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    Marcus Books

    4.6 (107 reviews)
    ModerateBookstores
    Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Marcus Books Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Marcus Books

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    Elaysha J.

    Absolutely without a doubt the most amazing bookstore for a few reasons; Remember the old bookshops, that smell of paper, whose book displays of the most vivid eye-catching covers caught your eye? Lure you in? Invite you to linger over their contents for a bit? The shops in which you could look forward to familiar faces and be introduced to titles akin to your last purchase? Shops with bulletin boards, that hold book clubs and update Newsletter's...This is that. Without any reinventing Marcus has been the bookstore I've shopped at my entire life, my grandma first took me when I was 7 and I'm so happy to now purchase my son's favorite titles here. To get a healthy dose of nostalgia anytime I need. To support my community without even breaking a sweat.

    Book I bought
    Nicole J.

    Hello All, I am one who loves to leave reviews for others, because being kind does not cost a thing!!! And today I visited Marcus books, for the very first time, I know a lot of people talk about this black owned book store in the heart of Oakland. So today, I decided to go. As when I first walked in, there was a customer the two women were helping. I politely asked if I can bring my dog inside. A small Yorkie in which I carried. One of woman totally ignored me, the other woman very sweet said, " sure if you hold him".. that was no problem and I was thankful for this. However; they were helping an African American man who possibly had some challenges in his mental cognitive skills/abilities... and after he headed out, there were whispers about him... I immediately didn't like this, but I did not even put my head up, I continued to scroll and look for a nice book. A little afterwards, the nice kind woman who said I can hold my dog if I bring him in, had approached me and asked if I was looking for something in particular- I stated yes, and autobiography. She immediately started helping me look for a great one, I never got her name but she even asked the other lady , her mother in which.. for some suggestions... NOW THIS WOMAN; was very cold, rude, not helpful or pleasant at all. And this is who this review is mostly about. PLEASE BE KIND TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. It rubbed me the wrong way, I was so uncomfortable speaking to her. I was still very kind and appreciated on the little answers/suggestions she did give when her daughter the other woman asked her. But she was sooooooo cold and unpleasant!!! I went here to literally support a black owned business and got this unpleasant behavior from a woman who worked here and owned this place for 65 years, and now has passed it to her daughter I believe and still working there also. To the kind woman, THANK YOU FOR BEING KIND. I so apologize but I will NEVER go back here. I bought a great book today, I could have bought on Amazon for 11.50$ but bought it at your store for 18$... could have saved, but wanted to contribute to a black owned business and it bit me in the butt... this is why most of our people don't support our own people, bad business, bad attitude. I hope this helps others!!! Then after posting my review. I got harassed and disrespected by this woman. Again, DO NOT GO HERE. YELP, is a. Platform for us to utilize our customer service experience that's why it's here and to find great places to visit, with the help of others experiences... TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE- and to now be badgered with awful disturbing messages is TERRIBLE. * see messages below

    Side wall
    Krystina C.

    Came here with my son for the first time. Not a big plane but they have a ton of books and other items. The kids section was great. The staff women were very nice and even came over and helped my son choose his own book.

    Selfie of friend and I in the store, mirror reflecting the rest of the selection of books
    Halle G.

    The atmosphere, array of books, and service was incredible! Reasonable book prices too (:

    Carol C.

    Date: 6/19/2021 Time: 1:50 PM 79° Sunny & clear It has been quite a while since I have been to Marcus Books. I was there for a reading by Jacqueline Luckett, author of the book Searching for Tina Turner over 10 years ago. The event was in celebration of Black History Month. Why did I decide to visit today? Earlier this morning I received an email from Barnes and Noble to celebrate Juneteenth by stopping in to shop for books by black authors. The occasion to celebrate Juneteenth and its significance is showing my support of Marcus Books (small black business) and giving back to the black community. I deem that more appropriate. Not only did I browse but also shop for a few books for reading enjoyment. It also led me to do a little impulsive buying of three items - 2 face masks, a box of African American History Knowledge Cards and a Black Panther (movie) calendar. Though Marcus Books may not be as huge as chain bookstores, they specialize in selling books by African American authors. I couldn't stay long as I had elsewhere to go. Spending about $90 was well worth it. There will be returned visits in the future.

    RIP Chadwick
    Jolene L.

