Keep an eye out for library sales in nearby towns. Branford public library has a great one every September. Some libraries also have small “bookstores”. This website is difficult to use but has listings of upcoming and ongoing sales:

https://www.booksalefinder.com/CT.html

For Uber and Lyft, I was worried that the driver wouldn't want to go that far. A friend told me the Uber driver picked her up not knowing he was going all the way to JFK and didn't want to go without knowing if he had a fare to take home.

I just didn't know if it was common to use those companies for 2 hour drives to the airport. If it is, that would make me feel a lot more comfortable.

What service did you use? Uber?

Thank you, but she would not be capable of driving.

Thanks! I tried them, they said it was $91 but are unfortunately booked for tomorrow. Ty, though.

they used to offer free "personality tests" -- maybe you could ask for one of those?

another fun (but very hit-or-miss) spot is the book barn in bethany (not to be confused with the book barn in niantic, which is better but further away).

i consider myself a used book store connoisseur and grey matter has, by far, the best used fiction section in the greater new haven area. book trader certainly has more books, but it's so picked over that the volume actually becomes an impediment to finding quality stuff.

one place that i haven't seen mentioned here is new haven reads! it's a free book store on ashmun st. they have weird hours because it's mostly a non-profit/afterschool program, but lots of yale people donate their collections there so you can find some incredible stuff.

Rental car is also a good option. One way rides are usually 30 to 50 plus gas.

Thanks everyone!

I paid $130 to get to JFK two weeks ago. Honestly worth it compared to any other option out there

Book trader is within walking distance to grey matter and way more fiction

neverending books in east rock is a free bookshop. all donation based. hours are a little spotty because it’s volunteer/collectively run, but it’s almost always open after about 5:30 on weekdays.

i have used them several times. will pick you up right at your door. shared van is about $75 or so one way from new haven to jfk.

Not nearby but reread books is awesome. Up in Cheshire and it's all donations so books are usually 3-5 bucks

Books and Co on Whitney and Putnam in Hamden has used books

Leros point to point

Uber works very well for this. Sop does CT limo.

Is money an issue?

If not Hy's Limo is the best company I have worked with. I use it for all my guests and my personal travel.

If money is SUPER not an issue (like millionaire rich), and you'd like people trained to help with transport for mental illness, there are concierge companion services company's like this one: https://oconnorpg.com/services/companion-services/

Grey Matter does have several bookcases of fiction FYI.

The Book Trader

Goairport shuttle might have availability - call them rather than going through their website for a last minute booking

No. Nope. No thank you. Newp.

I drive by this every day to get to unh and I have not seen a single person walk in or out of that building since I moved into my apartment in August 🤠

Not at the New Haven one, but I had a similar experience with an ex bf many years ago. We walked into a Scientology place, gave fake names, and when the guy left the room to go get some materials, my bf rifled through the trash and found a script they use to suss you out. We left, it was very creepy.

Way, way more crime in Westville.

Spring Glen is nicer than Westville on the Ridge side.