You can only love this place. Great selection and great customer service (which is helpful if they don't have what you're looking for, they'll get it for you!!). Nice environment, quiet enough yet not library-esque. So much nicer than the sound of amazon clicks. read more

Awful experience! I'm an easy going father of three who was looking forward to Copperfield's opening as a new neighborhood store. Unfortunately, for them, we will not be visiting again. Today I visited with my children and were followed constantly by the sales person who had a problem whenever we looked at a book or moved something. He was very impatient if one of my kids picked up anything and, after trying to make a $50 (!) purchase, he scrutinized my signature on the receipt like I was a known felon. The exact opposite of 'family friendly' and the epitome of horrible customer service. After making the purchase, I spoke to a 'manager' who could care less and I promptly returned all of the items. Amazon thanks you for the order I placed with them tonight (for a fraction of the cost and with zero attitude towards my children) and we will be heading back to Book Passage for the local store environment. read more

WONDERFUL bookstore! The books are so prettily displayed, and the salespeople are incredibly helpful. A friend and I were looking for a book on octopuses, and the saleswoman not only found it for us right away, but she also showed us this a related beautiful book - not even to sell it to us, but to just show us the beauty of this book (and it was filled with stunning photography). I just loved the layout of the store. They should really put the fiction section right up front and center, though, it's too bad it's off to the side and a bit hidden! read more

I love frequenting independent booksellers, and Copperfield's in San Rafael is a local treat. The staff is down-to-earth and knowledgeable. Dogs are allowed in the book area (not the cafe up front, of course), and they always offer my dog a treat. The store offers a rewards program for a nominal fee, and a teacher's discount for books and materials used in the classroom. With their not-infrequent buy 2, get one free sales, I have walked out of Copperfield's on more than one occasion with an armful of books. They often have wonderful children's books on sale, and a well-stocked children's collection. As a teacher, I was impressed by the quality of the books offered when I was shopping for a recent biography unit. Truly beautiful and diverse books. There is a large magazine section and a wide variety of greeting cards, some by local artists, and many hilarious and unique ones as well. Copperfield's has a good selection of gifts and puzzles for every reader and nonreader. There are several places to sit and read in the store, and I have never been bothered by an employee while browsing for ages... except to ask if I need any help. read more

Every time I've visited this store an employee has taken my shoulder bag from me. They treat you like a thief for simply bringing a bag to carry the books you buy. This has happened to me on multiple occasions. They treat female customers differently. Why the sexism copperfields? read more

I came here on a Saturday morning to study in their cafe and was pleasantly surprised by my experience. Despite my 2-year-old gift card having expired, I ordered a small latte from the cafe (which ended up being huge) and sat down at one of their many tables. The cafe is a lovely place to sit and read or study, especially as the sun is coming through in the morning. There are tables and also a stools along the window so you can people watch while you drink your coffee. The coffee was delicious, if a bit overpriced, but was served in beautiful mugs and saucers. After working I explored the book shop and loved it. So many different nooks and books - a book lovers paradise. I didn't have any particular book in mind but they seemed to have a vast selection of books and lovely staff around the store. read more

Have had a number of good experiences at Copperfield's recently! Came by one Friday evening and discovered live music and art as well as good coffee! Then I went by earlier this week and discovered a pleasant woman reading in the children's section for morning story time. Found great cards and gifts for Father's Day as well! The giant kites are very festive and they have cushioned chairs to read in. The staff was knowledgeable. Thanks! read more

