Rocket Reuse Moves to a New Home on Park Street

If you went looking for Rocket Reuse at its old Park Street spot and came up empty, don't worry, it didn't close. The used bookstore just relocated to 1424 Park Street, and the shelves are still filling in.

Where to find Rocket Reuse now

Rocket Reuse has been a Park Street staple since 2010, buying and selling used books, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, comics and vintage clothes. The shop describes itself as family owned and operated, built around giving shoppers an affordable, sustainable alternative to buying everything new. That's the whole pitch: one-of-a-kind finds instead of another trip to a big box store.

The new location is still a work in progress. On its website, the shop says the space is "coming to life, one shelf at a time," with more inventory getting unpacked every day. So if you stop in this week, don't expect every shelf to be packed yet. Think of it as catching the store mid-move, treasure hunt included.

What they're buying, and what they're not

Rocket Reuse is picky about what it takes in, and that's part of why the selection stays sharp. Here's what to know before you haul in a box:

• Books: fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, graphic novels, kids' picture books and YA series, plus titles on art, fashion, music, home, crafts and philosophy. They're currently overstocked on mystery novels, so hold onto yours for now.
• Vinyl and CDs: pretty much everything except opera, classical music and show tunes.
• Clothes: vintage pieces from Y2K and earlier only.

It's a small detail, but a useful one if you're cleaning out a closet or a bookshelf this summer and wondering whether Rocket Reuse will take it off your hands.

Why it matters for Park Street

Every storefront that stays open and full on Park Street matters to the block around it. A shop that's been around for 14 years finding a new home instead of just disappearing is worth a mention. Rocket Reuse is open seven days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 1424 Park Street. You can call ahead at (510) 337-0750 or email rocketreuse@gmail.com to check whether they're taking what you've got.

Want to see what else is new on Alameda's shopping streets? Check out our story on Macondo Colombian Fusion opening on Webster Street, and keep an eye on our events calendar for what's happening around town this month.