I did not know when I first arrived that this was the Friends of the Oakland Library system…read morebookstore, so the stock would consist of extras, castoffs, etc. It took me a while to go inside l, because the dollar books on the racks outside are of excellent quality, and buy two get one free! That's 66¢ each. Inside, the organization is pretty good, separating mysteries and thrillers from general fiction, for instance. I didn't see a film section though. A "vintage" section, without much of interest. Still, I spent $6 and walked out with four books, so I'm grateful.

A very good bookstore on Broadway in Oakland!!…read more As I was walking back from Chinatown, all the books outside caught my eye, and they were very inexpensive. Outside offered 1 dollar, 2 dollar, and 3 dollar books!! Inside, the books were also marked down significantly, although not as much as outside. You just have to be ready to browse a little. Technically, this Bookstore is in Old Oakland, just a block away, walking distance, from Swans Market. I've been here a few times since!!

After a long walk around Lake Merritt with my niece, I was on a mission to find a restroom. She…read moresuggested we stop by Clio's Bookstore & Bar, describing it as part bookstore, part reading lounge, and part bar. I expected a quick pit stop--I ended up wanting to stay. This place is an absolute gem. The atmosphere is eclectic, cozy, and full of personality. The shelves are lined with books spanning more eras and genres than I even knew existed, making it feel like a literary treasure hunt. Every direction I looked revealed another fascinating title or beautifully aged collection. One of my closest friends is a librarian, so I found myself snapping photo after photo to send her because I knew she'd be completely enamored with this place. I didn't order food or drinks during this visit (I rarely drink), but I already know I'll be back. The ambiance alone is worth experiencing. It's the kind of place where you can lose yourself browsing vintage books, settle into a chair with a good read, and simply enjoy the unique energy. From what I could tell, many of the books are also available for purchase, which makes it even more tempting to return. I also noticed that Clio's hosts community events, so I'll definitely be checking their calendar before my next visit. Whether you're a book lover, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates unique spaces with soul, Clio's Bookstore & Bar is well worth a stop.

Came to Clio's for book club and we were actually having a really good time. The place is super…read morecute and we all ordered drinks from the bar. Since the only food they really had were $24 charcuterie boards, we DoorDashed some food. A lady came over and told us we weren't allowed to have outside food, which okay, fine -- but there are literally no signs anywhere saying no outside food or drinks. What really bothered us was that other people came in with outside food and were eating it and nobody said anything to them. If that's the policy, then it should apply to everyone, not just certain tables. Such a shame because we really liked the place and were having a good time. We were buying drinks and would've definitely stayed longer. If outside food isn't allowed, just put up a sign and enforce the rule for everyone.

After all these years, Walden Pond Books is still a place I like to go into to see if I can find a…read morebook to purchase and read on BART. I always find a good book to read. Good reason to take BART and walk over is the Grand Lake is a great place to sit around as if we are tourists from a planet named Saturn.

I was browsing Grand Avenue past the Grand Lake Theatre and landed in here. I'm much more of a…read morelibrary goer than a book store spender, buuuut, I love books regardless. That ended up not being what I browsed, though. I went over to their small but sufficient record selection. They had top albums and artists, like Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life. I kept looking and looking and found The Internet's Ego Death for $32. Yep, found what I needed and almost left but checking out their used albums they had Kendrick's good kid, m.A.A.d city and Drake's Views for about $27 or $28 each. Idk what a good used album price is really going for these days, but I was happy with my selection, went to the counter and checked out. I can't really say much for service because I was in and out so quickly and there didn't appear to be many employees, which I get that these days.

I often went to the Fox Theatre but somehow always missed the bookstore across the street! So often…read moreolder books (those published 20+ years ago) are often super pricey. But many of these books are very reasonably priced, like $7.50-$25! Almost all of the stock is older, even obscure books. But it's a book lover's treasure hunt. I picked up a really interesting book about San Francisco's history from 1948 for only $10! Definitely recommend this place and it's a very quick walk from the Broadway BART station. The only thing I'd "change" is recommending that the owner put more of their stock on ThriftBooks.com to enhance their profits. But that would be at the peril of Bay Area bookworms! :)

I ordered a book from them in Aug 2024. It never arrived, and after multiple attempts at contacting…read morethem, they finally said they had moved and couldn't find the book at the moment. (Luckily they hadn't run the charge through on my credit card yet). Every couple of months or so I'd follow-up--sometimes they'd respond, sometimes they wouldn't. Still couldn't find the book, and kept asking me to be patient. I was patient for a long time. Now it's July 2025, about 3 weeks shy of ONE YEAR since I ordered the book. Wrote to them again, no response. But they still have it listed for sale on their website, so I took a shot and ordered it again. Then they wrote me a snotty note and told me to quit ordering it, they haven't found it yet. I wrote back and asked how they can possibly still be looking for a book after one year? Then they wrote back and said they were canceling my order! Very crappy customer service. Zero stars.

I've been following Jessica Hische's work and career for a while now, and I was super excited to…read moresee that she opened up a shop. At the time, I was pretty sad, because I lived on the east coast. Little did I know, I'd find myself in the area after all. This shop is a nice little oasis for designers who just love nicely designed little every day objects. Hische stocks this place with all kinds of delightful things. I think the best part is that there are things at all price points. It's not just some snobby place, where nothing costs less than $100. There are solid quality and affordable pens, as well as some specialty items that are on the more expensive side. There is even original designs/works of art from Hische herself. Definitely a fun spot to check out if you're in the area. Highly recommend!

