I am a sucker for good independent local bookstores and Books on B is quintessentially everything I…read morelove about independent bookstores! First off, Renee absolutely is THE person to own and run this place. She feels like a warm lovable character from your favorite book, the kind you reach for every now and then to read over and over again. I called recently because I really wanted to get my hands on a copy of Nikita Gill's new book "Hekate" and yes, I know I could just order it online from big box stores but I knew I wanted to support my local bookstore. Renee was quick and prompt and while she didn't have it in stock, she ordered it as quick as she could and I was able to go pick it up in the next day or so! And I picked up a few other books while I was at it because who could say no to more books!? I love popping in whenever I'm strolling downtown and I hope Books on B never leaves!

A local gem in downtown Hayward! Such a cute independent bookstore. They have a large selection of…read morenew and used books in this cozy shop. Great prices for used books and I don't mind paying full-price for new ones since it's important to support indie bookstores instead of billion-dollar corporations. The owner Renee is so knowledgeable and friendly. I've come here to shop and sell back books for store credit too. Definitely a must-see if you're in the area.

Having an independent bookstore less than 5 minutes from my house is a blessing nowadays.  Instead…read moreof relying on the meager offerings at Target or Walmart, hitting the freeway to another town, or even delving into the depths of (yikes!) the Internet, I enjoy stopping by this Books Inc location.  While this storefront is not as big as some other bookstores, the selection is larger than you'd think.  Everytime I look for a gift for a family member or friend, I can find something that will fit.  In addition, this location is also the central warehouse for the company, so they have 2 warehouse sales a year.  I always find something for myself during these sales.  My wife & I stop by frequently and have befriended some of the staff.  They are always helpful with a suggestion for ourselves and when buying for others. This location is in a tricky part of town (on a busy corner).  While there are usually parking spots available, getting into the parking lot can be difficult.  Better to come east on San Leandro Blvd. or south on Washington Avenue.

I called to ask about a specific book which they had and held it up front for me. The service I got…read morefrom the employees was so warming and they all had great recommendations for my next find. I almost wasn't going to come in but they had a great deal on the book i wanted. If i was closer i know id come here all the time. I know for sure i will be coming back and purchasing from here first hand. The value/ price was way better than my typical Barnes & Noble. I'll share a few photos of some books I was recommended after I'm done reading Untethered Soul Thanks everyone

What a gem in Fremont!!…read more The employees here are always super friendly and the book selection keeps me coming back. There is something here for everyone's interest. I love how there is a great selection of cute gifts designed by local artists as well as community events. The children's section is inviting and offers so many books for all ages levels. I usually stop here before visiting Asia to pick up books for my niece and friends' kids. I'm always able to find an age-appropriate book that suits their current interest here. You can count on finding the latest and greatest titles here for prices that are super reasonable. Need help finding a book? The employees here are always happy to help!

Came here to attend the Author Event: SG Prince in conversation with TA Chan, on February 4,…read moreWednesday. It's about a 20 minute walk away from Fremont Bart. The event was great, and I was happy to support my friends by showing up! The staff was super nice, and the store is clean and well-lit, with a lot of great books on display. I added several books to my Goodreads to-read list and Libby. Happy to see this book store in Fremont!

I am so happy to see a Barnes & Noble close by! This bookstore is huge with plenty of things to…read morelook at. I feel like you can easily spend a lot of time here just browsing all the different areas. I definitely got lost a couple times but figured out my way after a while lol Barnes & Noble is so much more than a bookstore, should definitely visit if you have some time to kill or just want to walk around and be amazed by the inventory lol