    Thank you Yelp for listing this as a Black Owned Business to support. Also BIG shout out to each and every supporter who keeps this establishment alive! Such an honor to visit the Nation's oldest Black Owned independent bookstore, celebrating their 60th year! Ever so sweet Ms. Blanche, helped me find their last copy of Kamala's book, "The Truths We Hold." I also can't wait to dive into, "The Beautiful Ones," in remembrance of Prince. This gem has solid binding, heavy pages, profound photography, and yes, snapshots of his handwritten memoirs! Lisa found poems by Tupac! And her search for the perfect face mask was also fulfilled at Marcus :) Lots of great reads for all ages. You've got to check it out!

    Find this sign
    Ted R.

    This place is simply legendary. One of the great Black bookstores you'll find anywhere. They'll drop knowledge on you and surprising doses about a wide range of subjects. Best of all the guide you to the books that will help you become knowledgeable too. Marcus will order books for you! So support, support, support! I used to love the original in San Francisco. RIP. Now I have this place in my neighborhood just five blocks from my house. I am incredibly lucky. I just don't go frequently enough and I should support the place more. Especially because I hate Amazon.

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    18 days ago

    Great selection and welcoming staff. You can find a great selection of books on Black and local history, politics, social commentary, etc.

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    7 months ago

    Amazing selection and really cool vibe! I visit every time I am in Oakland! Support I independent booksellers!!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Marcus Books

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    Review Highlights - Marcus Books

    I've seen Nikki Giovanni and Octavia Butler read here, to a room full of people of color, mostly Black folks.

    Mentioned in 20 reviews

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    Clio's Bookstore and Bar - Partial reading area

    Clio's Bookstore and Bar

    4.0(121 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    I've been here a couple times, once for a community event and once to have drinks with a new friend…read more- both times did not disappoint! The vibe here is old skool intellectual lounge meets chic cocktail connoisseur. (Although I enjoyed a crisp glass of white wine during my second visit.) The literary selection in each room is vast and interesting. The seating is comfy. The staff are welcoming and fun. Moderately priced, Clio's is a must each month if you can swing it.

    I have waited to write this review, but I'm seeing that other bipoc customers have had similar…read moreexperiences. I went to Clio's in the first 6 months of them opening and my partner and I have not been back. When I entered the space, I was excited to try something new- but it started when I went to order tea- I know now that the guy at the bar was the owner- I asked what kind of teas they had and he seemed annoyed at my question- like I was wasting his time. I had to ask again but then asked my partner who is white to deal with the rest of the ordering. We are a queer couple and both felt the vibes were hella off. Lots of white men in the space at that time. I also remember they didn't used to have any books by people of color. They had a "world" section of books though (lol) and throughout the rest of the place, a bunch of stuff written by white men. I feel like the stuff they have up now is a performative attempt to not appear what they actually are. I have not gone back since and don't recommend it

    Photos
    Clio's Bookstore and Bar - A Friday night at 10pm, busy and loud. Nice bartenders.

    A Friday night at 10pm, busy and loud. Nice bartenders.

    Clio's Bookstore and Bar - Blackberry sage shrub

    Blackberry sage shrub

    Clio's Bookstore and Bar - Interior

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    Interior

    Bibliomania - Niche genres at Bibliomania!

    Bibliomania

    3.3(78 reviews)
    1.5 miUptown
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Bibliomania
    Bibliomania
    Bibliomania

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    JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends - A selection of high-end aprons from Hedley and Bennet, canvas and leather totes, and bags by Japanese brand Delfonics.

    JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends

    5.0(3 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    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.

    Photos
    JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends - A view of the shop interior including the wall of artwork, most of which is printed on site in our print workshop!

    A view of the shop interior including the wall of artwork, most of which is printed on site in our print workshop!

    JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends - Beautiful and useful gifts fill every corner of the shop.

    Beautiful and useful gifts fill every corner of the shop.

    JH&F: Jessica Hische & Friends - Our children's art supply section with beautifully illustrated children's books including NYT Best-selling books by the shop owner Jessica

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    Our children's art supply section with beautifully illustrated children's books including NYT Best-selling books by the shop owner Jessica

    Spectator Books

    Spectator Books

    4.3(141 reviews)
    0.9 miPiedmont Ave, North Oakland
    $

    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.

    Photos
    Spectator Books - Children's section

    Children's section

    Spectator Books - Used books!

    Used books!

    Spectator Books

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    Marcus Books - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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