Really unique bookstore in a storage facility. I honestly thought I was at the wrong place when I pulled in then went inside and it goes on forever. Found some great random books my son collects and the prices were fair. Fun stop on our trip. read more

I'm not sure what the point is of having a store if you're never available during your own posted business hours. Cal's is a 25-minute drive for me, and after multiple times driving over during their posted business hours only to find a "Closed for lunch, back at 3" type of sign on the door at 1:00 or 1:30, I will not be trying anymore. Cal's posted business hours are from 10:00am to 5:00pm. 7 hours that they are posted as being open to the public. Nonetheless, they apparently take half or more of those afternoon hours off for a lunch break every day. Not only have I been unable to go inside during their business hours, but I cannot even get through on the phone to find out when (or if) they plan to actually be there. Phone calls during business hours just go to voicemail. It's a shame that the oldest bookstore in the area with the largest, and possibly best selection of books, doesn't appear to be owned by someone who wants to actually work the store. I've been so excited each time to go in, but so far, it's been nothing but a waste of gas and time with each attempt ending in disappointment. How they're financially keeping their doors open at this point is beyond me. They're never available for anyone to buy anything! I've since learned I'm not the only one who has experienced this lately, nor am I the only one who is feeling frustrated by the owner's lack of professionalism. They appear to not even open on some posted business days, and take long, random lunch breaks on others. There have been other cars sitting there for who knows how long, waiting on them to return when I have tried going. Others, like me, see the sign that they are closed for some hours, and leave looking disappointed. I will continue to give the other local bookstores my business, but I will not be wasting any more time or gas driving out to Cal's. Cal's - please update your posted business hours to save people their gas and time of driving over when you have no intention of being there. Either that or maybe just be there when you are advertised as being open. read more

I called 530-243-5499. It rang several times, and then an automated voice welcomed me to the Message Management System, directing me to enter the number of the person I wish to speak to. Very frustrating, as I don't know the number of any of the people who work there! I just wanted to know if they would take donations of records, books and magazines. Being Cal's books, that's kind of a Facepalm question, I know, but I just wanted to get a real person on the line, and am unable to do so. Selection: absolutely Prices: Not bad at all Location: Not the best, but I'm use to going there, so no big Service: Meh - I'm not expecting people to fall all over themselves for me, but when I can't even get someone on the line after numerous calls makes me wonder if there isn't room for improvement in that area. read more

A bit hectic merchandising style but if you want a book they probably have it!!! I was browsing for almost an hour and left with 7 books!! I'll be back soon!!! read more

This place is amazing. Literal floor to ceiling bookshelves, large space, diverse selection (tons of mystery and thriller books, but not exclusively; I was able to find two Louis de Bernières novels I've never seen in the wild), affordable prices. Even more refreshing, Cal's has a progressive, queer-friendly vibe--something of a rarity in Redding these days. Some used bookstores really blow your mind. Cal's is one of them. The shop has served the Redding area since 1974! The power of the used bookstore, my friends. Incredible. There need to be more spaces like this--open, welcoming, somewhere to expand your mind. It's especially important these days. And most especially in places like Redding. Give Cal's all your money!! read more

I took my disabled client there to look for a special book and both of the employees were not helpful they didn't offer to get the book for us so we just left terrible customer service read more

This was one of the coolest bookstores I've been to. There was piles on piles of books of all different genres. They also had a lot of comics and superhero stuff if you're into that. I chatted with the owner for a bit and he's a super friendly and hospitable guy. The prices here are reasonable and there's a great selection. A must stop for book lovers. read more

See all

I am completely in love with this bookstore. It's located less than 5 minutes away from my parents house and I am sad that I only recently discovered this bookstore this past year. My dad would have loved this store. Set in the very back of a long warehouse building, you would completely miss it if you didn't already know exactly where to look. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by the comforting smell of old book pages. Every nook and cranny houses a book. There is also a very impressive collection of records and an entire wall dedicated to comic books. I love to take my time slowly prowling each aisle waiting to see which titles jump out at me. Which author or genre is speaking to me during the visit. I find myself drifting in a calm and cozy headspace as I explore and peruse. If you are a passionate reader and am looking for something to do in Redding, you are going to love Cal's. read more

See all

I really like this place. TREMENDOUS selection, reasonably-priced, humble and helpful owner. The outside is pretty underwhelming, but when you step inside, it's like you've landed on Planet Book! read more

Cal's Books - Bookstores Near Me - Redding, California

Beautiful beautiful place ! We loved every inch of this place. The bookstore was definitely full of life and loved how unique it was ! The energy from people were calming and inviting! Will be coming back ! read more

