Sleepy Cat Books

5

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1 year ago

The bookstore itself was small, but had quite a few decent selections in terms of books. I personally enjoyed looking at the postcards and stickers available. The real star of the show was Lyla and her owner. Both are the sweetest and most charming and soothing individuals I have ever met. I would love to see Lyla again. I miss her already. read more

Sleepy Cat Books - Lyla - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Maribella S.

4

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7 months ago

This is such a cute bookstore! It's very small, and if you're in the mood to browse a curated collection of books or art--it's the place for you. read more

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Christine H.

9

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3 months ago

Lovely little bookshop. You can tell the owner is a gentle soul and Lyla the cat is definitely the queen. We didn't find the book we were looking for but it still was a joy to pop in. read more

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Angela M.

1580

789

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1 year ago

Sleepy Cat Books is absolutely charming and peaceful, and the owner and his cat are wonderful. Dropped by on a whim on a Saturday evening and immediately fell in love with this place. There was no one else inside and it was quiet except for the soft sounds of birdsong that the owner was playing while his cat slept on the counter and he sat with her, petting her. There's a really great selection of new and used books here along with other neat odds and ends. I picked up a novel and a postcard of classic Japanese art, both of which were incredibly affordable. The owner was a very soft-spoken man and happily let me pet his cat when I asked if I could do so. She's a sweetheart and seemed completely in heaven, laying there sleeping. She woke up and looked at me as I pet her, then feel back asleep after a few more pets. The owner gave me a free bookmark with my purchase, which has a photo of his cat on the back. I thought that was a really nice touch. I'd be happy to come back and encourage you to give this place a visit. read more

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Apoorvi S.

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1 year ago

The owner is the sweetest person ever! Such an amazing variety of books (new and used) and Lila is the sweetest kitty ever! Prices are very reasonable. He even threw in a freebie for me, which I really really appreciated!! I will absolutely be visiting again! read more

Sleepy Cat Books - Lila AKA the sweetest baby!! - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Jason V.

28

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2 years ago

I knew the previous iteration in Orinda. This bookstore is the labor of (intellectual) love of one person, the proprietor. And a hell of a cat. Get a bookmark and please return soon. read more

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Angel L.

2

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2 years ago

The cat was indeed very sleepy. There's a good selection of books, with a lot of recent releases in international fiction. I liked that there was a lot of Asian literature available here, like Han Kang's award-winning works! And, of course, I had to get a cat-related book :)) read more

Sleepy Cat Books - book! - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Sleepy Cat Books - the sleepy cat in question - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Sleepy Cat Books - exterior - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Isabel A.

0

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4 months ago

Right when I walked in I was "greeted" by a very rude employee. Very unwelcoming! I love books and wanted to look around, but chose to take my business elsewhere. read more

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Kitty S.

Elite 24

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9 months ago

This is a cute little used bookstore with some new books as well, and a huge selection of postcards! I came in here to pick up a postcard for a school project, and left with a great book to gift to a friend of mine. I also got to see the gorgeous sleepy cat! A very enjoyable place to visit. read more

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Nikky S.

8

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10 months ago

Amazing vibes and a lovely place to find books. Not a large selection, but well-curated.

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Hollie B.

0

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11 months ago

We stopped by sleepy cat books on a whim while visiting the tennis team at UC Berkeley and it was awesome!! It's not big but the quality of the selection was really wonderful! We have a large collection of books at home so it's often difficult find gems we might not have. Sleepy Cat Books came through with a translation of The Cat Who Saved Books!! We met Lyla and purchased some ghibli prints. Highly recommend for a day out and about around Berkeley read more

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Alyssa H.

0

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1 year ago

such a cute and fun bookstore!! they had high quality used books and a wide selection. and the cat was so sleepy, plus the service was so amazing! The worker there was so kind and friendly, definitely recommend supporting this shop :) read more

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Grace L.

0

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7 months ago

I came near closing and was the only person in the store. The owner was nice even though the cat was sleeping. Very cute and fun to see the cat. read more

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Rachel C.

366

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4 years ago

Love, love, love this bookstore on Telegraph Ave.! First- the name is everything AND if you're lucky (which you'll probably always be) get to meet Lyla! The friendliest, cutest (and sleepiest) cat you'll ever meet! Sleepy Cat Books has a ton of books for all sorts of book lovers! I won't even go over genre because you just have to walk in there. It's def a book lovers safe-haven. Books, posters, bookmarks. It's just really cute inside lol You can probably spend hours just walking from wall to wall, trying to figure out what you're next read will be. So if you're looking for a new book to read, check them out! They have an Instagram, too! read more

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Diem N.

