A Whole Lot of Books for Half of the Price

For nine years, Cathy and Shannon Rutherford have been selling gently used books at Cathy's Half Price Books in the Manoa Shopping Center in Havertown.

The couple opened the store, which also sells music and movies, because of a love of the printed word. Cathy said she is constantly reading so she can help point customers in the direction of good books.

People can trade (for store credit), sell or donate books to the store. Many regulars often buy and trade back books to the shop, she said. The price of books depends on their condition and how many other copies they have. Books that are donated that they do not want to keep they give away to a library or Goodwill.

Cathy also brings in some new books that are particularly popular. The Havertown native said she opened Cathy's because she really wanted the town to have its own book store.

As the opening of school nears, Cathy's has created a section of school book lists where students can find some of the books they will need this year. Romance, action-adventure, mystery and fiction are the most popular types of books that sell at Cathy's.

You can join the mailing list for “members only” coupons and specials. Cathy's summer hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Buying hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., respectively.