The building layout and wifi itself is what makes this place worth going to. However, the staff is HORRIBLE AND RUDE! I have been a paying customer at this place for a long time most recently have been a treated with disrespect and discriminated for who knows what reason (probably because these people make no money and are bitter) and have seen it happen to others as well. Today I simply walked in hoping to work on my computer for about an hour and already the coffee shop area was closed at like 2pm (do to a lack of customers) but there were still people sitting in the coffee shop area using there computers so I continued to walk in. Right as I am trying to sit down this very rude and grumpy grinch who works in the book section, yelled at me from across the room in an angry grinch voice so everyone could hear "Hey you, you cant see the coffee shop is closed." First off that is not how you talk to someone on the street, non the less a employee talking to a customer that way. A lot of negative unhappy people work in this place (mainly this grumpy grinch and miss hatersworth) who like to project their own insecurities and pathetic lives onto other people, including customers. Its unfortunate because this place could be great for the community but I think the real problem lies with the owner. He puts on a good front like he this nice and welcoming person but really is a petty penny pincher with a snarky wanna be important person attitude who does not evoke a welcoming vibe at all so naturally that bad vibe trickles down. He makes his merchandise overly priced and cuts employees of their hours from what I'm told to save money, not to mention cut store hours as mentioned. Some previous employees who I was acquaintances with told me they quit because of the bad ownership and rude staff that still lingers. I can understand that they want to stop the homeless people from flowing in and out of there to not lose customers, but to be rude and unwelcoming to paying customers is unacceptable and a disgrace. I hope this place gets shut down soon and a new owner takes over who actually knows how to run a business because someone needs to flush out the swamp. Just another case of bad people messing up a good thing. Don't like to spread negative vibes or waste my time writing a yelp review but sometimes its called for. #keepingit100 #karmaisabitch #slapyourself read more

Wonderful book selection, cafe on site with food and coffee good prices, inside seating, warm and comfortable atmosphere inside, large selection of travel, cooking, children's, and sale books! Love the staff book recommendations. Highly recommend. read more

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We love that this is a local business! Things we like: 1. Walking distance and can be ordered for pickup 2. Friendly, knowledgeable baristas 3. Great place to meet up with friends, clients or work solo Tip: Ask for extra sauce. read more

I was looking for a certain recently published book. I knew that it had been published in hardback, and that's what I wanted. The clerk told me that they only had it in soft cover. And she went beyond that to inform me that publishers retract their hard covered books as soon as the paperback comes out. I suppose this is to save space in the store, but to me that's an abomination. As I get older, I need the slightly larger and more widely spaced print. And since I can afford it, the better paper and binding. Understanding my need, the clerk searched in the back and found the hard cover for me among the piles scheduled to be returned. I was so happy. She saved the book and I was able to get it that day. Now that's service! read more

This bookstore is so cool and perfect if you have children and love books, candles and coffee. My daughter loves their selection of stuffed animals. The books they have on the discount tables are wonderful. You can get lost here. It's open and friendly but not rushed, unless they are closing. Be mindful of their hours. It is hands down my favorite bookstore. read more

I just went to exchange a pair of decorative socks I received as a Christmas gift from my sister. As a teacher, I've spent a lot of time and money in the store, & I thought nothing of exchanging the gift for a different pair of socks I don't already own. I've made many exchanges in countless stores without a receipt, and there has never been an issue. This was Not the case at Copperfield's. Not only did they treat me in a rude, condescending manner, they made it seem as though I was trying to steal product by seeking a simple, even exchange. Though I prefer to shop locally, I will never give the store another penny of my money, and I'll encourage my family to shop elsewhere as well. read more

What a store! Super large selection of books, a nice cafe, awesome staff, clean & new bathrooms. I don't buy books a lot (I tend to go to the library), but I really liked the vibe at this store. My friend bought some temporary tattoos for her nieces. Great place to take kids. read more

Best bookstore for my style. It is large enough with a good selection of books and magazines to pick from. The coffee shop is small. With that said, for the purpose of reading and enjoying a good cup of coffee and snack it is fave. I love visiting this bookstore when I need to do some of my creative thinking. A most spot to check out for book lovers. read more

It's great to have a real bookstore in San Rafael again. Great selection and atmosphere.