0

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2 years ago

Cute book store on Telegraph less than 10min walk from UC Berkeley! The store is small but have a decent selection and the price is very good (compared to other bookstores) as other reviews mentioned. I was walking back from a nails appointment a decided to stop by since I've been wanting a copy of Dostoyevsky's White Nights and wanted to see if they had one. Everything was organized and therefore easy to find. It's quiet but comforting and upon checking out, Lyla appeared! She's friendly and will greet you but I was short on time so I couldn't take a picture or play with her (definitely ask for permission first!). Will be back to check out more books and see Lyla again! Also, the owner is soft spoken and is very sweet! read more

Sleepy Cat Books - Bookmark of sleeping Lyla! - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Danielle M.

0

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1 year ago

Such a lovely place. It felt magical, like Kiki's delivery service or something out of practical magic. Golden beautiful light, bright, and a lovely cat and proprietor. I was able to look through the many fun postcards to send to some friends and pick up a book as well. Highly recommend!! read more

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Nina H.

1

137

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1 year ago

Love this bookstore! The owner is very kind and his cat is adorable. It felt very homey and cozy in there. Highly recommend!

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Liz B.

227

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4 years ago

OK first of all, there's actually a sleepy cat here! So cute and completely unbothered by all the bookworms coming through. I love this tiny, quiet little bookstore. Perfect for the true book lover, lots of popular books but also classics can be found up on the shelf. Really any kind of reader can find something in here, despite the size of this little gem! They also have cute little jukeboxes on top of the shelves, just adding even more charm to this super charming shop. I love browsing the titles found here. Sleepy Cat Books is the perfect local gem that everyone should visit and stop by soon! read more

Sleepy Cat Books - Sleepy cat is actually here! Sleeping! - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Nikky L.

43

405

3050

3 years ago

A small yet mighty bookstore. It has a great selection of books despite its petite size. They have a range of self help, fiction, philosophical, poetic, and nonfiction books to select from. The owner is very nice and he has a cute cat that you may pet with his permission. He also has used and new books to choose from. Their used books are cheap and the prices are fair. I usually leave with $20-$40 worth of books. The layout is reminiscent of a bookstore in a movie, and it's so cozy and welcoming. Definitely wished it was open when I was still a student. read more

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Kylie N.

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11

6

1 year ago

Coziest atmosphere made even better by the lovely book-protector, Lyla the cat. Sometimes I walk by just to see her and say hi, she really makes my day. Owner is sweet and has excellent recommendations, he's always extremely helpful and will order a book if it's not in stock. I'be been buying my college books here for 4 years now and I'll definitely continue visiting after I graduate! read more

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Abigael Osana T.

18

130

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4 years ago

The best independent bookstore in Berkeley! I absolutely love coming here to pick up new reads and to see Lyla, of course! The owner and Lyla are the sweetest and the store is just so charming. My favorite thing is the bookmarks you get along with your books, as they feature Lyla! Always a pleasure visiting :) read more

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Erin Y.

57

85

150

4 years ago

I prefer borrowing books from libraries whenever I can but for Sleepy Cat, I make an exception! This quaint, small bookstore is so peaceful and lovely. I come here if I want a day to myself to explore some new books! They also sell cute prints with ghibli characters, Harry Potter, etc. Lyla is the most beautiful cat I've ever seen! She's sleeping most of the time but I've been given permission by the owner (who is such a sweet man) to pet her and she's SO SOFT When you purchase a book you get a bookmark with Lyla sleeping on it, which is an added bonus :) The shop is small so they have a limited book selection- mostly literary novels and non fiction books. If you're looking for some more niche titles, you may not find them here. That being said, I believe they can order a book if it's unavailable for you to pick up in the future. read more

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Nicole S.

206

59

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3 years ago

Have always wanted to go here since I saw that a cat lives in bookstore! I'm a crazy cat lady, so I had to check it out. Came here on a quiet Monday afternoon, and there were a few people in the store. I came in with the intention to meet Lyla, but I also bought a new book! The owner is a very sweet and soft spoken man, and we shared stories of our cats with each other (I also have a cute white kitty). He was super helpful when it came to finding the book I wanted too. I recommend this place if you love books and love cats! read more

Sleepy Cat Books - The cat behind Sleepy Cat Books - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Ezra B.

