I've been a customer for over 5 years now; I reside in WA state but it's always a must stop for me while in SoCal or when I need some inspiration online, always an amazing shopping experience because of the impeccable and personable service directly from the Owner - Activist - Community Ally that Long Beach is lucky to have! Books, prints, zines and stickers for all budgets, the selection is incredible, well curated and the value of your purchase right on point with the agenda and the importance of the mission PATM Books takes its pride on. read more

What a great little bookstore! Carefully curated and well organized. I agree with many of the other reviews; great selection, friendly staff (with wonderful recommendations, too!). Support local business! read more

Every time I get the chance, I like to roll into the shop and check out their latest offering. The owner works very hard on his selections, guest lecturers, and overall cleanliness/organization of the store. It's so rare these days to see a shop like this dedicated to integrity, freedom of speech and good vibes. The variety of books is rather amazing - from gourmet cookbooks, to info-entertainment comic books on political topics, to resistance newspapers. Their prices are extremely fair. The owner does not seem desperate whatsoever. He is 100% committed to the process of providing the community with thoughtful literature and events for these times of political crisis and dystopian confusion in our government. When in doubt, drop in, chat with the owner and find something interesting to read! read more

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Fantastic little bookstore in Long Beach! Great selection of political books (fictional & nonfiction). read more

Page Against The Machine - Used Bookstore Near Me - Long Beach, California

Great matcha. The chocolate vegan pop tart was fantastic! I'll definitely go back. Super friendly staff, cute place to hang out and catch up on work or homework. read more

I'm so glad I found this gem in my area! It's a little pricey but well worth supporting a small local business. They had a wide selection of books and art available. I got a print of a cat melting ice ;) like Godzilla for my mom's christmas present.She loved it. Cashier was also super kind and informative. Asked me if I needed help with anything or was looking for anything in particular. read more

My brother loves checking out bookstores when he travels, so whenever I'm on a trip with him there will be at least one book shop. This one was really cool and had a ton of variety. The zines on their own are worth visiting for. My brother took his time looking through the books and we both browsed for a while. There's no pressure to shop quickly or buy something. It's all very chill. My brother ended up buying a few zines before we walked over to the coffee shop across the street and he read them while we enjoyed a nice coffee. We would definitely visit again next time we visit the area. read more

Such a gem! This bookstore has pretty much anything I could as for in a bookstore, with the exception of size. I wish it was bigger since I'm sure they would fill it with even more greatness, but for the small size it occupies, it's fabulous! They pack a lot into a little and they do it well. Reasons to shop here: -Support local businesses who support other locals -Lots of used books (reduce/REUSE/recycle) -Great subject matters -Well thought out labels and organization -Activist and englightened titles, even for kids -Local art on the walls -Classic and hard to find titles -Knowledgeable staff I feel like I could spend all day in here. New books with current subject matters are insipiring while great non-fiction and classics sections provide the promise of so much to learn and know in the world. read more

Page Against The Machine - Used Bookstore Near Me - Long Beach, California

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This store is THE BEST!! There is so much political books and pins and such, but in this current political state, that is exactly what we need. Oh, and I can't forget to mention, they don't even charge tax! The owner is super friendly as well. I STRONGLY recommend to anyone interested in politics and/or reading. read more

A small independent bookstore that every community needs. Excellent customer service and always great music. I had asked Chris to order 2 very special books for me one is from a Spoken Word Poet who I've seen a few times at Poetry Slams and the other is from another a young survivor of Cancer her book is short poems and astrological descriptions title "I am Her..." when I sent out those 'Adopt a Senior' Packages back in 2020 I sent books that would make people think and contemplate - this bookstore has so many books such as these to select from. Do yourself a favor and stop by some day, you'll be glad you did! Respectfully Reviewed read more

Page Against The Machine - Two of the very best books you could give to someone who appreciates poetry. - Used Bookstore Near Me - Long Beach, California

