Pioneer Book

I have been purchasing books here for a few years and it is delightful. People can trade books for credit, so the selection is always refreshing. The staff are always kind, helpful, and professional. And it always feels nice to support a local business 😊

I love Pioneer Book. The smells and friendly staff make it a peaceful and friendly place to read and find new books. The prices are more than fair and they consistently run promotions and BOGOs if you make an account with them! They have a masterfully curated and diverse selection of religious texts as well as fiction and other topics to interest any reader. This is truly a gem of the Provo community! 🫶

Here are three books I found at pioneer book in their fantasy/sci-fi section. I love coming to the store because it literally a treasure trove of books you never know what you will find. You can sell the store your old books for in store credit. Most exciting of all is their reading challenge if you read 40 books one from each category you can then get a $50 gift certificate to spend on anything you want in the store. I'm on my 6th or 7th year of working on the challenge and I have always comwted it.

My absolute favorite bookstore in town!! I've found so many lovely treasures for some of my niche interests (translated Chinese theatre scripts) at great prices. I also love grabbing a kolache from Hruska's on a Saturday and getting a discount on a book!!! Love to see small businesses supporting each other.

One of the nicest used bookstores I've ever visited. Totally atmosphere, fantastic music mix, comfy chairs. There's plenty of space so that can actually find books, rather than everything crammed together. Great selection for all ages and genres.

This is a great bookstore. They had 3 of the 5 books I was looking for plus a ton that I wanted to get. Very fun vibe and good service.

Such a cute book shop! I can see why it’s a local favorite! It takes a bit to get a handle on the organization, but the employees are very helpful. My kids loved the kid corner and finding a book for themselves. If you’re in Provo, this is a must-see place!

This is a fantastic little shop! I am positive that if I lived in Provo this place would be like a second home to me! I love books stores and ones like this with great selections and older books make me feel at home! I think I would have really enjoyed being a librarian if I was actually good at managing books! Mostly I love to read books and this place was great and the young lady that was working the day I was there was really kind and we had a nice chat about the area and she gave me some recommendations on places to eat nearby and other places to shop. Not only that but she showed a genuine interest in me and my travels! If I am ever back in Provo I will be back to Pioneer book and if you ever find yourself in the area you should stop by!

Nice bookstore. 2 floors of books. Very friendly staff. Stop in every time I'm in the area. Always leave with a few books. Books reasonably priced. Can trade books in if you live in the area.

Really cute storefront and Christmas tree made of books. I wanted to visit while we were in Utah, and I made a trip to Provo to visit Moon's Rare Books, so I thought I'd stop by. It's 2 stories and a unique selection. New and used. Upon entering, we were not greeted or even looked at. It was really quiet and odd and I felt like we should leave. We proceeded to walk around and browse. The bathroom was gross and needed a good cleaning. There were a few books I looked at, but to be honest, the whole vibe was uncomfortable. So, we left. With this said, there is huge potential here, but it's lacking for now. Still glad I stopped in. Prices seemed a bit high for the quality of the used books I looked at.

Pioneer Book is a great place to check out if you're in the area. It's conveniently located on Center street in Provo so it's easy to hop in and out pretty quick and its second floor is a good spot to spend time reading or studying if you're looking for somewhere quiet. The staff here is friendly and pleasant to work with if you need something specific and this is a great place to donate books if you need to slim down your library. Surprisingly, my favorite section of the store was the shelves labeled "decorative." Maybe this is a common used book concept but I had never seen it before and found it a very clever way of making use of extra books that realistically would never sell. Every book in the section is two dollars and they are organized by color so that you can grab some quick pick me ups to fill in your personal library. It's a great way to help your personal library look a little nicer if it's a big part of your home decor.

One of the top twelve most beautiful places on earth and I used to live in Europe so I know my stuff, people. Amazing amazing bang for your buck especially if you bring in books to trade

This is one of my favorite bookstores in Utah. I've walked out with a large stack of books more than a few times. They've got good deals (especially Santa Bucks around the holidays), well organized, and a robust LDS section which I personally really enjoy. Hoping one day they will choose me for one of their Customer Picks shelves!

If you're looking for a charming new store to get really affordable books of all kinds, THIS IS YOUR PLACE! The beautiful, yet unassuming storefront sits in a great location- on Provo's Center Street. It is down the way from a coffee shop, flower shop, and various other small businesses! COVID precautions such as free hand sanitizer, $1 masks, and a customer count when you walk in make the store feel so safe! We were so impressed by the layout of the store, the variety of books and genres, and the affordability of the books! I would recommend this place to anyone, and plan on becoming a regular customer! Thanks Pioneer Bookstore!