Came in for a quick bite and use the wifi. Food was ok but wifi not working. Staff have no idea how to reboot the router or what might be the issue. This isn't 1997. Cant believe this is happening today. Had to go down the road to mcdonalds for internet (and a Big Mac)!! read more

Warm & inviting atmosphere, with an amazing selection of books. Anytime I have trouble finding a unique coffee table book, this is my go to store. The staff is well trained & deserve an A+ on customer service. This is my new favorite location of the 7 bookstores. I used to live in Napa & Sonoma County, so I've been to them all. read more

Stopped in for coffee actually - Taylor Maid has a coffee stand in the building - but thought I'd look around. I don't spend the time often enough to browse books - either order on line or borrow from the library these days. Kind of embarrassing how infrequently I pick up an actual book given that I am a middle aged man with a BA in English. Let's just say I know more about Angry Birds these days than "To Kill a Mockingbird". I'd say there were 3 other customers in the reasonably large shop and at least that many employees present as well - Saturday afternoon, Holiday weekend. I'd been in the store about 5 minutes and was looking for books to help me in my quest to master Photoshop when I was approached and told (not asked) that I would need to leave my backpack at the front desk. I explained it was a camera bag that contained a few thousand dollars worth of equipment and the clerk told me not to worry it would be safe. I replied that I did not feel comfortable allowing this equipment out of my control (which is why I don't leave it in the car) and she said I would have to leave - store policy not to allow backpacks. So I left. Hey - you can have any policy you want. And I get that it was my choice to leave instead of giving you my camera bag. You lost out on a potential sale - I do buy books when given the opportunity. You let me know that rather than offer service, you are choosing to treat everyone as a potential criminal - including me, who could not look less like a petty thief if I tried. You do realize that EVERYONE now carries a backpack or reusable bag since one time use bags are pretty much banned? Not to mention that book store patrons seem more likely than the general population to be environmentally sensitive. How about you ASK (as a SERVICE) if you could make it EASIER for me to shop by OFFERING to hold my bag at the counter? And RESPECTING my decision to hold onto my valued possessions if I choose. Would be good if you posted this policy too since I did not see it at the door. But what do I know? Clearly you have come up with a plan to successfully retail a dying product category that doesn't involve welcoming, friendly service. Good luck with that. read more

Pleasant little book store and a fun place to browse. They also have an amazing selection of magazines and greeting cards. There is a coffee shop inside the store as well. The book selection is a bit eclectic, so it's more of a place to just wander and see what catches your eye vs. expecting stacks of best sellers. read more

This bookstore has an inviting, small setting feel & it's a great outpost on 4th Street, in Downtown San Rafael! The staff is super knowledgeable, always willing to find a book in the stacks, share their top read ideas or place a quick order. The sale table overflows and they've got a great selection of independent magazines as well as stationary, unique greeting cards & small gifts. It's an added bonus that they have a coffee bar & bake shop on the same premise....where were these places when I was under 20?! Thank you independent book stores! We love you! read more

Copperfields Books opened recently on San Rafael's 4th Street. It really enhances the quality of life in our downtown area, since we really needed a bookstore--especially after Borders shut down. The staff at Copperfields are friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable. They are planning to open a cafe to go with the bookstore some time this spring. I highly recommend a visit to this wonderful store. read more

I am really impressed with this fine bookstore. The staff is friendly and knowledgable. The selection of books is fairly impressive. And the bookstore is accompanied by a fabulous cafe that serves organic coffee. It is possible to purchase a membership for Copperfield's that gives you a 10% discount, and supports this wonderful independent bookstore! read more

Love this place! I love the fact that they have s really nice cafe here with yummy drinks and goodies to eat! Wish Petaluma had a cafe connected to its bookstore! read more

Lovely independent bookstore in San Rafael. The café seems nice but isn't especially relevant to me (I don't drink coffee), but the bookstore itself is wonderful: an excellent selection of books from every category and genre; a helpful, knowledgeable staff; a big, open area that encourages browsing and wandering; and a strong selection of magazines and other items. Independent bookstores are a sadly endangered species, thanks to Amazon, so places like this deserve all the support we can give them; luckily, Copperfield's more than earns that support. read more

Great place and it's all about supporting local booksellers. You can't chill at the 'Amazon' cafe so pay a bit extra unless, of course, you prefer pawn shops or another bloody hair salon. read more

I am a big fan of the Petaluma location, so I was eagerly anticipating this one. It is a very good book store, with a phenomenal selection, of books, cards, blank journals. The coffee tastes great. 3 gripes: a) coffee bar doesn't have chocolate to shake out b) coffee bar doesn't have nutmeg to shake out c) the drum track in the background means you can't just sit and relax. I will add a star if they find better background music. read more

