The tiniest, cutest bookstore around! This place may be small, but wow does it have character. It's a book lover's dream -- compact, cozy, and absolutely packed with great reads. The shelves are well‑stocked, and the owner, Karen, will surprise you with what she manages to fit into such a tiny space. And honestly, the best part is Karen herself. She cares deeply about her customers and her community, and it shows every time you walk in. This is the beauty of indie bookstores: people who genuinely care. I love stopping by and having conversations with her. I flip‑flop a lot in what I read and never stick to one genre, but I can tell Karen what I'm in the mood for, and she has never once failed to recommend a great book. It's a gem of a shop, and I always leave feeling happy I stopped in. read more

If you are a book lover and love to actuality touch physical pages of a book... this is the place to be. The bookstore is small but feels giant once you walk inside. Alibi was my first stop to celebrate my birthday. What better to start with books. The store has so many books I was overwhelmed in a good way. The woman in the store made me feel so welcomed. I wish I could have spent more time but will come back soon. read more

Alibi Bookshop - Birthday gifts to myself - Bookstores Near Me - Vallejo, California

Alibi Bookshop is a true treasure you can easily get lost in their cozy space. Their collection is thoughtfully curated with everything from bestsellers to hidden gems. Whether you're looking for a gift, or something for yourself they have plenty of goodies. If they don't have what you're looking for, they're always happy to order it for you. It's the kind of place that makes you fall in love with bookstores all over again. Keep an eye out for their monthly events! read more

Alibi Bookshop - Books - Bookstores Near Me - Vallejo, California

The fact that I haven't already reviewed Alibi is a shock to me. This is one of my favorite bookstores of all time! I want to say that I visit at least once a month, most likely on a Saturday when the Farmer's Market is also happening. The booksellers here are just the sweetest and kindest people! Especially Karen, who has helped me on multiple occasions and has given the best recommendations! They carry a diverse selection of books, both new and used. They have a great selection of local goods, and being a Vallejo native myself, I love how their Vallejo pride shines through in some of those products. Right now they're carrying THE CUTEST mini Vallejo puzzle, and I might just have to go back there to get it for a Christmas gift. Although they are on the smaller side of bookstores, it is so easy to find what you're looking for or have it ordered for you. They simply take down the name of the book you're looking for, your name, and your number so that they can call you when it is ready for pick up. Or you can simply shop with them online with bookshop.org! As far as prices go, they are decently priced for an independent shop. Nothing too crazy or out of the ordinary. They always have books on sale, and sometimes you can find some gems that are 50% off. Otherwise, I would say their prices are fair and pretty standard. All in all, I highly recommend this bookshop, and will continue to bring all of my family and friends here to shop! read more

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This is what small business is all about!!! I live over 2,000 miles from this gem of a bookstore and I reached out to get a gift for an elderly friend who is local to Vallejo and received truly wonderful, personal customer service! I cannot say enough about how kind and helpful the owner was and I cannot recommend this place more! Please support this awesome shop! read more

The most magical bookstore! Karen is such a delight, and she makes sure that every visit is perfect! She really knows the people who frequent the shop, and her recommendations? ALWAYS on point. There's something here for everyone, whether you're checking a book off of your TBR or purchasing something for a friend! They also always have events going on, both for adults and for little ones! I would recommend this shop to anyone and everyone, bookworm or not! read more

Alibi Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Vallejo, California

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What a great corner brick & morter bookshop, walked in today while exploring downtown during my lunch break, and I had not realized I never really noticed it was here. Saturday June 1st, 2024 marked its 5th anniversary at this location. The young lady working the front counter was nice and helpful. The layout of the store is compact with book goodies in every corner. If you are still into buying books or finding cute momentos and specialty cards this is the place for you. Ciao for now...... read more

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Alibi Bookshop is such a gem in the Vallejo community. It's one of the only bookstores here and my go-to whenever I want to purchase a new book. It is well stocked with popular books and if there is something they don't have, they are more than willing to order it for you. read more

