This place is an oasis for someone who likes to slip into a quiet bookstore in the middle of an impromptu shopping trip. Between the extremely knowledgeable staff/owners and the range of antique to modern book selections, you'll find yourself falling in love again and again. Yes, the books are a bit expensive, but that's only because you'll be walking away with priceless signed originals. I can't give this place enough praise. My only advice is to not enter with expectation, just let your soul guide you. :-) read more

this place does not exist anymore. do not try and go there. you will get lost because 1. the address listed here is not even the correct one and 2. the place where it used to be is now a nail salon. it truly is a shame, i remember going here with my brother 10 or so years ago. none of these indie places exist anymore and its extremely depressing to me. read more

They are incredibly kind and went above and beyond to make sure I received the specific book I needed in time for an important event. So knowledgeable, thoughtful, and truly caring -- I couldn't have asked for better support! read more

First class service is what comes to mind when dealing with Swan's and Laurelle... I purchased a very expensive set of books from her, but the condition did not meet my expectations .. and rather than argue, or debate.. Laurelle said that she regrets they didn't meet my needs and agreed to take them back and include return shipping at her cost. What else can you ask for when dealing with someone via the internet and/or PayPal purchases... First class service! read more

Very nicely presented collections and friendly proprietor knowledgeable and very helpful

Swan's Fine Books is a little hard to find, as it's set back from Locust and behind the Yoga Studio. I was first greeted by a couple book shelves outside, featuring a nice selection of inexpensive books. Inside are the special book cases with collectors items that are priced accordingly. In between are handsomely appointed sections of which every book seems to be individually loved and chosen. At some point, I almost felt that I was in a museum, as I browsed the stacks and weighed my literary options and available space on my own library. Swan's Fine Books is also the kind of place to return time and time again, as there are many layers to this scholarly onion. read more

Swan's Fine Books - Bookstores Near Me - Walnut Creek, California

Swan's fine books certainly are. mostly, they are used books in excellent condition- the kind collectors look for. thus, they are priced accordingly, books are separated by categories. the gent at the front gladly showed where the economics section was. books all vintage, no recent editions. book collectors will be enthused with Swan's. -located in the rear of a building on Locust St. read more

Swan Fine's Books has a variety of novels to choose from. From the rarest editions to signed copies, this is a must for those who have a love for books and collecting. I found the most beautiful copy of Now in November by Josephine Johnson here and I could not be happier with my purchase! read more

What a lovely find! When browsing for a book has become as personal as a google search, Swan's offers the antitdote to Amazon. My husband and son and I stumbled into this new book shop, around the corner from Peet's in downtown Walnut Creek today. Welcomed by Laurelle, the owner, and Bob Dylan on Pandora radio, we instantly knew we had stepped into a bibliophie's dream, not an anonymous 'retail outlet.' It offers rare used books and is the perfect place to find a gift when strolling along Walnut Creek's shopping district. What a lovely place to spend an afternoon, browsing! read more

While walking in downtown WC today, I had the luck to come across Swan's Fine Books. I was surprised to see an independent bookstore in WC after the loss of Bonanza Books and Swan's was a welcome sight. The store space itself is very attractively laid out and well organized and, as other reviewers have noted, the owner is very personable and knowledgeable, as would be expected in a fine bookstore. The selection of books related to California and Western history is very good, but Swan's covers all bases by having some selection of books in nearly every genre one could imagine. And, in my layman's opinion, the selection has been very well curated, with a solid representation of titles one would expect to see, sprinkled with very many unexpected treasures. Of course, Swan's offers a variety of first editions, as well as books signed by their authors. Another strong point in Swan's favor is that it offers a very balanced range of prices, such that no shopper will go home disappointed because all the books s/he wanted were too expensive. There are many books offered at a reasonable price, and all are gems. One of my favorite fine bookstores is Argonaut Books in the City and I would compare Swan's to that acclaimed store very favorably. We are fortunate to have Swan's here in CoCoCounty and I would encourage any and all to patronize Swan's so that it will remain here for many years to come -- I am certainly looking forward to my next visit. read more