I was at your San Rafael's Copperfield bookstore last night, Friday, August 25 with my young daughter. This will be my last time I visit and buy anything from Copperfield's. On this trip we spent 20 minutes in the children section, I was looking for new picture books to add to her collection. My daughter was playing with the stuff animals on the beanbags and the hopscotch rug that you have in your store. She was enjoying herself playing, laughing, counting out loud, talking to the toy animals and looking at books. A female sales clerk walked by and told her rudely not to put the toys on the ground. I apologized, picked them up and placed the toys high on the shelf. My daughter asked for the stuff toy dragon. I decided that she could have a new toy since she has been so good with her potty training and grabbed a few new picture books as well. On our way to the register your sales clerk, David Johnson, stopped us. He told me "You need to teach your child how to behave in a bookstore" I was immediately offended. I replied that she a toddler and have done nothing wrong while in the store. He said " This is a quiet bookstore and she is too loud and you need to discipline her on how to act". I asked him for his name and I reminded him that this is a store and not a library, if he has a problem with children than why have children items for sale. He replied coldly "Well behaved children are welcome but not a child like her and you need to teach her." I replied, " Are you trying to shame my daughter and my parenting?" He replies, " Yes, you just need to teach her how to act in public." I was furious, disappointed, shocked and hurt. I hear about people shaming parents but I never though it would happen to me. I placed the books and the toy dragon down and walked out. While walking out a customer at the register told David, that he must not have children and that my daughter was just being a kid. I was followed out by another customer who witness the entire interaction and said that she could not believe what she saw especially since you are our local community bookstore with a large children section and that she has a child herself and will not be buying anything from your store and suggested that I reach out to management. My daughter is a sweet, adventurous 2 year old that loves books and animals. She loves our trips to our local bookstore, which we frequent often. This evening she left your store in tears, not because of leaving a toy and books behind that was promised but of the frighten interaction that she was placed in the middle of when your employee approached us with his negative, unnecessary and hurtful comments. After speaking with David again on the phone to get your contact information. He informed me that I entitle to my opinion if I need to contact you as he is of his. Which is true but I did not ask for his opinion, he approached us to belittle and insult us tonight. Your website state that "your employees are committed to support your local community, committed to our "bricks and mortar" roots and that you will always be welcome in your store." Do this not include children? Does this mean your employees can single out your customers because they are not happy with children laughter and make us feel unwelcome? I ask you, when did customer service become customer shaming? When did our local bookstore become a place where we need be quiet and will be chastise if you do not oblige to this unspoken rule? Will you allow David to openly belittle and dishearten my daughter for being a child? I trust that this is not the way that Copperfield Books does business. I personally feel David has no place interacting with the public when he lacks the most basic sense of propriety and kindness. As a life long residence, member and professional in this community I feel obligated to let my family, friends, book club members, parents of play groups, day care know about my horrific experience in your bookstore this evening, in hopes that this will not happen to them. read more

This place had a super welcoming and friendly feel. I can't wait until the coffee bar is finished! As usual with copperfields I found a great book and I can't wait to begin another good read. read more

I have been going to the cafe here in the mornings to get a little bit of work done while enjoying their coffee. I always come in right at 8 in the morning and am almost always the only customer there, yet the guy who works there in the mornings always finds a way to ignore me and make me awkwardly wait for him at the counter. I stand there waiting and staring at him while he painstakingly sticks on 10 stickers one by one on the salad containers or he sees me walk in, doesn't greet me, and turns around to chat with his coworker right when I get to the counter for an awkwardly long time. As a former barista myself, this treatment has left me absolutely dumbfounded. How can this type of customer service be acceptable? It is a shame, because this was otherwise the perfect spot to get coffees in the mornings. read more

I love independent bookstores and Copperfield's is a favorite. They have a great selection in both their Sebastopol and San Rafael stores. Today I had top of the line customer service. I was on short time. The helpful woman on the phone located the 2 books and had them waiting; I was in and out in 3 minutes! My niece was thrilled on her birthday and I made it to work on time. I will go out of my way to shop here in the future. read more

