“Worth visiting again and again!
The book barn is exactly that an old barn filled with lots of used books at great prices.
Finding what you want: The shop is well organized a labeled. There is a lot to choose from, yet I wouldn’t come shopping with a specific book in mind and hope to find it. As with all thrift store shopping it’s better to have general idea of the types of things you want and see what you find. Maybe you will find that specific book look you are looking for and that will feel like a huge win!
Everything is pretty well organized and I’ve found the volunteers very helpful. When you first walk in you will see books on cooking, classics, crafts, music, and gardening, etc. (the volunteers are always making improvements so this may change). From there the middle aisle is organized by author and then the 3rd aisle has books on travel, sports, self help, and religion, etc. There is a room for children’s books, fantasy books and teaching (great for teaching your kids at home).
Explore! There is more! The shop has been expanding making room for more books, as well as games, puzzles, CDs, DVDs and Christmas decor. These back rooms may not be heated so come mentally prepared and be glad that the main part of the shop now is! No more flipping through books with your gloves on and trying to stay warm!
Donating: It’s easy to donate bring your books while they are open. The donation spot has its own door. I usually pop my head in a make sure they are ready before unloading multiple boxes of books. If you are coming from a distance with books to donate call ahead. There has been few occasions when the store is closed or not accepting books and you might not know this until you arrive so call before making the trek. While the volunteers take all books donated not all the books get shelved, some books are thrown away. You can walk around and see the type of books they take. So before you unload your crate of childhood books from the 60s that no one has heard of save yourself the hassle. (I’ve never volunteered there I’m just making assumptions from visiting over the last 15 years.)
Bargain Barn: The Bargain Barn and the Book Barn or two different things with their own hours. If you come and they are both open you can enter the Bargain Barn by going past the cashier at the book barn. But you do pay at each place individually. The Bargain Barn has clothes, jewelry, and housewares. Last I checked they do not take donations on Saturdays.
When to visit: It’s worth visiting when both the Book Barn and Bargain Barn are open if you enjoy thrifting. It’s definitely busier on Saturdays and the aisles are tight so it’s hard to pass by people. Go on a week day if you can or come early.
So go check it out the prices are great and the proceeds go to charities! What’s not to love?”
10AM - 5PM
159 Mt Pleasant Ave, East Hanover“Came in looking for clothes for my one month old. As soon as I came in, I was greeted and helped. The lady was really sweet and open to conversation. The place is like a maze, which I think is cool. I'm pretty sure kids love coming here. The clothes are very nice and they have an awesome price! Will be coming back very soon! This is everything I found below.”
9:30AM - 5:30PM
34 Lincoln Pl, Madison“Love this place. I've found so many gems here. Besides clothes, I've found many books I've loved and added to my collection. Liz and Mike are the best!!”
10AM - 4PM
752 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains“A hidden gem! Pretty reasonably priced beautiful items. Shopped in the 5$ sales rack, shoes are 50% off right now. Can follow them on IG @taylorsconsignment for any updates on special hours etc. Offers tailoring services on the 2nd floor. Very kind owner”
9:30AM - 5PM
52 Main St, Madison“The quality of the merchandise is superb and Gina has a great eye for decorating. It’s always a great experience to visit both locations. A hidden gem. I highly recommend the store and services.”
10AM - 5PM
24 Bassett Hwy, Dover“It’s hit or miss with thrift stores these days—some items are ridiculously expensive while originally expensive items are priced really low. Today I found two things I needed for a good price and I’m happy I stopped by :) Brand new Sterilite cake carrier for $5 and a glass butter tray for $3 ?? Store was very organized and clean, not overstocked and pouring off the shelves. Glassware and kitchenware was fun and easy to look through.”
“My favorite antique store! The owner Laurel is absolutely lovely to talk to and is always updating her inventory. Very knowledgeable and sensitive to her customer’s requests and preferences. The new location has two floors and a patio.”