Classics Used Books

This Community-Driven Bookstore Is a Rare Find, a True Classic

Classics Used Books is so much more than a bookstore. It's a welcoming community resource and charitable organization whose mission is to support local residents, as well as help you find a great book. Just ask anyone who has ever wandered in, and that will almost certainly be their response.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Classics encouraged its customers not just to shop, but also to stay a while. The little gem of a shop was a favorite gathering place, where residents and workers would gather to find out what's going on around Trenton, meet up with friends, join a friendly Scrabble game or a knitting club—and, of course, browse an impressive collection of used and sometimes rare books.

Classics is so much more than a bookstore. Owner Eric Maywar moved his store from New Hope, Pa., to Trenton in 2015 because he believes in the capital city. Through his work with the City of Trenton and a number of community groups, such as the Trenton Eat Local club, Eric continually seeks to create opportunities for more retail in downtown Trenton.

Classics distinguishes itself from big-box retailers by specializing in selling used, affordable and sometimes hard-to-find books. Throughout the pandemic, Classics has been able to fill online book orders, as well as open safely to a limited number of customers, by appointment only. With safety guidelines in place, and more people vaccinated, Classics Used Books looks forward to welcoming groups into the store again for various activities, from book signings of regional authors to informal meetups.

For now, this community favorite in the heart of downtown Trenton offers gift cards (both its own and the TDA Love Local Gift Card) and other opportunities to purchase books and gifts. Classics ships orders placed through Facebook to  anywhere in the U.S.

Find more about in-person browsing at https://www.facebook.com/eric.maywar. 

Classics Used Books is located at 4 West Lafayette, Trenton, NJ.
Call ahead for more information or current hours: 609-394-8400 or email book_cellar@mindspring.com.

The Trenton Books at Home Program

Classics also provides free books to kids in Trenton through a partnership with Children's Futures*, a nonprofit organization that makes books available to all kids in Trenton. Maywar estimates that more than 45,000 free books have been distributed to Trenton kids as a result of the Trenton Books at Home program.

Classics Used Books started the Trenton Books at Home Program as a way to get books into the hands, and hearts, of kids who might not have received them otherwise. Through the program, kids in Trenton can receive free books at home.

“Whether rich or poor, illiterate or college educated, parents who have books in the home increase the level of education their children will attain," notes Eric Maywar.

We can all help kids to succeed

Classics Used and Rare Books raises store credit and money to make books available for all Trenton kids. In a struggling school district, this is one thing everybody can do to help kids succeed.

For more information on ways to participate or donate to the program, contact Eric Maywar at .....

Monetary donations can be made by bringing checks or money orders to Classics, made out to our partners at Children’s Futures with “Classics Books at Home Program” in the subject line.

*Children’s Futures is a 501c3 nonprofit and these cash donations are tax-deductible.

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