I love this place because it's one of the few 'keepin' it "real"....the used section and travel annex are great. I go there often, it's always changing! Book Passage has awesome programs...just Google them and subscribe to the Fortnightly newletter which will give you a heads-up on what's going down! Language classes, writing classes, great magazine section, a nice little cafe and they have tons of talks by authors. I tell you, it's a nice little place if you're a real reader. read more

Came here for the mystery writer's conference because my favorite author, Elizabeth George was a guest speaker! It was absolutely wonderful! This store has everything, including a cafe that serves great food,wine, and beer!! The book selection is extensive, the management is top notch! I highly recommend this book store to anyone in the Bay Area, looking forward to going back soon. read more

This is my favorite bookstore; not just in Marin County, not in the Bay Area, but anywhere. In the days of internet shopping, it's hard for any bookstores to stay up and running. But it's great to see so many people supporting independent booksellers, including this one. Every time I've walked into Book Passage, a staff member has greeting me and asked me if I needed assistance. And while they don't have the inventory of a big box store, the selection of books always seems fresh and contemporary. But the #1 reason to go to Book Passage are for the author events. In year+ that I lived in Marin County the latest time, I attended numerous author signings. I've been in audiences as little as a dozen people to events that are standing room only. I recommend that you check out the website or their paper schedule. If an author you enjoy is speaking, I recommend arriving early to reserve a seat. read more

Best book store for travel and cooking subjects - Period! Frequent author readings and lectures. Go to Border's if you're looking for kiddie-daycare, coffee & pastries, a place to Wi-Fi, or to dog ear the magazines. read more

This bookstore is a little sanctuary that has been around since the 70's. I love the experience of coming here, finding a great book and tuning out for a little while. Everyone who works here is also really nice. read more

I was at BP this afternoon for the first time since COVID began. In the rear building, I was disappointed that access to browsing was gone, but the employee there was very helpful in pulling out some travel books for me. The main building was a different story. I got a look like I was a criminal when I first asked if there were currently public restrooms in the shopping center. Cold /indifferent/rude vibe continued from this staff person. Hey, these are rough times for all, I don't expect to be codelled, but probably won't go back anytime soon. read more

When your local book shop, like mine in Mill Valley, doesn't have your book~ you must then try Book Passage. If they don't have it, they will order it and you will get it in 2 days. I had to do this recently for a copy of Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis. The newly released Beastie Boys Book was there and ready to purchase which I appreciated. (Great gift for Gen X) It had been a while since I'd been over in that mall. The cafe is flourishing and that back book room has great photo books of everything and other great gift ideas that kept catching my eye! Watch out! Books make gifts remember? So, yes a photo book on the History of Ballet was also purchased. I am going to make an effort to meet a friend here soon as it was so nice on the patio (before the fire) and inside seating. On a side note: they start offering deals on their calendars soon after x-mas or January, which is thoughtful, compared to other places that don't give you a discount until you are halfway through the year! Seriously, let's support civilized businesses and lose ourselves in a bookstore again. read more

I really really want to love Book Passages. It"s a local bookstore with a good selection of books and lovely displays, and they serve equator coffee and Cibo pastries. They do a great job on wrapping (if you can get someone to help you and don't mind the gift delivered with a scowl). What drops a potential 5 star to a 2 star review is the unwelcome attitude. I'm not talking about a few occurrences or a particular bookseller. This is an unwelcoming attitude over 15 years and from the most senior staff members. Before COVID my friends and I decided we'd had enough and found new places to shop (the bookstore in Marin Country Mart is smaller, but I've only encountered helpful and welcoming staff), and to meet to discuss writing and books. After COVID, my friends and I decided to give it another chance. Unfortunately, the unwelcoming attitude has continued. The first day back I asked where I could find the key to the bathroom. I was told they were attached to the red buckets (no eye contact, no pointing out where I could find the buckets). I looked around and couldn't find them. I asked where the red buckets were and she pointed to these teeny buckets at the far end of the counter hidden by a stack of books. Keep in mind that there were no customers. She was just too busy talked with her co-worker. Today I walked in the doors and was welcomed with a frown from the staff member behind the register. I smiled at her. Did she smile back? No. did she welcome me to the store? No. I know I'm not the only one who has be treated this way. Unless you're part of their clique, you're likely to be treated as if you're bothering them (even when you're making a purchase!) Elaine, I know these are your buddies, but please do something to change this culture so all can feel welcome. read more

