It’s the little things like the smell of a well-used book or the fond memory of an old movie you saw when you were a kid that makes a trip to the used book or second hand video store so much fun. These treasure troves, often tucked away in strip centers around neighborhoods, are among the best places to spend an afternoon down memory lane or hunting down great deals. Because let’s face it, most new books and movies these days typically run around $20 or more wherever you go, and sometimes electronic copies and downloads just aren’t the same.

In Aurora, a handful of specialty used book and movie shops are also owned by some of the most passionate book worms and movie experts. So, whether you’re an avid collector of nostalgic movies and books or an environmentally thoughtful bargain chaser, there’s a place in Aurora where you can satisfy your urge to peruse shelves of classic and unique DVDs and VHS tapes as well as stacks of irresistibly priced literary gems.

Friends of the Aurora Public Library book store

Address: 2243 S. Peoria St.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, closed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

720-747-7977

This is not your typical used bookstore. Friends of the Aurora Public Library, also called the Book Outlet, is a volunteer-run bookstore selling donated books, videos and puzzles to benefit the local public libraries in the city. The 2,000-square-foot “Book Outlet is the only way the nonprofit Friends of the Aurora Public Library foundation raises money for programming at the city’s five library branches. The tiny storefront offers the majority of its thousands of books, movies and CDs for $1 or less. Plus, the store holds programs and outreach events to the community that reaches thousands of kids and adults every year. If you like what you see, you can become a member and get a 10 percent discount at the Book Outlet.

Doc’s Video Games

Address: 16653 E. Smoky Hill Road

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday

303-699-5587

Of course, this locally owned gaming specialty store has oceans of video games among its four metro area locations (with another in Aurora at 16863 E. Iliff Ave.), but it also has large and unique offerings of DVDs and Blu-rays for patrons to buy, sell or trade. Michael Gombos, general manager of the Smoky Hill location, said the store’s inventory and in-house knowledge of products sets them apart from other stores, not to mention the deals. Gombos said his main priority is “making sure that we always offer more store credit than any other store in town.”

Video Video

Address: 310 S. Chambers Road

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Noon-2 p.m. Sunday

303-306-0330

From wall to wall, Video Video has a VHS or DVD of what you’re looking for, and if it isn’t on the floor, they can get it in the store for you in no time. Store owner Harlin Hirsch got into the business in the early 90s and opened a couple stores in Iowa before settling in Aurora. “There are not many stores like ours anymore,” Hirch said. “We do not do rentals at all, only buying, selling and trading new and used videos.” There is also a section in the store where they sell miscellaneous new and used items. It’s called the “Amazing Discount Shop,” because it boasts thousands of items at very low prices.

Book Niche

Address: 15075 E. Mississippi Ave.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (Closed 2:30-3:30 p.m.), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday

303-752-4499

Robyn Severson bought this little book nook in 2013 because as she said, “I love books, I love to read and have enjoyed working and volunteering in used book stores in the past. And I love to read so I enjoy spending my days surrounded by books.” Unlike most used-book stores, Severson has a maximum price in place that makes certain books more affordable than using the “half of list price” that she says most used-book stores use for pricing. You can always find markdown books available with prices as low as 25 cents.