I've been wanting to check out this bookstore but could never make it during regular hours. But I finally came during Fourth Fridays and it was popping! This bookstore is amazing. I'm honestly not much of a reader, but with a name like "page against the machine", they definitely did not disappoint. They have a room with books on sale between $5 to $10. In this economy?! That's a steal. My favorite part were the posters. For the quality, they were great prices and they have a large variety focused on several different social justice issues. The owner was very personable and I will definitely be coming again! read more

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STEPH JUDGEMENT: A great balm in these troubled times. Since my initial review I've been back many times, and have come to really treasure this little store. There is always something good and interesting in there, and I've also been able to special order stuff with ease. It's still a great community- and justice-minded store and I'm so glad they've been able to hang on during the pandemic. I am a fan for life! read more

I love this lil shop. I happened to be in LB, so I looked on Yelp for local bookstores (nerd alert). I saw "Page Against the Machine" and the 15 year old emo kid inside me couldn't resist. I perused the shop for maybe 30 minutes (this is me rushing), and found SO MUCH that I wanted. I settled on three: The Complete Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe($4.95), Slaughterhouse-Five($7.95), and Educated($15). I even looked online, and at the time, "Educated" was cheaper here than what I found on Target, Barnes and Noble and Amazon online. Not only does PATM have currently trending books, but there's a wide selection of classics, lesser known titles from classic authors, used as well as new books - AND there's a focus on activism and organizing. I loved how they also showcase local authors, which is so great and much needed. The owner of PATM, Chris, was super nice and chatted with me for a bit about our favorite local bookstores, and how we both found these places as such an important solace for so many. Quote from their website: "Hungry man, reach for the book: it is a weapon." - Bertolt Brecht Check this place out! Photos - Instagram: @TheBookishBombshell ****************** Seriously, y'all, I know Amazon is so easy, but go support your local bookstores! 1. Their recommendations will be a thousand times better than amazon's. 2. Great way to find local authors! 3a. Amazing used book selections 3b. Many have book trading! (Reduce, reuse, recycle!) 4. You get to meet and discuss with local bookworms and lovers of knowledge! 5. Many bookshops are quirky and a marvel to see. 6. You get to LEAVE THE HOUSE! read more

Page Against The Machine - Book Haul! The Complete Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe($4.95) Slaughterhouse-Five($7.95) Educated($15) Photo - Instagram: @TheBookishBombshell - Used Bookstore Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Love this thoughtfully curated local bookstore. I always find something interesting on the shelves. There are books for all ages including works by local authors. Need a break from activist books and just want to read a summer "guilty" pleasure? Chris will order any book you want. I love that I can put in a request and usually have the book in hand in about a week. It's makes it so easy to support local bookstores. read more

I came across this bookstore while in line for the bakery next store, but now that I know it exists, I will be planning a visit back just for this bookstore! All of the books are thoughtfully displayed in different sections throughout the store, and the owner was so knowledgeable and helpful when helping me pick out a few to take home! 10/10 would recommend this book store for empowering yourself with knowledge on very important topics! read more

Okay, this bookstore is to freaking die for. The whole store has political/liberal books throughout. They have amazing zines, posters, and art displayed throughout the store. They sell stickers, you can interact with some of the art pieces, and they stay open late on Fourth Fridays. They have a wide variety of literature, from Childrens books, to books about art, books on politics, books on education. Used books, new books. My partner was overjoyed at the political posters and bought 3 to put up in our house! I grabbed a Johnathan Kozol book and am so excited to add it to my long TBR pile. They have advertisements for community events, including a queer book club in Long Beach which I now will be joining. This bookstore is now one of favorites! The man attending us (I wish I got his name) had a conversation with us about a poster he created and he was so warm and friendly. read more

Page Against The Machine - Art - Used Bookstore Near Me - Long Beach, California

First of all, this bookstore gets 5 stars simply for having an epic name. But even outside of that, this is a really great spot that I stumbled upon while waiting to meet a friend for brunch! Super interesting selection and setup with limited space and the owner is super friendly and super helpful. I'm now at that age where my friends are starting to have kids on purpose and as a proud guncle, I'm buying them all a children's book about the lgbt+ rainbow. I could easily just order the book online but I'd rather go here and support a local small business. I've made it a point to stop here every few months in order to see if the store has received a new shipment and I buy them all up. I'll be going again for my first visit of 2021 and look forward to supporting this independent business during these troubled times. Masks are required right now and sanitizer is provided. read more

