cannot be used to purchase new books.

Will you take my whole collection?

Maybe—but not necessarily.

We evaluate collections book by book. A large collection may contain books we want and books that don't fit our current inventory needs. We don't guarantee that we'll be able to take an entire collection.

For particularly large collections, please contact us before bringing them in so we can let you know whether we're currently accepting that type or volume of material.

What if you don't take my books?

No problem. We'll let you know which books we're interested in and return the books we aren't able to take.

Our goal is to make the process straightforward and transparent, even when we're not the right home for every book.

Can I bring books in anytime?

Book buying is selective and subject to our current inventory needs and capacity. Please check our current book-buying hours before bringing in a large collection.

Questions about a collection? Contact us before you come in—we're happy to let you know what we're currently looking for.