My mother used to buy and sell books at this place - for years and years this was the only place she bought books (I think Cal may have still been running the store, not sure). My mother passed away, leaving behind several hundred hardback novels and piles of soft cover books. While in the process of clearing out the house, I called Cal's Books to make sure they were still buying (or even accepting donations)... The "gentleman" who answered the phone was really arrogant and told me to tell him some of the authors (these books range from 1950s to contemporary). As I started to go through some of the books, he interrupted me and said "naw, it doesn't sound good." The person I spoke with on the phone was rude and condescending. I am not writing this review only because my mother was a regular here for decades - I'm writing it because I want other people to know that they just might have to deal with a complete idiot who answers the phone at a (what used to be) a wonderful book store. read more

I recommend you call before you go. The first day I went during business hours, but it was locked up/closed. There's a sign on the road, then you have to drive to the end of the row of shops, parking stalls right in front. Large selection of used books, all individually priced, most of the ones I looked at were in the $3.50-$4.50 range, some newer ones were more expensive. The employee was a lot friendlier and chattier with some other customers than with me, but I was there for the books, not the banter. Give yourself time to browse, some books could be found in various sections. read more

The most amazing book shop I've been to! It's got books as far as the eye can see, anything you would desire, and the owner knows what's there and what's not! Recommend this place. read more

Pretty cool place in a very unassuming space. However, the elderly gentleman running the shop was incredibly rude when I asked for assistance. Definitely lost all interest to shop there moving forward. If they get kinder customer service this place would be more worthwhile. read more

They don't answer the phone. I've bought books there and would again if they answered the phone. Frank Ryan read more

Best bookstore I think that I have EVER seen! I was in awe when I walked thru the door and saw so many, many books on floor to ceiling shelves and then some. Books were in alphabetical order according to category which must of taken the owner quite some time to do, again I've never seen so many books in one place. I LOVE THIS STORE !! It is definitely worth the trip and time to visit. Great prices, wide variety and a super knowledgeable and friendly store owner. And for such an out of the way bookstore there were no lack of customers while we were there. And, it appears that there are a lot of regulars of which I will now be one of them. Cal's Books is now our go-to bookstore from here on out. Thank you Cal for such a great place. You've done an excellent job with your store!! read more

For those in the Redding California area, if you don't know about this hidden gem, you need to get to know it. Don't walk, run, and get to this quaint but stocked with floor to ceiling treasures!!! Looking for an old classic? Old comic? Vinyl? There are treasures to be had so don't leave without visiting. It is tucked toward the back of a warehouse area but it is there, trust me!! read more

See all

Love Cals Books, always find what I want and more! Great prices and customer service!

I have come here many times in the last year and every time been greeted kindly! Carl the shopkeep and owner I believe is extremely knowledgeable! I highly recommend visiting it is like walking through a library of your dreams. So full of charm in and out a staple of redding! Please visit and keep Cals books open! read more

Cal's Books - Bookstores Near Me - Redding, California

This is by far the finest bookstore in Redding with an impressive selection and knowledgeable friendly owner. Highly recommend.

If you are a book lover, go to this book store immediately! Driving up to it, we were a bit skeptical, because of it's location. BUT, as soon as we walked in the door, we were in heaven. Omg, we wanted to spend the next month getting lost in there. And all of the old books, and everything else had us mesmerized. If we didn't leave when we had, we would have spent hundreds of dollars. I'm telling you, go, go, go!! You won't regret it. read more

Book lovers rejoice, this is THE Northern California crown jewel. The inventory is vast and obscure with a visual feast of wall to wall books. The owner is highly knowledgeable and takes the time to help you find what you need but also isn't one to push unnecessary sales. Highly recommend if you have time to kill or are looking for something specific. Reddings best kept secret. read more

Cals is a dream for the collector. There are so many hidden corners and nooks to find treasures, you can easily spend an hour or two looking through all he has to offer. Definitely a diggers paradise, I found some great vinyl as well as books on my last visit. He also has a rare book section which I'm sure has some gems. Definitely worth your time! read more

Called this store for advice to sell comics. Gentlemen.that took the call was opened and honest and I appreciated that. Thanks

We've been coming to this book store for 27 years now and they always have what I need. No matter how obscure. Now our daughter is obsessed with your book store now too. We love it! read more

One of the coolest book stores we've ever been too, huge selection and very reasonable prices. Would definitely recommend a stop if passing through Redding. read more

What a gem! This place is literally floor to ceiling books and smells like a mix of Nag Champa and Old books which I am convinced is what heaven smells like. Not only is it a feast for the eyes but you'll find extraordinary deals here. I purchased a 1937 First Edition John James Audubon "The Birds of America" for $24, such an incredible find and deal! Will most definitely be back, my new favorite place! read more