What amazing customer service! I wanted a signed book by one of my favorite authors. They had them at one point but were sold out. They actually ordered more books and called the author and asked her to stop in to sign the books when she was close by. They just shipped my signed copy! I couldn't ask for anything more. I have been ordering all my books from them and they arrive quickly. I live in another city but this is my new go-to bookstore! read more

I really hate to give book passage a 1 star review. I have been coming to book passage for about 20 years and won't be back. Whenever I ask where something is employees act so rudely like I am truly an inconvenience. The last straw came when I approached the counter and asked where a certain book was located. The employee rudely shouted " its right there right in front of you, I think you need stronger glasses!" In shock I put the merchandise that I was intending to buy right on the register, complained to the owner, and left. I work retail so I understand how rude and annoying some customers can be. But to shout at me the way the employee did is unacceptable. I have a union job and if I spoke to a customer that way I would be fired very quickly. It's too bad because when I first started coming here the employees were very friendly and helpful. read more

I have been coming to book passage literally for decades. They've been in the Bay Area over 40 years. They've even carried a couple of the books that I've written which I was very appreciative of. But the review is about the great service I got today. When I walked in there was a young lady at the counter she was very very nice and directed me right to what I wanted to find with a big smile. I was looking for information about Yucatan and she knew right where to go thank goodness. And she remained helpful throughout my visit I believe that she went on a break and while she was on it another person took over the counter and it was somebody I knew from years ago. What a wonderful personality she has and she's very warm and open to people that walk in with strange questions about unknown books. She's very knowledgeable very professional and we had a nice laugh before I left. I bought my map and I bought my book so I'm very happy. Book passage has always been a standard in the community for a good book store so I'm very glad to say that this was a very positive experience for me well done book passage and all team book passage members. read more

After living in Marin for 15 years and being a customer at The Book Passage for the same amount of time, I can honestly say I feel so mixed about this place. I love books, cozy nooks, good coffee, author talks and a community environment - The Book Passage has all of this. So, why only 3-stars? I actually want to give 2-stars, but can't. I mean, I come here a few times a week. I buy gifts in the gift section, I come here before I buy at Barnes and Noble. I keep coming...but not because I love it. But because it is hard to find a cafe in Marin (even when buying a full meal and drink) to sit and use my computer for a few hours. I can do that here. So, I put up with the b.s. which includes: -Staff continuously following me around the store suspiciously on multiple occasions -Staff asking "Can I help you? on repeat in the rudest most condescending tone I have ever heard. -Staff peering over their glasses just...watching -Staff greeting some customers as they enter, but not me. -Customers in the bookstore and cafe staring at me for prolonged moments with frowning faces I am not looking for these strange and uncomfortable moments. Actually, I try and over look them. But, I can do that only so many times. After 15 years of being a customer, I am finally fed up. And yet here I am sitting in their cute little cafe, drinking my tea, on my computer. And The Book Passage gets an A-OK review with 3-stars because this is Marin County and I have brown skin and really this has always been the case and it most likely won't be changing any time soon. But it feels good to speak up and maybe, just maybe it will make a difference. read more

This place has always amazed me a little bit. I don't know how they are able to pull it off in such a small space, but they will frequently have author events which often feature huge celebrities on book-signing tours. Equally amazing is the fact that they have been able to "hang on" as a local, independent bookstore while many others (chain and independent) have failed in Marin. With the looming technology of Kindle threatening the future of large chain Bookstores across the nation (Borders and Barnes & Noble are suddenly struggling to find their relevance), something tells me that this place will survive for decades into the future just fine. Maybe that's because their cafe has really great soups and sandwiches which make this a great "quick stop" for lunch, on top of everything else Book Passage has to offer? You have to make sure to "bookmark" this place if you are ever in the area! read more

Book Passage - Book Passage, June 2010 - Bookstores Near Me - Corte Madera, California