Quarantine Diaries! I have been supporting tons of local restaurants during the past 2 months and here are my reviews! UPDATE: They are slowly opening with the "code yellow" order. Currently allowing browsing but only for 20 customers and browsing should be less than 45 minutes long. They also require face coverings or masks to come in. I love supporting local bookstores (even before the pandemic!) What I love about Pioneer book is how much they have adapted to this crazy time and are making it both FUN and EASY to support them! One of my favorite pickups has been the "Mystery Book Grab Bags"! They have 3 options: Picture book, Popular Fiction, and junior fiction! Honestly, I was a little nervous because I've tried "Date with a book" options before and have not liked the book. BUT WHEN I OPENED MY GRAB BAG, I WAS AMAZED! I got 4 books and they were all really great options- I got a mystery, a romance, a western, and A COMPLETE SHERLOCK HOLMES COMPILATION!

My heart! This bookstore has Tattered Cover vibes in all the best ways. Recycled (but also inviting) books, well-organized and well-labeled shelves, coolest counter made out of old books, cool employees who put me to shame, cool banned book section. Really I'm just kicking myself that it took so long for me to visit because this will be a frequented location from now on.

I wish I could come to this bookstore every week, but I live too far away!! It has a great atmosphere, fun events, and an incredible variety. I love bringing books to consign- they always give me a very fair credit. I use my credit to update the public school library I work at with better quality classics, or with new books I know my students will love. This is my favorite bookstore!

I've been a customer since the 1990s. They have changed locations several times since I found them and this one is the best one yet. Love the annual reading challenge they have for adults!

Enjoyed discovering this bookstore. Character and great deals. Look forward to returning. Found some cozy chairs. Friendly staff.

The smell, the atmosphere, the books, the staff: everything about Pioneer Book makes you want to move right in and make it your regular Saturday morning stop. It features comfy armchairs at the end of well-stocked and well-organized aisles for the perfect stop to sample a book and enjoy the ambiance. Everyone who works there is so helpful and kind and provide personal, amicable service. The huge variety of books are in excellent condition and are so inexpensive. This store makes for a fun date or visit with friends, and is the perfect spot to purchase your books in Provo with a hot chocolate in hand.

My favorite bookstore! Perfect ambiance and feel! it's a great place to spend a quiet afternoon or pick up a wonderful book for a great price.

Fabulous and authentic. Knowledgeable staff. Cool vibe and fair prices. What's not to like? Definitely check out Pioneer Books next time you're in Provo.

These books are EXTREMELY overpriced. Many of the books were concerning my damaged, something I've easily overlooked in other bookstores when I'm paying a few bucks for a classic. But they're charging near retail price for run down books covered in annotations. Sometimes $10-15 for small, used, paperback books. The selection wasn't even impressive. There is a lot of effort put into the appearance and ambiance of the store, but that's all it has to offer. I love supporting local businesses and was excited by how charming this place seemed from the inside, however it's a total scam. Save your money, you can find the exact same books your looking for, in better condition and at a better price, at any other used bookstore in Utah county.

I visited when I was in Provo since I've heard so much about this store. There are a lot of new books and some used. The prices are not what I'm looking for in a local bookstore. And for being so big it didn't have any books I was looking for. To be fair, I like beautiful old classics and more rare modern books. I assume they stock what sells and that is basic classics and popular modern books. So this is probably a great store for the average person. But being a book lover who owns thousands of books already, I'm looking for something more.

Just went for the first time and loved my experience in this used book store. Great selection and very well organized. Great staff - very friendly and helpful. They even spotted a coupon in my hand I didn't even know I had! I got a buy one get one free that I didn't even know I was going to get to use (it was on the back of a ballet ticket so that's why I didn't know I had it haha). Anyways, it's a great cozy atmosphere with good books and good people so I give it a thumbs up!!

This is the place for used, smartly curated books in the greater Provo area. Not too big--and not that small--you will enjoy your experience here, as long as you aren't chasing the latest popular hardcover. Also, nice selection of pens and fabulous service. Sign up with them by text for regular deals.

Such a great experience at this bookstore! They have such a cool vibe, super organized, good selection, and really clean! I loved all the little touches like the local poetry gum ball machine, the theming in the different sections, the funny but informative signs, and the employees were all lovely! Plus buying used and supporting a small local business?! It doesn't get better than this.

I love this bookstore! The staff here are always so pleasant and eager to assist. All books are used and in good condition. They have a great selection and nice layout. It's small but they update inventory constantly and the prices are reasonable. Definitely worth a visit, this place will turn you into a bookworm

I LOVE Pioneer Book! A little bit of everything - great childrens' book section, great fiction/classics, great cookbooks, great history, great crafts sections. Plus, just fun to go there. The vibe is awesome, the prices are good, plus comfy places to sit and peruse, never feel rushed. My go-to place for a little getaway and an armful of books to take home!