Alibi Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Vallejo, California

I called ahead to ask about an author I was looking for and the owner immediately answered with, " oh of course I have several, I love him!" And when I arrived she quickly showed me to the books I was looking for. read more

Best little Bookstore in the North Bay. Chock full of a great selection of subjects. Gifts, cards and nick knacks. Super owner Karen is a gem. read more

This place is one-of-a-kind. Owner Karen is truly amazing in her knowledge and love of books. Heck, she's magical! I've been able to go in and make a request like, "I'm looking for an old-school GREAT WRITING kind of book. Something classic. Not a modern pop novel you can breeze through, and not an ancient tome. Characters who stick with you. The kind of book that inspires you, moves you or changes you." And then she suggests a book that is absolutely spot-on. Thank you, Karen! Lots of fun gifts from stickers to toys to, well, books! You can order books from her too. Don't go to Amazon! Support this awesome local spot. read more

It's my favorite Bookstore! Karen and her staff are so welcoming. I come here before I go to any outlet or Amazon. It's what makes downtown so cool!!! read more

I saw on Instagram that it was recently independent bookstore day, so of course I had to visit my local shop! After about 30 minutes of perusing, I settled on two books to buy. Alibi also has a small selection of used books as well. While it is a smaller shop, staff make you feel welcome and can help with whatever you're looking for (even if you need something shipped because it's not in store). I generally prefer the library for my books, but if I'm going to visit and buy a book, I want it to be from a local vendor who I love and can support. read more

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Excellent customer service. Very sweet, quaint book store. Love the owner. Dog friendly and excellent book recommendations. I love supporting small business. Visit them today. This is definitely the Little Shop Around the Corner! Thank you. read more

Well, well, well. After all the years I have spent going to Alibi and the many hours of quiet chats with Karen, I missed posting a review. So here we go. First, what an amazing bookstore!!! It is small, yet is has become an integral part of Vallejo. You may ask, how well are Karen and Alibi known? Well on a recent visit to Calistoga, we stopped in their local bookshop and ended up have a splendid conversation about the lovely bookshop right here in Vallejo. If you didn't know, Karen offers reading and signings by national and local authors. They offer book clubs for different groups. when possible, Theo comes in on Saturday mornings to read books to children and engage them in their children's nook. Come in, order that book you've been wanting to read or gift. Karen and Alex are always willing to help with recommendations and truly greet you with a smile. They have some used books to browser through for the budget-minded folks. Also, Karen has amazing blue hair! Please support Alibi or your local bookshop. Let's keep the good feels going. Thanks Alibi. read more

Alibi Bookshop - Alibi Store Front - 624 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA - Bookstores Near Me - Vallejo, California

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Kind and knowledgeable owner Karen was so helpful when I was inquiring about titles not yet released. She ordered what she could and will let me know about others. Please support this darling, comfortable and welcoming little shop, packed with goodness! You wont be disappointed. read more

Amazing local bookstore and Karen knows books. They have a great children's section and authors come to read picture books for the children. read more

Maybe the best bookstore I've ever been in.. A wonderful selection of books including a lot of Bay Area reads.. And the owners are amazing! It's a real gem! Check it out! read more

Good local book store, knocked one star off for not having any large print books . Lady said they could order but we are not from around here... worth a visit when in the area . read more

Such a quaint little shop with gorgeous decor. The lady at the front with colorful hair was so sweet. She helped me find exactly what I was looking for & taught me about the genre I like. Even though I have a local bookstore, it's worth the short 15 minute drive just to be here read more

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Never knew about this cute little spot. Stopped by the farmers market and saw this place and loved the vibes in here! My daughter and with my brother visiting, they loved it in here. They have so many genres of books and used books that you can purchase too. I bought a few books and for my daughter and we are so happy to support local and small businesses. Great customer service in here too with such a warm welcome! Definitely coming back! read more

Cutest lil bookshop!! So happy to find this in Vallejo only a few minutes from where we live. We went on a Saturday, so we could enjoy the farmers market after getting some books. The lady at the register was also kind to make recommendations based on what she saw me looking at lol. They have all the genres and a cute gift section too. Can't wait to come back here!! read more