Yowza! How lucky am I? Hubby and I were about to enter Book Passages when we literally bumped into ED U! I was totally flummoxed and honored to meet one of my favorite Yelpers. I hope I didn't startle him too much when I had blurted out with gasps of excitement, "Are you Ed?" He smiled at me even though most normal folk would have wondered, "Who the HELL is this woman and why does she know me?" When I told him I was Rinky from Yelp he didn't even flinch or try to run away. So I got to chat with him for a few precious minutes. When I introduced Ed to my husband and told him what a brilliant writer he is, Ed just blushed and humbly said, "Aw shucks." Okay maybe he didn't say that exact phrase but he was indeed humble. And whenever I think of "humble: I think of my favorite kid's book, "Charlotte's Web." "Humble" is the ultimate compliment in my book. So, Ed I'm so glad to have finally met you. You write reviews that are brilliant, funny and inspirational. I love when you put your reviews to song. You also taught me how to correctly spell: Ambiance Brilliant to name just a few words. What a good omen to meet Ed at the one of two places I got an ROTD! Ohhhhh and btw Book Passage is still a might fine bookstore. Their collection of books all seem to be lovingly selected. Great travel books-found some books on our fall travel trip. Nice greeting card section. Wonderful kid's books with a delightful stuffed (plush) animal and puppet section. I really wanted that Lynx puppet....... sigh. Nice staff They were holding a Travel Writers Conference and they have several other workshops, readings and conferences throughout the year. Hooray for independent bookstores! read more

Before the Ferry Building location opened, city dwellers had to cross the bridge to experience Book Passage - my favorite independent bookstore in the Bay Area. They do a fantastic job of making the books leap off of the shelf and into your hands, via written staff recommendations, knowledgeable sales people, and an unbeatable roster of readings and book signings. When I used to work in Marin, I would read the newsletter every month and try to figure out how I could skip out of the office for a few hours during the day to hear Isabel Allende or some other favorite author read from their latest work. It never happened, but it was fun to think about. They also have evening readings and some on weekends. There is a great focus on travel and travel writing here, transporting you far beyond the mall and into the world outside, even if it is a rainy Tuesday night in February and your laundry is piling up at home. The food counter is nice and has an assortment of sweet things and coffee - there is an apricot/oatmeal bar that makes me say "mmmmmm" out loud every time I have one, right before I crack the pages of my new read. Book Passage offers a reader a place to browse, interact, learn, and ultimately, escape. They do this with a firm sense of community, which is exactly what a local bookstore should do. It is un-fancy, and you don't feel like you are being merchandised to death (I don't want to buy toys at a bookstore, thank you). They are serious about the pleasure of buying books, and I always leave with a bag full of wonderful works, eagerly awaiting the joy of curling up with one of them. read more

It appears to be on the outside a quaint, struggling little local bookshop. :'( In reality, the owner doesn't truly support other local businesses that support or do work for him, yet expects the people of Marin to support him and "save" his store from the "big bad wolf". I rarely found anything here, and the staff is usually cranky, or maybe they just don't know how to smile or interact with humans. If they don't have what you want on hand without ordering it, go somewhere else. You'll save time, and money and spare yourself from the unhappy employees. read more

If you're new in town and love reading, you absolutely HAVE to check this place out! No, it's not nearly as cheap as Amazon Prime, which is a drawback if you're on a budget, BUT Book Passage reminds us of the importance of shopping independent. Free author events, great customer service, and delicious food. Check out teacher events to monitor PS. Teachers, you get a discount! read more

This place I been few times and this place is SMALL and yet they have other books in the store but other books or magizen you need to step outside of the store and walk 5 store fronts down to get more books and magizen still part of the Book Passage store fronts since the first store so tiny. It Like heading a needle in a hay stack then after you find 1 but you need to dig few more stacks more to find what you need! This place is a ok store but Its pricely and VERY Limted you can find! Iperf go to chain of SUPPER store to find what you need and they have CAFE in which that place don't have! Book Passage come on. If you think you can out beat the chain stores, You need baddly a supper store, cafe, much lowwer prices to compare to your store! Corte Madera do have HUGE store fronts don't be that CHEAP! Move a place more bigger then small. Your screwwing your self no one want to go small. Go for HUGE! If you want to make it in this world!!! read more

How can you not love Book Passage? In a world full of Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and other chain stores/websites, this family-owned bookstore keeps surviving and thriving. What once started out as a little bookstore in Corte Madera, has now grown in to a literary multiplex/empire. The store keeps expanding in to other parts of the shopping center. They even opened a second store in the SF Ferry Building! They have a large area for guest authors and lectures/classes. They always draw the top writers and celebrities for book signings (everyone from Bill Clinton to Dave Barry). I took a screenwriting class here years ago. Our teacher (Gerald Di Pego) was great. A few years later, he wound up writing some successful movies (Phenomenon with John Travolta, and Message In A Bottle with Kevin Costner). Book Passage continues to be a success not because they have the lowest prices (they don't), but because of their friendly, knowledgeable staff, their comfortable store lay-out, their charming in-house cafe, and their ongoing role as a leader in the community. Marin County is very lucky to have this place. read more

