Used books have something special about them. They have already had a life, but can still pass on new reading experiences, new inspiration and new stories to the next owner. For many, this is precisely the charm of buying used books: You never quite know what you will find, but often you find something you did not know you were looking for.

At Genbro on Nørrebrogade you will find a changing selection of used books, second-hand finds and things with history. Here you can explore books in different genres, topics and editions — and maybe find your next novel, cookbook, children’s book or gift for someone you love.

In this guide, you will get tips on how to find good books in a thrift store, what to look for, and why used books are a good choice for both your wallet, the environment and the desire to read.

Why buy used books?

There are many good reasons to buy used books. First of all, it’s an easy way to read more without buying everything from new. Used books are often cheaper than new books, and this makes it easier to take chances with authors, genres, and topics you might not have chosen otherwise.

At the same time, used books are a more sustainable choice. When a book is given new life by a new reader, resources are used longer and fewer things are wasted.

Many people choose used books because they:

• Often can be found at good prices
• Has more charm than new books
• May be discontinued or hard to find
• Make it cheaper to read more
• Fits well with a sustainable lifestyle
• Can be used as personalized gifts
• Gives the feeling of making a good find

For many, it’s not just about buying a book. It is also about the experience of searching, finding and being surprised.

Used books in a second-hand shop

Finding books in a thrift store is different from buying a book online. In a physical store, you can flip through the books, feel the stand, read the back cover text and be inspired by what’s on the shelves right now.

It’s part of the experience. Maybe you come in to find a novel, but walk out with a cookbook, an art book or an old classic. The selection changes continuously, which means that there are often new things to discover from time to time.

At Genbro on Nørrebrogade, you can explore used books along with other second-hand finds. This makes the store obvious for those who want to combine book hunting with the hunt for clothes, home items, porcelain, knick-knacks or vintage finds.

What used books can you find?

The selection of used books varies from store to store and from week to week. That is exactly what makes it exciting. In a thrift store, you can often find many different types of books in one place, including comics.

For example, you may be lucky enough to find:

• Novels
• Crime novels
• Classics
• Children’s books
• Cookbooks
• Biographies
• General Interest Books
• Art books
• Travel books
• Hobby books
• Design and home books
• Old books and special editions

Some are looking for cheap used books for the holidays, others are looking for beautiful books for the bookcase, and some are looking for specific authors, topics or editions. There is no one right way to go book hunting.

How to find good used books

When looking for used books, it can be a good idea to have both an open mind and a few things in mind. The best finds often occur when you’re not only looking for one particular title, but also leave room to be inspired.

Here are some good tips:

Look for books in good condition

Check the cover, spine, pages and binding. A used book may have a little patina, but it should preferably be comfortable to read. Look for loose pages, moisture damage, strong odors or a lot of wear and tear if the book is to be used as a gift.

Read the back cover text

It sounds simple, but the back cover text can quickly tell you if the book suits your taste. When you’re in a thrift store, you can easily discover books you would never have searched for online.

Go for well-known authors

If in doubt, look for authors you already know or classics that have stayed relevant for many years.

Be open to new genres

One of the advantages of cheap used books is that it is easier to try something new. Maybe you will find a crime novel, a collection of poems, a biography, a non-fiction book or some study books you would not have chosen otherwise.

Check publication and circulation

Some readers are interested in certain editions, older editions or beautiful book covers. If you collect books, the edition may be part of the value of the find.

Used books in Nørrebro

If you are searching for used books in Nørrebro or used books on Nørrebrogade, it is often because you want to find a physical place where you can explore. Here, a second-hand shop is a good choice because you get a more spontaneous and inspiring experience than by only searching online.

At Genbro on Nørrebrogade , you can stop by and see what used books have come in. The selection changes continuously, so even if you’ve stopped by before, there may be new titles, new genres and new finds next time.

This makes Genbro an obvious stop if you live in Nørrebro, are in the area or would like to combine a walk on Nørrebrogade with a little book hunting and recycling.

Cheap second-hand books make it easier to read more

Many people want to read more, but new books can quickly become expensive. Therefore, cheap used books are a good option for those who want more reading experiences without spending too much money.

