birch vs. pine? those 7th ave. woodwork type places...

Hi. Okay, normally, I would try to use re-cycled something or other vs. wood from trees but I am desperate for places for books and want to resolve quickly. It's difficult when Office Depot has $39 book cases but I want to buy something of quality and also just be able to pick it up quickly, etc.

However when I went to two of the stores on 7th ave. I was a little put off. One of them had no customer service skills to speak of. The other store seems a bit defensive with many signs within about their prices (people must come in an grumble) and why they are the way they are(they DID seem expensive). One of them seems to focus on birch; the other on pine.

Has any bought from any of these stores and had a positive experience? Do you know if there is a value in using birch vs. pine? (I know I should check on freecycle or something but I was trying to go the path of least resistance until I actually went into the stores!)

Thanks!

cat.