This store should rethink how they approach business and customer service. If you want the community to support your establishment, then you need to treat customers of all ages, gender, and ethnicity with the utmost respect. Because of your poor service, I will never shop in your store and will share with others how horrible the customer service is in your establishment. I hope you train your employees to at least respect your paying customers. read more

Love coming here! Before I bought books here, I usually went to Barnes and Nobles in Corte Madera, but the environment wasn't too friendly, so I was pretty excited when Copperfields opened! The service is great! The coffee shop is also amazing! You can be there for hours studying! Very friendly environment and the book selection is great! Would recommend it to a friend. read more

If I could it would be a 3.5 star review but as it is, I'll have to pick 3. I was beyond excited to have bookstore downtown when I was still living there. Not having to hop in the car was nice. It's a cool spot, and the coffee shop made it an even better vibe. Once I moved to Novato, (that doesn't have any bookstores other than the used downtown) it was harder to get there but still wanted to go every once in awhile to browse their selection and enjoy the fact they are a locally owned store and not Barnes and Noble. Unfortunately, the last two times I've gone down there, fed the meter to park, and walked over, I've found out they were closing hours earlier than their hours posted online. I am not sure if they close for author events or what, but the first time was one thing but a second time in less than a few weeks was another. When I lived downtown, not as big of a deal but driving specifically down there and parking only to find out they closed early is super disappointing. I'll be going to Book Passage, as they have reliable hours. read more

How cool is this place? Too cool. I'd rather spend a few dollars more to buy my books here than online or at a larger bookstore because their staff is so friendly and knowledgeable. The older gentlemen (50's) with the beard and glasses that works there is a treat just to see in itself. He's always walking around smiling and talking with everyone. You can tell he loves what he does and its awesome. Just walking into Copperfields you're smacked right in the nostrils with the arouma of coffee beans mixed with the smells of a new book. Booya. Plus they carry just about everything and have cards, magazines and a rad collection of socks! Make sure to check out their really great selection of books on sale too! read more

This review is specifically for the café in the bookstore. I think the bookstore is probably great, too, but I really only listen to books now. The café is a major draw for us because they serve Taylor Maid Farms coffee, which is wonderful. We used to drive to Sebastopol to get the beans in bulk, but now they sell them here. In addition, we recently went in to try some new flavors, and Max the barista was incredibly helpful, offering us tastes of the new flavors and spending extra time with us explaining the differences between french press and pour-over brews. We went away with an iced mocha, a yummy lemon cream scone, and a couple of bags of the new beans. Great service and great coffee! read more

This place is good- great selection of new titles, little tilting toward the New Agey. The coffee shop is tops- in all a great place to hang out. read more

I love Copperfields in Sebastopol and Petaluma. I was surprised to meet such bad customer service here in San Rafael this morning. Would have been easier to order from Amazon but I wanted to support local booksellers. On Yelp and Googlemaps this bookstore is listed as opening at 8am. I called to ask about the availability of my book but there was no answer and no recorded message. Wanting to support local businesses, I came anyway. Turns out only the Café part is open at 8, bookstore opens at 10. A recorded message and correction in web information would be appreciated. Someone was sorting books on the other side of the rope separating Café from bookstore, so I told him about the incorrect information listed online, and asked if he knew whether they have the popular used book I'm looking for. This man in a gray ponytail was very rude, including "as you probably know we don't sell used books." Well why would I be asking if I knew that? And, more incorrect info, the store came up in my search for used books, is listed as selling used books. I politely let him know about the incorrect info on the web, which you would think they would want to correct. He continued to be rude. Jarring start to my day and a blemish on this fine local chain. I hope that by sharing this, management will clean up their info on the web, their phone messaging, and the attitude of at least one employee. read more

this place has a very poor business model with the restroom keys. staff tells me to put my key back in a special bowl because it is unsanitary? are you kidding me? if it is actually unsanitary, then you shouldn't give it out to customers in the first place. learn business please because used bookstores are already suffering. read more