Super easy online ordering, online gift certificates, and bright well stocked in store experience. So proud this independent bookstore keeps thriving in Davis. Staff is fantastic, great vibe to browse, and upstairs is a happy place. No crazy difference in prices vs Amazon. read more

I want to thank Avid Reader for operating during the pandemic. When everything first closed Avid was able to do pick ups for books which was super helpful. If they ever don't have what I am looking for they order it for me and it usually is a very quick process. They people here are always so kind and make good conversation. Thank you guys for all that you do! read more

We LOVE the Avid Reader. You can order in advance for quick pick up or have it brought to the curb. They have a loyalty card. They have a great selection of books for kids. My son bought all the the Keepers of the Lost Cities books and The Mysterious Benedict Society books. They also gift wrap for free!!! read more

I have been a customer of Avid Reader for over a decade. Ever since my father took me there as a child I have had a love for reading. However today while reading with my girlfriend in the upstairs section the owner asked us to leave. Her reasoning was that the Avid Reader was not a public library, or "hangout place", it was a private Business for Selling books. She put emphasis on buying the books and not reading them and leaving. I read no more than 12 pages. How am I supposed to know if I want to buy a book if I don't read a little first? TLDR the owner seems very disconnected from reality and to me seems to only care about making money. read more

Expensive. Any book there you can get on Amazon cheaper. The novels and nonfiction have decent selection, but the poetry section is godawful. Guess what I buy? Poetry. On the plus side, they are friendly and have fine public events. read more

I have been going to this bookstore since I could barely read, and it has remained one of my favorite places since then. The staff there are very helpful and very kind, and the store contains a well organized, excellent selection of books for everyone. I used to love climbing the stairs to the young reader area and looking at all the kids books, finding exciting novels that could hold my short attention span. One of my favorite things is I can order books online and go in store later to pick them up, saving time if I'm looking for anything specific. Traffic is quite busy all throughout downtown Davis but it is quite easy to park anywhere and walk to the store, you could probably walk straight across downtown in about 15 minutes! Walking through the isles is a cozy and exciting experience and I look forward to going every time. read more

Great book store ordering and paying online is a breeze great pick up location and friendly customer service! Will definitely be back soon!

It's more important than ever to shop local and support our downtown small businesses. The Avid Reader makes it so easy and their selection (as well as their team) is awesome. read more

Plenty of interesting books! They feature local authors as well. If they don't have it, they'll order it for you. Funny gifts and reading lights for sale. You may save money by buying through Amazon, but consider supporting the local business instead. read more

New owners and now an absolutely FANTASTIC local resource. Customer service is outstanding, selection is very good. We're so lucky to have a good local bookstore and a stellar member of our community. read more

So happy independent bookstores still exist. Walking around Davis, I found this spot and popped in, because I can't resist the opportunity to look at what's new to read these days. Very friendly staff and lots of miscellaneous items like kitschy gifts, journals, stationary, coloring books and pencils, funny mugs, etc. A good option if you are looking for something to give to a literary-loving friend. read more

The place was nice and full of books and fun cute little gifts. However, as I looked around, ever where I saw books and toys mocking President Trump. Children's books showing disrespect. While I am not surprised in the People's republic of Davis where you get fined for snoring with your window open. Needless to say, I was going to buy some gifts but will not support a business like that. I know you have plenty of communists that will enjoy this shit. read more

Lovely, locally-owned bookstore. Wonderful place to browse. New owners are friendly and customer-service oriented.

I love this book store I've been coming in here for year and alphas have a really great selection and a very cozy feeling.

I love this place! I can honestly get lost in this book store! Fist of all the children section is amazing ! You different types of book for all ages... I come here to buy some book for my classroom! I am sad that there Spanish book are limited children and the adult section. I would say specially the adult Spanish book it's like less then two entire shelf that sad... I would agree with another post it's a bit pricey and I will say the bookstore lacks but for a down like Davis it's a pretty good book store :) the worker are so sweet! Everything I have enter that bookstore I come out happt read more

If I could give it a negative 1 I would. Very unfriendly manager who treated his staff equally rude! He acted like he hated being in his own store, never greated anyone, and acted like people being in the store were an inconvience to him. He quoted me $100 for a book and when I returned to pick it up (driving from Sacramento because I had a $50 gift certificate), he informed me it was $160! I asked him to look it up and make sure that it was that much and he pretended to attempt to look it up. After many minutes I told him to forget it and Id take him at his word. When I returned home and looked the book up on the net I found it was $50 at most stores. We'll see if I get a refund when I go to return it... read more

