The owners, Brad and Jen, are truly amazing and love what they do. I inherited a lot of old books (as in 20-ish bankers boxes full)- many rare and in good condition. They examined each volume and offered a fair price for the ones worthy of selling in their store or at book fairs. I learned many of the books were in good condition and very old, yet have little value in the current market. They advised me of where to sell other books in the collection which had little value, were not rare and/or in need of repair. Really nice folks. As a society we must support our local economy by patronizing our independent book sellers. Covina... you have a treasure! read more

Very rude staff / owner. On 9/4/2026 I went inside to look for autographed celebrity culinary books but when I opened a Pelican case that was on a table, the woman yelled out saying not to touch. How rude ! Turned me off immediately, dropped the book I had and walked out. Why she couldn't have said something like "can I help you find something" ? Avoid at all costs - this place does not want business. read more

The Book Shop - From across the street. - Bookstores Near Me - Covina, California

My family and I visited this bookstore today and were disappointed with the experience. When we walked in, there were no other customers in the store and three employees were working, yet no one greeted us, welcomed us, or acknowledged our presence. We spent time browsing and were never asked if we needed assistance. The atmosphere felt unwelcoming and indifferent, which made us feel like our business wasn't valued. On top of that, many of the books and items seemed significantly overpriced compared to other bookstores. Customer service can make a huge difference in a shopping experience, and unfortunately this visit fell far below expectations. Based on our experience, I would not recommend this bookstore and will not be returning. read more

Another book store I have been coming to off and on for years. Yeah, I saw some of the bad reviews. These guys never say hello, Good Morning, or Bye Bye. They have up to date magazines I used to like purchasing. They do not really have that many selection of books as in Fashion,, Art, or Recreation. Its very small, I never expected much here. They are not far either from the City Library either. So, its a ok place. I am surprised read more

The service is great! The Book Shop is one of my favorite places to go while visiting California and had what I was looking for. Totally recommend! (Edit) I also notice all the hate towards this shop in the reviews, it's good to be critical but not asking to take photos seems a little shady. (This is just my opinion) read more

Compared to the rest of the reviews, the customer service was okay. I like being left alone and was fine with not being asked what I was looking for. They had a wide variety of books. I went in with the intention of looking for fashion books, but they don't have those here. The reason I'm giving it 1 star is because of the prices Bruh... I picked up a book that recorded interviews from predominantly black neighborhoods during the civil rights era and it was $50... for a used book... Maybe it's because it was a book from the 60s, but I feel like you could've found this book online or like free at a University Library (granted, you have to be a university student to get access, but there's also website like scihub or archive.com) So baffling I was a bit disappointed because they do have a good collection of interesting books, and the one I found the most interesting was way outside my price range. So moral of the story, don't come here unless you're willing to drop hella money on a used book read more

The shop itself is very antique-y (if that's a word), but there's nothing inviting about it. The book selection is nice and everything seems properly organized. I'm grateful that they have their hours on the doors and if there's ever a change in schedule, it's usually posted in advance. But in terms of the business itself and its customer service: unacceptable. I see the same faces every time I come and they never look happy. They don't say good morning/evening, they don't say "Welcome", they hardly acknowledge you. They don't try to make conversation whatsoever. They don't ask if you need help or have any questions. At check out, they simply ring up your book, tell you the price, and take your money. No words about it. No "thank you, have a nice day", no "thank you, hope to see you again soon" or "I hope you enjoy your book". They don't say anything at all. I've tried to talk to the tall man multiple times (I'm very friendly and enjoy talking to people) and every time he shows no sign of interest and doesn't reciprocate. The people here don't seem passionate about their business at all. It's very sad. What's even more sad is that I've asked if they were hiring multiple times and each time they said no. They are clearly not even trying to improve the quality and image of their business. I even asked if they were hiring around the holidays because these people are older, I assume they would like some time off to spend it with their families, and they said no. I wanted to tell them that I would 100% make their business better and I could guarantee an increase in their loyal customer rates, simply due to the fact that most of their negative reviews are about how poor their customer service is and that many people have said that they would never come back JUST for that fact. But, seeing as they make no effort to improve and are satisfied with this image of their business, I'm not going to force my help on a person who does not want it. Which is truly a shame, because I am very eager to work in a place like this and I know I could really turn it around. Regardless, I wish them the best and I hope they can stop being so closed-minded soon. The performance of their business depends on it! read more

