Rocket Reuse

Favorite book store to get me all stimulated over cozy coloring books and markers! Crayons too!!!!…read moreValue is honestly a bit much but it's worth supporting local. Staff is super nice too. I purchase cards here over the store across the street. Books Inc is much friendly and never watches me like a hawk

Books Inc is now under the umbrella of the Barnes & Noble brand. Despite this, this location still…read moreretains its independent/community feel. The staff are helpful and kind here. And I love coming in to peruse their curated and staff choice books, which changes a d rotates frequently. There's a decent selection of books on sale at the back left corner of their store if you want to shop for deals. The kiddie corner has a seated area for families/children to spend a little time looking through the books before you purchase. There's also regular author readings/signings and poetry recital events during certain early afternoon or evenings at the bookstore, which is posted on a section of their wall, facing out from their left window display. If you had a rewards membership with Books Inc, you can transfer your points and member ID info over to the Barnes & Noble rewards program.

3.4 mi•Grand Lake, Lower Hills

Outside

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Gazing at it longingly from Burma Superstar

Walden Pond Bookstore

4.4(257 reviews)

After all these years, Walden Pond Books is still a place I like to go into to see if I can find a…read morebook to purchase and read on BART. I always find a good book to read. Good reason to take BART and walk over is the Grand Lake is a great place to sit around as if we are tourists from a planet named Saturn.

I was browsing Grand Avenue past the Grand Lake Theatre and landed in here. I'm much more of a…read morelibrary goer than a book store spender, buuuut, I love books regardless. That ended up not being what I browsed, though. I went over to their small but sufficient record selection. They had top albums and artists, like Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life. I kept looking and looking and found The Internet's Ego Death for $32. Yep, found what I needed and almost left but checking out their used albums they had Kendrick's good kid, m.A.A.d city and Drake's Views for about $27 or $28 each. Idk what a good used album price is really going for these days, but I was happy with my selection, went to the counter and checked out. I can't really say much for service because I was in and out so quickly and there didn't appear to be many employees, which I get that these days.

When my kids were young, they played in the little Playhouse. My granddaughter found her own spot.

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The Bookmark Bookstore / Friends of the Oakland Public Library

4.8(76 reviews)

3.1 mi•Old Oakland

I did not know when I first arrived that this was the Friends of the Oakland Library system…read morebookstore, so the stock would consist of extras, castoffs, etc. It took me a while to go inside l, because the dollar books on the racks outside are of excellent quality, and buy two get one free! That's 66¢ each. Inside, the organization is pretty good, separating mysteries and thrillers from general fiction, for instance. I didn't see a film section though. A "vintage" section, without much of interest. Still, I spent $6 and walked out with four books, so I'm grateful.

A very good bookstore on Broadway in Oakland!!…read more As I was walking back from Chinatown, all the books outside caught my eye, and they were very inexpensive. Outside offered 1 dollar, 2 dollar, and 3 dollar books!! Inside, the books were also marked down significantly, although not as much as outside. You just have to be ready to browse a little. Technically, this Bookstore is in Old Oakland, just a block away, walking distance, from Swans Market. I've been here a few times since!!

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Barnes & Noble

3.4(234 reviews)

5.5 mi

This bookstore is a nice addition to the Bay Street mall in Emeryville. It is one of the anchor…read morestores. In terms of square footage it is the largest retail store, with perhaps the exception of Tokyo Central. The sections are well separated, and the books are well curated. The staff is sparse but helpful. I like how the upstairs spills out into the food court area. The prices here are slightly higher than Amazon, but it's worth it to be able to flip through the books and peruse.

I'll always have fond memories whenever entering a Barnes & Noble. I am just a lover of all book…read morestores, and I mean the ones that aren't online! There's a massive parking garage to use. It's not free if you want to do more than 30 minutes but thankfully you can get your card validated at Barnes & Noble. Incredibly organized as is all B&Ns are. It's two stories so there's an escalator. There's the cafe there too. Super helpful people work here. Feels cozy and safe in here. Plenty of seating at the cafe and a couple of chairs around the store. Loved stopping by the 50 percent off section! The value there is great. I was able to get a book for less than $7. 5/5

Facade of the store

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Books For Friends

5.0(4 reviews)

0.2 mi

Checked this spot out for the first time yesterday (I've been trying to go for a while, but the…read morehours just didn't work out). The summer reading program was from June 1-July 31st. After "submitting" my game board to the Bay Farm Island library earlier in the day, I received a voucher for the second prize -- one free book (up to $10 value) from Books for Friends. While small, this location is mighty. LOTS of variety! Cookbooks, children's books, biographies, etc. Most books are in "like new" condition and range from $2-$5. The staff was helpful and looked up the cost of a book I was curious about. You can pay with cash or card. You can also drop off books you're interested in donating (but check their site and fill out the form). On Google, it says they're open from 12-4 on Thurs-Sat, but they're open on Wednesday from 12-6 also.

