I love supporting Marcus Bookstore. Since I was in college, this placehas been a staple in my life. I can always find what I need, even when I walk in and don't know exactly what that is. It's also great for Afro-centered gifts, cards, calendars and other things you can't find anywhere else. It's much more than your one row of "african American" at the chains. Marcus is responsible for more than half of my cherished book collection. Support these folks! read more

yes go here if u want to read good books by black and brown authors really kind and helpful ppl at the counter

I absolutely love Marcus Garvey bookstore! Its authentic and plays good music while browsing. I love the atmosphere and vibe it's so soothing and relaxing.The variety of book are so intriguing and alouring. read more

Wonderful customer service from Blanche who helped me to get some absolutely beautiful picture books for my kids and a great stash of non-fiction reading for myself. Will definitely be coming back for more! read more

When I was younger starting out in collage I was introduced to the two original bookstores in the Bay. Marcus bookstore and sultana bookstore in Berkeley. I loved them both but Sultana's had everything. I've been back in the Bay for 6 yrs and I've been bragging to my partner about this bookstore called Marcus bookstore however I was getting the two mixed up. We pulled up to the art wall, AMAZING. After going inside it felt a Lil different. I greeted the older Black woman at the counter to the back, however nothing vocal back, yet the reflection of a slight smile was fine with me. Especially since My curiosity was peaking around me. After around an hour or more of assessments, we approach the counter. She began to "ring up" old school style. Pin/paper meets mechanical register. SWEET.. However I also notice, the lack of greeting, eye contact or even a general scope of social consciousness. NOTHIN! However all was not lost, we supported with the purchase of 7 books, a few inspirational cards and we were still moulin over two more for our daughters. After she made haste on our deliberating, she read us our total. $173.13. My Partner hands her " the card" Nnnnooowww ... there goes that smile Mama' So, I began to make conversation remembering the room and my past images of what I once "knew" I asked her about the oils, Butters etc. She quickly cuts me off and say, NO. Never had that. Im like not even 10 yrs back? "NOPE!" Sorry must be a different place. So I ask oh what is that other black bookstore known in the Bay Area. "I DON'T KNOW" So, I asked is there any other ones that carry those things around here?? We wud love to support them as well. "NOPE, THERE AINT NOTHIN. YOU MIGHT FIND A BARNS N NOBLES " I'm thinking... On MLK? REALLY? I wanted to leave the books and just walk out on principal. But I didn't want to take it out on the books. BUT, Let's NOT forget what made Black bookstores set apart from all the rest.?. Not only DID we build off knowledge BUT we empowered off LOVE! Where is the Love ? Lose that, what are you? (Answer found below) way.... below Answer :AMERICA #Thinkwhileitsstillfree read more

I was excited to visit the store because they are legendary in the Bay Area. I went with a friend on a Saturday afternoon. It wasn't busy. One other customer was in the store. I waited until the cashier was done with her customer, whom she was much more interested in than helping me. I asked questions about their products and when certain items would be in. She gave curt, one word answers. She seemed as if she didn't want to be bothered which was quite disappointing. I had additional questions and she answered and she continued as if she did not want to be bothered. I believe in supporting small businesses especially during a pandemic. The behavior of this person was unprofessional and bordered on rude. She was not that way with the White customer in front of me. They have a great selection and I ended up buying some items but in this economy I would rather spend my money at a place that ( at least pretends like) my business is valued. read more

My friend and I stopped into this bookstore and we were in "bookstore heaven"!!!! We met the owner who shared wonderful stories of past authors who had visited and spoke at her store. We live in Los Angeles and will definitely stop in again when we travel to back to Oakland. It definitely is a must see and visit shop read more

what an experience. I feel lucky to have visited this richly historic bookstore.