8

15

3

2 years ago

Sleepy Cat Books was the highlight of my bookstore visits when I was in the Bay Area this past weekend. Great selection, fairly priced, and wonderful service. Loved the resident cat as well. I will definitely return next time I'm in the area! read more

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Ellie L.

194

73

3

4 years ago

Stopped by after having not shopped in stores in-person for a long time. And it is great to see Sleepy Cat Books is still there, and the Sleepy Cat is still there. I buy lots of books every year, and admittedly sometimes I buy from amazon and the like because I need things fast. But Sleepy Cat offers a curated experience that nowhere else compares. Sure, you can find this book a few dollars cheaper somewhere else, but there are many books that I didn't know I wanted and yet they are there, like hidden treasures. I walked out on a rare, hard-cover book called 'confessions from a PhD', signed by the author.... And, some books by Joyce Carol Oates. Decently priced (around $10 each). Great condition. Serene atmosphere. Good to have no one following me around and seeing the owner actually reading a book next to the sleepy cat. read more

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Chris ..

1

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3 years ago

The shopowners are very kind and there really is a white cat inside :) the prices are very good and selection is great!

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Annalysa W.

0

1

2

3 years ago

Quiet and chill. It's a cute store to shop for books. I love Lyla!! (She's the sleepy cat in the bookstore) read more

Sleepy Cat Books - Lyla walking around inside Sleepy Cat Books. She is standing underneath a table. - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Raya K.

0

11

8

2 years ago

Great selection of books, great value, and super kind service. The kitty Lyla at the front desk was my favorite highlight of my experience here. read more

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Shawna W.

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6 years ago

Loved coming across this charming little bookstore that lived up to its name! Very nice owner and good selection of books to browse. read more

Sleepy Cat Books - Window Display - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Sleepy Cat Books - A beautiful sleepy cat to pet while you browse! - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Jane F.

43

136

1

8 years ago

This is a lovely bookstore and new to my neighborhood. Well displayed books and incredibly clean. Very good quality used books and there are two lovely cats there. Just great. I am going to try and sell some books here today so will update with that experience. Edit - sold some books there today and got a fair price for what were mostly contemporary fiction. I am very happy with the transaction. I would sell there again. I saw one of the cats moving around and one cat sleeping. Very fun! read more

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Jessie V.

19

50

48

6 years ago

The shop owner is SUPER kind. It's such a cute little shop and Lyla the cat is adorable!!! The $3 book selections out front are pretty cool and the selection inside the store are amazing!!! I got a little carried away with book shopping but no regrets!! Definitely coming back here again read more

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Debra P.

0

13

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4 years ago

I just discovered Sleepy Cat Books on Telegraph near Dwight. The owner does have a very sweet, slumbering cat at the register. You can tell that everything about the shop is lovingly done, as though it had been a dream to someday open a small, neighborhood bookstore. It is just the kind of place one wants to give business to and forego Amazon and take care that it stays around. read more

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Emmy M.

36

6

2

5 years ago

Sleepy Cat is awesome! The vibe is peaceful and comfortable. The selection isn't huge but it's so well-curated you'll quickly find what you're looking for; this store does not have "shelf-filler" material. I found all my favorite books, and some new ones by my favorite authors. Plus, Lyla the cat is a kind and gentle kitty with a human to match! read more

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Elena S.

Elite 21

836

171

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5 years ago

Cute, small local book shop with an actual sleepy cat. I went in to look for a specific title, and while they didn't have it in they were more than willing to place an order for me to get the title as soon as possible. While this shop might not be as big or all encompassing as Moe's Books down the street, it's got a smaller and cozier vibe, and a cat! So be sure to give Sleepy Cat a look. read more

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Harim L.

473

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7 years ago

Wonderful bookstore with the two CUTEST cats, and kind owner. We came in and both cats were resting in their cat beds on the table in the back of the store. The owner introduced us to the cats (Oliver and Lyla) and answered all our questions about the cats and the books. I got to pet both cats, and they were both so soft and sleepy ended up buying a gently used book for ~$11, and will definitely come back for more books and pats :) read more

Sleepy Cat Books - Oliver and Lyla -- two sweet, sleepy cats - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Alejandra C.