Friendly, helpful staff. I got a beautiful cookbook which I gave as a Christmas present. The books…read moreare almost all in like new condition. There are lots of cds and dvds for just a couple of dollars.

I got the Saad book for free with the voucher ($3). I paid for Forge for my classroom library/ students ($2) -- they love Chains.

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Some other reading options!

Clio’s

4.1(133 reviews)

3.2 mi•Adams Point

After a long walk around Lake Merritt with my niece, I was on a mission to find a restroom. She…read moresuggested we stop by Clio's Bookstore & Bar, describing it as part bookstore, part reading lounge, and part bar. I expected a quick pit stop--I ended up wanting to stay. This place is an absolute gem. The atmosphere is eclectic, cozy, and full of personality. The shelves are lined with books spanning more eras and genres than I even knew existed, making it feel like a literary treasure hunt. Every direction I looked revealed another fascinating title or beautifully aged collection. One of my closest friends is a librarian, so I found myself snapping photo after photo to send her because I knew she'd be completely enamored with this place. I didn't order food or drinks during this visit (I rarely drink), but I already know I'll be back. The ambiance alone is worth experiencing. It's the kind of place where you can lose yourself browsing vintage books, settle into a chair with a good read, and simply enjoy the unique energy. From what I could tell, many of the books are also available for purchase, which makes it even more tempting to return. I also noticed that Clio's hosts community events, so I'll definitely be checking their calendar before my next visit. Whether you're a book lover, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates unique spaces with soul, Clio's Bookstore & Bar is well worth a stop.

Came to Clio's for book club and we were actually having a really good time. The place is super…read morecute and we all ordered drinks from the bar. Since the only food they really had were $24 charcuterie boards, we DoorDashed some food. A lady came over and told us we weren't allowed to have outside food, which okay, fine -- but there are literally no signs anywhere saying no outside food or drinks. What really bothered us was that other people came in with outside food and were eating it and nobody said anything to them. If that's the policy, then it should apply to everyone, not just certain tables. Such a shame because we really liked the place and were having a good time. We were buying drinks and would've definitely stayed longer. If outside food isn't allowed, just put up a sign and enforce the rule for everyone.

Blackberry sage shrub

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

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Interior

Bibliomania

3.3(78 reviews)

3.4 mi•Uptown

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.

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Dan Webb Books

4.6(19 reviews)

3.1 mi

Dan has the best prices and and a superb selection of books ,postcards , pamplets and CDs along…read morewith thousands of books including fiction ,history and science . His selection of books on ships , trains and WW2 can not be beat.The best place in the Bay Area to find valuable gems . There is something for everyone at Dan's on 15th St ( plenty of parking) in the middle of Oakland's Cultural District

The best selection of books on war and the military in Oakland. Covers many wars historical and…read morecurrent, many countries armed forces. Both old and new editions. Great place to browse.

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Bandung Books

4.7(3 reviews)

1.4 mi•East Oakland

The vendor from Bandung Books was at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center earlier this afternoon. I…read morewas at this venue to enjoy a celebration of two cultural gathering - Chinese Lunar New Year and Black History Month. I like the collection of books that were on display at this event. Even though I did not purchase any books, I am more than eager to stop by the business to browse and shop. Support this black owned business by giving back to the black community. It's nice to have two black owned bookstores in Oakland - northside (NSO) and eastside (ESO).

By far the best bookstore I've been too, with extensive anti-imperial reading and an extensive…read morePalestinian section and anything else I could want. It also had a gorgeous rare book section. The vibe was overall fantastic, thankful for this store in a continuously (negatively) censored world.

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

David S.