Every time I pass by this shop, it's closed. I was delighted to see they were open the other day as I strolled through the area. Very beautiful shop to say the least. Upon walking in, me and my friend were greeted by an older man and woman. We exchanged hellos and began browsing. My friend took a photo of the long long shelves of books, as were both in awe of how nice the shop was. This is when our experience took a turn for the WORSE!!! The man working there lashed out on my friend, saying photos were not allowed. My friend said he was very sorry about that and didn't notice the "no photos" sign upon entering. It was a simple and honest mistake and my friend made sure to apologize and delete the photo in front of the man. He kept rambling on about how they don't allow photos, even though we apologized MULTIPLE times for the mistake. The old man and woman then watched us like HAWKS as we looked around and gave us DIRTY LOOKS :( We felt so uncomfortable and decided to leave. As we left we said "Thank you and Goodbye" and the older man just shook his head. I will never come back here and STRONGLY recommend that NO ONE comes here if they don't want to be treated very poorly and disrespectfully by this old man and woman. read more

Plenty of prejudiced customer service & vintage books. The bald white guy behind counter chose to completely ignore non-white customers. He chose not to speak a single word to us our entire time in the shop. He did, however, choose to greet a teenage white girl who wandered into the shop with his entire spiel, including "Welcome to The Book Store." She left a few minutes after, not purchasing a thing. I passed him several times in the 30 minutes we were here on 8/12/15 at around 5pm. Not a single word towards us; not a single greeting acknowledging our presence, despite being the ONLY two other people in this tiny shop. If you are going to ignore the customers...ignore ALL of them. Not just the non-whites. I almost bought something, but his service spoke volumes. Decided against my possible purchase, since this place wasn't worth feeling devalued as a customer. The guy continued to ignore us as we left, cackling loudly at something on his computer. Creepy. As for the book selection here, check out my pictures. Lots of vintage books. read more

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We were in the neighborhood and decided to stop in. Sign said they were open at 11am and it was 12:30pm. Doors were locked and owner was behind the counter on the phone and just ignored us so we left. What great customer service. How does he know we might have been in the market to buy a bunch of his books? read more

I don't really go on here to write reviews but i've never felt more uncomfortable and unwelcome at a place that gave me the opposite impression from the outside. As soon as i walked in, there was no welcome or "let me know if you have any questions" also if there's a rule about taking pictures, shouldn't there be a sign or something? How are new customers supposed to know. read more

Despite the odd hours and specific days they're open, I enjoyed the experience very much. Having always loved being surrounded by books of many genres and ages, I found this shop to be very enticing. I bought many and I look forward to buying many more if I am given the chance! The many walls of shelves of books make it exciting! Both owners are kind, their puppy a sweetie, and others in their store are treated like family. I enjoy looking through the titles and admiring their collections. Their cleanliness and how well they maintain and upkeep their collection is very impressive. I have a lot to learn from them, and I hope to go back and study further their collection and buy more! read more

Was so rude , no hello and if we needed any help. Felt very uncomfortable, we were the only ones in the shop. My phone rang , answered it, the guy said no phones. Now he talks . We needed help , with a book. Just pointed at the shelf. We asked for a steeper, he pointed at an old , old fold up chair. Didn't bother asking us , if we needed help getting it down. He made us get on the chair , to reach the top shelf. Be kind to your customers, we are the one buying the books. With cash , to keep your shop open. I have been to so many book stores but this is the only. Place that was so disrespectful . Never go back again, don't go people. read more

Walked into this bookstore expecting friendly welcoming people considering the front of the store is posted multicultural posters. Instead I was greeted by the rudest man I have ever dealt with at any bookstore. He treated me like I had done something to him. I left right after I asked him about sci fi books & had to ask again because the guy totally shined me on the first time. It disappoints me because I always try to support local business. I'm not sure if it is because I am a person of color but it sure felt that way. I will never patronize this store again.... read more

One of my favorite bookstore to shop in. I found a book by John B. Sanford that I had been looking for for quite some time. Also the have bookcarts out front of their store where you can always find some little gem of interest that you didn't know you needed. read more

I hate to give a bad review to a local business. These people are so rude and unapproachable. After leaving a couple messages with no return call I finally reached someone who was unable to schedule an appointment with the book buyer and actually discouraged me from calling back to schedule an appointment. When I called back and spoke to someone else and asked to make an appointment, she gave a heavy sigh and asked what kind of books. I'm no expert, I have no idea. She wanted to review the books over the phone to see if she was interested and was just dismissive. I had heard around town (and read reviews) that this was the case but I really prefer to keep my business in town so I wanted to give them a chance. I would neither sell nor buy with these people in the future. It's very disappointing. read more

