Great little bookstore in Orinda! I love checking out their staff recommendations. A nicely curated children's section is in the back of the store. On a recent visit they had some reduced books on a cart outside (called bruised books). I got a hard cover for $10. I was able to find a couple great recommendations and a book for a gift inside. They gift wrapped it very nicely for free! Support your independent bookstore and stop in next time you are in the area! read more

ORINDA BOOKS stocks dozens of interesting books that never made the NY Times list. Beyond the usual fiction bestsellers, they stock so much more: non fiction, calendars, gardening, poetry, memoirs, and art books galore! And tucked in the corner is an inviting place to join a monthly book club discussion. This is a community treasure! read more

The staff was helpful, accommodating, and fun to talk about books with! I'm happy to have discovered another local small bookstore in my area. read more

Cute and comfortable local bookstore. The staff is friendly and helpful and they have some great events They hold with authors and for the community. Parking is super easy. Highly recommend! read more

Tucked away in a small shopping center, Orinda Books is a great place to browse and find a new read. I placed a book on hold over the phone and picked up in person. The two people working were SO nice and we had a friendly conversation about recent books we read. They even wrapped my book for free since it was a gift! I will definitely be by again next time I'm in need of purchasing a new book. They also have a website so you can look up current inventory! read more

A large selection with something for everyone. Some cozy places to sit, too. I did quite a bit of holiday shopping here.

Great locally, female owned bookstore! Any book you might order from Amazon, they can get, too. And they also ship!

Tiny bookstore with a great selection. You'd be hard pressed not to find a single book you might enjoy.

Every time I purchase something at this store, i almost immediately regret it. They may have a nice selection of books, but their employees' attitude is unfriendly at best. Don't think anyone would greet you when entering, approach you to ask if they could help, thank you for your purchase or say good bye when you leave the store. At this point, next time I will come in to get ideas but then order online. It makes no sense to support independent businesses if they don't care about your money. read more

LOOK, I know SIP is a great opportunity to read from our large TBR piles (of books I already bought at Orinda Books), but I was like, what good is still having a job if I'm not spending money locally and treating myself to a new book or three? I emailed them links from their website to books I wanted and then called in at 10 am on Friday with my credit card info, and they delivered my books by noon that same day! Everyone I've met there is nice, and they were finally starting a nice Romance section in store before SIP. read more

LOVE Orinda Books. They have a wide selection in-store, and their on-demand ordering is very fast. They deliver for free in Lamorinda right now! Buy from them! They're so great! OK, tangent time: I had to go in-person to pick up a last minute birthday gift for some one (I had been able to pay online first), and in my 2 minutes in the store observed the following interaction: a nice employee with a long dark ponytail being very patient and caring with an extremely elderly woman. While I waited, I noticed that the woman was going on and on about what a great book this was and she had to special order it, and they should really stock it on the shelves. The employee was very affable about it, and when I peered over, I saw it was a Trump book. I'm going to go ahead and make some assumptions about the employee, but I suspect they might share my leftie values. I was appalled, kinda, but also super impressed at how nice this person was to this elderly customer. read more

Covid-19 Review: My SIL told me about this place when we were staying with her because I always love going to local bookstores and supporting them. This coming from a person who usually gets about 85% of her books from the library because they are FREE! But since having a kid, I feel that since he tends to destroy them and some are just sentimental because I read them as a kid. Anyway, it's in a little plaza near Bank of America, and across from the Orinda Community Park. Plenty of parking and there's a cafe at the end. The store is actually pretty big and I don't know if they changed the layout due to the current situation, but it was roomy and not at all cramped/cozy like some independent bookstores. They require you to sanitize your hands upon entry/before touching books and provide the sanitizer right at the door. The cook books are in the back left, and the children's to the back on the right. There are a couple of little chairs and the display is cute as they include some stuffed animals of book characters here and there. I found 4 books for my little and there was another toddler there with his mom who recommended some for me as well. Check out was easy. I had a good experience, but was originally hesitant to go as I had read a previous review from an artist who didn't have a good experience displaying her art. I'm glad I went, and I hope that one review was an aberration. read more

Loved this bookstore. The atmosphere is very comfortable. The way the store is arranged is not overwhelming and well put together. The staff is helpful. The selection is wonderful. I am very happy to have found this gem. read more

I probably go here an unhealthy amount. Great location. Lovely people. Awesome selection. Next time your thinking of ordering a book from Amazon or picking one up at Barnes and Noble, support this fantastic business. (And if you don't find the book you're looking for, they'll order it for you!) read more

Thanks for ordering the book I wanted and calling me when it's ready, but your in-store attitude is so snarky. Why? For the third time I have heard different employees put down murder mysteries. No big deal but why make a point of it. And why the obvious cold shoulder and just general less than friendly attitude. Is something wrong? Lighten up people. You should be glad we are buying books from you at full price, and not Amazon or Book of the Month. read more

Cute little bookstore with plenty of seating and a great selection of books. Has a little something for everyone's personal tastes.

