BOOKS & MUSIC

Bards Books
3508 N. Seventh St.,
Ste. 145, Phoenix,
602-274-7530,
bardsbooks.com

The new kid on the block, Bards is barely a year old, selling new and used books out of a quaint storefront in central Phoenix. Don’t miss their weekly in-store events, such as book club meetings, poetry readings, acoustic jam sessions and meditation seminars. Free wireless Internet also is available. Say hello to husband-wife owners Sven and Leeann Rosckowff while you’re there.
 
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
8034 N. 19th Ave.,
Phoenix, 602-433-0255,
bookmans.com

Bookmans has built a reputation in Arizona for more than 30 years as the go-to shop for used books, music, movies, video games, magazines, comics, electronics and musical instruments, among other miscellaneous media. Looking for a Vogue from 2001? Need a retro Nintendo 64 gaming system? An obscure piece of vinyl for your collection? School books that don’t cost a fortune? Chances are more than likely you’ll find it at this mega store. Also look for in-store events, such as art exhibits, anime festivals and live music. Additional locations are in Mesa, Flagstaff and Tucson.
 
ChangingHands Bookstore
6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 480-730-0205,
changinghands.com

For locals, the words “independent” and “Changing Hands” go, well, hand in hand. The personable bookstore doles out more than 100,000 new and used titles from its artsy Tempe storefront and avidly promotes local authors. Look for plenty of book signings, workshops and children’s classes, too.

Photo by David Venezia Dog Eared Pages Used Books

Dog Eared Pages Used Books
16428 N. 32nd St., Phoenix,
602-283-5423,
dogearedpagesusedbooks.com

North Phoenix neighbors looking for a local bookshop have reason to rejoice. Dog Eared carries more than 35,000 new and used books, all of which are listed online for your shopping convenience. Need to get rid of your own literary stockpile? Bring your books here and load up on trade dollars; the store has a generous policy that lets you spend your trade dollars first.

Photo by David Venezia Hoodlums Music and Movies

Hoodlums Music and Movies
6434 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe,
480-775-2722,
hoodlumsmusic.com

Cool with college crowds and music mavens, Hoodlums has been hawking new and used vinyl, CDs and DVDs – plus rockin’ music posters and audio and video accessories – since 1998 (even though it just recently celebrated one year in its current location). Looking for that lost LP from your favorite band? Hoodlums encourages a challenge, so shoot your special requests their way and be wowed by the service you receive. Don’t miss funky monthly events, such as artist exhibits and movie nights, and check out the Website for cool digital downloads.





Poisoned Pen Mystery Bookstore
4014 N. Goldwater Blvd., Ste. 103, Scottsdale,
480-947-2974,
poisonedpen.com

Fans of mystery flock to the Poisoned Pen, one of the country’s largest independent mystery bookstores and a favorite haunt of mystery authors themselves: The store hosts more than 200 events and signings each year. Great for gift ideas, the store also ships worldwide and offers tons of suggestions for good reads on its Website. And monthly meetings of various crime novel discussion groups give us even more reason to dive into a good “who-dunnit.” Not a fan of mystery? Poisoned Pen isn’t just a one-trick pony; they sell mainstream titles as well.

Photo by Eric Cassée Samurai Comics

Samurai Comics
5024 N. Seventh St.,
Phoenix, 602-265-8886;
10720 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix,
623-872-8886,
samuraicomics.com

With a supply of comics every collector, no matter how dedicated, can appreciate, Samurai serves up hundreds of new and vintage titles, from Marvel (or is it Disney now?) classics to kooky selections, such as Adventures of Big Boy (as in the rosy-cheeked, chubby Bob’s Big Boy mascot). Go here to fatten up your Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! card collections or for weekly Magic the Gathering tournaments. D&D devotees also will feel at home here, and there are plenty of posters, T-shirts and toys to hold your interest. Check the Website for monthly events and promotions, especially during the premiere of a comic book-themed movie.


SpazDog Comics
21610 N. 35th Ave.,
Ste. 162, Glendale,
623-582-3240,
spazdogcomics.com

Westside comic collectors know to turn to SpazDog to beef up their supply of comic books, graphic novels, toys, T-shirts, games, posters, videos and more. Aside from being stocked up with more than 5,000 titles, both new and old, look for extra incentives like weekly in-store specials, game nights and the Comic Creators Club (where you learn how to create your own comic).
 

Stinkweeds
12 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-248-9461,
stinkweeds.com

The baby of local entrepreneur, activist and Local First Arizona creator Kimber Lanning, Stinkweeds epitomizes cool and independent. Housed in a small strip space on Camelback at Central, next to the equally cool Frances, Stinkweeds has been selling hard-to-find labels since 1987, focusing on imports, independent labels and local musicians. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Make a special request, and the helpful hipsters behind the counter will cater to your needs, no matter how bizarre. You can also score tickets to local concerts here.
 

Thrifty Joe’s Books & Music
6020 W. Bell Road,
Ste. E104, Glendale,
602-547-2540,
thriftyjoesbooksandmusic.com

Need some pocket change? Haul your used books, CDs, DVDs, records, magazines and video games to Thrifty Joe’s, which gives you cold, hard cash in exchange – no trade. The shop also has a large selection of new and used items, including more than 60,000 books that you can browse through online. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, simply fill out a request and staff members will do some offline searching for you.
 

Zia Records
Multiple Valley locations
ziarecords.com

Zia is for music enthusiasts who still appreciate cracking open a new CD case or flipping through aisles of music without the big-box feel of a Best Buy. With multiple locations throughout the Valley, it’s easy to get hooked up with your favorite CDs, DVDs, records, posters, T-shirts, books and gifts. Zia also promotes local artists, sells tickets to Valley shows and blogs frequently on its Website.