If you love to find yourself stuck in a wild jungle, take a trip into space, or maybe become a Sheriff of an old western town, The Book Shop in Covina is the place to be! Similar to the last reviewer, I remember being a child in the City of Covina looking at all the books which sparked my imagination. I still remember the first book I ever got there which was about a frog and the wild adventures he took! I'm a huge supporter of local business and this store sure does deserve your business! So next time you want to sit down, relax, and get away from the stresses of life, the Book Shop is the place to go to receive your ticket to relaxation or go on an exploration! 5/5 Stars!!! read more

Books can take you to another part of the world, balls deep in a mystery crime, beyond the galaxy enough to open your mind, and sooth your soul, and still keep something sacred no one person can ever take away from you, true knowledge. "Blake said that the body was the soul's prison unless the five senses are fully developed and open. He considered the senses the 'windows of the soul.' When sex involves all the senses intensely, it can be like a mystical experience" - Jim Morrison If I ever find that girl that makes me open all my true senses in that manner, I shall treasure her like I treasure all the books I ever read. ;) P.S: this book store is short, and sweet. read more

The Book Shop - Indeed. - Bookstores Near Me - Covina, California

Visited the store for the first time. I don't know much about rare books, but this store is apparently more of a rare book seller/dealer than a current book seller. I enjoyed the antique ness of the place, just browsing with the "let's see if they have something I want" kind of mentality. The store definitely does not stock complete collections of contemporary authors or genera. You'll see a handful of each category, some more and some fewer. I didn't meet the shop owner. The younger guy with glasses didn't watch me like a hawk like the other comments mentioned. He did let me pet the cute dog Elke behind the counter I'd definitely visit again, and just buy whatever I happen to find interesting to me at the moment. read more

The Book Shop - What I ended up buying today, 34 dollars total - Bookstores Near Me - Covina, California

I'm an avid reader, I'd say I read about a book a week, and I genuinely enjoy small bookshops with obscure titles that wouldn't be found in a chain store like barnes and noble. So when I went to eat lunch next door and discovered this store I was quite excited needless to say once I actually entered the store my excitement didn't last long. Me and two friends were glanced at by the two people working behind the counter. A round shaped women and gangly skinny man looked us over as if we had just committed a crime. Nevertheless I continued on looking for some titles not carried in regular stores and actually found a title I was interested in. Meanwhile my two friends were looking at some old books and making jokes to each other, harmless fun with no cussing or vulgar talk, simple laughing abounded in the aisle we were in. Immediately the tall skinny man from behind the counter, with Donald Trump like hair, came over to our aisle and declared that we needed to contain ourselves. I don't understand what the problem was, we were in a bookstore, not a school library, and were the only people in this sad excuse for a bookstore. I feel sorry for these two people whose life consists of such sadness that they need to demean other people's happiness. Shouldn't the joy of being in a small bookstore be the laughter and good times we can find with others while searching for a good read ??? Needless to say I did not purchase my book and left disgusted with how this man treated us. I will never support people who discourage others from having fun in a setting and industry that is dying due to other forms of entertainment. As a book lover we should be encouraging people of all ages to have fun with books, not contain ourselves around them ! read more

Can never find anything I need here. And their rare books are all findable elsewhere. Go to the last book store in downtown for your books instead. Plus more supply and better knowledgeable staff on books finds read more

Basically the reason I came here was to complete my harry potter series since I was not willing to fork over $150 to barnes and noble for the complete series. I was hoping to see if they carried any of the Harry Potter books and they did. The prices were a bit high for me since they were selling the 5th book for $15 but I got it for $2 at a thrift shop nearby that was practically in the same condition. But it's a good thing that they're here since most independent bookstore are becoming more sparse. read more