Alibi Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Vallejo, California

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I mean, small independent bookstores should always be five stars, because society needs them. All of them. One of the many things that makes Alibi special is they are STARS at social media. You want to follow them on all the things, bonus that you will find out about all the cool events that they are hosting and cool things happening in downtown Vallejo. :) When I was in the other day they gave me recommendations for getting coffee nearby, and went out of their way to check and make sure the place was open before sending us on our way. Good people that are genuinely living my dream of opening a small bookshop/community space; check it out!! Wendell Berry book count: 1 read more

Simply an amazing bookshop! Karen and John have created a friendly welcoming oasis in Downtown Vallejo. If they don't have it they can order it. Great selection of local authors and children's books too. read more

Alibi Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Vallejo, California

This store is great, happy to see it in downtown vallejo. I went in looking for a book and they didn't have the one I wanted, so they offered to place an order. I went ahead with this and within a week the book arrived and they called me to let me know. Great customer service and great vibes in the store! read more

I've had the utmost pleasure to find and frequent Alibi bookshop and the lovely Ms. Karen almost monthly now. Living 57 miles, over an hour long drive, I commute from the Peninsula (Palo Alto) to Vallejo weekly to take my bonus daughter to gymnastics. We discovered this beautiful gem of a bookstore and can't speak more highly of it and of Ms. Karen. Not only is she sweet, personable, and so so very knowledgeable, she also has a radiant smile that matches her awesome pink hair. I simply cannot thank her enough for her gratitude and kindness and I encourage everyone in the E.Bay area to check out the store and have a kind word with Lady Karen. This book store has everything you need (from Adult-Teen fantasy, Cookbooks, Autobiographical Novels) and so much more. TRUST ME, you won't be disappointed. read more

"A town isn't a town without a bookstore." - Neil Gaimen Vallejo has a bookshop and it is excellent. Despite its small size from the outside the selection here is wonderful and the owner is nice, I'm always greeted when I walk in and always leave with at least one book in hand (or several depending on my paycheck). Its a comforting place, the interior is bright and spaced out with shelves along the wall and the 1$ tables set up, you can't get lost like you can in bigger stop but thats almost nicer than being overwhelmed. As a college student, especially an English one, I am faced with buying no less than 5-7 novels a semester. Though I use Amazon when I need something in a pinch I always try to buy most if not all my books here either by coming in and searching shelves or through their online catalogue on Bookshop. Its a wonderful place and I highly recommend it, the owner is easy to talk to and always has great suggestions or comments or recommendations based on what you're buying or looking for. The selection is diverse with classics, genres, best sellers, mass paperbacks and more than a few indie books. Everyone support your local bookshop and go grab something off their wonderfully filled shelves. read more

Great bookstore with very helpful staff. Really nice selection and they also have a cute gift area. Worth a trip from the East Bay!

This is a long overdue review of Alibi Bookstore. If you're going to buy a book please go here before ordering on Amazon or Barnes & Noble to save a few dollars. A community needs a bookstore and Alibi is a a welcoming place to find a good read. The layout of the bookstore has a nice flow and there's a wide variety of books. I bought "Salt, Fat, Acid , Heat" here after seeing it on the shelf. Two weeks ago "Atlas Obscura" caught my eye so, I leafed through it and bought it. Glad I did because our power went out that evening for 3 days and my entertainment was reading this book by lantern. Stop by Alibi and support local independent businesses be it bookstores, restaurants, hardware stores, breweries, etc.. (Support Victory Army & Navy!!) Thank you Alibi for being part of the community. Vallejo is lucky to have Alibi in the downtown area. read more

I can't even believe how hard it is to find a bookstore anymore. Well great news - this place is magical and it's independently owned in downtown Vallejo! I was visiting with family last weekend at the farmer's market and that's when we came across Alibi. This place is everything that you would want your local bookstore to be. It has cute & friendly vibes, its full of some used books & tons of new books just waiting to be taken home and read! To top it off, the prices are super reasonable and affordable! My two year old nephew loved the children's section and Karen told us that they do story time on Saturdays! I am so happy that we found this place! I left there with an awesome canvas book bag, a cute pin, and a new cookbook! Please come here & support them! I promise you will love it!! read more