Do people give any less than 5 stars to local arts and crafts, woman owned businesses? Anywho, any…read moredesigner knows who Jessica Hische is but her store is for anyone. There's actual art supplies, pins, art books and kids books, some branded items like shirts, totes, onesies, and cool stuff like gorgeous desk clocks or hourglass timers that I can't afford lol. Anyways, worth a visit if you're in the area. I ended up getting a bunch of my holiday shopping done for my creative friends.

Date: 10/14/2023. Time:3:30 PM. 68°. Sunny…read more My sister and I were searching for Chinese wedding envelopes. This book store had plenty of red envelopes. We decided to go with the gold instead of the red envelopes. For six envelopes, the price was $3.50. We were in and out of there in less than five minutes. The only item we could not find was a Chinese wedding card. We figured the gold envelope (money enclosed) was good enough to give my nephew and his bride-to-be their wedding gift. I'm just glad that we did not spend a lot of time shopping for those envelopes in Oakland Chinatown.

Lisa and I LOVE bookstores! You never know what kind of treasures you'll find. Today we were lucky…read morewith quite a few treasures! Treasure #1, this owner sure is the sweetest. He's kind, helpful, and extremely polite. It was very easy communicating with him. He's not a pushy salesman either. We enjoyed taking our time to browse. Treasure #2, the variety of items will cater to all ages and interests. They even sell music here. Believe it or not, Obama's book was available! Until we purchased it and brought it home :) Treasure #3, if you're into traditional calligraphy, they have all kinds of brushes and paper. He can explain which brush suites your comfort or preference. Lots of fun! So glad we came across this treasure in Chinatown!

I fell in love with Spectator Books as soon as I walked in!…read more I love that there's a station to leave your water bottles and drinks. I also appreciate that they have masks available if needed and offer them proactively. On top of that, they provide free drug testing kits, like fentanyl test strips -- which is so vital, especially with the spike in fentanyl overdoses and contaminations in recreational substances. It's just really nice to see that kind of care in the community. The range of books is massive -- both new and used. The selection of new books is decent, but the used book selection (and price) is phenomenal. They also have a whimsical collection of bookmarks, stickers, and random stationery, which is super charming. Honestly, it's just a really solid bookstore. The first time I visited, I'm pretty sure I spent like two and a half hours just browsing all the sections I was interested in -- and there were so many. Lots on religion and spirituality, metaphysics, physics, psychology, cookbooks, music, art, fashion -- so many topics that caught my eye. I took my time and walked out with maybe $125 worth of books and oracle cards, which was such a joy. They also have a book exchange policy where you can trade in books for store credit, but you need to make an appointment to do so. The last time I visited was maybe a month ago, but I'm thinking about going again... tomorrow! XD

I was hoping this was going to be like, a half price books situation, but it's more of a local book…read morestore. Huge selection, I am sure it's well organized. A lot of local authors. A nice selection of books in other languages as well. I did hear the employees kind of talking about some of the patrons, but I mean, I work in service, it happens. But maybe talk a little quieter, or wait until there aren't other patrons in the store.

This bookstore is a nice addition to the Bay Street mall in Emeryville. It is one of the anchor…read morestores. In terms of square footage it is the largest retail store, with perhaps the exception of Tokyo Central. The sections are well separated, and the books are well curated. The staff is sparse but helpful. I like how the upstairs spills out into the food court area. The prices here are slightly higher than Amazon, but it's worth it to be able to flip through the books and peruse.

I'll always have fond memories whenever entering a Barnes & Noble. I am just a lover of all book…read morestores, and I mean the ones that aren't online! There's a massive parking garage to use. It's not free if you want to do more than 30 minutes but thankfully you can get your card validated at Barnes & Noble. Incredibly organized as is all B&Ns are. It's two stories so there's an escalator. There's the cafe there too. Super helpful people work here. Feels cozy and safe in here. Plenty of seating at the cafe and a couple of chairs around the store. Loved stopping by the 50 percent off section! The value there is great. I was able to get a book for less than $7. 5/5

Conveniently located near Rockridge BART station, you will find this gem of a bookstore. They have…read morea book for every budget, from signed exclusive editions to used books to cheap books. My favorite section is the local interest! The staff is friendly and always ready to answer questions, make suggestions, or help you find what you need.

I've been to the Shattuck Ave Pegasus a few times, but there was something about this location that…read moreI loved. I walked out with only one book, but it could have been a dozen. Maybe they get a better selection of used books from the neighborhood? Or perhaps I prefer density in my bookstores. Whatever the reason, I left there without having looked at half the store, because that would have been another half hour at least. In summary, great selections, a layout ideal for bookworms, and a friendly neighborhood vibe.

Local store with great options, laid-back and friendly owners…read more Good selection of chocolate in there as well Definitely coming back!

This Newsstand is Iconic !!!!!…read more It's been in this location for over 60 or more years !!!! It is the Mecca for Anything in News Media and Print!!! In this Digital Age Of The Internet this is a Rarity!! I remember as a Teenager stopping in and Picking Up a Copy of The Wall Street Journal in my old E Trade and Charles Schwab Days!!! Now I stop by late at night when I am Bored and See what kind of Periodicals they have to read!!! I also stop by when I'm in the Neighborhood and Feeling Sentimental !!!! Lots of Good Memories there of Old Oakland When it was safe to Wander around Downtown Oakland late at night without a Strap ! Service is Friendly but Situational Awareness Oriented!!! For all these reasons!!! This is a Baller On A Budget Approved Establishment!!!! I definitely Keep My Pimp Hand Strong !!!