Independent Bookstores in California

Books Inc.

1344 Park St.
Phone: (510) 522-2226 - Map

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books.

Books Inc.

1760 Fourth St.
Phone: (510) 527-7777
Type: New books

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books.

Books Inc.

1375 Burlingame Ave - Map
Phone: (650) 685-4911
Type: New books

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books. The Burlingame Books Inc. is a complete general interest bookstore offering a great children's department, best sellers and experienced staff.

Mrs. Figs' Bookworm

93 E. Daily Dr.
Phone: (805) 482-1384
Type: New books
Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Toys/Games
Specialty: General Interest, Children's
Events: Author Signings, Readings
Find us: Facebook  

Mrs. Figs' Bookworm has been serving Camarillo, CA since 1973. We are proud to be a part of such a wonderful community, and we are genuinely grateful for the community's support!

Read Booksellers

3630 Blackhawk Plaza Circle
Phone: (925) 736-9090
Type: New books
Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Educational, Literary, Mystery
Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Toys/Games
Events: Author Signings, Readings, Book Groups, Children's Events
Find us: Facebook

Read Booksellers is located in the beautiful, outdoor Blackhawk Plaza complete with a variety of great restaurants and stores. Besides a large variety of books for both adults and children we are known for our collection of fine pens. GR Doodlebug Toy Store is connected to the book store.

Petunias Place

6027 N. Palm Ave. @ Opus I Shopping Ctr.
Phone: (559) 438-1561
Type: New books
Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Literary, Mystery, Regional, History, Religion, Science Fiction
Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards, Gifts, Curiosities, Art, Toys/Games

Fine books for toddlers, young adults, older young adults and adults. The only independent, locally owned book store in the entire San Joaquin Valley.

Bay Book & Tobacco Co.

80 N Cabrillo Hwy, Ste F
Phone: (650) 726-3488
Type: New books
Specialty: General Interest, Art, Children's, Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards
Events: Author Signings

Bay Book Company is an award-winning, locally-owned independent general bookstore with a 35-year history and well over 100 years of cumulative bookselling experience on our staff. We stock more than 35,000 titles in all genres, from history to mystery, science fiction & fantasy to cooking, children's to philosophy & New Age. We are service-oriented, and delight in matching the right book to the right customer at the right time for a truly memorable shopping experience. We also have a climate-controlled walk-in humidor with the best selection of imported cigars in the area.   

Flintridge Bookstore & Coffee House

1010 Foothill Blvd.
Phone: (818) 790-0717
Type: Primarily new books with used books
Specialty: General Interest, Children's
Sidelines: Cafe/Food, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Magazines/Newspapers, Toys/Games
Events: Author Signings, Readings

Greeting cards, gifts, toys, games. Over 30,000 titles, children's, YA and adult. Author signings, Saturday morning story time and a full-service coffeehouse. Open 7 days per week and 360 days/year. Picked as the finest bookstore by the Crescenta Valley Weekly.  

Laguna Beach Books

@ Old Pottery Place - 1200 South Coast Hwy., Ste. 105
Phone: (949) 494-4779
Type: New books
Specialty: General Interest, Art, Children's, Literary, Mystery
Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Magazines/Newspapers, Toys/Games
Events: Author Signings, Readings, Writing Workshops, Book Group
Find us: Facebook // Twitter

We are a general interest bookstore located in the Old Pottery Place, in Laguna's historic HIP District. Our goal is to provide you with the most interesting community bookstore with superb selection and knowledgeable staff. We are open seven days a week and offer free parking and free gift wrap with any purchase.

Chevalier's Books

126 N Larchmont Blvd
Phone: (323) 465-1334
Type: New books
Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Literary, Cookbooks
Events: Author Signings
Find us: Facebook // Blog

Chevalier's Books is a locally-owned independent book store that has been serving the Larchmont Village neighborhood of Los Angeles since 1940.