After breakfast w/ Alan and Tam I started to get into my car, which was parked in front of Orinda Books. Then I thought, "What are you doing?? This is a bookstore!" and I closed up my car and went in. As I entered I heard the sound of a cat in animated conversation w/ a patron. I approached and when the other lady left I held out my hand to introduce myself to the cat, who offered her head for a scratch. In the window had been a copy of "Lawrence IN Arabia" by Scott Anderson, which we had just finished for our book group. Good sign. There were the usual wonderful independent bookstore array of books, hard cover and soft. There is also music, which I didn't explore. I didn't linger long, as I had errands to run, but I did pick up a paperback copy of "Telegraph Avenue" by Michael Chabon, which had been well reviewed. The woman who checked me out was friendly and I was so glad I stopped to explore a little rather than hurrying on my way. read more

Knowledgeable, friendly home-like atmosphere. If they don't have or you can't find it, they will. Beats having a gray transit truck throw it on your porch. read more

This place is alright. I called in to check if they had a classic Shel Silverstein book, which they did and put it on hold for me. Check out was easy and they even have gift wrapping available. They had a fair amount of books but I live closer to Pegasus bookstore :) read more

The kids section was impossible. It is organized in the most bizarre way by topic like 'death' and 'ocean' so I couldn't find anything. Also, the books for sale in the kid section were clearly picked for how beautiful they are not content. They had very few classic books that I would want actually be able to read to my kids but many beautiful books that would look good on a shelf. read more

An absolute gem. I've been going here since I was a kid, and now I take my own here. Airy and bright, with a well-curated selection of kids books and adult titles. Great customer service; they'll order any book. Support your local independent bookstore! read more

Such a cute little book store! I suggest going here to support the small business. If they don't have what you need they will order it.

LOVE this bookstore. Fantastic staff, great selection, wonderful space. I shop here as often as I can and I highly encourage you to do the same. Orinda is a great little town and this bookstore is the jewel on top. read more

Every artist is grateful for opportunities to display their art. So when Maria Roden, owner of Orinda Books, offered me an opportunity to exhibit my paintings as a "guest artist," I was delighted.The exhibit was to encompass the month of November. I planned and I painted. I made up little gallery cards for each painting indicating the medium, substrate, and price of each painting. I shopped for velcro backing. I typed up each description of each painting and meticulously glued the paper to a large poster board and measured and cut each card down to size with one of those retractable blade knives that will slice your finger off it you aren't careful. The day before I was to set up the exhibit, my husband sat in my studio and wired the paintings for hanging. I'd purchased floating frames for a few of them and after we'd finished I thought they looked wonderful. We meticulously packed and wrapped each painting using paper and old towels, careful not to scratch paint or substrate, or dent canvases. I packed up the little cards separately and made sure that we had extra velcro as well as miscellaneous tools. We hung the paintings in the store. I thought they looked, again, wonderful. Each one was a labor of love and, when we left, I felt like I'd left a part of myself behind. The reception was scheduled for the following Sunday. An artist's reception is supposed to be a collaboration between the gallery/venue and the artist. So I went to Costco and bought a case of Pelligrinio, and wine-three whites and three reds-then ordered a platter of noshes from a local store and picked up two boxes of crackers-one each of Triscuits and Wheat Thins. I rushed and was concerned about being late. When I arrived at the store with all my goodies 30 minutes before the event was to begin, I found nothing prepared. No table, no glasses, no napkins. Additionally, after all that running around, I had to pee and was told that the restroom was for staff only. I was not offered an alternative and was about to walk across the street to Safeway. I waited for folks to arrive and, at one point, I asked one of the staff members if there was any outreach to the community regarding "guest artists." Her reply was, "I wish." After sitting around for an hour, I left. Fast forward to the end of the month. I'd planned, since the agreement with the store was for the month of November, to pick up my paintings on the last day of the month. Therefore, when my husband and I arrived at the store to pack them up, I was shocked to find another artist's paintings on the walls-mine were nowhere to be found. When I asked a man, whom I later realized was Maria's husband Danny, where my paintings were, he led me to a small office where my paintings were lying around the room on the floor. Many of the little cards I'd so meticulously worked on were stuck together in a glump scattered here and there. "They're in here," he said. "I don't like that you touched my paintings," I said. "I also have this space through the end of the month and today is the last day-why did you take my paintings down?" And this is where this already really sad scenario gets awful. He didn't answer my question, but In front of my husband who had come to help, he sneered at me and, walking away, pointed again to the room. "They're in here," he said. Then he left. No conversation, no explanation, no dialogue, and certainly no apology. I was dismissed, and I felt humiliated and embarrassed, especially in front of my husband who is so damn proud of me. We packed up my paintings and left and I will never set foot in that store again which is a shame because I have very fond memories of Orinda Books, not only as a small local bookstore, but it also was the supplying bookstore for JFK University when I attended graduate school, long before the Rodens took over the store. In an email to me, Maria Roden said that she "didn't understand how all this evolved." In a nutshell, Maria, it's about respect; it's about respect for what others do, respect for their property, respect for the commitments one makes, and respect for the feelings of others. You could have notified me of the change, you could have called, you could have said no to this other artist; there are numerous ways that you could have done what is right. And your husband could have taken the time- and he could have had the common decency-to explain what had happened rather than dismissing and humiliating me the way he did. As a bookstore, Orinda Books is a great little local shop; as a venue for art exhibits, it has potential, but IMHO, they need to treat artists with more respect. I listened to staff interact with customers, members of the community, and if Danny Roden had spoken to any of them the way he spoke to me, the store would be out of business. Just sayin.' read more

