NewPages Guide to
Indie Bookstores in California

Long Beach, CA bookstore offering "Fightin' words for mass defiance, empowerment, and self-reliance!"

The Shades Of Afrika: The Mind, Body, & Spirit store is a one stop shop to meet your needs holistically! We offer quality affordable body and hair care products in addition to a variety of food for thought nonfiction books. We carry world-class art, statues, figurines, handmade jewelry, and so much more.

Children, their parents, and teachers all love to visit Linden Tree to browse, shop, and enjoy our musician and author events. Our staff is here to assist you in finding the perfect book, CD, game, or gift certificate. In addition to fantastic children's literature, we carry a great selection of young adult and adult fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and more! We also provide free weekly story times!

Artbook @ H&W is an arts and culture bookstore located inside the Hauser & Wirth gallery in Los Angeles' Arts District.

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

Children's Book World has been open since 1986 and is a children's bookshop in West Los Angeles, stocking over 80,000 titles for children, parents, and teachers. Our superior staff does an excellent job of helping customers choose just the right book for each child and assisting teachers with their classroom needs.

Counterpoint Records & Books is a genuine mom and pop store in Franklin Village. We buy and sell used and rare records, books, CDs, DVDs, and more.

Best selection of books on the visual arts. 

We are a Los Angeles based book company founded in 2012 with the goal of promoting quality children’s literature in Spanish in all its forms. We specialize in helping libraries, schools and school districts around the U.S. to develop or strengthen their book collections to meet the needs of their readers and educational programs. We also sell directly to professionals and the public through our online store and bookstore in Mid City Los Angeles, as well as school book fairs, and cultural, academic, and industry events around California and the country.

Movie Posters, photos, and books about cinema and the performing arts.

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.

Malik Books specializes in African American books, calendars, and gifts full of cultural diversity, positive self-reflection, and self-awareness.

A cookbook & culinary shop in Chinatown, LA. Join us for events.

OOF Books is a bookstore in Los Angeles dedicated to art books, the art of the book, and programming.

Books, comics, and zines from Seite and Kaya Press with records in the back from Sonida del Valle. Hosting author readings, film screenings, and more.

Pop-Hop Books & Print is a bookshop & print studio in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Reparations Club is a retail + community space curated by Blackness™, POC, and a few good allies.

Way-Out RARE vintage BOOKS, ART & Curiosities! Classic Lit, Beatnik, Noir, Surf, Crime, Bigfoot, Esoterica, UFO, Drugs, Nudist, Sci-Fi, Cinema, Sleaze, Hippie, Underground, Horror, Comix and much much more!

Fiercely independent bookstore in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. Hosting signings, readings, and other events.

Stories Books and Cafe is Echo Park’s stalwart supplier of written works and organic/fair trade coffee and espresso. We carry both new and used books all chosen for their unique worth in genres of fiction, history, LA Arcana, art, photography, philosophy, and more.

Phoenix Books/Joanne's Used Books is a small traditional open shop located in Central California. We carry both NEW & USED. We specialize in Central California history, equine titles, magic titles and have a large collection of regional and other cookbooks.

Volumes of Pleasure is an eclectic store front in Los Osos, located on the central coast of California. We carry a wide variety of books, gifts, jewelry, and holistic supplies.

{Pages} is a full-service independent bookstore with hand-selected fiction, nonfiction, and children's books.

McKinleyville's independent bookstore serving Humboldt County since 1993.

Founded in 1962, one of the best and oldest independent bookstores in the nation, Gallery Bookshop provides extraordinary customer service with our dedicated, book-loving staff of twelve, all with a great passion for books and the people who read them.

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.

A unique book and gift shop specializing in personal development products to enhance all areas of your life.

Located in historic Downtown Old Monterey, Old Capitol Books is Your Local Fine Used and Out Of Print Book Store. We stock a very wide selection of vintage books: 45,000+ titles. We have a special emphasis on California history and an extensive military section, along with children's illustratred and art books.

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, library partnerships, and many book and writing clubs for all ages.

Dollar Book Fair - Buena Park, located in the Buena Park Downtown Mall (one block from Knott's Berry Farm), carries thousands of gently used books in all genres, 99% of which are priced at $1-$3. Mass market paperback fiction are $1 each, or buy three, get one free. Giant selection of kids' books. New arrivals all day, every day. Hours are Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Romance, westerns, classics, history, cooking, memoirs, travel, self-help, religion, sports, art, coffee table books, and more! We also carry DVDs, $2 each or three for $5, and CDs at $1 each. Your trade-ins or donations are welcome. Come and explore!

BookSmart is dedicated to helping people have fun, learn and think by providing a nurturing atmosphere filled with the joy of discovery! We love the touch, feel, and smell of books. We understand and are delighted by the need to learn through play. We treat customers as honored guests!

Coalesce Bookstore & Garden Chapel. A bookstore as unique as Morro Bay. Your locally owned independent bookstore since 1973.

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.

A resource for expansive ideas, a retreat from ordinary life, and a gathering place in support of community ideals and spiritual growth.