The Last Bookstore

453 S. Spring St., Ground Floor
(213) 488-0599
Type: Primarily used books with new books
Specialty: General Interest, Art, Literary, Regional
Sidelines: Magazines/Newspapers
Events: Author Signings, Readings, Musical Events, Theatrical Performances
Find us: Facebook // Twitter

We're one of Southern California's largest bookstores. We carry 1000s of new and used books - along with records, DVDs, and CDs - on our first floor; and over 100,000 $1 books in the Labyrinth, our second floor.

Bank of Books

29169 Heathercliff Rd. Ste. 409
Phone: (310) 457-5699
Type: New & used books
Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Literary, Metaphysical/New Age, Mystery
Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards, Art, Coffee/Tea
Find us: Facebook

Come visit Southern California's most unique independent bookstore! We carry new, used, and collectable books, as well as a rare-books "Book Museum", featuring First Editions and one-of-a-kind treasures! While you're happily browsing, you can sip coffee from our in-store neighbor "Cafecito Organico"!

Kepler's Books and Magazines

1010 El Camino Real - Map
Phone: (650) 324-4321
Type: New books
Find us: Facebook

We have committed ourselves to delivering a broad selection of books to the community, while hosting hundreds of author events. We look forward to seeing you soon and assisting you in finding that perfect read.

Once Upon a Time

2207 Honolulu Ave.
Phone: (818) 248-9668
Type: New books
Specialty: Children's
Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards, Gifts, Curiosities, Toys/Games
Find us: Facebook // Twitter

The oldest children’s bookstore in the country (established in 1966), this neighborhood touchstone engages the reading community with the best selected titles, hand-picked greeting cards, exquisite gift items for all ages and a warm and knowledgeable staff. Author events, storytimes, book fairs, library partnerships and many book and writing clubs for all ages.

Books Inc.

301 Castro - Map
Phone: (650) 428-1234

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books. Occupying a prominent corner in the revitalized downtown of Mountain View, enjoy a great selection of books, magazines, plus wi-fi and a great cup of coffee at the Cafe upstairs.

Bell's Books

536 Emerson St.
Phone: (650) 323-7822
Type: Primarily used books with new books
Specialty: History, Art, Literary, Children's, Antiquarian

In the heart of Silicon Valley, family-owned Bell's Books has been providing an eclectic mix of rare, used, and new books to the Stanford community for almost eighty years. In an historic storefront, the bookshelves rise twenty-two feet high, brimming with fine books on over five hundred topics.

Books Inc.

855 El Camino Real #74
Phone: (650) 321-0600

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books.

Epilog Books

373 W Main St.
Phone: (530) 283-2665
Type: New & used books
Specialty: General Interest
Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards, Magazines/Newspapers, Gifts, Art
Find us: Facebook // Twitter

Epilog Books is an independent general bookstore located in Quincy, CA in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. We offer new and used books, children’s books and activity kits, cards, postcards, magazines, comics, candles, incense, and Camille Beckman bath and body items. We have many wonderful gift items including items by local artists, crafters and musicians. We also offer premade and custom framing.

Unicorn Books & Gifts

738 Main St.
Phone: (760)788-3700​
Type: New & used books
Specialty: General Interest, Alternative/Political, Children's, Metaphysical/New Age, Regional
Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards, Gifts, Curiosities, Art
Find us: Facebook // Twitter

We offer New and Used Books, new releases, children's favorites, classics and vintage. We also have beautiful gifts, jewelry, candles and local items as well as a large metaphysical section. Open 7 days: M-F 10-6 S/S 10-5

Renaissance Book Shop

3772 Elizabeth St.
Phone: (951) 369-8843
Type: Primarily new books with used books
Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards
Specialty: Alternative/Political, Educational, Literary, Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Events: Author Signings, Libertarian meetings

We specialize in books on history, philosophy, science and economics. We offer a big selection of science fiction and fantasy books and DVDs. Our international selection includes books in German and French, and books about Europe, Asia & the Middle East in English. In our shop we sell Jazz Music CDs, DVDs, art postcards and more

