Last Exit Books a place to find classic books at inexpensive prices

The tiny store of Last Exit Books in Kent is filled to the top with books categorized into a variety of subjects, including Eastern philosophy, poetry and classic literature.

Last Exit Books buys and sells books, music and movies.ÿ

“We’re more of a neighborhood store, not a textbook store,” owner Jason Merlene said. “We have stuff you would find in Borders or Barnes and Nobles but much cheaper.”

Merlene said he is always looking for beatnik literature and anything by J.D. Salinger or Kurt Vonnegut, as well as art and poetry books.

He said customers bring him many different types of books, even odd ones. One time a customer brought him six boxes full of books about the Apocalypse.

“I hope that every Apocalyptic literature title is in those boxes,” Merlene said. “I can’t imagine there would be more.”

Merlene said he buys books based on their title and condition. He said he won’t take books that are damaged or moldy, and he won’t take a certain title if he already has too many copies. He also doesn’t buy textbooks.

ÿFor music, Merlene accepts CDs or LPs, and he mostly likes DVDs but will take VHS movies.

“We’re a neighborhood store with smart shelves,” Merlene said. “Every shelf has quality books. There isn’t a lot of fluff.”

Last Exit Books

124 E. Main St.

(330) 677-4499

Monday through Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Contact College of Communication and Information reporter

Michelle Bender at [email protected].