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Downtowne Bookstore

4.4 (132 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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Timmy S.

This bookstore is located less than a block away from Riverside's famous Mission Inn. The store features two separate sections, each with its own entrance: one located on Main Street and the other accessible via a walkway along the side of the store. The Main Street entrance takes you into a store that has some books but mostly gift items and knick-knacks. I popped in and out of here quickly because I mainly wanted to check out used books. Those can be found by going to the side entrance down the walkway. The used book store is very well organized by categories, and books in each category are shelved alphabetically, making everything easy to find if you are after something specific. Some categories are far better stocked than others. The category I was most interested in was a bit sparse so I didn't end up purchasing anything this day. On the pathway to the used books entrance is a kiosk where you can leave a poem. Cool idea. If you like a good bookstore this will be a place you'll enjoy spending a little time browsing.

Megan Y.

I wanted to love this bookstore so badly. Cute location near Mission Inn, cute merch, cute concept... but the vibes were unfortunately not it. I spent some time browsing and noticed another customer was immediately greeted and helped, while I kind of just... existed there. I asked about gift wrapping and was told they don't offer it (no big deal!), then asked if I could buy the wrapping paper they sell and use tape to wrap it myself. Also a no. I even popped into the secondhand bookstore (which I was excited about), and while the employee there was friendly, same result. It's not about gift wrap, it's about customer service. The store looks like a cozy, welcoming bookstore, but the experience felt cold and uninviting. Which is a bummer, because I love supporting local and this place had so much potential. Sadly don't see myself coming back.

Courtney O.

The vibes at the Downtowne Bookstore are incredible. I'll start with the staff. When I walked in, they were so welcoming. They explained that they have two store fronts- a new, more curated one that's facing the street and the original around the corner with more second hand books. They also obviously love each other and I love that I happened to be in when they did a little birthday surprise for one of their employees. I appreciate that the bookstore is oriented towards justice. They had a large range of books and really elevated diverse authors and stories. What's cool is that they had a whole bunch of signed books in the back! They have a great selection. It's so important to support local bookstores and I absolutely loved this one!

Christopher C.

Downtown bookstore is an amazing little spot that really hits all the musical notes of everything you want into a bookstore. My fiancée, and future mother in law came by and they have two stores, one in the back and one in the front. The back is more of the bookstore with plenty of sections to find what you're looking for all organized for you. It seems they work on doing orders for any books you're looking to get in too. The front is more of a shop but it still has plenty of books for you to look through. I really love the logo for this place and I really enjoy the section outside to read, along with the little things they have outside to leave notes for random people, dog treats and book exchange. Their prices are pretty fair and they have amazing service on top of that. I really enjoyed this store and look forward to going back.

Victoria B.

I haven't been here in yearssss. I hadn't realized how much it has changed since then. I've always loved the little hidden entrance but inside looks even better than before. They have so many cute tote bags, thumb page holders, book bags etc. They even have an autographed copies section. It just looks so aesthetically pleasing inside and they even added a seating area outside if you wanted to hangout and read. Staff is also nice and welcoming. I'll definitely come back soon to buy a book :)

Store front
Terra A.

This little book store/ celebration of art & music is a gem in downtown Riverside. A wonderful mix of used and new books, vintage and modern, with loads of adorable and eye-catching knickknacks to peruse. Don't miss this sweet store when you are in town. If not in town - make a little day trip down to the arts and culture area and check it out.

Leilani M.

A fun little gem in town. Wonderful welcoming service. Hidden pathway down the sidewalk where the Saturday farmers market is held. I love these kinds of bookstores throughout the city. An escape from the fast pace. An oasis to get lost in before the next calendar alert appears.

Inside the Bookstore during Festival of Lights season
Daisy R.

This place feels so hidden from all the cool things in Downtown Riverside ! When I was first introduced I couldn't believe it ! I then took my friends & family & they too were impressed! This second time I went i noticed they did alot of changes & cleaned up on the look inside during the festival of lights! It really highlighted the bookstore & made it feel more cozy - Good book finds here . YOU MUST SEE FOR YOURSELF

Here are a few of the titles featured at the bookstore!

Highest Recommendations! If you have not been to this bookstore in Riverside, check it out! I typically go in to browse and cannot leave without buying a book or a sticker. I've gotten gifts here for kids and adults and the selection is diverse! I am grateful to live in Riverside and to have access to a bookstore that sells books that have been banned in several states. The staff is helpful and welcoming as soon as you enter! Thank you Downtowne Bookstore for all that you do!

