Plunkett Higgins Used and Rare Books in Austin is a treasure-hunter's paradise for anyone interested in books, magazines, sheet music, old art prints and practically anything else that comes on paper.

"Except stamps," co-owner Albert "Bud" Higgins emphasizes.

The sheer volume of everything else Higgins and Roger Plunkett have makes up for the lack of stamps, though. The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves of the small shop are crammed with materials and thousands more are packed into boxes stacked on the floor and in the basement.

The store has called Austin "home" for nine years and while it attracts people from across the nation, Higgins notes in an amused tone, local people constantly come in and say "Oh! I didn't know you were here!"

But here the store is, the brain child of an English teacher at Austin High School (Higgins) and a judge (Plunkett) who were neighbors and wanted something to do in their retirement. "We said it would be neat to open a book store," Higgins explains.

So the pair started collecting used books and when Higgins retired in the early '90s, he convinced his son to build bookcases for the store. At the same time, "Roger had heart bypass surgery and conveniently laid in bed, recovering, while we set things up," Higgins says, grinning. A year later, when Plunkett was well again (and retired), the store opened, offering books and other items for $1 on up.

"People see 'Used and Rare' in our name and think, 'oh, that's expensive.' The rare ones, yes. The used aren't," Higgins says. "You don't get all that many rare books. You have to understand … books aren't antiques. Just because it's old, doesn't mean it's worth anything."

The shop is divided into different sections that range from general fiction to history to children's books.

The selection of children's books can be attributed to Higgins' son, Stephen, who explains, "I never grew up."

Higgins says part of his son's fascination with children's books stems from having three young children who love having someone read books to them. Stephen's contributions to the store have kept it alive. "If I hadn't been around, it would have faded away," he says.

Not that Bud and Plunkett haven't helped. They are always on the lookout for new additions to the store's selection. People bring materials to them and they go to homes, auctions and rummage sales in their quest.

It seems to pay. People from both sides of the country have stopped in to sit and scour the stacks for hours. "There was a guy from California who went into the basement and took a whole van-full of books back to California," Stephen recounts.

"It's like a treasure hunt. Apparently, we must have some things, nice pieces for people to come all over," Bud says.

Plunkett Higgins Used and Rare Books is located at 209 Third Ave. NW in Austin. Store Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., Sunday and by appointment.

For more information, call 437-8161.

Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com