Page Against The Machine - Used Bookstore Near Me - Long Beach, California

I just love this very niche bookstore of provocative, thoughtful literature, both classic and contemporary! Owner Chris G. not only curates great books but also hosts regular events. Keep up the 'good trouble,' as well as the fight for justice and the quest for truth! read more

A beautifully and meticulously curated book store. It's in a dynamic, exciting area of Long Beach close to other fantastic stores. Chris was super friendly and the selection here for this genre of social activism and many other cross sections of literature are just fantastic. A gem of Long Beach! read more

Can we give this place infinite numbers of stars for everything? My daughter and I bought books and ordered some as well. Can't wait to go back again and again. read more

Page Against The Machine - Used Bookstore Near Me - Long Beach, California

Books aren't dead. Even more lively here, I immediately loved the small intimate feel of the store- original choice of literature and products, I love it ! Lots to look at- regardless of the space size, loads for the eyes! Not the most welcoming , inviting space -- kinda felt like I was in someone's den, uninvited, poking around - that was unfortunate. I actually didn't get spoken to till I waited at the counter for a few, service was friendly after that. Loved my purchase, although I'm not in a hurry to return-- I'm sure I'll be back, I love bookstores. Read on. read more

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This small bookshop is easy to miss but worth visiting! Chris, the owner, is an awesome helpful guy who's created something special. If you're ever in the area, check it out! You'll probably find something good to read that you wouldn't have seen in a corporate bookstore. read more

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The store is too one-sided. TOO one-sided. Openly one-sided. Nuff said. I'm not sure if it was the owner, but the guy inside the store just said Hi, and that's it. Kept doing whatever he was doing behind his counter. I asked if there was another book store on the Corridor. He said NO, so categorically, that it looked like he knew what he was talking about. Turns out, it was just a rivalry. There is another book store just a block up the street, and that store had better and wider selection of books and was more welcoming. read more

Chris is super helpful and inviting. Lots of lovely conversation, plus public events including a Marxist Theory class! Not a huge selection, but a very good selection. And when he doesn't have in stock what I'm looking for, he gets it for me in a timely fashion. read more

This pandemic has changed my view how every dollar I spend is a vote to the kind of community I want to live in. I found Page against the machine local to my apartment. They have an active website and social media presence. I emailed inquiring about a special order book through the official Page against the machine website. I wanted to support a small business outside of Barnes and Nobles and Amazon. Small businesses have been hit hard and are always struggling to keep a float compared to bijillion dollar companies. The book had nothing to do with the theme of Page against the Machine but I wanted to at least try. Within a day or so, I got an immediate detailed response from Chris. Chris told me it was possible, how the whole process of special order books worked, when his distributor worked, and one of the books was not ready for release just yet. I finally got to meet Chris, he's got great taste in music with Rage Against the Machine inspired store name and he had a Devo shirt on. 80's music is the best. Chris was easy to talk to and super friendly. I was able to browse through his store. Great selection of books from new to old. They were all organized and super clean. There was even an exhibition of civil rights posters. Parking is a little tough but you can find it around the residential areas. The book arrived and I was able to pick it up when I was available during business hours. I got to pay in cash and left super happy with my experience. Thanks Chris, keep moving forward. read more

A gem in my neighborhood! so happy to have this bookstore only a 2 minute walk from my house. This is an activist bookstore - the selection is curated very intentionally to cover social justice issues and difficult (necessary) topics. Chris - the owner - is the one you'll see in the shop. Any books not currently on the shelves can be ordered. let's all support our local bookstores in 2023? :) read more