What a great place to browse. We (My husband and I) love taking my mother-in-law here. It gets her…read moreon her feet and walking around. She walked around for 2 hours in here on Sunday, June 29, 2025. We also stopped in the cafe and got a Chai Latte which was really refreshing. The cafe is really nice. If you're lucky you can get a table. The tables are hard to come by as so many people get a drink and peruse a book or magazine for hours and occupy a table. We were lucky and got a table, so we sat there a little while drinking our drink and discussed a couple of books. Then we went back to the store and shopped around a little. There is so much to see in this store. She found 2 books that she wanted to get, The Orient Express by Agatha Christy (I haven't read the book, but love the movie) and another book, but in the end they settled on getting a game for my parents. The box looked intriguing, but when we opened the box at my parents house it turned out to be a complicated game. We'll have to study the directions and play it another time. We were tired by the time we made it to their house. I found a great book too. It was the unofficial guide to Disney World 2025. They have a new one that comes out in August 2025 for the 25-2026 year, so this one should be on sale soon. I was going to get it, but decided it wait to ensure we're really going to Disneyworld first. I don't want to do all this planning if we aren't going. The book is as thick as a dictionary. Apparently, there is a lot you need to know before you go. I'm excited for our trip and a bit overwhelmed. I look forward to our next trip to Barnes and Noble and finding more books and treasures. They also have a toy and gift section.

Favorite book store to get me all stimulated over cozy coloring books and markers! Crayons too!!!!…read moreValue is honestly a bit much but it's worth supporting local. Staff is super nice too. I purchase cards here over the store across the street. Books Inc is much friendly and never watches me like a hawk

Books Inc is now under the umbrella of the Barnes & Noble brand. Despite this, this location still…read moreretains its independent/community feel. The staff are helpful and kind here. And I love coming in to peruse their curated and staff choice books, which changes a d rotates frequently. There's a decent selection of books on sale at the back left corner of their store if you want to shop for deals. The kiddie corner has a seated area for families/children to spend a little time looking through the books before you purchase. There's also regular author readings/signings and poetry recital events during certain early afternoon or evenings at the bookstore, which is posted on a section of their wall, facing out from their left window display. If you had a rewards membership with Books Inc, you can transfer your points and member ID info over to the Barnes & Noble rewards program.

I love Rumi's bookstore, been going there for 5 years now for different needs! From head scarfs to…read moremodest outfits, Islamic educational and religious books including a huge variety for kids books. They have huge selection of middle eastern nifty decors, incenses and burners, necklaces, earrings, rings and other jewelry. Gelatin free candies, gummies and marshmallows and much more. Customer service has always been great and polite, prices are reasonable. I feel some sort of relief when I go in there, very calm and peaceful Ambiance.

I love this bookstore, and will always appreciate them for their support in me entering Islam and…read morecontinuing to grow in the faith afterwards too! They've been quietly showing what true Islam is over nearly 40 years. Thanks so much for all that you carry and offer to the community. I hope more people will find you!

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.

Always a huge line in the beginning of the quarter and when everyone just gets out of class. Picked…read moreup a couple spiral notebooks for $.99 so not bad. Not much of a selection for these other high priced items though. Get your books online or through other students. And bring your own food, the convenience store is definitely a wallet breaker. Tech folks were nice though! They helped answer some questions for my MacBook search. The only place on campus to really spend money.

I recently bought a laptop on sale. It was a great deal. 800 after my voucher. However I changed my…read moremind and returned it. Since I bought it during a special they had problems with returning it. They found someone to help me and worked a really long time to make sure I got my money back. Thank you staff for all your hard work. I appreciate it!

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!!

Your Next Brick Ideas is such great customer service, and the concept of this place is absolutely…read morewonderful for the community. To the owner (I didn't catch your name)--you're changing lives in ways you may not even realize. My boys love coming to the Lego Museum after the farmer's market. The interactive LEGO area is incredible--we could spend hours here. I finally brought my husband along, and he loved it too! Wishing you all the best for the future and Thank you! You've truly made a difference and inspired for all our next brick ideas.

Took the kids here finally. Heard about it but we don't live near by but when we were finally in…read morethe area, swung by. Lovely lego museum. Just a great place. If you're a kid you're going to love this place but if you're an adult, you're also going to love it, lol. Looking forward to going back.