Good book selection...the employees seem a bit snooty though. Why are they like this at independent bookstores? I never get acknowledged when I walk in and peruse. Only when I buy something or specifically ask something, do they say anything to me. They're not rude, don't get me wrong. They just don't acknowledge me. I buy something about 33% of my visits, so it's not like I'm just going in to read and leave. And I usually have my chef whites on, so I look presentable and professional (I go in usually after work)...so I'm not sure what the deal is. But it bothers me. I guess that's why I miss Borders so much...great place to hang out and they ALWAYS seemed happy to see me, whether I was buying something, browsing, or enjoying some SBC. Sheesh...I wish Barnes and Noble would move in to the old Borders building. I know they'd be happy to have my business also. I'm not writing this place off though. I'll still come here on my way home from work. I'll still buy a book every three or four visits. But I'm thinking I'll be going to Beers Books or B&N in Natomas a little more often. And stop by here just a little bit less. I like to know that my business is wanted. read more

Why do people who work at book stores and places that sell pizza by the slice think they are uber cool and above it all? Well your 'coolness' isn't hot at all Avid Reader and that's to bad for you. I order tons of books as part of my job. I always try and give Mom & Pop shops an opportunity to do business with me as I order many expensive books. But for some reason the Avid Reader is to cool to be bothered with calling back or filling out paperwork. Your loss Avid Reader. I found another Mom & Pop shop to buy books from that doesn't let their 'cool' factor get in the way. read more

Cute stuff, BUT none of the books are on sale?... even the popular new releases that are at least 20% off everywhere already? Nor 5+ year old books that you could find at a library sale?... weird... Also, like everyone said the owner is not friendly. She didn't say anything to me, but you can feel she's a grumpy old lady. Not a good atmosphere read more

Pretty small selection. The owner has a cool dog that she has with her in the store. Otherwise, the workers are not too friendly. The prices are eh. I never really buy anything here or browse. I love bookstores, but their kids store was way better. A great place to go for local readings from some pretty top authors. The atmosphere is intimate and it's the perfect size. Def. keep your eyes on the calendar. Worth going too. I really only come here for readings. read more

Avid Reader is a nice, local bookshop. I do think they have a good variety of books (although I didn't seem to see a lot of contemporary fiction or YA for example). The also sell cute gifts and a great selection of notebooks. Good place to browse and spend a nice afternoon. read more

There is a very special place in my heart for Avid Reader. I have grown up with this bookstore and remember buying a book there when I was six using a dollar in pennies (and spend numerous hours reading the books there because I didn't want to buy them, yes I was that kid). They always seem to have a nice selection of books and when they don't have a book they always order it for me. Being a hardcore Davisite obviously I try and support my independent book seller as much as possible but I do acknowledge that Amazon is cheaper. But considering Amazon's attempts to avoid paying taxes in California I am boycotting and sending all my business to Avid Reader (who might acquire their books from there anyway but whatever). read more

I love to banter. I engage random people in conversation all the time. And I love books. So I sauntered in here, excited to banter about literature with someone, and all I got was a cursory glance from the very grumpy man behind the cash register. Undeterred, I proceeded to bob my head to the classical music while perusing the shelves of wonderful books. And it really is a wonderful store. It's almost unexpected what you'll find, as I found my favorite British chick lit author on one of the shelves. I grabbed a copy and headed the cashier, ready to engage him in witty chitchat. He wasn't having it. I smiled my million watt smile and asked him how his day was. He mumbled some reply, got through the transaction with the minimal amount of effort necessary, and moved on. I don't know. This is a wonderful place. I would be delighted to work in a place like this. But clearly the staff does not agree with me. read more

Quiet little place, a few comfortable chairs, but no discernable theme to what books are on offer (as in some indie stores). Cracked up by the California Indie Book Sellers' best-selller list: top book was listed as Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Mineral" -- that is, the wonderful, knowledgeable indie booksellers can't even read 3 words in a row. The real name of the book is "Animal, Vegetable, _Miracle_" Sometimes I think that indie bookstores are among the top ten overrated things in America. Some pundit wrote that if you wanted to get book recommendations, a wide selection, logical order, and knowledgeable help -- you should try your public library. Well, I'm only visiting and wanted a book to take home on the plane, so an indie store will have to do. read more

I like this place. I ordered a book from them, and it arrived exactly when they said it would. Plus, they also gave me a friendly reminder call. While I was in browsing for ages in the store, they never once gave me strange looks, especially since I like to wander through one section repeatedly. What? I get second, third, and fourth thoughts about books! I can't handle buyer's remorse when it comes to books. Really. Though, to be honest, they didn't really give me ANY acknowledgement until I "ahemed" the guy at the register counter and paid for my purchases. Oh, and they're very friendly to dogs. I met two dogs in the store while I was browsing around. One of them popped its head into the sci-fi/fantasy section where I was on the floor, digging around for good books. I think it likes Neil Gaiman as much as I do. It got a little treat from one of the employees, too. While I liked the store, I think it's way too small and cramped. Not exactly prettily organized either. Borders, this place is not. read more