Books on Main is a general interest bookstore in Murphys, CA. We primarily carry new books with some used, as well as other retail items related to books, bookclubs, and literacy

Come visit our cozy, comfortable, and organized bookstore with 20,000 titles. We sell used and new books, and we are always adding events to our calendar!

Independent bookstore located in the Lido Marina Village. Our friendly service, expertise, and great selection of books are well known to locals and to visitors. Visit us for regular events. We special order and ship anywhere.

The Iliad Bookshop is one of the largest and oldest used bookstores in Southern California. We have over 125,000 books in stock, a knowledgeable staff, free parking, air conditioning, and comfy couches for your reading and browsing pleasure.

An independently owned and operated used book store, with a wide selection of literature, both old and new.

6000 square feet of the latest best sellers, classics, fiction, and nonfiction for kids and adults.

Black Swan offers books, art, and collectibles from around the world, the kind of which you won't see in an average book shop.

A Great Good Place for Books is a small independent bookstore in the Montclair district of Oakland. We are a general bookstore, but we specialize in literary fiction and children's books. We also do 2-3 author readings per week.

The oldest independent black bookstore in the country. Books by and about black people everywhere.

A cozy all-day spot—café by day, bar by night, with a back patio and book and record shop.

We are an independent bookstore located on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, California, specializing in everything out of the ordinary. We carry thousands of used books, pamphlets, magazines, and journals.

Independent bookstore established in 1994! Curated new and used books, movies, cards, and other rad stuff. We trade daily from 11-5.

Bart’s Books, at the corner of Matilija and Canada streets in Ojai, CA, is the home to the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the U.S.A.

The innovative 1888 Center, located in the Historic District of Old Towne Orange, California, is a bookstore, gallery, workshop and café serving Contra Coffee & Tea.

We specialize in mysteries and suspense. Check out our website for frequent author events!

Orinda Books is Contra Costa County's largest independent trade bookstore, where comfortable chairs and ample free parking enhance your shopping experience. An extensive children's department caters to the younger audiences and a knowledgeable staff ensures speedy fulfillment of special orders. Free gift wrap makes your shopping a pleasure. Author readings and book signings attract an area-wide audience. Open seven days.

The Bookworks is Pacific Grove’s beloved destination for a cup of coffee or tea, a wholesome snack, and a great book (or two, or even three)!

Florey's Book Co. is a family-owned independent bookstore located in Pacifica, CA. In business since 1977, we stock a wide variety of books for all ages and interests, and special orders are welcome. We also have a section of used books.

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., 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.

Alexandria II is named after the ancient library of Alexandria in Egypt, which served as a learning center for over 600 years. We hope to honor its tradition by creating a place for people of all beliefs to learn and exchange ideas.

We buy, sell and trade used books and music (CDs and LPs). It's a cozy spot.

Book Alley, founded in 1992, is not only Pasadena's finest used bookstore, but also one of Southern California's fastest growing (a rare feat these days). We are a general used bookstore, thus offering a large selection of books on all subjects, including children's titles. Although we do not specialize in any one subject, we can claim to have the largest selection of art, architecture, and photography books in the area.

Vroman’s is a Pasadena institution, a literary landmark, a community center, and a wonderful tradition. We hope you visit us soon!

Our 10,000 square feet store carries titles in every category in a beautifully restored brick building in Petaluma's wetside.

We specialize in adventure and outdoor related books, maps, and guides. We also carry a wide variety of books in popular genres including best sellers, science fiction, mysteries, poetry, children's books, and more.

Come check out our amazingly varied selection of used books in Placerville, CA!

Towne Center Books is a locally owned general bookstore, conveniently located on Main Street in Downtown Pleasanton.

We are a generalist new and used bookstore, as well as a cozy community gathering place committed to fostering the literary passions of West Marin and the Bay Area

A community space to nurture cultural expression in all its forms: visual, musical, graphic, performing, and literary arts.

Frugal Frigate, A Children's Book Store, is a store dedicated to teaching children of all ages the value of literature and inspire a love for reading. We have a selection that inspires children from "cradle to college." Our staff is well versed in all areas of the store and are more than willing to help your child pick a book that will start their adventure into this vast world of great literature. With our author events, birthday parties, and unique atmosphere, your child will be indulged in an environment where they're free to explore and see what book best fits them.

Multicultural children's books for kids of all ages. Adults and teenager books too!

Red Rock Books is Ridgecrest's only new and used book store. We have a huge selection of new and used books and can special order just about anything. We regularly host author events and have all sorts of other unique items as well: purses, games, book lights, bookmarks and much more.

Welcome to Cellar Door Books, an independent, locally owned bookstore for all ages in the Canyon Crest Town Center in Riverside, California. We are conveniently located right across from Jammin' Bread Cafe. You will find story times, book clubs, author, open mic nights, and a welcoming staff who really know books. Finally, a place you can share your love of reading with your fellow Riversiders.

We are tucked behind a gift shop in the historic district of Riverside, and have been in business since the 1970s. We have a little of every type of used book plus a very good children's section. We also have ghosts and owls! Come visit us for a unique experience.

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

The Avid Reader at Tower has been a leading bookstore in Sacramento for 26 years and specializes in fiction, hardbacks, history, mysteries and has an extensive children's section. We are the bookstore for Cap Radio's new bookclub.