5

7

30

12 years ago

We can't figure out what we love more - the store or spending time with Catherine! Between her and the vibe in the store (that vintage phone booth turned dressing room just KILLS me! I LOVE it), we keep coming back. It'll always be Tucker's for ice cream, and straight to Rocket Reuse to see Catherine for some fun. Throwback gems and memories galore. My wife and I are always like "Honey!! You remember what we were doing when THIS came out..??" So, so awesome and such a cool experience! - David and Tracy Sovereign :) read more

Naomi B.

90

8

5

11 months ago

This place is a local treasure. I have found so many amazing things at Rocket Reuse and their prices are so reasonable. I started shopping their regularly for children's books (which they have an amazing selection of) but now find myselft heading there for unique gifts (handmade journals, vintage jewelry, board games) and also clothing for myself! Some of my most compliments tops are from Rocket Reuse! read more

Sarah D.

0

38

18

11 months ago

Rocket reuse is one of my favorite stores in alameda the owners have a well edited selection of books, vinyl and vintage clothing. The atmosphere is welcoming and community oriented, what a treasure read more

Shelby K.

0

4

0

9 years ago

Eclectic mix of used books, games, CDs, LPs, vintage clothes, textiles, and toys. Neighborly and family-friendly folks behind the counter.

J.J. L.

0

115

0

12 years ago

Nice shop. Lots of good stuff in a small space. And good prices. A nice spot along Park Street.

Marilu G.

0

2

0

8 years ago

Rocket Reuse is not closed! And it is the greatest little store!

Rocket Reuse - bookstores - Updated October 2026

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Books For Friends

5.0

(4 reviews)

Checked this spot out for the first time yesterday (I've been trying to go for a while, but the…read morehours just didn't work out). The summer reading program was from June 1-July 31st. After "submitting" my game board to the Bay Farm Island library earlier in the day, I received a voucher for the second prize -- one free book (up to $10 value) from Books for Friends. While small, this location is mighty. LOTS of variety! Cookbooks, children's books, biographies, etc. Most books are in "like new" condition and range from $2-$5. The staff was helpful and looked up the cost of a book I was curious about. You can pay with cash or card. You can also drop off books you're interested in donating (but check their site and fill out the form). On Google, it says they're open from 12-4 on Thurs-Sat, but they're open on Wednesday from 12-6 also.

Friendly, helpful staff. I got a beautiful cookbook which I gave as a Christmas present. The books…read moreare almost all in like new condition. There are lots of cds and dvds for just a couple of dollars.

Moodswing

5.0

(1 review)

Amazing vintage jewel in the heart of alameda! Beautiful old clothes, lots of cool vintage…read moreglassware, fabric and sewing paraphernalia, wall art and jewelry, all artfully curated and displayed in a way that makes it feel like you're on a treasure hunt:) Visiting Maria's shop is one of my fave things to do! Doesn't hurt that's she also pro-ceasefire :)

Two Mary's Mercantile

5.0

(13 reviews)

Two Mary's Mercantile is a peak Alameda experience. It's such a scenic walk through one of our…read morelovely marinas and feels like an elevated Anthropologie with a waterfront view. Tiffany is a lovely human being who exudes joy, warmth, and welcome towards everyone who enters her beautifully appointed space. The shop smells like a dream and provides a little bit of everything for everyone. You really can't visit without bringing something home with you. I really love this shop and recommend it to everyone who's visiting or locals that haven't been.

I can't say enough good things about this place! Tiffany is the owner and brings a lovely energy to…read morethe shop and community. Alongside the incredible creation of unique gifts, apothecary items, home goods, etc, there are always cool happenings with pop-ups and workshops that empower local businesses and artists while fostering community. Give them a follow on Instagram where updates are regularly posted!

Dan Webb Books

4.6

(19 reviews)

Dan has the best prices and and a superb selection of books ,postcards , pamplets and CDs along…read morewith thousands of books including fiction ,history and science . His selection of books on ships , trains and WW2 can not be beat.The best place in the Bay Area to find valuable gems . There is something for everyone at Dan's on 15th St ( plenty of parking) in the middle of Oakland's Cultural District

The best selection of books on war and the military in Oakland. Covers many wars historical and…read morecurrent, many countries armed forces. Both old and new editions. Great place to browse.