This can be particularly obvious if you:

• Reads a lot of novels
• Buying books for children
• Looking for summer vacation reading
• Wants to try new authors
• Need a gift
• Loves to have books on display
• Want to fill the shelf without buying new

Used books make it easier to buy with your heart. You don’t always have to know exactly what you’re looking for. Sometimes it’s enough just to find a book that seems exciting.

Used children’s books

Used children’s books are popular because children often grow out of language and books quickly. Many children’s books can therefore easily be given new life by a new family.

It can be picture books, read-aloud books, easy-to-read books, classic children’s books or books with rhymes, animals, fairy tales and funny characters.

When buying used children’s books, you may want to check:

• Whether the sides are stuck
• Whether there is a lot of drawing in the book
• Whether the book is appropriate for the child’s age
• Whether the illustrations seem inviting
• Whether the book is suitable for reading aloud

Used children’s books are also a great gift idea for families with children, grandparents or as a little extra gift for Christmas and birthdays.

Used cookbooks

Cookbooks are another type of used book that is often worth looking for. A used cookbook can provide inspiration for new dishes, old classics or cooking from other times and cultures.

Old cookbooks can also be fun because they show how food habits have changed. Some people use them actively in the kitchen, while others collect them or use them as decorative books in the home.

Used cookbooks can be great if you’re looking for:

• Everyday food
• Vegetarian food
• Baking
• Classic Danish recipes
• Retro cooking
• International cuisine
• Inspiration for dinners and guests

Used books as a gift

A used book can be a very personal gift. This is especially true if you choose a book that suits the recipient’s interests, memories or life situation.

A novel can be a nice hostess gift. A cookbook can be a gift for someone who loves to cook. A children’s book can be a cute gift for a family. And a nice art or design book can be perfect for someone who loves interior design.

You can also combine a used book with other second-hand finds. For example, a cookbook with a nicely used dish, a novel with a cup, or a children’s book with a small toy.

In this way, the gift becomes both personal, affordable and more sustainable.

Used books and sustainability

When you buy used books, you are helping to extend the life of the book. It’s a simple way to think more sustainably in everyday life.

Books require paper, printing, transportation, and production. When a book is read again instead of sitting unused or being thrown away, it gets more value out of the resources that have already been used.

Therefore, used books are well suited for those who want to:

• Buy less new
• Give things a longer life
• Support recycling
• Making everyday life more sustainable
• Finding things with history
• Act more consciously

At Genbro , the idea of recycling is a natural part of the experience. Here, it’s not just about finding something cheap, but also about giving good things new life.

Book hunt: Part of the experience

One of the best things about used books is the hunt itself. You can’t always plan what you’ll find, and that’s exactly what makes it fun.

Maybe you’ll find a book from your childhood. Maybe you’ll find a classic you’ve always thought you should read. Or maybe you find a book with a beautiful cover, an exciting topic or a personal greeting from a previous owner.

These kinds of details give used books a charm that new books rarely have.

Visit Genbro on Nørrebrogade and find your next used book

If you are looking for used books in Copenhagen, used books in Nørrebro or just want to explore a second-hand shop with a changing selection, Genbro on Nørrebrogade is an obvious place to stop by.

Here you can find second-hand books and other second-hand finds with history, personality and charm. The selection is constantly changing, so there is always a new chance to find something special.

Stop by Genbro on Nørrebrogade and find your next used book among our selection of second-hand books, vintage finds and things with soul.

FAQ about used books

Where can you buy used books in Nørrebro?

You can find used books at Genbro on Nørrebrogade, where the selection changes continuously. Here you can explore books and other second-hand finds.

Are used books a good buy?

Yes, used books can be a really good buy. They are often cheaper than new books, and you can find novels, children’s books, cookbooks, non-fiction books and old editions.

What to look for when buying used books?

Look for the book’s condition, cover, pages, spine and any damage. Also check if the topic, author or edition fits what you are looking for.

Can you give used books as a gift?

Yes, used books can be a personal and sustainable gift. Feel free to choose a book that suits the recipient’s interests, style or life situation.

Why buy books in a thrift store?

In a thrift store, you can find cheap second-hand books, discover new authors, and make unique finds. At the same time, you support recycling and give the books new life.