I have been going to Book Passage for many years Despite the competition from the large chain stores and the Internet it remains as our book store of choice for many reasons. It has wonderful service. It is part of the fabric of our community. The lectures remain as a wonderful opportunity to hear authors discuss their books. And it is our go to place for anything related to travel Thank you Book Passage!! read more

I think this is my favorite bookstore. Their selection is great and the staff is really knowledgeable. But the thing that really sets Book Passage apart are their classes and author events. I've seen all sort of world class writers doing readings here and I've also partaken in classes taught by some of my favorites. Places like this deserve your business. read more

I love this bookstore. It's rare to find such bookstore gems these days, but Book Passage is just that. The employees are friendly and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is also very warm and welcoming. I especially love how they curate a great finds for children's books... they're a nice mix of fresh new books but also some classics. It really comes in handy for children's gifts. The cafe which is part of the bookstore makes it a great opportunity to enjoy reading and work in such a nice environment. And in addition to children's books, they are also keeping new books on display which is great for browsing the newest stuff. read more

This place just has the right balance of everything. Always someone to offer help if you look like you need it, but enough distance to let you browse and even sit and read awhile in some comfortable chairs, unlike Barnes & Noble, who took out every chair around the store so people won't linger (and they wonder why they have to fill half their store with toys to get sales now.) Book Passage concentrates on BOOKS and has THE most amazing author events. Many ultra-famous celebs go to the SF location but the Corte Madera store gets plenty of famous authors as well and offers a small, intimate setting, which is awesome. (I was in the store one evening and just happened upon Andrew McCarthy, of the Brat Pack fame, talking about his travel book.) Their cafe has tons of yummy options and very sweet baristas. Amazing selection of kids books (again, not just inundated with toys, toys, toys) and the location also has a used book section which goes to a good cause.. Hours are long and late (until 9) and reliable (unlike another local store that has been closed early twice when I have gone by.) What's not to love?? read more

What a nice oasis in the outskirts of the Bay area. My wife and I stopped here on our way through the area because there just so happened to be an author signing that day (Dave Eggers!). The store was easy to find off the interstate and there was ample parking. The first thing you notice when you come here is that the store is split into two buildings. I'm not sure how that works if you find something in one building but still want to browse the other. Do you have to make separate purchases or do you need an escort with your not-yet-puchased items or do they blindly trust you not to steal? Hmmm. Confusion aside, this is a great store. For the collectors, there are tons (seriously, if you added them up, they would weigh tons) of signed books, mostly first printings, though some paperbacks. For the readers/collectors who love to meet authors and pick their brains, they have author readings/signings on a daily basis. One store is pretty much general fiction, though there are other categories. The other store is non fiction but, as an added bonus for your inner thrifty diva, they have a used book section. This bumps the store up to five stars for me. New and used in one place at great prices? You can't beat it. But we're not done there. They also have a cafe and a non-book section filled with your typical cards and artwork and your not-so-typical hats (my wife bought a great red hat there). The staff was super friendly and easily answered our few questions. And Dave Eggers was super friendly as well and didn't rush through the signing, nor was he rushed by the store's staff. We had a good 3 or 4 minute conversation with him. In the end, we left with a cute hat, a signed book, and memories of a great experience. I suspect that's the case for most folks who visit Book Passage. read more

Ah the good ole' Book Passage. Privately owed bookstore, with a large selection of books, they get some of the most amazing people to speak there. To find out who it is that is coming you need to join their newsletter. I use to go here every morning for a latte when I worked across the street. The cafe has some very delicious food as well. Fresh local produce and quality meats. read more

Book passage is a breath of fresh air from B&Ns or other large corporate bookstores. Knowledgable staff, wealth of books both used and new, interesting events, and a cafe with pretty delicious food. The set up is strange I'll admit with two stores right next to each other but I am willing to put that aside and actually am somewhat thankful that the kids section is apart from the rest of the store... read more

Wonderful, independent book store with a decent used book section. Connects with Hospice every year and I love that. Only gripe is the retail section in the middle of their 'travel' area. Poorly merchandised, cluttered and just doesn't fit with the whole vibe of Book Passage. Never has. And strangely, the staff on the coffee shop side seem much nicer than the staff on the travel side. Odd. I still love it and try to always buy my books here. read more