Always loved this bookstore. It was close to home and they had a great variety and knowledgeable staff who were always helpful. They had a great selection of kids books. read more

Knowledgeable and friendly staff and a good selection are big pluses. The owner Janet is just incredibly smart and dynamic but all the ladies are well-read and make some great recommendations. read more

I would give it a 4 1/2 if I could. Orinda bookstore is a nice bookstore with lots of books from A-Z I would like it more if I were not allergic to cats. Other than that it is a nice store with books for all ages. read more

I've been going to Orinda Books since I was a little kid. The selection is good, and made better by the short staff reviews included in several book jackets. Its friendly staff and comfy atmosphere make it a great place to bring kids, explore the staff's recommendations, or browse new books. This local, independently owned bookstore is one of my favorite things about Orinda. read more

A lovely indie bookstore with author events, a wide selection, a little seating area, even a crafts for sale section. Staff were knowledgeable and friendly. Nice location too. read more

This small book store tucked away in a mini mall in Orinda near the library is a true gem. When my kids were in school this was my favorite place to go to find just the right books. Of course I always came away with something for myself as well because I got great recomendations. The staff there seem to have read almost everything in the store! Check out this shop for a personalized shopping experience. read more

This is an Orinda institution. The staff are most friendly and helpful. I'm always able to find suitable books for gifts. And for myself, I ask them to order those books not in stock. They sponsor book clubs (with discounts) and lectures, often quite interesting. The layout is clear, so it's easy to find an area of interest. read more

I called this morning at 10am looking for a book. I spoke to Susan and she looked for the book I needed, she only had 1 left, put it on hold and my son was in within the hour to pick it up. I appreciated her great customer service and her friendly voice. Thank you Susan! read more

Best book store ever!! Ginger the cat is very lovable and isn't afraid of toddlers. Speaking of toddlers this place is perfect for them (and adults) as it has lots of toys (duplo table, and much more). It's the best bookstore ever! read more

My favorite place to find my next great read. They have a great selection and the staff is amazing at helping you find what you need. Cozy little place! read more

The staff took great care of me, I found plenty to browse through, and ended up grabbing several books I'd never seen before. It'll be nice to go to everyone once in awhile for books I'd prefer to own! read more

This is an amazing bookstore. It's great for children who love books. The staff are very friendly, always helping you finding what you need. They do gift wrapping too, so it is a great place to buy gifts. They have books for all ages. My children love it! read more

I am always impressed by the level of service at Orinda Books. The staff are friendly and courteous. Some of them even keep track of my book preferences and will call me if they have something come in they think I might like. They also special order and can get me most books in just a few days. I, too, like Ginger the cat! read more

Not only is this a good bookstore, but they have a lot of good authors visit. I was in today and the author of Molokai and Honolulu was there, reading from his new book, answering questions and signing books. We've seen some really big-name authors here over the years. You can find out author event schedules at their website (www.orindabooks.com). And they have a cute bookstore cat, Ginger. read more

Excellent bookstore near the Post office in Orinda. They have a wonderful selection of children's books and are surprisingly happy when little ones come running through the store. This is one of our go-to places for birthday party gifts. read more

Love this bookstore. They have a wonderful selection, will order anything you want and it arrives in record time. They coordinate with local book clubs and have regular guest speakers. They even have a local craft section. read more