0

6

4

3 years ago

Very reasonable pricing of books, wonderfully wide range of genres and topics, and fantastic staff picks. The owner has a very calming presence, and the shop's atmosphere is very relaxing. If I could give five stars to the sleepy cat herself, I would. Lyla is such a cutie. This is now my go to book shop. read more

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Vanessa L.

48

23

9

5 years ago

The kindest and sweetest place at Berkeley. The atmosphere is so inviting and Jeff is such a kind business owner. Lyla is such a precious employee too ;) read more

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Lauren Y.

238

3

2

5 years ago

Cute little bookstore with a perfect selection that is not too overwhelming. Jeff and his kitty Lyla (inspo for the name) are so sweet and if you're nice to them you can be added to their Polaroid wall dedicated to the Sleepy Cat herself. Thank you Jeff and Lyla for the experience !! read more

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David L.

0

48

6

3 years ago

This store is a total delight! Lyla is of course an angel, but the owner is a very kind person and gave me some spot on recommendations. Love this place! read more

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More info about Sleepy Cat Books

2509 Telegraph Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704
Telegraph Ave, Elmwood
Directions
(925) 258-9076
Call Now
Visit Website
http://bookshop.org/shop/sleepycatbooks

Hours

What time does Sleepy Cat Books open?

Sleepy Cat Books opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Sleepy Cat Books close?

Sleepy Cat Books closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Sleepy Cat Books take Bitcoin?

No, Sleepy Cat Books does not take Bitcoin.

Does Sleepy Cat Books take credit cards?

Yes, Sleepy Cat Books takes credit cards.

Indoor Amenities

Does Sleepy Cat Books allow dogs?

No, Sleepy Cat Books does not allow dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Sleepy Cat Books have bike parking?

Yes, Sleepy Cat Books has bike parking.

Does Sleepy Cat Books have parking?

Yes, Sleepy Cat Books has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Sleepy Cat Books wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Sleepy Cat Books is wheelchair accessible.

From the Business

Specialties

Your friendly neighborhood bookshop :) Order books - we ship nationwide Thanks for your support!

History

Established in 2008.

A place for book lovers

Meet the Business Owner: Jeff K.

Have always loved books and cats.

Sleepy Cat Books Reviews in Other Languages

German
1 Review

Review Highlights - Sleepy Cat Books

“Lyla is of course an angel, but the owner is a very kind person and gave me some spot on recommendations.”

Mentioned in 17 reviews

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3.9 mi

My best friend and I had a joint baby shower at Clio's in January. It was such a sweet experience…read more The setting was beautiful for an intimate experience. And we didn't really need any decorations because the space is already so gorgeous. We had lots of kids at the shower and they had so much fun dancing around and looking at books. The service staff were amazing. They checked in on us regularly, provided everything we asked for, and accommodated all of our needs. We loved having a bar for people to get drinks at, and it took them through the bookstore too. Having the two different spaces was nice for when things were busy. There was lots of comfy seating, and the big long table was perfect for our buffet. We had done a similar party for my husband and brother in laws 40th birthdays and the experience was also seamless. I'm so happy that a space like this in Oakland, where community can come together and have a screenless and fun experience.

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.

3.6 mi•Grand Lake, Lower Hills

Blackberry sage shrub

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

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Interior

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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Kingstone Bookstore

4.0(89 reviews)

3.6 mi

I love this place so much !! Truly unique items I don't see at other places near me, I literally…read moredrive 1hr to come here. The store owners are super kind and sometimes add freebies. They stock this place w/ new inventory all the time. Prices are so good as well.

My go-to supplier for Sonny Angels, Smiskis, and mofusand figurines on top of so many other cute…read moregifts for friends (or yourself). From plushies and keychains to blind boxes and decorations, there is a reason this business has rightfully earned so much of my money. They post a lot of helpful content on their Instagram account to keep you up-to-date on what is in stock. The staff is super friendly and do their best to give you a heads up on when new shipments are coming in. They are definitely worth making the trek from the El Cerrito Plaza and prices are reasonable to original price compared to other retailers (and arguably a better deal since you do not have to deal with shipping). Love them so much

Sunday Series Smiski

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Mugs

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6 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

R S.

0

3

0

18 years ago

A truly wonderful place with a lovingly chosen, and ever changing, collection of books. A perfect addition to the neighborhood if you're catching a movie or having dinner. If you're not sure what you're in the mood for, I highly recommend talking to the proprietor - he has a way of picking something out that suits everyone's tastes exactly. The prices are extremely low - many books go for $3. This place is a treasure. read more

Nanci M.

