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— Jorge Luis Borges, “Poema de los Dones” (Poem of the Gifts)

Yo, que me figuraba el Paraíso / Bajo la especie de una biblioteca. (I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.)

Buy & Sell Books

Buy

Check Our Inventory

Our internet inventory is available online at Abebooks, and at Alibris. You can also e-mail or call us directly at 608-255-4730. We accept checks, money orders, and PayPal (our account name is our email address: avolsbks@gmail.com.

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Sell

Book Buying Policy

I now only purchase large academic & scholarly libraries, large personal collections and large estates that require a visit to your office or home. If you are uncertain if your collection qualifies, please call Ron at 608-255-4730 to discuss further.

Buk

Bukowski Bumper Stickers

Avol’s also sells Bukowski bumper stickers. $2.00 each, plus shipping. Wine stains not included.

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History

About Avol’s

Established in 1980 by Richard & Carol Avol, Avol’s began as a general used and out-of-print bookstore. Originally located on Williamson Street in Madison, Wisconsin, the store moved after one year to a single-story frame building located at the intersection of State St., Broom St., and Gilman. The present owner, Ron Czerwien, purchased the business from the Avols in 1993 and operated it at a physical bookstore in various downtown Madison locations for nearly 20 years.

In late 2012, Avol’s gave up its lease and ceased to operate a brick-and-mortar business. Instead, Ron sells used books on a consignment basis at A Room of One’s Own Bookstore in Madison, Wisconsin and online under the Avol’s name at Amazon, ABE (Advanced Book Exchange), and Alibris.

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Testimonials

What Our Customers Say About Us

  • Exceptional transaction. Five years ago I think online descriptions were more accurate; you could trust them to be more precise than I've experienced lately. This seller is impeccable. Did not overstate, as so many seem to. Shipping was brisk as well, and packaging uncommonly conscientious. This is of course just how a sale ought to be, yet rarely is: I'd give six stars if I could.  
    Elizabeth P.
  • 5
    The book I received was in better condition than I imagined when ordering...I wrote to Avol's Books before ordering, to be assured about the strictness of their book-grading (fine, near new, new, etc.) and to ask about their return policy if I was not satisfied after the book's arrived...I am very happy, very satisfied...I wish I knew about Avol's before...I hope to order from them again....
    Richard K
  • 5
    Wow! The book was in excellent used condition (like new, if you ask me!). The book was also placed in a cardboard package, wrapped in newspaper, and wrapped in a plastic bag (nearest the book). I doubt even throwing the package in the water would've damaged the book! Thank you so much! Would buy from again in two shakes of a heartbeat!
    Brooke S
  • 5
    Holy cow - this arrived far faster than I ever would have expected and was the most carefully packed item I've ever received from any seller. Thank you! I look forward to buying from you again.
    David M
  • 5
    I have bought many books on line, but I have rarely seen an item so well packaged, with such great care. Thank you very much for a very professional transaction.
    Richard I
  • Six Star Service. My paperback is in marvelous condition, more like "New" than "Like New," and it was shipped promptly. As for the packaging: it was so careful I'm tempted to believe you're as obsessive compulsive as I. Thank you.  
    Elizabeth O
  • 5
    Without a doubt the best service I've ever experienced from a seller on Amazon. The item shipped within a couple of hours, arrived in the span of a single weekend (despite being normal cheap shipping) and was very well packaged to protect it in transit. All in all, prompt AF.
    Ashley G
  • 5
    Just a quick THANK YOU for the secure shipment of Herrn Benjamin. His two volumes arrived safe and sound and are as described - even in a little better shape than I expected. Thank you.
    Otto S
  • 5
    The book is exactly as described. Thanks for packing it so well for mailing. It arrived on a rainy day and although the package was wet the book was fine inside.
    Robert D
  • 5
    Arrived as ordered and in condition described. The packaging was excellent and the extra care by making a reinforced cardboard stiffener to prevent flexing and damage was brilliant.
    Mark H
  • 5
    Awesome! I will surely buy from this seller again. Satisfied customer here!
    Anna C
  • 5
    I ordered a 34 volume set, which was sent in 5 boxes. When the item was shipped, Avol's Books sent me an email with the tracking numbers of all five boxes. The books were professionally packed. The condition was "used, like new" and many were still shrink wrapped. They were sent USPS Media mail and arrived quickly. I am most pleased with the books that I ordered and with Avol's Books.
    Thomas S

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