My favorite book store!! Selling books by and about Black people. This book store has historical significance, being a part of the Oakland community since the 60s and welcoming figures including MLK and Angela Davis. The shop is run by a lovely family who are super welcoming and happy to share stories about the history is the shop, Oakland, and recommend books on whatever topic you're interested in. I highly recommend this book store if you're looking for books by and about Black people! read more

amazing. it was my first time there and i was Pookie in New Jack when he tried to refrain but couldn't. the books kept calling me. i had 2 books in mind and walked out with 6. it was Jazz playing with the heater blasting. just like home. the owner and founders daughter told me they've been open since 1960 and my pops have been there multiple times growing up in Berkeley. but this was my first. man. how i discipline myself is 2 books each paycheck. that's the only way i can do it. 2 books, knock those out. get paid, another 2 books. Black Love. Black Knowledge. read more

I grew up in Berkeley, and I always enjoyed coming to Marcus Book Store to browse the selection. I haven't been there in years, but just yesterday, one of my friends shared a very disturbing experience. As I said, I am from Berkeley. My friend (also from Berkeley) went into your store to buy two books. He asked if you carried a particular author friend of ours (also from Berkeley) and you said yes, except for a selection that had a 'white face' on the cover. WHAT??!! You won't carry a particular book because the cover has a 'white face' on it? Blatant prejudice from the owner of the store. I could not believe this. As it happens, the book in question (Sins of a Siren) has a woman whose complexion is 'light', not white. Even if she was 'white faced', why would you tell your customer that? why display open racism just because you own the store and Marcus Book Store is an icon in the community. As I said, the customer, the author and I are all Berkeley natives. We support each other STRONGLY. It's probably a good idea to be more mindful of what books you carry and why you do or don't carry them. Folks will go to Amazon or Ebay or Barnes & Noble for the books. read more

I pass this place like once a month, and have never paid much attention, until I saw it on a list of places to visit in Oakland. So, I decided to take my niece and nephew by for a little education. The book selection was fantastic. They have a vast selection of biographies, fiction, manifestos, religious writings, poetry, etc. The place was beautifully decorated and made me feel comfortable and engaged. Where I was a bit disappointed was in the service I received. I was hoping that the employees would see two young folks in the store, and give them a reason to want to be there (sometimes you have to motivate youth to be interested in subjects). I know that I was expecting too much from the workers (they work in a bookstore, not a magic shop), but at least a "Hey, have you kids ever been here before?", would have been a great start. I asked for recommendations on a couple of books, but the service worker wasn't much help. But, then he jumped on the phone with another customer and waxed poetic about Egyptology or Kemetic philosophy or something. I guess everyone has their areas of expertise. I asked another employee about literature that might be of interest for someone between young adult lit and the wider store selection. Instead of giving me recommendations, she just shook her head, pointed to the young adult and children's section, and said "that's it". Well, I guess that's it. read more

the 5 stars is for the books and the staff. parking is the shits but for the greatest selection of books on Africans and African Americans this is the place to come. Love their selection of childrens books. The staff also owners are so knowledgeable and overly helpful. Dont miss the book signings. you have to get there early. Marcus Books is a bay area institution!! read more

This is hands down one of the best books stores I've ever been in. They have EVERYTHING & if they don't have it them they can order it for you. I love the fact that they carry Black Christmas cards which are very hard to find. I highly recommend Marcus Books Store to everyone. read more

My children truly enjoyed browsing the children's section at Marcus Bookstore. My daughter was excited to see that there are so many books about African-Americans and the proprietor helped my 7 year old son identify books he might be interested in. He chose a Miami Jackson book. The ability to select books with characters that look like you is PRICELESS! The prices are good too. I will battle the parking and return when it's time to buy more books. read more

I love the fact that they are willing to hold books for you when they are out of stock. In addition, there are so many books to choose from. And it is Black owned!!!! read more

Marcus Books in Oakland is awesome. The staff are really friendly and will help you find stuff--important because I've never figured out their sorting/filing system for books--you can walk around and read stuff forever without someone bothering you, and these folks genuinely love, I mean LOVE books and reading. Marcus Books is a true community institution. I've seen Nikki Giovanni and Octavia Butler read here, to a room full of people of color, mostly Black folks. Need I say more? And it's important to support local independent Black bookstores, as they provide an important outlet for up-and-coming writers to get their stuff out there. read more

YES! I grew up going to Marcus Bookstore. I'm glad to see they are still around. The selection of books is amazing. What more do you want to know? GO and check them out! read more