My first visit here was for an author book review and signing. Loved everything about the experience--cool building; great selection of books (99% are used) and genres; knowledgeable, helpful employees; decent parking; and cozy reading areas. You can spend hours here.

Very nice for a used book store, but they seem to be stuck between being a cute, hipster-y bookshop and a discount used bookshop. It's tough for me to justify buying much of anything here used when I can get it on Amazon new for a similar if not the same price. Also, some of the books are just in downright poor condition. I don't want to pay $7 for a tattered, 30 year-old copy of Stephen King novel. However, pro tip is that, if you buy a kolache from Hruska's a few doors down, you can use your receipt to get buy one get one free books.

We make it a point to support Indie bookstores, and this one is just fantastic! This is a welcoming and *safe* place to shop during these unprecedented times. We could all use a great bookstore like this one!

Love this local bookstore! Great collection of new and old books and I'll echo a previous reviewer about the lovely smell of books that permeates this two-storey establishment. We also got fountain pens here. I hope this store is around forever.

I come here at least twice a month. The front desk staff are always very kind and helpful when I don't know where to find a certain book. The selection is very transient because of the nature of the store, but there is always something worthwhile available in every genre. Plus, if you're looking for a book they don't have in store, they put it on a list on your account and alert you when they get one so they can put it on hold until you can pick it up. AND the music playing overhead is killer. The prices are unbeatable and the books are in great condition! Faaaavorite book store. Worth a browse or two or twelve.

Absolutely love this store!!! Super cute store and friendly staff who are willing to answer any questions! They have super cute postcards as well that are always a hit. You can also pay with venmo so it makes shopping super convenient

I was impressed by both the selection and organization of this used book store. I've been to many book stores that sell second-hand books and they are rarely as well organized and in as good condition as those I find here. If you are looking to find something new and interesting to read, while saving money at the same time, this is the place for you.

A very nice used bookstore. The gentleman working at the register is very knowledgeable about the inventory. I had searched for the book I was looking for on their easy to use website. The store is clean and very well organized. I highly recommend them for a great bookstore. It was everything that I would hope for in a shop.

I know pioneers books has been here for a long time. But I never really wondered down center street until today. Nice thing is these books are all in really good shape for being used. They are mostly affordable which is nice and have a great variety of topics to chose from. They even let you trade in your books for store credit. Pioneer books sits right across the street from The Covey Center on center street. Love it! I'll be back soon.

Socrates' 3 criteria for speaking was: "Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" What I would like to say here would indeed be true and necessary, but it would not be kind, so I'll just leave this review empty. The store will know what I am referring to.

My all-time favorite bookstore. Ever. Any book lover will find their cozy, nerdy paradise at this store. It's not just the selection (which is great), it's the overall atmosphere and little community Pioneer Book creates. They have so many fun ways to interact/get good deals, like yearly reading challenges, free parties/gatherings, bingo cards and more. I work down the street from this place and frequently walk over to chill during my breaks.

It feels like it's stuck between a book dig and a retail bookstore; Like the owner can't make up his mind.

Time really flies whenever we come to this place. We used to go to this Store when it was in Orem. Their new store is large with an amazing number of books. If you are a book lover this will become one of your favorite places. The staff is friendly and helpful as well.

Next time you're in Provo, make time to visit this marvelous spot. The street side painting on the outside is what drew me in, and the books and comfy chairs and mile high displays of books are what kept me inside for longer than I had planned. If you are interested in LDS history, pioneer history and so forth, be sure not to miss this place as there is quite a collection. I purchased a great used book on early Mormon pioneer music, that includes the written melodies as well as text, so I was in good spirits; I've been looking for some historically accurate writings and set tunes to learn on my harp, and this older book is just what I'd hoped to find. But there are many other topics to choose from as well. Staff is friendly and I had the privilege of meeting the charming owner of the bookstore, in his 80s, who I am sure has many tales to tell as there are tales in the books. You can't miss the cool 'book' desk in the center of the store.. it is amazing. I also was charmed by the collection of fountain pens and ink for sale.. ahhh.. i collect old fountain pens so I was happy to buy one. If you like used bookstores, you really shouldn't miss this one. Its a great spot.

Moved back home to Provo center street from Orem and the location/ambiance is better than ever. Seriously it looks marvelous and there are places to sit and read great old books! So excited!

A real gem for Provo and beyond. A well-organized, constantly evolving book boutique that houses some rare finds! I've never picked up a book in poor condition here, and the prices are beyond reasonable. The employees are knowledgeable and helpful without interrupting your perusing. I give them five stars for an extensive adult selection, atmosphere, organization and collectibles, but really have to drop it to four due to the children's section, which is quite small. That said, there's some unique and sought after children's lit available here, and they have an extensive teen-lit collection. Overall, I'll continue spending too much time in the stacks at Pioneer Book and be very thankful this local store still exists, and is, in fact, thriving!

