Recycle Bookstore About
Recycle Bookstore's Diverse Collection
A treasure trove of knowledge and stories has been created at Recycle Bookstore over the past five decades. Known for its extensive and varied range of genres, this general used bookstore provides a platform where books are bought, sold, and traded.
The diversity of the collection is impressive, with strong sections dedicated to Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery, Literature, Art, Children's literature, History, Metaphysical topics, Cooking, Spirituality, and many more. A consistent influx of books supplied by a dedicated customer base ensures that the inventory is fresh and engaging, offering something new for patrons to discover during each visit. The loyalty of the customers reflects a mutual exchange of value and trust that has been nurtured over time.
Recycle Bookstore's Historic Journey
Founded in 1967 by Pat and Joan Hayes, Recycle Bookstore has been firmly established as a San Jose institution. The bookstore's journey began on S. First St., transitioned to E. San Fernando St., and later anchored itself on E. Santa Clara St. for over two decades.
Resilient Growth
The year 1998 was significant for Recycle Bookstore, marked by an event both unlikely and fortuitous. The acquisition of the bookstore was facilitated by a loan shared between former owner Joan Hayes and the City of San Jose's Office of Economic Development. At that time, Eric Johnson, despite lacking funds, assets, and small business experience, took a leap of faith supported by loans from family members. With approval from the city, a new chapter for Recycle Bookstore was initiated. While maintaining a full-time position at the San Jose Mercury News, Eric Johnson dedicated nights and weekends to the bookstore, eventually leaving the newspaper to focus on the bookstore full-time.
It is recognized that the growth of Recycle Bookstore is attributed to the attentive understanding of customer preferences, knowledgeably curating the book selection to meet demand. This attentiveness propelled the store's steady sales growth, both in-store and online. As the business expanded, Recycle Bookstore earned consistent acclaim as a top independent bookstore, cherished by locals and visitors, habitual readers, and those new to the literary world.