0

3

0

18 years ago

Small but a really great place to shop with a remarkably wide selection at good prices. The proprietor, Jeff, is very laid-back and knows exactly what he has in stock and exactly where it is. In an age of Barnes and Noble, Canetti's brings a welcome personal touch to good reading. There are also great nearby small restaurants, shops, and small movie theater. read more

p s.

0

1

0

18 years ago

Every time I go to this bookstore I am impressed with the quality of the selection and the low prices - often 2 dollars, and everything is in great condition. I asked the owner for some suggestions based on my reading tastes and the books he recommended were incredible. Very cozy atmosphere, a diverse collection of books, and a lovely reading nook. read more

irene s.

0

46

0

8 years ago

What a beautiful little bookstore with a very nice selection of books. It's clean with good natural light. I checked it out today, and was pleasantly surprised.Prices are very reasonable. The two cats are very sweet, too. read more

Craig C.

0

6

0

13 years ago

Good. Good, good Thanks for all you do. There aren't to many places like this left. The price is always right and there is constantly new arrivals. read more

Sandy C.

1

5

3

6 years ago

So cute! The cats are adorable and the owner is so sweet

Sleepy Cat Books - bookstores - Updated September 2026

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Pegasus Books Downtown

4.1

(241 reviews)

The way brick and mortar bookstores are dwindling these are becoming unicorns…read more I have to admit that the last few books I bought were all online - one because it was independently published and no bookstore carried it - but the other two I didn't even bother looking after that first hunt. We need to support these bookstores. Let them know what you want and they might hear you for next time. I liked the cards and other items they had in stock too. Its great to pick up before you make a decision. Right now I have a few books in my 'to read pile' and once those are finished I will come back here for some more. Great to have this in the neighborhood.

A really good bookstore in Downtown Berkeley!!…read more I came in here looking for a calendar, and ended up browsing through the books. It's a classic old school style bookstore, with very friendly people working here. I didn't spend as much time in here that I wanted to, definitely have to come here again!!

Moe's Books

4.5

(480 reviews)

I fell in love with this bookstore. I'm sure my sons regretted we went in because I spent time…read morehere. They have so much new and used selection. All types of books. I'm a non-fiction bookworm and this place is a heaven. The value for most books is reasonable and lower than a regular book store. I loved how organized it was on each floor and there were posted guides if you wanted to see more what floor to find them. They have a top floor with staff by appointment for special books. Other than that there's no staff interaction except at payment. I also loved they had table and chair seatings in random places be use you will get tired of checking out everything. Yes, I left with 7 books, no regrets and wish I could've taken more. I will def be back! They have straits and elevators but I recommend taking the stairs as they have interesting frames on the way and shop on lower level by stairwell.

Moe's is iconic for plenty of reasons, but one staff member today isn't one of them. I've shopped…read morehere many times, but this was my first time trying to sell. I came in with a big box of books and a man checking out customers pointed me to the counter by the window. While I waited, I set my box on an empty part of the counter. The man who'd be looking at my books told me I'd have to wait 4 minutes. His tone was hostile, so I just told him I was waiting. When it was my turn, things got sour fast. The offer felt low, so I asked if there was any room to negotiate. Right away, no. Fine. I asked if there were other options, and he said I'd get more in store credit. Since I hadn't decided between credit and cash, I asked if he could write the offer down so I could come back another day. Again, an instant no. He said he was "too busy." I don't know what kind of training Moe's gives its staff, but this gentleman could use some customer service training. Maybe Moe's could stock a few books on the subject and encourage him to read them. There are plenty of other great bookstores nearby. I'd recommend Pegasus Books for your book fix.

Womb House Books

5.0

(8 reviews)

Every time I try to convince myself that I'm on a book-buying ban, I get pulled right into Womb…read moreHouse whenever I'm in the area. You'll feel like you stepped into a turn of the 20th century time-capsule the moment you walk into the store. It's really warm and inviting. As the name would suggest, you'll find curated selections of mostly female authors. Although I did score some vintage copies of Freud and Lacan. The owner is really nice and personable and knows her stuff so she'd be able to give you good recommendations. Shout out to Jessica!

This is such a magical space. I was taking a stroll during my lunch break and happened to walk in…read more It smelled divine, the staff member was so kind, and the energy of the shop felt like a warm hug. I could have spent hours looking through their amazing book selection and enjoying the ambiance. I'm so happy they're in Oakland.