One of my favorite bookstores. The staff are friendly, courteous, and helpful. The book selection is excellent, I always find something new and interesting when I'm there. In addition, they also frequently have lectures and/or signings by authors that are thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended!

Pioneer Book is a gem full of gems. It has a wonderful, welcoming vibe that is perfect for a bookstore. The selections are always top-notch and the staff is phenomenal. They always have great books to recommend and fantastic sales and promotions going on! You'll never want to go to any other place to get books again!

I love going into Pioneer Book! I may not always find exactly what I was looking for but I always find something I can't leave without buying! The staff are so helpful if you want it but will leave you alone if you want them to. They're able to look up and see if they have the book I want in stock and then direct me right to it. While some might say they can find any book they want on Amazon for the same or better price, Amazon can never replicate the smell of a book store or the thrill of walking down aisles of books, perusing titles, pulling out books that you never knew existed until that moment, until finally finding one (or two) you just have to read. As I said, I may not find exactly what I was looking for but I always find something I can't leave without buying. This store is truly one of Provo's treasures!

I was so excited to come to this store until I was not greeted in a friendly manor, but made to feel like I was unwanted in the store because of your mask policy. If even the state is not requiring it why would you? If you're going to require masks to be worn in your store even if there isn't anyone in the store to begin with, then you should think about offering disposable masks. Please also do your research on mask wearing.

Pioneer Book has an amazing selection of used books across a plethora of subjects. They have installed a number of comfortable chairs in which one can sit and enjoy the book-buying process with all of its magic and majesty. The staff are helpful and able to quickly let you know if something you're looking for is in stock (for those unfortunate times when you have to rush the book acquisition process). Parking is some times a pain if there is lots of activity or traffic on Center Street, but generally fine. They have done a pretty good job of creating a welcoming atmosphere for bibliophiles who don't wish to purchase ALL of their books on Amazon.

I love this book store. Reminds me of how bookstores used to be. They are great at notifying you of books that you want when they come in. Very affordable and quaint. The employees are helpful and friendly. I would recommend this to anyone that is looking for used and cool books.

I called and they had the book I was looking for! They had it ready at the desk when I arrived! Customer Service A+++!

The customer service when you are selling books to Pioneer is appalling. On previous occasions, staff has told me that my books are worth nothing but store credit -- until I mentioned that I have a PhD, at which point my books were suddenly of monetary value. Tonight my sister and I brought in several boxes of books, and the staff member was extraordinarily dismissive and demeaning when I asked him what kinds of books the store was interested in buying. I'm in the rare books business; I understand how the industry works. And I've never encountered such patronizing, rude, and dismissive treatment from a bookseller either when buying or selling. I've never worked with a store that only gives in-store credit (apparently until you pull out your advanced degree). And I will never patronize this store again, either as a seller or a buyer.

This was a good bookstore. Their prices were really cheap and I loved that it was very affordable. The only problem I had with this bookstore, is that I couldn't find some books on that I like. Other than that I thought this used bookstore was good one.

A highly underrated used bookstore! I'll break this down nice and simple: The good: 1. The prices here are the lowest I've seen in any bookstore I've been to. I went to a good bookstore in Seattle where I found a decent copy of a Tom Wolfe novel for $10. I found a pristine copy of the same book at Pioneer book for $5. That's been the trend for all the other books I've found here too. 2. The staff is phenomenal. They are friendly and knowledgable, and between the two or three that are there at any given time, they can answer just about any question you have, or just shoot the breeze with you. They're also willing to hold books or look for a title you want as they get new ones, and they call you right away and work with you. 3. They recently catalogued their inventory, meaning that they can see what you're looking for without having to go through the store. So if you're going there quickly looking for a specific title and don't have time to wander through the aisles, this is very convenient. 4. The space is great. It's an open-feeling two story building--fiction above and nonfiction below. There are chairs and tables throughout the store if you want to start reading right there. The less good: 1. The selection is not the greatest I have ever seen. They have a lot of titles and I can usually find what I want, but there isn't always a guarantee. The reason I'm giving them 5 stars despite this is because it seems to get better every time I go in. They seem to always have more books and I expect that soon enough, the selection will be as good as any other bookstore. (I'm writing mostly about the fiction section. They have expansive religious/middle east history sections, for example.) Additionally, if you're looking for a specific title, you can have them take it down for you and when they get one in they give you a call immediately. This is my favorite bookstore. I always come here first when I'm looking for something.

LOVE this place. Great place to go and browse the used books. My only complaint is that there are sooo many overstuffed boxes with donated books, I'd love to pilfer through but it would take ages.

This is a fun store. Of course they have unpredictable merchandise but that's part of the fun. We love to go explore and find some new literary treat for a good price. It's ambiance is inviting, too. A Treasure!