I have been hearing about this bookstore for years but had never been here. When I saw that my favorite author was going to be here doing a book reading I came to check it out. I was pleasantly surprised. Great little book store. Well stocked with lots of great books. They have some other nice accessories and gift items. Nice staff. I will definitely come here and shop for books. read more

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Best Bookstore in the Bay Area. Good selections and good value. It is an institution in the community. I say ditch Amazon and buy from them.

This Black owned book store has been a treasure in the city of Oakland for many years. This beautifully positioned bookstore has all the books you could think of by Black authors and more. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend an event that included the Author reading one of his latest books and signed any books that individuals had of his. It was such a pleasure! Definitely looking forward to visiting this bookstore again, soon. read more

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This place is awesome. Acacia was super helpful. I got there on a Friday just before closing, and Acacia took the time to help me find some good books that matched my interests. At no time did she make me feel rushed or hurried, even though I was well past their closing time. But the bookstore is beautiful, and gives very good vibes: I look forward to coming back here again! read more

Marcus Books is the oldest Black-owned independent bookstore in the United States. The bookstore was founded in 1960 by Drs. Julian and Raye Richardson and named after Marcus Garvey. It has a storied history that includes brick-and-mortar locations in San Francisco and Oakland, socially conscious community engagement, and the founders also attended Booker T. Washington's Tuskegee Institute in the 1930s, where they were shaped by the teachings of Carter G. Woodson and George Washington Carver. Visiting Marcus Books was high on my to-do list when I came up to visit family in the Bay Area for Memorial Day weekend. I ended up stopping by with a family member (Bay Area native) on Sunday, and our time at the bookstore ended up being a lot more meaningful than I had anticipated. Being that there were so many books set in the South, he wanted to learn more about our family's Mississippi roots and hear a more nuanced perspective of the state's Black American heritage. As I rattled off fun facts and personal insights, it was clear that I was in a safe space when another patron chimed in to remind me that B.B. King is also from Mississippi... Okay, Marcus Books family, you passed the vibe check. The bookstore attendant on duty during my visit was also helpful and assisted me in searching for books. He gave me complimentary Marcus Books bookmarks during checkout and shared useful information about the bookstore. Marcus Books also has an online presence on Bookshop.org read more

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Good selection and service. Found a vegan cookbook with an African American twist. Will return.

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. read more

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

Marcus Book store is so nostalgic. It felt so nice to go to a really bookstore with a nice variety of books. It's so cute and quaint. The staff is so nice and helpful. And it's totally obvious they enjoy doing their job and value their work. read more

I've been coming here since I was a kid and used to love it. Now, it's OK. I do wish them well. The person working there was on the phone for the first 30 minutes of our visit and I noticed that my husband had books in hand for purchase. They do have books from other cultures which is good. But I've been in some places in LA and NYC and the greet and meet game is on point. So much so, that I will order books for delivery. We were finally welcomed and all was good until I mentioned my father, a former customer (he passed away) and the conversation stopped. I don't know if this person absolutely hated him. But usually, when mentioned, people will be at least kind. She was kinder when she didn't know the relation. The books are what they are. I was looking for something more metaphysical like I've seen in some of the other stores. But, here I can look up a book and find it at my library. I've wanted to come here for awhile because it's been ages, but one visit and I see why I was so distant. That being said, they do have the cutest bags and coffee cups with images of black women. There is a whole table of books for children which is cool. And the YA section is interesting, especially since that wasn't a thing when I was a kid. But, I have no reason to come by and get anything, so I probably won't do so. The value is good, as long as you are looking for that unique find. They have that in spades. And yes, like with most local places, you will pay a touch more, but that's not an issue when it comes to supporting Black American businesses. I just choose to go to places that are welcoming to the community in a way that feels less performative. read more