I concur with many of the other reviews. They do "have a pretty good variety of books there and everything is organized," however, I will never shop there again. The complaints about "prejudiced customer service" is real. I have been to the Book Shop many times before and purchased hundreds of dollars of books over the years. I usually stop on my way home from work in my teaching attire, but today I had the day off and was wearing jeans and hiking boots. A reviewer stated that she experienced "yelling accusatory words in a hostile tone from across the room." Today, I experienced the same. I had twisted my ankle earlier that day and could not lug around the books I had selected and intended to purchase, so I just set them down on their sides and kept browsing. The clerk shouted at me from across the store, incensed that I had laid them down and not brought them up to the counter. He lectured me about how long it took him to put the books in alphabetical order, even after I told him that I had intended to make a purchase that day. He continued with his tirade, ruder than any clerk I have personally encountered in any store. I can but assume that if I had been wearing slacks and a button-down long sleeve dress shirt, things would have been fine as they always have been in the past, but the limping jean wearing, hiking boot shod, old man, who set "the books on their sides" (a cryptic phrase he emphasized again and again) was too much for him. read more

I completed almost all of my star wars book collection thanks to this place. the prices are unbeatable.

Visited here just yesterday and if we're just talking about the book selection then it's great. Everything is organized by section, literature, children's, mystery, music, scifi ect..and the prices are good, probably not as good as you would find at goodwill but I walked out of there with 3 books for $17 when one of the books was originally $15, so I was pretty satisfied. And will definitely be returning. However, the white couple (who I'm assuming are the owners) are quite rude. They didn't say hello or give any kind of welcoming greeting and while I was browsing a man came in with a handful of books to donate and they cut him off while he was asking what kind of books they usually take and told him he needed to make an appointment because they were "obviously busy". They were not busy. They were pretty much just standing behind the counter talking amongst themselves. read more

I have visited The Book Shop countless times. Every time I enter, I acknowledge to myself that there are many, many items in this store that are way beyond my basic public schooled comprehension capabilities. That said, the people there never treat me that way. The owners, apparently a married couple who bought the store a few years ago, are kind and helpful, even if I am looking for a copy of the latest book in the Twilight "saga" -it wasn't for me, it was for my niece...I swear! I think most of us have grown accustomed to shopping for books at places like Barnes & Noble, or Borders, where we expect to find the newest trashy romance novel, or salacious tell-all. You won't always find those at The Book Shop, and that's okay, because you will find that really huge French dictionary that you need for your class, or a first-edition-Stephen-King-something-or-other that your mother would love. And that's part of the charm in a store like The Book Shop, it's so unique, so specific, but never dated. read more

By no means is this store on par with the Strand in New York, but it's the bookshop that made me the bibliophile I am today! When I was younger, I'd spend countless hours in the aisles between their dusty bookshelves, poring over the vintage tomes with reverence and fascination. But I was a bit of an oddball too. The books that got my attention? A Handbook of Applied Mathematics Sears and Roebuck Catalog, 1898 Musical Instruments Through the Ages The Septuagint--in Greek and English Dictionary of Chinese and Japanese Characters No, I'm not the fiction or fantasy type. Reference books--almanacs, dictionaries, atlases--those were my thing. But wherever your literary proclivities may lie, they're sure to have something that strikes your fancy. And if they don't, they belong to a network by which anything you could possibly want can be obtained! read more

Went in to support for Small Business Saturday and after I was treated today I'm done spending money in this store. I've spent hundreds here and I won't be spending a penny more. Suggestion: Stick to your online rare book sales. There's no reason for you to have a store front if you don't have any desire to have people come in and look at your books. If I hadn't already had books in my hand to purchase for gifts I would have put them all back. read more

I've been shopping at The Book Shop in downtown Covina for years - literally, more than two decades. In that time I've seen the business grow and improve. It is quite literally my favorite place to shop in the world. That's no hyperbole! The Book Shop is a wonderful bastion of literacy in a vast wasteland. The shelves are well stocked with books for every reader and is owned and operated by a helpful and knowledgeable couple. If you are looking for a first edition of Mark Twain or a signed Albert Einstein - it's your place. If you are looking for a reading copy of Erle Stanley Gardner or a paperback of Nora Roberts - it's your place. With far flung specialties like Ancient History, California, Children's Books, Literature, and Western Americana, it is simply a delight to browse the shelves and be surprised. The best part to me is, you can find books ranging from the general second-hand to the truly antiquarian - sometimes side by side. As I have watched the number of rare and second-hand book stores in California that operate an "open shop" dwindle in recent years, it is refreshing to see The Book Shop not only keep its doors open, but truly grow and thrive. Swing by and check it out. Odds are I'll be there, too. read more

If you love books, then you would love this cute quaint place. When I first came to this book store I was amazed by everything in this place. The books them selves are just lovely. The works from so many authors and the look and feel of most of the old books there, I just love it. A place to be. There are also pictures that they sale and those are just as special. read more