Pros: this is a little gem shop owned by a sweet couple. It is like a museum of classic books, first editions, and signed books. They have cool selections like the first edition Lord of the Rings, Tom Sawyer, and the Prince just to name a few (worth thousands of dollars!). The books are divided into categories with lots of books to uncover! I found a few gems like a Disney art book for $25 with other more affordable books available as well. Cons: it is a smaller shop which comes with its inherent challenges of storing less stuff though there is still plenty to see. Also could be difficult to find as it is tucked away near this yoga place. Overall: if you like bookstores, you have to check this place out! Highly recommended. read more

As has been mentioned - long years have passed with no second hand book shop in Walnut Creek. When we moved here 12 years ago there were at least 3 all of which have closed. My husband and I wandering the town on a summer night and spotting the placard Swan's Fine Books has placed curb side along Locust St. proclaiming "Books" was like finding water in a desert! This quiet oasis tucked away in a peaceful corner seems small at first, but actually stretches into well laid out nooks and comfortable spaces perfect for browsing for treasures. The books are all hardback, in beautiful condition, and range from inexpensive old standby's to spendy, rare signed first editions that any collector would be proud to have. Laurelle, the owner, will also help you sleuth out books you haven't been able to find using her connections. I enjoy the focus on local books, as well as on modern classics. My husband and I have attended a few of the special events they've organized and have enjoyed them immensely. I worried I'd feel pressured to make purchases at these, but never felt anything but welcome. Their choice of snacks and wines never disappoints, and I always walk away having learned something (& usually with a new book to add to my shelves!). Please do yourself the favor of stopping by and spending some refreshing time browsing the well-stocked shelves here - you won't be sorry :) read more

I first found Swan's by accident while walking down Locust Street, but it soon became one of my favorite bookstores. They specialize mostly in very nice editions of books, usually leather-bound or cloth-bound. They have some books that are very old or signed by famous authors, including some truly extraordinary books behind glass cases. But they also have nice editions for as little as $20, which is great for people like me who enjoy books that look nice but who also are not very concerned with collector value. The store has a great ambiance, and it's very quiet for being so close to a busy street. Walking in, you feel like you are a world away from everything else and you can just roam the shelves in peace. You can also sign up to get on their mailing list so that you can attend events they throw: talks about different classic authors, the classics book club, or talks about collecting-- all paired with wine, of course. I really enjoy this store! I realize fine books must be a bit of a niche market but I hope it sticks around for a long, long time. read more

This place is awesome to visit! In some ways, it's like small museum with rare and old books that are neat to see and read. I've found a few items that made great unique gifts for friends and family. I highly recommend a visit if you are into literature and reading. Even if you are not looking to purchase a book, it's worth a visit to see some history. The customer service was excellent. I'm looking forward to my next visit. It's tucked away in the corner if you are trying to find it. You may need to look at your GPS app! read more

I dearly love this place. I have a small collection of century-old books about physics, many of which I got here. The staff is always kind and friendly, and it's a nice calm, comfortable spot to slip out of the hustle and bustle of downtown walnut creek for a while. It can be tricky to find parking nearby, so don't expect to pull up right out front, but that's more a feature of the city than of the shop itself. All in all, I've never had a bad experience here read more

A true gem. Beautiful books, unique books and old favorites to be treasured forever. This store feels like home.