Whales & Friends

4.2

(34 reviews)

I love coming here for gifts! They have so many interesting and unique things to choose from, from…read morefashion and kitchen items to puzzles, knickknacks, purses, earrings, socks, hats, and more. One of the ladies who works here was so helpful whenwe had questions. We found a beautiful scarf for around $30, and I loved it because it was so unique and stylish. I thought that was a great value for such a beautiful and distinctive gift. I also love that they have different beautiful wrapping options for gifts. We even found a little mirror to add to the gift, and the case had beautiful Van Gogh artwork on both sides. Such a fun place to browse when you're looking for something a little different!

Whimsical and specially curated collection of very unique clothing, purses, hats, jewelry (some…read morefrom local artists), children's toys/plushies, and household/garden decor. There's always something new, cute, and interesting to find here. Some items are also imported. Prices can be reasonable to high (e.g. they have a range of $40 to $350+ in clothing and accessory/jewelry items). I first noticed them years ago at their original location on Lincoln Ave. They relocated to this much more spacious spot after the pandemic. So glad they are still in business. I have bought various items through the years from this store for myself and for loved ones as gifts (beautiful pillbox hats with lace netting, jewelry, fashionable scarves, statement socks, etc). Great place to find a gift for someone in your life that has "everything" already. Local woman-owned business too. Located in the inner walkway/courtyard of South Shore outdoor shopping center, across from the children's play area.

Good Better Best

4.3

(24 reviews)

An absolutely wonderful store! They have some great stuff and prices are reasonable. Will…read moredefinitely be back!

Always wanted to go in this store, and then I saw some beautiful lamps in the window, did I need…read morethem no, but I wanted them. Ended up going in twice to decide, they gave me a great deal! Owners seem wonderful and each time I went there was a group of people hanging out, very social like a coffee shop, wish I lived in alameda, because I'd rather go there and hang than, a coffee shop! Had to buy lampshades for the lamps and unfortunately the shades I wanted I'm probably going to have to make because I can't find anything like them out there so I got some cheap one for now at Walmart, they look ok, doing the 60's thing!

Beaker's Records

4.5

(8 reviews)

Small little record shop in Alameda with a passionate and friendly owner! I brought some vinyls in…read moreto sell and was given a reasonable price. Lots of variety and good choices to search through. Recommend stopping by if you're a vinyl collector and are in the area!

I tried selling there but the owner wanted to cherry-pick and in the age of selling online you no…read morelonger have to put up with cherry picking. And record store owners seem unaware of how many awesome items they're missing out on now that so many sellers have discontinued selling in stores because of cherry picking. To me it makes no sense to cherry pick because stores that do that are not allowing customers to make their own choices. No wonder the 2 major stores in Berkeley are no longer open 7 days a week anymore.

Black Swan Books

4.3

(14 reviews)

•$$$

Date: 7/20/2025 Time: 3:20 PM 63° Cloudy…read more After Fentons, my sister and I decided to browse in Black Swan Books. This store reminds of Holmes Bookstore that used to be on 14th Street near the downtown Oakland area and Wilmot's Books at 478 Central Avenue in Alameda. Both these stores have been closed for several years. Black Swan Books reminds me of a nostalgic time of the 60's - a library of used books, antiques, record albums, 45's, collectibles, etc. Based on my observation, the owners were helpful with other customers. I wouldn't mind returning to look through their collection of record albums and 45's. Another thing I want to ask is whether or not they accept donation of cookbooks. Return visit? Yes.

A very good, very local bookstore located on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland!!!…read more Along with books, there are all kinds of collectibles in here, so although this store is small, you should spend some time really looking around in here, there's no telling what you might find! There was also a pretty good selection of vinyl records in here!! They greet you coming and going in this store, very friendly!!

Mastick Thrift Store

4.1

(12 reviews)

Lovely professional volunteers, great atmosphere, priced, and fun items!…read moreI recommend it!

You'll find the entrance through parking lot off to the side. Everything out front is $1 or less,…read moreand separate from inside the thrift shop. CASH ONLY at both. Inside you'll find a decent collection of women's clothing/jewelry/shoes and next room is men's clothing/shoes/sporting goods, a lot of cookware and dishware, knitting supplies. everything is well priced, exactly how a thrift shop should be. Do note the hours are very limited, open twice a week just for a few hours but very worth it. The ladies working are lovely and very helpful when I had questions about some Levi's.

The Book Tree

4.6

(28 reviews)