The Book Shop - Bookstores Near Me - Covina, California

Cute little store. Lots of vintage books. Customer service lacking. I guess I'm just used to used book store people being more warm and welcoming. Prices seemed a bit high for used books. Cute vintage stores nearby. One book my college daughter got, a small Spanish/English poem book was $5 read more

The Book Shop - Bookstores Near Me - Covina, California

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It's so strange that there are all these negative reviews about the book shop. I wonder if maybe the "upset reviewers" were not polite enough to greet the owners when walking in or possibly not bold enough to ask for a specific title. I have visited the book shop numerous times and never had that experience. One of the owners, Brad, frighteningly knows where every book in the place is...aisle/shelf/color of book. The other owner, Jen will talk to you about anything in the world you choose to talk about. If you are looking to support a small business owned by people who really know their trade, then this is the place for you. Need a signed first for a gift? This is the place. If you want to mill about like it's a Walmart...maybe B&N is more your speed. Their employees don't care about anything but a paycheck. read more

The worst attitude from anyone in customer service. I took some of my friends visiting from out NYC antique shopping in Covina and we stopped into this store .I wish could give him a negative star! He literally treated us like we were trash . We wanted to take a picture of one of the wood carvings on the wall because we collect those type of things as well . He got really upset because of the one photo that was taken instead of asking us not to take photos. It there would have been signs posted of course we would have known but there were none. the guy behind the counter then proceeded to say right off the bat "I don't care about your instagram, "this store isn't for you to take photos for your social media" In a super a rude and very confrontational way. This kind of service is why small stores go out of business . :update so while I was writing this my friend went back in there to talk to the guy about what happened and that guy who's acting manager threw his Ice coffee on my friend . My friend came out soaked in Coffee ! not cool!!! read more

The Book Shop - This is the guy who threw coffee on my friend! - Bookstores Near Me - Covina, California

Went in the other day, and fell in love. Loved the ambiance of the store, and the selection of books that they had on their shelf. I sat on their couch and read children's books to my daughter for at least an hour before buying a few. I could have spent longer perusing their shelves, and am excited to go back. They even sell some of the old fashioned, and a little quirky nick-hacks that adorn their shelves. If the books weren't so great, I might be back just for that. The customer service was great. Very sweet, very helpful, not pushy or condescending. Didn't get in my way when I wanted to just peruse. Just lovely. I love supporting local business, and this one is easy to love. read more

love this place! It reminds me how book shops use to be back in the day. read more

I had exactly the same experience as all the other crappy reviews here! My mom and I went in to have a look around, and I even bought a few books! It's a cool idea, but they definitely are not paying the rent by selling books here. It's obvious it's a hobby for the rude owners. They had a German film crew in, I think that they had awarded them some money. They were open, but we were warned we couldn't walk around much because of the filming. They should have just closed, I think they were trying to pretend to be a real store. They locked the door behind us. Just rude. read more

Business must be doing pretty well here, nobody offered to help me. Too bad I was looking for a lot of books. The two people behind the counter wouldn't give their customers the time of day. Just sat there and did whatever they were doing. Will never visit this place again. It's a shame because I love used bookstores. read more

This place would get my highest rating if I didn't feel like the workers were staring at me like I was a gorilla loose in their store. My guess is they like the books more than people. I found some great stuff, though, and there are inviting places to sit if, I guess, if I didn't feel like running away in shame. read more

I've shopped at The Book Shop/Johnson Rare Books & Archives since before Jen and Brad became owners and I've never had a bad experience with them or other store staff over these 20+ years. Sometimes when I've been there, a customer has been unpleasant by being excessively noisy or confused/dismayed that the bookstore wasn't like a Barnes and Noble. But the staff responses to those customers were helpful and appropriate. As it is a long-time "mom and pop" store, I'd recommend going in, saying "Hi", and asking questions when you need to. Do note that they have more books and other items getting processed and not yet on display, so asking them about specific titles or topics can yield nice surprises. read more

There are several ways to let a customer know if they're behaving inappropriately. Yelling aggressively at a customer, for instance, isn't a smart idea-- especially if you're hoping to survive as a business of an internet dominated market, as you know. If you believe I'm bending a book while reading passages aloud to my girlfriend, please say so tactfully. Yelling accusatory words in a hostile tone from across the room was unnecessary. I cannot recommend this book store because the owners do not know the definition of customer service. Thanks. read more