Lovely little bookstore. Does a lot of book signings, author events, and other things to get the community to come out. Nice book selection though the employees tend to be a bit snooty- don't mention something you found at Barnes and Noble because the ladies have that place like Voldemort... the place that shall not be named! Cute selection, nice kids books especially, and the staff picks are fabulous reads. Really love the local author highlight- I love reading local work. read more

Sign up for the newsletter! This is the most amazing bookstore that ever existed, and that will ever exist. Wonderful place to and read, and sip of coffee while snacking on goodies. I love the local author events. Barack Obama came here well before his POTUS days, and I believe HRC has read here as well. read more

Love the place Used books are great. The travel section is incredible. Only reason it loses a star is for the cafe which serves some stale pastries read more

I love this place! You won't find a better bookstore. End of story. Support your local bookstore my fellow readers! read more

This is a wonderful bookstore. For some reason, most times I've visited it's been raining, so in addition to browsing a great independent bookstore, I got to sit down and read with the blustery window soaking this place's many windows. Their selection is pretty extensive, and this is a really fun place to look through. It doesn't have the nooks and crannies that many bookstores have, but it makes up for that by being shaped circularly, so there is some sort of interesting element to it. read more

If Book passage was gone, real estate value in Corte Madera would go down!! Haha... Well, it's that awesome! We need more of these bookstores in the US! Independent bookstore with small used section(usually opposite, no?), friendly people, cafe, offer not just book club but many more classes! It's a place for local people to gather. We were a couple of book lover, we go to every bookstores in town we visit. This bookstore is how local bookstore should be! read more

Book Passage - Bookstores Near Me - Corte Madera, California

Recently got the SPQR cookbook by Shelley Lindgren and Matt Accarrino, based on their newly appointed Michelin Star restaurant. Not only did we get to meet the two, chat and have them sign our books, they cooked a meal and paired wines as well. How many book stores do you know will hold events this involved? Met a few of the folks who work at this branch and had a great meal with them. Looking forward to more of these events. 4.5 stars read more

I'll always remember book passage because I attended AL GORE'S book signing. It was great he picked a place in Marin county which is away from the city and at a local family owned independent store. I don't know how book passage scored a date with Al Gore but the community (well as least for the people who loves him) with buzzing with excitement. I prefer coming here than Borders I strongly believe in supporting local businesses to kept the community thriving with diversity. I make sure I stop by when I am at the DMV, I mean there is nothing better than to pick up your spirits after a dreadful wait at the DMV. The staff is friendly and will so the best they can to find you the book you need. read more

I've always appreciated this local, well-stocked independent bookstore and their very pleasant cafe, and I paid the premium to order books from them rather than Amazon during the pandemic with a wish to help stores like this stay open. I had a very weird experience with staff in the used/children's /travel side of the store today, and I see from other reviews that I may not be the only one. When I walked into the store, a staff member was being shrilly unpleasant with an elderly woman trying to figure out how to use the bathroom key -- I thought, hey, I don't know what just happened, and I'm not out to judge. . . when I walked to the register with two books, another, frightened-seeming staff member said she was going on break and called over staff member #1, who called out in an openly irritated tone, "how may I HELP you?" My stunned reply: "Um, I'd like to buy some books?" She was clearly simmering with suppressed emotion through the brief transaction, all the way through wishing me a WONDERFUL afternoon. I don't know what was going on, but I walked out with an adrenaline punch that I certainly wasn't expecting. Some of the most intense passive-aggressive vibe I've ever randomly walked into in a retail setting. What's going on here? read more

The reason for my one star is for the horrible customer service, right as I walked in the door two female employees noticed me and gave me dirty looks. Not even a simple "hello" or "is there anything I can help you with today?" This store shouldn't be hiring young teenagers who ignore customers and go on their phones while working. There's clearly a reason why your book store is empty and I wouldn't be coming back again. read more

Such an adorable, charming independent book store! SUPPORT! read more

Skip the crummy impersonal giant chain bookstores and come here instead. The staff are helpful and make great reccomendations. Support local bookstores! read more

If you have a lot of time to kill and really wish you had money to travel somewhere, go spend some time in the Travel section of Book Passage. They have a decent selection of non-travel books, but the Travel section and maps is really where they shine. Haven't experience any negative customer service as some reviews have. But mostly I just want people to leave me alone in a bookstore so I can loiter for hours over the books. read more