Love coming into Marcus Books and soaking up all the knowledge. This is my favorite store in the Bay Area; the one stop shop for anything african related when it comes to knowledge. Support black businesses like Marcus Bookstore!! read more

Marcus Bookstores are the West Coast's oldest bookstores. Marcus in Oakland carries an eclectic assortment of literature that focus on African American, and African Diaspora authors, but is not exclusive to them. Friendly, family owned and operated, it features events with authors of all stripes, including luminaries such as Angela Davis and Toni Morrison. read more

A small but mighty gem in Oakland. When I entered this bookstore I felt at home. I have never been to a bookstore where all books were about black culture and/or written by black authors. The store is small but you are surrounded by a sense of history and pride. The staff are approachable, knowledgeable about the selection and kind. I definitely will come back. read more

Are you a fan of African American literature? This is where you need to be. Great staff, the prices are reasonable, and if you're lucky enough - you can catch a reading by an author. Support our local bookstores! read more

I love Marcus Book store. I have been buying books, attending book readings, and talking to owners since 1979. Marcus books has educated and entertained three generations of my family. Today I still LOVE the experience of going to the store and socializing with the community that comes through. if you are not careful you could spend many joyous hours engaged in conversation and with a background of classic jazz and buying many books. read more

What a treasure! We found an old bookmark in one of my husband's aunt's old books. The bookmark is from the 25th anniversary of Marcus books (that's 1985)! This reminded us to supported this lovely, local, Black owned business more often. Our latest visit was to purchase a Kwanzaa gift for our son. Being an educator and an avid reader, it was sooo difficult for me to browse quickly and not choose everything. They have an excellent selection of children's books, greeting cards, stationery, and all kinds of Black literature. It is a very affirming and loving space and all are welcome. We purchased a Shades of Black board book and a Black History calendar for our 1 year old son. We will be coming here more often for birthday and holiday gifts. Feel fortunate to have such a empowering store in Oakland. read more

I LOVE Marcus Book Store! I get excited every time I find a good reason to go there. It has a historic, museum-like feel, as if you are stepping back into an era when African Americans were striving, dignified, and hopeful, and when most people cared about quality books and history. The owners are very casual, which might be an issue for some people, as they are rarely in a hurry so you may need to be patient while they assist each person. I find them personable, helpful, and always willing to provide suggestions when I am seeking new books. read more

My first experience was what seemed to be a walk in the park, but I can't say the same for my second. I only discovered the store through word of mouth. I met a fellow melanated brother at a Goodwill where we witnessed a security guard over exerting his power and a slammed customer against the wall. Do to the nature of the situation, it attracted many black people on the sideline. In the heat of all of that negative passion, the conversation went from the origin of the white man to book knowledge in general, which landed me here. I found the store to check out the material. The type books I desired were not there. One book specific was, so I told the woman to put it on hold, as I would return the following month. Flash forward to the following month, I walk in to see a different woman and I also saw the book I originally asked to be held, on a shelf. Before leaving I check to see if anything else caught my interest. I found a book that I wished I had seen the first time. The lighter complexion older woman suggested that I not get it. She said she ordered the book on a whim and that I would hate it. She then begged me not to get it. Which is crazy because why would ever try to stop a sale in your own store. She made it known that her views on the material were different from my own. So basically she tried to stop be from buying it because of her personally perception of it. She then ignored me and left me standing there. I was ready to order, all while customers began to pile up behind me. She attempted to work past me with other customers,which was clearly rude. I was glad to have found a book to go with my current studies. I just hate the energy I had to fight through in order to get it. Clearly, the situation was uncalled for, however I do appreciate the fact that it is a black owned book store. We died as black people for trying to expand on knowledge. She tried to kill something, luckily I was the stronger mind. read more

If you are looking for great books in a great enviroment this is the place to go. You will also find one of the most knowledgeable people in the world in Blanche the store owner. This bookstore as been in the bay area for 49 years and we must keep it here for at least 49 more!! And do not forget the San Francisco store much Love to Karen!!! Sorry for the bad grammar Blanche. Love, Joseph read more

