I fell in love with Spectator Books as soon as I walked in!…read more I love that there's a station to leave your water bottles and drinks. I also appreciate that they have masks available if needed and offer them proactively. On top of that, they provide free drug testing kits, like fentanyl test strips -- which is so vital, especially with the spike in fentanyl overdoses and contaminations in recreational substances. It's just really nice to see that kind of care in the community. The range of books is massive -- both new and used. The selection of new books is decent, but the used book selection (and price) is phenomenal. They also have a whimsical collection of bookmarks, stickers, and random stationery, which is super charming. Honestly, it's just a really solid bookstore. The first time I visited, I'm pretty sure I spent like two and a half hours just browsing all the sections I was interested in -- and there were so many. Lots on religion and spirituality, metaphysics, physics, psychology, cookbooks, music, art, fashion -- so many topics that caught my eye. I took my time and walked out with maybe $125 worth of books and oracle cards, which was such a joy. They also have a book exchange policy where you can trade in books for store credit, but you need to make an appointment to do so. The last time I visited was maybe a month ago, but I'm thinking about going again... tomorrow! XD

I was hoping this was going to be like, a half price books situation, but it's more of a local book…read morestore. Huge selection, I am sure it's well organized. A lot of local authors. A nice selection of books in other languages as well. I did hear the employees kind of talking about some of the patrons, but I mean, I work in service, it happens. But maybe talk a little quieter, or wait until there aren't other patrons in the store.

Adore this bookstore that makes its beliefs known real loudly. Great selection of books to choose…read morefrom for adults and kids. Decent prices on all the books. Always quick to assist you and very friendly.

Excellent curation of books, records, card games…read more Pop in to discover a new find- I enjoyed reading the write ups for new books and recommendations. We walked away this time with a few records!

Want to support a best part of local government (a library) AND a local business based in…read morecommunity? Stop in this awesome bookstore! Inventory built by donations, there are so many rare, good literary finds in this bookstore. I stopped in after a meeting downtown one day and was overjoyed by their book selection and kind spirited staff! From independent fiction to cool graphic novels to locally inspired cookbooks, there is truly something to be found by any reader. And with most books priced under $10, it's an affordable experience. The Bookmark is a definite downtown Oakland stop.

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!!

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!!

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.

Super tiny and cramped bookstore. I used to work down the street from A Great Good Place For Books,…read moreand enjoyed coming here to browse. Staff is really nice. Most recently, I came for the book launch for Steph Lau's debut picture book "The Abominable Snow Dancer." It was super crowded in there, but it was a great event and I'm ridiculously lucky I got parking in front of the store.

I love my neighborhood bookstores. The ladies here have always been nothing but friendly, they…read morestock a small collection of interesting books, and there's a loyalty program! The thing I love most about local bookstores is browsing the shelves for staff recommendations. I like AGGPfB's selection and recommendations a bit better than the Book Tree across the street, but I love having them both.

Book/shop is now currently available online :) I will miss their location in old Oakland, which…read moreinjected culture, art, and rare lit finds. I always loved their print outs and have 2 hanging up in my apartment, particularly the one that compared an unread library to a wine cellar. The tea, that had leaves that smelled like book pages, was such a nice gift to give to friends. Please come back to Oakland.

This is the type of small business we need to ensure survives in Oakland. They are currently open…read moreand taking all covid related precautions. I hope they get the fan base they deserve. There are three parts to this space. Outside in front there is a good sized seating area with cacti and umbrellas for shade. The perfect place to read the new book you just bought. The majority of the inside of the brick building houses a gallery. Off to the left is a small shop selling books, art and some book accessories. The selection isn't large but it is carefully collected and well organized. Vintage bikes that have been restored for sale are sprinkled throughout. The whole place has a calm and inviting feel. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. If I lived closer this would be my hang out spot.

Greeting Cards, used books, and interesting staff. I've been here many times and they usually have…read morewhat I want. Comic books, psychology, biographies. I like that they give frequent buyer cards and discount flyers :) Items are priced well. It's always a good time looking in here.

I've been to the Shattuck Ave Pegasus a few times, but there was something about this location that…read moreI loved. I walked out with only one book, but it could have been a dozen. Maybe they get a better selection of used books from the neighborhood? Or perhaps I prefer density in my bookstores. Whatever the reason, I left there without having looked at half the store, because that would have been another half hour at least. In summary, great selections, a layout ideal for bookworms, and a friendly neighborhood vibe.

Every time I visit I leave with an amazing book. They're also great about ordering anything they…read moredon't already have on the shelves. I've broken the bad habit of ordering with Amazon and now always shop with East Bay Booksellers.

Friendly, affordable, nice atmosphere, and a great collection of books. I've loved this bookstore…read morefor years.