The most amazing book store ever! I can get lost in here for hours!! All the free pamphlets, papers and resources alone can hold your attn for quite some time - and then the rows and rows and shelves and shelves of books. Everywhere you eye goes- you will see something beautiful and meaningful. I love it here!!! And Ms. Blanche is always there to help. If you're going to buy a book, buy it here. read more

Marcus Books has partnered with my school to host part of a field trip to the Temescal business distract for the past 3 years. They are always very warm and welcoming to our students. Their selection is great for youth and adults. I will be back on my own and hopefully with more students next year! read more

I have been a customer of Marcus Books for several decades. They are an excellent source for African American literature. I highly recommend this iconic bookstore for fun and historical reading. The service is excellent, if they do not have the book in stock, they will order it for you. This is an invaluable resource, worth every single penny. Support Marcus Books. read more

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 read more

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

Friendly people, good service, great selection of black authors for children and adults . Reasonable prices. Great calendars for the new year! read more

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. read more

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

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What a wonderful book store. I wanted to be in there for hours and just browse. They have books from all over and great subjects. Very organized and just a nice place these days to actually find books . read more

One of my all time favorite bookstores. They have an incredible selection and friendly staff. Their young adult and children's selection is extensive and they have lots of cards for any occasions. read more

My favorite place to buy books. I spent many years buying and hanging out in the SF store until they closed. Now I buy my books from the Oakland location. Marcus books has such a warm atmosphere, great service, and an incredible selection of books by Black Authors. I love it!!! read more

Lovely staff courtesy. Endless resources. Great conversation. I hadn't been in the store in quite a long time but it felt like I was there just yesterday. They're current yet nostalgic. As a person of color you will be enlightened and delighted by the selections. I bought a couple of beautiful jigsaw puzzles. Check it out once, I'll bet you'll return. read more

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. read more

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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! read more

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Soooooo thankful Marcus is still around! Please support so your kids and grandkids will know what it feels like to explore and discover books! read more

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. read more

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I had heard of this place time and time again annnd had added it to so many of my "when-I'm-back-home to do lists" but hadn't had a chance to go until I went and my goodness! There is something so very special about walking into a bookstore and seeing Black books everywhere. My friend and I walked the aisles reminiscing, sharing stories of our favorite plots, and overall just leaning into the glory of it all. I had also just watched the High on the Hog Netflix series and to be able to not just to see Jessica B. Harris' book on the shelf but also an entiiiiire section on Black cookbooks and the history of Black food, just so special. From the young Black girl that used to spend hours and hours in B&N looking for books with people like me on the cover and the one who sat in AP English classes reading everything but Toni Morrison and other Black greats, the one who just recently discovered Audre Lorde and Zora Neale Hurston.. thank you for this space!! I am so very thankful for treasures like this and will most definitely be back! read more

Marcus Books - Bookstores Near Me - Oakland, California

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Three stars because my niece and I were not greeted when we walked in. The lady at the counter didn't even acknowledge us while we were in the store. Decided not to buy anything and left. Felt extremely unwelcomed read more

Great bookstore - an instant favorite! I read about Marcus Books found on the list of Black-owned Bookstores on the Yelp Blog recently and I thought it looked pretty cool. Since I was in the area, I made a point to stop by. It's on a quiet street in a rustic looking building. We parked a little ways down the street. It was late morning on a Saturday and there was one other customer browsing when we arrived. They turned some music on shortly after we came in. It's super well stocked and well curated. They've definitely made great use of the space. Right by the door there are rows of current events related books, popular memoirs, music biographies, and some books about activism. The till is at the back along with all the customer orders. In the left half of the store they have a couple of tables with selections and another two rows of books. There's lots of non-fiction and an ample fiction section. There's also a children's section which looked like it was well stocked with great titles, and a couple of history shelves. There's also some local art on the walls and some foliage which keep the place feeling lively. I could've stayed ages and absolutely wiped out my wallet, but since it was the first stop of the day I tried rein it in. I did pick up three titles though: two essay collections I'd seen around (The Unknown Americans, which was nominated for the Pulitzer, and Minor Feelings), and a novel. The lady who helped us check out was friendly. She gave me a few bookmarks and said she hoped to see us again. I certainly hope to be back! read more