Cal's Books - Bookstores Near Me - Redding, California

See all

Great little hidden hole in the wall! This bookstore has been around FOREVER!!!!!!!! Glad it still is. Once he gets to know you, the owner is very personable and very knowledgeable. Do yourself a favor and peruse through this great bookstore. They also have books on CD, a huge comic book section and lots of funky, fun, interesting art on the walls. You can trade books in for credit and get new/used ones for super cheap too! read more

Books in every nook and cranny of the shop. If you love books and love reading this is absolutely the place for you. If you are in Redding go to this shop, this should be a must go visit. I bought Astrophysics for people in a hurry, the case for Mars, and a book about our solar system and all for the price of what the first book normally costs. I can really tell Cal wants to share his love of books and reading with the world. There are book shelf's from the floor to the ceiling and more books than there are shelf's. Let's help Cal sell these books and give him support, what he's created here is nothing short of spectacular. I'll definitely be returning to Cals every time I'm in California. The place was wonderful! read more

THE BEST BOOKSTORE EVER! We first drove by yesterday and, sadly, it was closed. I asked the storeowner next door and apparently, Cal occasionally takes Mondays off, sometimes Tuesdays. Basically, if he's not there by 12:30pm, he's not likely to be there that day. Made sure to call today and YAY! The store is open. I wasn't sure what to expect because the store resides within a storage unit... very unlike any used bookstore I've been to. Then we walked in and we were greeted by 6010693760194760109395 books. Literally. The further we walked in, the more books we saw. It was utterly amazing. At least 5 spacious rooms filled with books from floor to ceiling. Many of the bookshelves also had books protruding from them and wooden planks connected free-standing bookshelves together. What were on those wooden planks? Books, of course. The books are a bit pricey but it's good to support mom and pop shops. Some books can be bought for stellar prices, such as travel guides. We asked Cal how long it took for him to amass his collection; it took some 40+ years! Such an impressive collection and eclectic store. He clearly loves books and for bibliophiles such as us, we will certainly be back for more books! read more

I don't know how he does it, but Chris knows where everything is. He has an internal map of the store, which us wall to wall, floor to ceiling PACKED. The prices are right, match the quality of the book, and you can find newer books as well as ancient, incredible finds from before ISBNs. Check out their local history section! read more

I've been looking for a genuine locally owned used bookstore. Cal's is overwhelming but in the best way possible. It seems like you would get lost and not be able to find anything but that is wrong. Everything is clearly and easily labeled. The customer service is great. I browsed for a minute but when I needed help they knew exactly where to go. I was just sad I couldn't spend hours there. I will definitely be coming back to spend a lot more time and taking it all in!! Thank you for being such a blessing! read more

Cal's Books - Heaven. No matter where I turned in faced a wall of books. - Bookstores Near Me - Redding, California

I love this book store! And Cal can find you anything you want, provided he has it. Make sure you call before heading that way and make sure he is open, but well worth it if he is. Also bring your old books you don't want and trade them for new books. read more

I really really love this book store. The guy who works there (I am horrible with names) is super knowledgeable about every single thing I have asked him, which has ranged from childrens books, to WWII to scifi to Stephen King. He has never not known the answer. The shop is floor to ceiling books. Literally. There is something for everyone in this store. My husband who usually avoids books actually buys and reads from this store. I live all the way across town, so I always call ahead just to make sure he is open. He has a tendency to be closed on some Mondays. Normal hours are 10:30-5:30 Monday through Saturday. read more

Cal's Books - Coolest closed sign I have ever seen. I wasn't even disappointed that they were closed. - Bookstores Near Me - Redding, California

A great used bookstore stocked floor to ceiling with just about every category you are looking for. The owner is really nice and knows his stuff. Highly recommended. read more

Cal's Books - Bookstores Near Me - Redding, California

Fantastic book store. Knowledgeable owner. Fair trading.

If you were captured by the library in Beauty and the Beast, you will love this place. Its timeless, overflows with all genres of titles, and, wandering through the towers of shelves, you may even stumble upon a sliding ladder. It is hidden in a strange place for a bookstore, but that might just add to the magic. read more

Best book store in Redding! Floor to ceiling books on everything and anything, a few records, and even comic books. Fair prices and great selection. The owner really seems to know every book there and is very helpful with any questions we have had. My favorite place to visit when I'm in redding! read more

Asked the owner if he takes used books, walked right past me without even looking at me and said depends on what kind and kept walking! Guess he doesn't want my business! read more

If you ever imagined what a little bookstore in your favorite fantasy book looks like Cal's is it. At first glance it's a chaotic tornado of wonder but as you explore it's a well organized treasure trove with interest at every angle. It truly has everything and to top it off they often play old records making it truly feel like you are the protagonist of a book! (to top it off it has a ladder like in beauty and the beast, you can't send it whooshing across the room but it definitely made some childhood dreams come true!) read more