Ooh an alleyway. Neat location.
Michael T.

Sure a kindle is nice but there's really no replacing a real live book in your hands. At least in my opinion. If you don't mind used books and are looking to help a small business you'll definitely want to go down the rabbit hole that is the Downtowne Bookstore. Located on Main St next to the Mission Inn and across from the very loud (it was Sunday Brunch time) Proabition, the Downtowne Bookstore has a neat location. You'll see the sign and have to walk down a small alley to get there. I loved it. Inside you'll find wall to wall books from any category you can think of. Cookbooks, poetry, self help or fiction. You name it, you find it. The prices are excellent. At least 50% off of list. There even 99 cent books at the sign on the street. Since the categories are alphabetized by Author, it was super easy to find your favorite writer. The Downtowne Bookstore survives off of donations, so if you're looking to move a library or just have some books you don't need anymore bring them here. Otherwise, help a small business by perusing the shelves and finding your next read! Highly recommended!

Maria M.

So beautiful! A new take on this Riverside classic! 100% support! The old school bookstore is still here with a new modern twist! Will be coming back for sure!

Book page wreath
Tea C.

The owner is the sweetest woman in the world! She explains the art in the bookstore clearly and continues to maintain the space in an organized manner. Do inquire about the art works and feel free to ask her if she has anything that you are looking for. Not to mention, you should really ask her about the owls around the store because it is themed. Loved walking through these shelves and finding some interesting books. I wondered what else this spot offered and found the art offered to be truly outstanding and inspiring. More than anything, they are open and in business! So please go in and say hi!

Children books

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2 years ago

Very charming and full to the brim with character. Good selection of old books too. Will happily visit again!

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Was just there today! What a cute place with an old feel! I'll be back in as soon as I can!

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Downtowne Bookstore Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Downtowne Bookstore

Are you currently accepting donations?

They have always accepted books from me although, they have denied a select few.

Do you carry mangas?

Not typically, it's a used bookstore so if any mangas drift in it's not necessarily something that would last long on the shelves.

What is the name of the Amazon storefront?

Downtowne Books

View All 8 Questions

Review Highlights - Downtowne Bookstore

Located between Mission Inn and the Convention Center around other wonderful independent niche stores.

Mentioned in 9 reviews

Read more highlights

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Had a cvs appt and was waiting, decided on finally going in this bookstore because of the lgbtqia…read moreflag. I don't find many places in the area that vocally align with my beliefs and values. Once I got closer to the door I saw stickers about anti-ice and Palestine... so awesome. Staff was so kind and also very attentive when I asked about books on Sudan. They hadn't had any but considered my topic for future book inventory. Left with a book to restart my reading journey again. I praise them for their values! The selection of books is perfect for someone who leans more towards the left and beyond.

I was passing by the area and I was glad to find this book store. Staff is very friendly and…read morewilling to help if you're looking for something specific. They are also willing to order something for you if they don't have it in their store. I'm very happy with the diverse selection they have. Not only do they have a few popular books, but they also have books that I've never heard of before. They are also very culturally diverse too! You can sign up for their rewards program with your name at the register, which is if you buy 10 books you get some money off a book after that. Very cozy ambience and grateful they had a bathroom since I was commuting from OC. I was a little sad that I missed their furry mascot, who was on vacation. I will definitely come back if I'm passing by.

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Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Magazine area

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Was sitting on this review but I think it's time. Three Fridays ago I went to Barnes and waited in…read moreline behind three people. Got to the front of the line and asked very politely and calmly "do you have any Pokémon cards?" I was on a time crunch and trying to get a birthday present for my nephew before meeting them for dinner. The cashiers response was "I have to let the line die down before I can even check." I was very confused by this statement because as a customer myself, I waited in a line to even ask the question. There were other cards behind her, and I was confused as to why she couldn't turn around or look down. But I said okay no problem. I stepped off to the side and watched her help three people. People were still filing in and I had no problem. Then a woman who looked like a manager walked behind the cash register to break change, she asked the cashier what I was doing. They then started to whisper but I could hear the word "Pokémon" very clearly. The manager out loud goes oh no. Don't open the box. We don't open boxes until the weekend or Monday nights and then they both just stared at me. Feeling extremely uncomfortable and choosing to take the higher road (also on a time crunch) I left. Thanks for nothing :-) I too was a customer who waited in a line and will not support this business. I can't feel bad for brick and mortar book stores that end up closing due to choosing to lose business.

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Downtowne Bookstore - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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