Marcus Books - Inside - Bookstores Near Me - Oakland, California

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Great place for culture Small business Owners are very friendly and helpful Great resource for black and brown people read more

There's a lot of history in this book store, and one piece of it is that it's one of the oldest black-owned book store that caters to the community. I ordered a few book from them online and through the phone and each person who picks up are another gentle voice after another either giving me a timeline of when the books I wanted will come in, or has come in, or ready for pick up. Each time I step through those doors, I felt welcomed (even if I am of a different skin tone). They always been helpful and never shied away from helping me. I highly recommend this place, not only because it's a local spot but because there's so much history to this place and that we can all learn a thing or two by picking up a few books from here. read more

Historical! I saw Marcus Book Store on TV a few weeks ago at the barbershop, and I just fell in love all over again with Oakland and its history. As a black man, black educator, and growing bibliophile, I had to visit and feel the spirit of this historic bookstore. ALL BLACK EVERYTHING. Black arts. Black authorship. Black access (to knowledge). What more can I say? I must bring my friends and my students to this place, just so they can see BLACK intellect, BLACK love, and BLACK business. read more

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This is a gem of a bookstore focusing on Black authors. They have a great selection of books. It really is a complete bookstore featuring BIPOC authors and themes. They have a good selection of children's books, cookbooks, fiction, non-fiction, etc. It has great lighting inside and you feel like you're walking into another world. It's so calm inside and has that great bookstore smell. The people that work there are so nice too. I love this place so much. I don't buy many books, but when I do I try to buy them here. read more

This was so fun to venture to this third generation black owned bookstore in Oakland. I first read about it in the Diverse Spines Bibliophile all the way in San Diego and when visiting a friend we went. This place is a MUST. Filled with art, books and history. read more

I've been a fan and supporter of Marcus Books for years! Outside of being able to buy a book from a local, independent and black-owned business, I've also attended great book readings/signings. In the past year, I've been to Walter Mosley's book signing -- twice! I've engaged in some great conversations with the owner and always feel right at home when I walk in the door. Will definitely continue to support Oakland's gem of a bookstore, and I hope others will as well. read more

Marcus Books has been selling books about african amerians for well over 50 years. this probably isn't their original location. they sell new books, no used ones. . surprised to see them selling cookbooks, dvd's, maps, postcards, et al. also cool they have a discontinued book section. picked up a classic cheap. buys: "tally's corner: a study of Negro streetcorner men" (Elliot Liebow) -$3 note: -wouldn't come here late in the afternoon or early evenings...... read more

First off, I must say what a lovely bookstore Marcus Book Stores is! There is a wide selection of books offered here including children's books, fiction, non-fiction, autobiographies, etc. The staff is super friendly and helpful, can't find what you're looking for they will! read more

I love a bookstore in general. I miss having Marcus Books in SF still, but happy to browse and buy when I'm in the east bay. I go in for one book and always leave with something else unexpected and inspiring. Plus. Added bonus of supporting this historic local institution as well as supporting a small, local, black owned business instead of a giant corporation that supports its owner flying into outer space while underpaying its workers? Yeah. That too. read more

A rare treasure of a bookstore, with a history of community service and a wealth of African American authors. It's the go-to bookstore for knowledge of authors you want to read and warmth of community. I love patronizing this place! read more

My favorite and most treasured book store: Marcus Book Stores! I shop here on numerous occasions for my personal collection and for gifts for friends and each time, I leave feeling happier than when I arrived. Blanche is a gem and deserves her flowers. She's always helpful each time I shop in store and make special/pre-orders. They have many genres across all ages and it is guaranteed that you will not leave empty handed. They go above and beyond to order any book that is not in stock, so do yourself a favor and patronize the historical anchor that is MBS. read more

Marcus Books - Bookstores Near Me - Oakland, California