Swan's is a newly opened used/antiquarian retail bookshop, in Walnut Creek! When was the last time anyone did this in Eastern Contra Costa County?!! Wow. Their stock includes mid- to upper-middle range used collectible books in excellent condition, with some really interesting high end antiquarian material (the kind that's hardly ever seen in open suburban stores). The shop is clean, classy and nicely set up. At a time when brick & mortar bookselling generally is under terrific pressure, Walnut Creek is lucky to have this place. May they prosper and endure. read more

My best friend, a local from Pinole, took me here this summer as a place he loves to stop by and enjoy reading, and he said it was a favorite of his, and hoped that I would like it also to become my favorite. I am a sucker for good books, wherever they are. Sure you probably could fit all the books here in a 2TB external drive but there is something to be said for actually holding a book and enjoying it. I spent a good hour and a half reading; my friend went to get some coffee, and returned to get me back. As it were, I did not have my wallet as I had left it in the car, so I asked my friend to lend me $20, which was promptly spent on 2 used books, one in business law and the other on administrative law. No I am not a lawyer; I do want to go to heaven some day. As for my friend now incurring an IOU, well that's what you get for setting me loose inside a bookstore. read more

Incredible place! A hidden gem. If your into old books you can get lost in there for hours. Lots of first edition books. Small and hidden behind a yoga shop. Owner is very helpful. Prices are fair. read more

After missing used-book store in Walnut Creek for several years, was pleasantly surprised to discover Swan's. Appreciated the well-orgonized collection, calm environment and inviting seating. Bought 2 reasonably priced books, and look forward to another visit, probably with a cup of coffee from the neighboring Peet's. read more

I was looking for a few old first edition books and was told this is a good place to try. After a phone call, the owners quickly gave me a bunch of different options even though they only had one book I was looking for. I went there to pick up my book and was suprised at how good condition it was in. The owners were really happy to help and went above and beyond by giving me tips when searching for books online. They even put a fresh dust jacket cover on my book to protect it. The customer service is why I will return. The store is fun to checkout too, plenty of classic and collectible books. read more

This is a rarity in today's world, as this is a genuine book store with shelves of antique and collectible books .Being very young, the owner ( I think) was incredibly welcoming to me. The store is small, yet every book is displayed beautifully, with every title being shown, in rows of book heaven. The books are mostly pristine, so pristine that I was afraid to touch anything, let alone I ruin a book. There are all sorts of books, from an amazing 1890s atlas, 1960s Tarzan, and the 1st edition Cannery Row. I hope this bookstore stays in business for generations to come! read more

My wife and I stumbled on Swan's on our last visit to Walnut Creek after lunch at Lark Creek Restaurant. We met the proprietor Laurelle Swan and we spent an amazing hour discussing our shared love of books and some of the finds in the store. Laurelle's husband took some time and showed me some books of interest. We bought some terrific books and Laurelle subsequently found a hard to find book I was looking for. This bookstore is worth a special trip for any book lover. This bookstore is especially welcome after the demise of Clayton Books. Thanks Laurelle!!!! read more

I ran into this bookstore by accident as I was walking to my car. For anyone who loves books, this is a wonderful bookstore that will bring back memories of original hardback books from the past. read more

I absolutely love this place. Swan's is by far my favorite bookstore. Swan's staff are extremely friendly, professional, and honest people. Their diligence and attention to detail have saved me a fortune. Whatever you need for your collection Swan's will help you find. I honestly can't say enough about this place. If you love books you won't want to leave. read more

Many have already spoken about the books, which are wonderfully culled and displayed. I want to add that Laurelle Swan, the owner, is also fantastic. She is helpful and approachable while at the same time allows one to browse uninterrupted for hours (in my case). I drove from Richmond just to come here and was so glad I did. Make the trip. It's worth it. read more

If I have free time in a strange city, I visit used book stores, and in the course of my travels I have been to hundreds across the U.S. Swan's is one of the best I've ever been to based on the quality of its stock. Prices vary from affordable to I-must-have-that-for-my-collection, and every book is at least in very good condition with most being near fine or fine. I was looking for books from a small California publisher and Laurelle promptly identified the 5 she had in stock. She also offered to mail my purchases home. Although the store is not large, the selection is eclectic and should satisfy a wide range of seekers and the curious. It is also one of the most tasteful and relaxing book stores I know. Even though I live in the east, I will be back. read more