THE black bookstore. or sto.. The SF location is the oldest black bookstore in the nation. The OAK location opened in 76. Complete with a mural of MLK on the front, this old building is still home to much of ourstory, not his. If Marcus cant get it u out of luck , because they have everything, or can get it for ya. What sets Marcus aside from other black book stores/specialty book stores, is the history....... Marcus has survived the 70s, the rise and fall of the BPP, Oakland Murders, the City of Oakland, BART, and sideshows. Blanche and Cherysse Richardson are keeping the legacy alive, best believe. You can find a vast aray of children books, cards, caledars, cook books, revolutionairy books, cultural books, novels, etc., every type of book written by a black author, or catering to the black experience. Be sure to check the schedule for appearances, lectures, and book signings, Eric Dyson slides thru at least once a year. But be warned evertime i go i buy a bag full of books!! read more

There was a time when I really love this book store I felt so empowered every time I exit with my bag. On this particular visit the dismay has been engraved deep in my soul. I teach a class on african-american parenting so I wanted to present my graduating class with black life matters wristbands, as I was speaking to one of the owners at the cash drawer her phone rang she proceeded to laugh chat and gossip on a personal phone call which was close to six minutes. after one or two concerned glances she hung up and proceeded to ring up my wristbands of 14 at $2 each I was charged $24 for the wristbands with $6 tax I asked her was she sure that the $6 tax was correct she asured me that everybody pays tax in a tone that was not customer friendly. really $6 tax on a $24 purchase really? supporting my community and his business it's something I've been talked to do as a child but what happens when our businesses do not provide you would courteous or proper service? unfortunately Marcus bookstore is the only game in town but I feel I have to stick to my guns and now shop Amazon really hating that it came to this I feel so disenchanted and heartbroken but I refuse to be taken advantage of, especially by my own community. read more

A true gem. An institution. Incredible selection, super dedicated, helpful, knowledgeable staff... We are blessed to have Marcus books in our city. Truly truly blessed. read more

The best resource for books that pertain to African American culture and life-style. From the age of one to a hundred Marcus Bookstore has a book for you. It's a great place to spend the day, remember knowledge is power. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Marcus Book store. I have been going there for forty years. It is the oldest black book store West of the Mississippi River. Generations have benefited from its light. The owners are the family of the original owners who opened book store. One cannot even talk about a bookstore to many people. But for those who are looking for a source of information on Africa or Africans in the diaspora, including African Americans, go to Marcus Book Store. One Love! read more

I just visited Marcus Books yesterday, for books for Black youth at my church. I've supported this institution for 40 years; it's the beautiful array of choices that WE have of literature. It is THE best place to go if you want to select from a wide variety of books- we need to continue to encourage ALL young people especially to READ!! read more

I discovered this store back in the 90's and Iove the atmosphere inside. Whenever I am in the Bay Ares, this is the place to find books that educate and motivate. I have found books for myself, my children and grandchildren. I always find what I am looking for and discover many new facts about my culture. I highly recommend Marcus Book Stores. read more

I have bought books from Black authors since the early 70's, Marcus Books has always provided me with my reading materials.My husband got to meet Muhamad Ali at Marcus Books. What a thrill. read more

Absolutely the WORST experience of all,I went to visit this bookstore about 5:30pm although it said that they closed at 6:00pm and the older female clerk was VERY RUDE and inconsiderate ,I expressed to her that I knew exactly what I wanted and she replied "Your gonna have to hurry up cause I have an event,that I need to get ready for."I complied and proceeded to get my book,although being rushed she handed me my book and I realized that it was the wrong edition,turns out they didn't have it so I proceeded to purchase the edition that they did have,while she uttered "I'm booting you all out I have things to do."I replied,"Ok ma'am we understand but,"Can I please have a receipt?"she said in the snappiest voice,Hold on in a minute."She handed me the receipt as I headed toward the door,she rushed and locked the door all before closing time 6:00pm.I felt very disrespected!I went there with the intentions of supporting a black owned bookstore then left feeling betrayed by my own people,like it was stated Worst experience ever!!!!!!! read more