I research what's been published on Bezos' platform and order through Avid Reader. I've hesitated to ask if anyone ordered my books. Great store. read more

The staff was very friendly & willing to check their system for specific books I wanted. They also kept the store very clean & tidy. I will definitely keep going there! read more

A quaint and intimate bookstore that's nice and quiet to read in. Although, staff is not the most outgoing and there is not a wide selection of books. read more

Avid Reader - Bookstores Near Me - Davis, California

See all

One of the last few independent book stores I know. In this day and age of being able to get everything online, sometimes it's nice to have a printed handheld object for you to browse. read more

We come here regularly for my daughter as she is a huge fan of books and local bookstores. Too bad there aren't more bookstores like this with their great selection. read more

We are such big fans of Avid Reader. They provide a great place to get books for the whole family. They also have a great toy store as well. We recently bought their Easter Basket, which are specifically curated for each child. We were blown away by how spot on the toys and gadgets were. My kids loved them and said it was the best Easter ever due to their Easter baskets. I think the Easter Baskets exemplifies the great service this family-run business provides! read more

really lovely bookstore :) i wasn't expecting so many cute knick-knack type items, like stickers/pins/socks etc. staff was super kind as well! i can't wait to come back again!! read more

A book store that doesn't let you read books inside it. Say wha-? Yes, if that's what you're looking for then come on ahead to Avid Reader! An independently owned bookstore in Davis where rudeness and disrespectfulness reside We came to avid reader to check out some books and chase childhood memories. On the second floor, we found the stem of all our joyful memories: CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS (We recently saw the movie) and as we settled in and began reliving our childhood, reading these books and laughing, this lady showed up and said YOU MUST LEAVE. It's as if she was the incarnation of Mr. Krupp. We first thought she meant that we were loud and we said okay and made sure we didn't make any sound. And then she came back and stated "this area is for paying customers ONLY and this is not a hangout spot. I need you both to get out, NOW." Yet, clearly, there was a mother watching her children and reading books together on the ground just near her. Somehow just she wanted all the joy to die. And she targeted us, two college kids, who were no louder than the mom and her kids I'm all for supporting independent businesses but this is just ridiculous. If you're going to be rude and disrespectful to customers, you don't deserve running a business in the first place. She then proceeded to march us out. Literally. Following us one step at a time. As if she wanted to keep an eye out on us and make sure we didn't cause anymore "mayhem" I don't understand. So what, if you go to a bookstore, you can't go read the books? You have to buy? That's like going to an H&M and them saying "sorry, paying customers only. Either buy something or get out. No trying on the clothes. Quit dilly-dallying." Back when Borders still existed I would sit in the children's section for hours and read books of all kinds to pass time while waiting for my dad and mom to finish shopping. That's what bookstores are for! You read the books in them, explore what they have, look around, and buy what you want. If you didn't want that, then you'd just buy the book on Amazon. Simple as that. And besides, it's not like there was a sign before going upstairs saying that "CHILDREN ONLY" were allowed. Avid Reader, more like Avid Reaper. Sucking the fun and life out of everyone. I've received better service at a gas station. We will NOT be coming back. read more

I love having a local bookshop where I can take my kiddos in and they can see a wide selection of hundreds of our favorite titles. The customer service is upbeat and personable. And, when I can't make it into the physical store, the Avid Reader makes it so easy to order online! Love love love this bookstore. read more

Not a huge book store, but a good book store for locals. If they don't have the book you are looking for - they can get it within two days. The place is well staffed with helpful and nice folks. Lately, they have been having some authors in-store for book readings/signings. This is awesome. There's two floors, but the second floor is mainly children section. This place also has gifts, calendars, notebooks, and misc knickknacks. Very nice ambiance, chess table for a game, and a sister store a couple of stores over specifically for gifts and children. read more

I love happening upon quaint little bookstores and although I've been here before, I want to get lost in it everytime. Bookstores are growing harder and more difficult to find and for my 10 yr old daughter and I, its just a favor pastime for us. Staff wasn't as friendly at this particular location, old gentleman possibly overwhelmed because the store was a little busy. Great selection and we walked away with 7 new books! read more

Love love love this place!! Always great service and a great selection. I never feel rushed and I love that the there is an official store mascot (what a cute dog!). Also, it's an independently owned business. You just don't get this kind of service in those big chain stores. read more

Gosh darn it, I can't walk in there without dropping a couple of hundred dollars. I like to buy books as gifts. Tons of good books and nice store, great location. One of the better things about down town Davis. read more

For a small bookstore it had a great selection of all types of books! Being a college town I didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised! The staff was friendly and helpful but not over bearing or overly eager to help. They just let you peruse their selections. Great place!! read more

Super fun shop with a very large variety! Wide selection of not only books but fun and comical book lover gifts. Perfect bookshop for Davis! I shall definitely return. read more