Friends of the Berkeley Public Library

4.6

(54 reviews)

Stopped by this weekend! I picked out some great $1 DVDs for our almost 2 and 9 year old to watch…read morein our minivan on roadtrips! Our youngest had a blast playing with the toys at their kids table! This non-profit low-cost bookstore donates all of its proceeds to Berkeley Public Library programs! They sell a large variety of used books, CDs and DVDs! Would definitely return, great service! SYOY! :-)

I love this place so much. I love getting to find good books at a really good price. The value is…read morejust so good. Not only that but I also found some great DVDs here too! Things here come from the library or are things that the library doesn't take in. Which is great because bargain seekers like me can take advantage. The people that work there are so helpful. My experience with them has always been lovely. 5/5

Tally Ho Books

4.1

(10 reviews)

Let us set the stage…read more It's 1986. You head to the local bookstore with a mission: find a gift for a friend. Your friend is a mystery buff, and you are a Town-loving nerd, so you want to pick up something that combines these two criteria. But you don't know a book like that personally. Nevertheless, you are unfazed because you have faith in the fearless bookstore staff. You know they'll help you. The cheerful Tally Ho! front window, studded with irresistible and thematic front covers, catches your eye from across the street. It's quarter to closing time o'clock and the place is packed. You are by nature distractible when it comes to beautiful units of reading material. And boy howdy, do they ever have the most beautiful and attractive books. How do they fit so many books within these walls? Will you remember your quest, or will you get sidetracked by the Richard Scarry bags and the Edward Gorey books? Not to worry; the friendly co-owner recognizes the book-trance on your face, and immediately collects the information. They are methodical and efficient and hella smart, and within two minutes, they are showing you the exact spot on the shelf wherein lies the perfect cozy local mystery novel. There is a line at the till, so you get the opportunity to take in the very wide selection of books in the center display. It would be impossible to leave without this graphic novel, right? Oh, this magical realism book was so important to the community, you get that one, too. You do manage to exercise discernment and restraint within the gently used book section, but the smug feeling dissipates when you notice the fistfuls of funny cards you've pulled from the rack. You hear the co-owner tell another customer not to stress about it being closing time o'clock. It feels great to pay for a small stack of books and greeting cards, you think to yourself, as you reemerge onto the sidewalk. But then you remember it's actually 2026. The oasis you just exited is even more rare and precious today. You hear your spouse say, you know, they only just realized that Richard Scarry and Edward Gorey are actually two different people. Your hand finds theirs. You realize that you haven't exhaled that fully or laughed that hard in weeks.

If I could give it zero stars I would and that's just based on customer service. I work at the…read morehospital down the street come in often to check out books. NO ONE EVER GREETS YOU OR EVEN GIVES A SMILE. first impression terrible and I rather give my money to other local places than to people who think they're too good to at least offer a smile to people walking in. This is the person I got today who didn't even bother to turn her head towards customers, you all have got some Serious training to do and if they don't like to greet you're in the wrong job.

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!!

Revolution Books

4.4

(41 reviews)

wonderful sales people, they have an unmatched selection of Books on on revolution, art,…read moreliterature, fiction, women, history, science, LGBTQ, which go up against the status quo censorship, and MAGA world view.

I stopped in here today on a whim. The employee repeatedly brought up fascism and claimed we are…read moreliving under a dictatorship, insisting that I take flyers about the current political climate. The irony is that a bookstore like this--framing itself as "revolutionary" and openly promoting ideas about dictatorship, fascism, LGBTQ issues, and modern-day slavery--would not exist under an actual fascist regime. In such systems, only books that praise or reinforce the ruling ideology are permitted. That contradiction made the messaging feel more like extreme leftist propaganda than serious critique, to the point of being almost comical. I still purchased a gift for a friend, but the anti-Trump rhetoric was truly over the top. I'm just a normie trying to buy a book.

The Book Tree

4.6

(28 reviews)

Me and my Mrs. Have been increasing our reading time lately. Stumbled on this place, we were…read morelooking for book in picture. We found it!!!! They also have a huge variety of titles. Cool service and value as well. This is my kind of data centers lol. Definitely recommend

Back on my annual pilgrimage. Got wonderful recs and bought a collection of essays by Ursula…read moreLeguin I am thrilled to have found. I am only sad that the other bookstore across the way has closed after 25 years. I love supporting small business.

Friends of the Orinda Library Book Shop

4.5

(6 reviews)