Winding Way Books

The selection is small and the prices are slightly above average. Unless you see a must have, I say shop around first.

I’ve been in Winding Way a few times, and each time I say I’ll ever go back. Seriously, this time I mean it — I will never set foot in there again.
The first time I went in with my four year old daughter, who had been eyeing up a fairy book in the window. When we got the book down and brought it to the desk, the owner informed us, with a giggle, the book isn’t for sale. To which she added, «I guess I shouldn’t display books that aren’t for sale.» Um. Ya think? So, my four year old child wasn’t able to get the book she wanted so badly, because this woman displayed an item that wasn’t for sale. She didn’t bother with an apology, or offer to help us find it somewhere else.
The second time I stopped in with my husband as we walked by and saw Fight Club in the window. Imagine my surprise when it was actually for sale, however it was priced ABOVE retail at other bookstores and Amazon (we checked while we were in there). We didn’t purchase anything that day either.
Knowing what I know about the pricing of her books, I stopped in with several super natural YA novels. Straight away, the owner had an attitude and told me she doesn’t give cash for ‘kids books’. I questioned that my YA books were ‘kids’, and she said they are. I asked what credit she’d give… $ 1.50 per book! Knowing these books will be priced near cover price ($ 10.99), this is ridiculous.
While I love the idea of saving trees, reducing waste and supporting local businesses, my money is valuable to me. Why spend more money or $ 1 less on used books, and support a owner that is less than personable? I’ll buy new books and resell on craigslist.

Great little bookstore that is full of surprises. I often come here when looking for gifts and always find something that will tickle someone’s fancy. This store also serves as a community center and hosts book signings and other events.

This is a really neat little bookstore. I usually make it a point to stop in on First Fridays to check out what they have — twice, they had an artist who paints with his mouth working on a piece — I’ve never seen anything like it before, or since! I’m not a big reader, but they usually have something interesting — and a really great selection. While it may be a little tight to walk around if they’re busy, it’s well worth your time to check it out!
If you can’t find street parking, the Prince Street garage is very close by.

Just came back to visit Lancaster this past weekend and stopped by this awesome book store. Found some pretty cool books for fair prices. So much room and books to be discovered. Had some cool music playing while we were there. The girl working the counter, who may have been the owner, talked to us about a vegetarian cookbook that we had found and pointed us in the way of the Lemon Street Market. Awesome to see retail communities coming together like that. Will definitely stop back next time I am in town!

This place is another one of jokes of Lancaster retail. At one time they actually were soliciting for «donations», books they could sell. Yes, a retail store asking for donations so that they could sell the donated books to other people. This isn’t a charity, at least as far as I know, it’s a book store. But no worries, Winding Way has upped the ante, now, if you trade in books (note I did not say sell them books), if you bring books for trade, you can get credit on books they are selling. How’s that for a deal? But wait, it gets better. As it turns out if you want to use your credit to get something, your credit can only cover 50% of the book for sale price, the half, provided by you, is cash. It’s got the dumbest trade in scenario I’ve even heard of at a book store.
Look, I get it. Sometimes you start out small and work your way up but the problem is this, if you’re a retailer, act like one. Generally speaking, retail stores are not charities. And to add to the fun, like the other funny parody of a book store in Lancaster, Dogstar books, this store has some rather bizarre criteria for what they take in as trade on other merchandise and do not. It’s not easily expressed, this buying criteria so they encourage you to bring in what you have and see knowing that, most of whatever you bring, you’ll be carrying back up the stairs with you.
Unless it’s raining and you need shelter and every other door on the block is locked, I’d say avoid Winding Way. It’s not worth the trouble.