Alibi Bookshop - Canvas book bag, decal pin, vegan cookbook - Bookstores Near Me - Vallejo, California

Oh my stars--this bookshop run by local book lovers Karen Finlay and her husband Jon is the sweetest and best addition to Vallejo's downtown! After a lifetime of recommending the perfect book to all of her friends, she decided to take her deep knowledge and make it available to everyone in the Bay Area and we are all better for it. Karen's love of books shows in every corner of her beautifully curated and cozy shop. Even the art around the shop--the big Eloise poster and a beautiful one of Dorothy Parker--are so sweet. I went in and left with books I'd been looking for for ages. And I gotta say, her store front windows are SO GOOD. I couldn't help but take a couple of those books home. And if you can't find the book you want, she'll take orders and get it for you. Vallejo, you have a wonderful gem downtown! read more

Alibi Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Vallejo, California

My name is Gigi, and I'm addicted to bookstores. Make that small, independently owned bookstores. If you're like me, and live in or are visiting the East Bay, make sure you stop by Alibi Bookshop and show some love! They always have all the newest releases, have a generous selection of used books if you're looking for a bargain, as well as small gift items. What I appreciate the most, besides their warm and attentive customer service, is their ample selection of books celebrating diversity & inclusion for kids and adults alike. I'm impressed that they cover a range of topics including race, cultural customs, world holiday celebrations, different abilities, etc. Well done Alibi, you guys are amazing! read more

A simply wonderful book shop. I can't get enough of it. I plan to visit EVERYTIME I am in Vallejo. All the feels, superb selection, very, very helpful staff. KNOW that you will not leave without a book...or two, or three, and feeling GOOD. read more

Adorable little bookshop with an array of books and gift selections. I liked the variety of nostalgic gifts such as playing cards, bookmarks, etc. The atmosphere was welcoming and perfect escape on a Sunday afternoon. I was also here attending a book reading event and owner Karen was very empathic giving me a chilled bottled water when I had a cough attack outside. She could have closed the door on me but she didn't. Nice shop, nice selections & most of all, nice owner! read more

Wow. This book shop is amazing. The selection is super super up-to-date, and what I love most is that is a mixture of the most progressive and relevant offerings while also having great used options mixed in there too. I feel like there's something here for every age group. She makes sure to have great LGBTQ and POC representation in her shop . Come here and you won't regret it. There's also a great selection of Vallejo specific books. read more

Beautiful local bookstore. The owners are friendly and very helpful. So many types of books to choose from, glad we were able to locate this gem. read more

Owner Karen and her husband are very helpful and will order anything that they may not have available in their well stocked bookstore. Great selection of gift items too. read more

This is everything you want a bookshop to be. I've become a disciple of this place, even telling friends far and wide that they need to visit me because of this shop. Why? Well, because it just makes you feel good. They have All The Things. Books, of course, a well curated selection of stationery, puzzles, and games, used books, an inviting children's section, local owners, and awesome local gifty delights. Go, go, go! Crack a book and love this town. read more

I'm not a huge reader of books but I do love a real, in the flesh cookbook .One I can put tabs and notes in and spill stuff on. They have such a great selection , I've bought a few here at really great prices! I love that they also have cute cards and stationary, etc. I guess I just really like this cute little shop and am so glad it's here . The story behind the name is pretty neat too. I appreciate the owners appreciation of Vallejo and it's history. read more

I love Alibi Bookshop so much. Jon and Karen are more than just shopkeepers--they are building a community in downtown Vallejo. Karen is like the book whisperer or like the wand seller in Harry Potter...she seems to be able to pick the right book for each person who comes in. If they don't have it, they'll order it and nothing like going to get your very own personally ordered book (and then browsing a bit and leaving with at least one more). I think they are creating something magic in downtown Vallejo and everyone needs to be a part of it. read more