Bird & Beckett Books and Records

653 Chenery St.
Phone: (415) 586-3733
Type: Primarily new books with used books
Specialty: General Interest, Alternative/Political, Art, Literary, Regional
Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Magazines/Newspapers
Events: Author Signings, Readings, Live Music, Open Mics
Find us: Facebook // Twitter

Named for revolutionary saxophonist Charlie Parker and writer Samuel Beckett, Bird & Beckett Bookshop and its non-profit Cultural Legacy Project celebrate the progressive and transgressive note, both in the air and on the page, publishing its own annual literary magazine, AMERARCANA: A Bird & Beckett Review, as well as presenting two weekly concert series, a monthly poetry series with open mic and numerous other one-off events, and of course offering for sale new and used books and jazz lps.

Books Inc.

Books Inc. in Laurel Village 3515 California St (415) 221-3666 - Map

Books Inc. in the Castro - 2275 Market St - (415) 864-6777 - Map

Books Inc. in the Marina - 2251 Chestnut St - (415) 931-3633 - Map

Books Inc. in Opera Plaza - 601 Van Ness Ave. - (415) 776-1111

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books.

Borderlands Books

866 Valencia St.
Phone: (415) 824-8203 or (888) 893-4008
Type: Used & new books
Specialty: Mystery, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror
Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards, Coffee/Tea
Find us: Twitter

Borderlands is San Francisco's home for science fiction, fantasy, horror & mystery books. The store is open 7 days a week, from noon until 8 pm, with extended hours during the holiday season. Borderlands carries both new and used titles within our specialties, as well as eclectic periodicals, British imports, small press titles, and many other items of interest to the fan or collector of genre literature. We will happily do special orders. Our personable and perspicacious staff will cheerfully assist you in finding that perfect book, from the cheapest paperback to the rarest first edition, whether you know what you're looking for or not.

City Lights Bookstore

261 Columbus Ave. - Map
Phone: (415) 362-8193
Type: New books
Sidelines: Magazines/Newspapers
Specialty: General Interest, Alternative/Political, Art, GLBT, Literary
Events: Author Signings, Readings
Find us: Facebook // Twitter // Blog

A literary meeting place since 1953, City Lights is a landmark general bookstore, internationally known for its expert selection of books and for its commitment to free intellectual inquiry.

Green Apple Books

506 Clement St.
Phone: (415) 387-2272
Type: Primarily new books with used books
Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Literary
Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Magazines/Newspapers, Toys/Games
Events: Author Signings, Readings
Find us: Facebook // Twitter // Blog

Green Apple Books has been selling new and used books in all subject areas since 1967. We're a carefully curated generalist store with emphases in children's, cooking, literature, and art/photography. We also carry new and used CDs, LPs, and DVDs, plus magazines, gifts, journals, cards, and more. Friendly staff, great community.

The Green Arcade

1680 Market St. @ Gough
Phone: (415) 431-6800
Type: New & used books
Specialty: Alternative/Political, Regional
Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards, Gifts
Find us: Facebook // Twitter

Since 2008. Specializing in books on the environment, politics, sustainability, food and farming, select art and literature, urban planning, nature, and select children's books.

Logos Books & Records

1117 Pacific Ave.
Phone: (831) 427-5100
Type: Primarily used books with new books
Specialty: General Interest
Find us: Facebook // Twitter

Since 1969 Logos has been the premier buyer and seller of used, collectible and rare books and music on the Central Coast of California. We have grown from a small, one-room store to a two-floor, 11,000 square foot building housing over a quarter million used books, records, CDs and DVDs. Our experienced staff culls through thousands of books and music items looking for the best, the unusual, the rare, the quirky, the outstanding, the necessary. In addition, we specialize in selling the greatest sale-priced and remaindered books and bargain music we can find. How special are we? Other booksellers and music retailers throughout the world come to us to take advantage of the same deals we offer you.

Treehorn Books

625 4th St.
Phone: (707) 525-1782
Type: Primarily used books with new books
Specialty: General Interest
Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards

Treehorn is a general used bookstore that also sells select new books, plus antiquarian & collector's titles. In business for more than 30 years we specialize in out-of-print & unusual books in a multitude of subjects.