Upon our entry, the owner, phone to ear, wordlessly retreated into a back room. OK, we were planning to get ice cream across the street, anyway, so we did that first. Not that we had a very bad taste in our mouth but we were now ready for some literary nourishment. Twenty minutes later, still no one out front. We amused ourselves perusing titles in this tidy and comfortable space. While occasionally peeking out, it was perhaps an additional twenty minutes before Chris, the owner, emerged. Well, important phone stuff happens. I now realize that, who I thought was another patient customer, was, in fact, a friend (perhaps keeping an eye on us?). I sound grouchy, I know. It turns out Chris is a very personable and knowledgeable person. An Arthur Miller lookalike. Very interesting selection of books. Clever store name seems less mundane than its source's name inspiration. Don't look for popular literature here. A good place to discover and explore for books you always meant to read. Holes cut into the walls to merge it with neighboring business. Good idea? I guess. I would rather see the store keep its bookshop integrity than the casbah-ishy thing so often popping up. We will return and hopefully be able to kick in an extra star. read more

Wonderful selection of new and used books. You will find Leftist classics and the latest thought. Prices are reasonable. This bookstore has had such an obvious positive impact on our community as a welcoming place to gather and discuss the important stuff. read more

Support your local independent bookstore! I follow PATM on Instagram and picked up one of their suggested titles online. Can't wait to read it (it's #3 in my queue). read more

Coolest book store hangout I've been to definitely worth it to check out Chris the owner is the bomb read more

This is my favorite local bookstore! The owner is friendly and knowledgeable, and is always willing to take book suggestions. If he doesn't have it, he'll order it for you. Great selection of Black & brown authors, and always up on the newest and most popular books that deal with the changing political, racial, and cultural landscape. He even has a small children's book section--a must-visit! Plus it's attached to this cute shop that sells handmade jewelry and other gorgeous pottery/home decor, and next door is an awesome bakery! read more

Have you been here yet? If you haven't please come! Do you remember the old Inretrospect? The original inretrospect on fourth Street in retro row? Not the one in Huntington Beach! But the original! The owner owns page against the machine! I have missed inretrospect for years and now we have Page against the machine! Come visit you will not be disappointed! Same cool vibe and the best books you will find it anywhere! Plan on staying a while. say hi to Chris he's a great guy! read more

Often has great artwork for sale, as well as books. I've found rare, out of print books that I would not have found anywhere else, and always reasonably priced. If what you're looking for isn't in stock, Chris will order it if he can. A great local bookstore. read more

Chris rocks and he's done a wonderful job setting up and curating his store. I don't live in LB anymore but still place online orders to support him and he ships the stuff immediately. Go stop by and talk to him! He's the best. read more

Great experience here. The owner helped me find a book that in the categories that I liked. He also had a wide selection of books ranging from cultural competence to autobiographies. read more

Love this progressive little bookstore! I went in search of anti racist books yesterday and he had several titles even though most people and websites are back ordered. The stores selection of new and used books are so relevant. The also have a great selection of books to teach your children kindness, compassion, tolerance and to begin important conversations about racism and LGBTIQ rights, etc. the owner is a super nice guy as well and will order you books he doesn't have in. I will definitely be back! Can't wait till we are past this pandemic and he can host readings in this cool community space! read more

The store was very well organized, reasonably priced, and the staff was very nice. The books sold are very interesting and classic stories, I would definitely go again and refer a friend to the store read more

Page Against The Machine - The books purchased - Used Bookstore Near Me - Long Beach, California

Owner was welcoming. Smart selection of social thought & justice and books, literature, California & social art. Purchased a beautiful book on the history of California art. Particularly liked the forward thinking children's area. So happy i stopped in. Nice to have an independent neighborhood book shop for special gifts. read more

Awesome local indie bookstore. In store selection and vibe is great, and they'll order other books beyond what they stock if you call and request (and their distributor carries them) - way better than going through Amazon or a large chain store. Thanks PATM! read more

I am absolutely in love with this bookstore. It is such a wonderful curated collection, but will also include some great reads that you might not be expecting. You will definitely feel empowered after a visit, armed with information and new books to help you make positive change. The owner makes you feel so welcome, and his passion for books and "paging" against the machine is infectious. read more