English bookshops/ Used books?

[Dawn012]

Hello everyone, this is Dawn from Singapore living in Naha married to a local.
Reading has always been my hobby up till now but it hasnt been very easy getting access to English books in Naha. I suppose those of you living in the bases would be have access to AAFES which i presume sell the latest english books at reasonable prices?

I am not sure where i can get english books except for the few local stores which stock a limited variety or from Amazon.com. English books are not cheap here and I have already spent a small fortune on them.

Are there any places which takes in second-hand books in fair condition?
(stephen king, marian keynes, kim edwards etc)
It would be nice to sell or give away my books to someone who would like to have them and probably get some new ones for myself.

Please advice! Thank you very much!

Dawn :star:

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

Tuttle Books at Plaza House in Okinawa City is a small but alright shop. The Okinawa Prefectural Library (near Yogi Park) has a *small* selection. Paul & Mike's Place (a bar on Kokusai Street across from Mitsukoshi) has a used book exchange. By the public computer near the door, are some shelves full of old paperbacks. Bring one to leave, take one home. Honor system. Some good finds for the patient and persistent.

[dk]

Also, check over here sometimes. http://www.japanupdate.com/classifieds/english/?s=BOOK

I once bought a couple hundred science fiction books for $50. Sometimes you'll find some pretty good sales there.

[DoctorP]

Our public library in Ishikawa has around 200 books...not a lot, but it would keep you busy for a while. Also, go to the base flea markets on Saturday's and you can probably find quite a few...that is where I picked up most of my kids books. The flea market is open for everyone.

[Dawn012]

Thank you very much for your replies!
I didnt know that there were english books in the local libaries!
Will make an effort to check them out!

I have always gone pass Paul's and Mike's Place on Kokusai dori
but i dont really have the guts to go in cos i dont know anyone there...
it is quite a nice idea to be able to 'barter trade' books...

I am interested to go to the bases fleamarkets but im not sure about the timings (also, if it fleamarkets will be cancelled in event of rain?). Please let me know.

Thanks alot everyone! Your help is really appreciated! :thumbup:

[quietasariot]

Dawn: They list times, dates, and cancellations HERE (http://www.mccsokinawa.com/mccs.asp?id=227) :).

[thistle]

I found some second hand english books on Sunday, (all 105yen) at a store
called BOOK-OFF, it is a yellow shop which deals in second hand books, games, CD's etc. You can buy or sell. Mosty japanese of course, but I found about 20 odd english books and a whole lot of magazines.
I only know the one in Ginowan, it is near the Kokusai Univ. but I know there is one in Naha, near Oroku I think.
Hope this helps someone out there:)

[Dawn012]

Dear Thistle, thank you for your help! Coincidentally I just went to Oroku Book OFF last night and there was not even one single english book...weeps...
there is a book off near my house too but they dont sell english books too...

recently i discovered a revamped MIYAWAKI bookstore inside Hanby SAN-A..they have a wider selection of english books than other local bookstores :)
bought a copy of AMY TAN's latest book <Saving Fish from Drowning>...its a really enjoyable read...(hope to pass it to you someday!)

[ja_Patriot]

Dawn012,

Across Ashibinaa Mall next to Yamada in Tomishiro, you'll find a fairly good selection of books & magazines in English (2 full rows) in the recently opened Toda Bookstore. You'll also find limited selections at the Ryubo Palette Kumoji bookstore (7th flr I think) & the bookstore at Jusco Haebaru (2nd flr).

Prices are comparable to those at Amazon.co.jp (free domestic shipping). Here's a link.
http://www.amazon.co.jp/In-English/b/ref=sv_gw_6/249-0549746-6455545?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=1094656