Such a neat store! love the amount of different topics and cultures all funneled into one store. especially love the neat aesthetic of the place! 10/10! read more

Favorite bookstore in town!! Anytime someone comes to visit my silly little college town I take them here. They have a diverse range of books and I am sometimes able to find more niche titles too! Also, the workers are very friendly & fun to chat with so that's a plus :D read more

The selection is great, and the prices are great, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

This place is hipster heaven. I feel like the most interesting people hang out here. Owners are super chill as well and always give me good value for trade ins. Best bookstore north of Sacramento! read more

Super Duper loved this place! One of the best organized used bookstores I've ever been too. Amazing selection for every genre. I found a lovely poetry book and a children's book for my nephews. Every book looked in perfect condition. Could easily spend an hour here every weekend if I was a Chico local. Would definitely go back ! Appreciate the masked staff and signs for all patrons to wear them too. We were greeted as we walked in. Very welcoming and chill atmosphere. read more

The Bookstore - So glad we stopped here-awesome used bookstore. - Bookstores Near Me - Chico, California

It's a nice place, and has tons of variety. However there have been multiple times where I found books for more than their retail price, which is a little weird since it's a mostly "used" bookstore. They do have some cool older books and versions however you'd probably find cheaper at a real thrift store or Amazon. Also a couple of the employees were so rude and stared at me the whole time like I was going to steal something. Not super welcoming... read more

Great service and i appreciate how well they are handling COVID restrictions. I've been here multiple times and I always leave with great books!! read more

Everything you would ever need to read all inexpensively priced and previously read. If there are multiple copies of something you are looking for check through the prices as some are usually lower priced than others. read more

I love coming here with the kids to pick up cheap used books. They have a large kids section and I love that it's separated by reading level. Every time we go we get about 10 books for around 20 bucks. Great deal! I have yet to explore the adult sections but the place is pretty big. Good luck parking on the weekends. Street only. Ride your bike! read more

This place is a treasure! For a used bookstore its very large and has an incredible selection. I hardly ever buy new because I know that I can almost certainly find what I'm looking for there. Although, most of the time I'm not looking for something, and I just browse until I find something awesome or just stop to read for awhile... To the people feeling screwed on trade-ins, or complaining that prices aren't garage sale cheap... how do you expect them to make any money at all if they didn't have a profit margin on these types of things? Keeping in mind that they're a downtown business with an incredible selection, their prices are remarkably fair. I love the Bookstore, and I'll definitely keep going back. read more

Today I spent almost two hours at this bookstore going through over 100 different DragonLance books. This is the largest selection I've ever come across and I am very thankful there just happened to be a stool right there for me to sit on while going through the books. I've read some of the reviews on this place and I agree with the positive comments and disagree with the negative ones for the most part. The one exception was that while the prices weren't that bad, it would have been nice if they had some kind of book sale or promotion going on because I walked out with a rather large number of books and would have doubled the books I bought had I been able to save on a bulk purchase. I have enough of these books to last me half a year or longer now. I hope I get to make another trip back up this way before then to pick up another batch. read more

We visited Chico for the 1st time this long weekend and passed by this bookstore after having breakfast at the Upper Crust bakery next door. It was the epitome and more, of what you'd expect in an old time community bookstore. The smell of actual books made me instantly love being there, as well as the Pulp Fiction type jazzy music playing, and the owner was really great and accommodating when I asked her for particular titles. Loved that she had handmade, illustrated books from locals (including her kids), next to the register, and little oddities around the store. Not to forget that the prices of the books are totally reasonable, and loved that there were vintage books too. Highly recommend this bookstore and we'll be sure to stop by again when we return to charming Chico. read more

The Bookstore is the best used bookstore in Northern California. I have been shopping there since I went to Chico State. And now that I live in Southern CA, I ALWAYS stop buy when I'm visiting to scoop up a stack of used books! They have an amazing selection. Don't believe most of the people that complain about the prices. They're great because the books are almost always in great condition. With that said, the place is a disorganized mess. None of the books are organized and you won't get any help from the staff. In all the years I lived in Chico the employee behind the desk never helped me find a particular book I was looking for. In fact, I don't think I ever saw him re shelve any books. Overall, The Bookstore is the only game in town. They've lasted the test of time. And the owner of the store has a few other used shops in the bay area, so the stock at Chico store is constantly being replaced with great rare and hard to find books. It's a great treasure hunt! read more

I come to Chico once a year and this bookstore is my favorite spot. It has the best stocked children's section I have ever seen. As an elementary school teacher, I often have a hard time replacing books that are worn out in my classroom library. Bookstore has many series books and tons of early reader books. Their non-fiction selection is rivaled only by the San Leandro branch of Lakeshore Learning. The only drawback is that nothing is alphabetized and the staff do not have time to help you (or seem interested). So if you have lots of time on your hands, this place is a treasure trove. read more

I bought my copy of Anne Frank's diary here when I was a college student in 1992. All these years later, my kids and I will drive 1.5 hours from Sacramento just to hang out and stock up on books. I love the atmosphere, variety of books, and hanging out in the chairs to read. read more

The Bookstore - There's always something to put a smile on each of our faces. - Bookstores Near Me - Chico, California

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Yes, It's still on my "must do" list but I must retract what I said about it being disorganized. Now the fellow at the desk can take you to the clearly labeled section and the books are alphabetical by author...wow. Please read my previous review, you gotta love those squeaky wooden floors. Get a pastry and coffee at the Upper Crust next door and you're ready for a great day. read more

The finest retailer in Chico and the most powerful for its citizens. You'd do well to make this a frequent stop whether for gifts to others or gifts for yourself. Treat your mind. read more

Frankly they have an ass-kickin' selection of (barely) used books. It really is a wonder in today's era to wander through room and after room of second-hand books. It really takes me back. The books are sorted by style and you can often find multiple unused copies of books. It is nearly impossible not to find/buy something of interest. The prices are higher than I would suspect, but that might be my used Amazon calculations at work. The conditions of the books, though, are higher than you will get from an on-line dealer. Hell, the guy always rings your total up on an adding machine. A most stop for a book lover. read more

I have been coming here for about six years now, since I started school in Chico. Overall I like this bookstore and would recommend visiting when you feel like perusing a used bookstore. The only other place I go in chico for books are the thrift shops. If they had a clearance section I would probably give it 5 stars. Some positives: -The customer service has always been good, they have even looked on the shelves for specific books for me over the phone -They have a considerable selection -Sometimes the books here are cheaper than amazon/ebay -They take into account condition, so you can find multiple copies of the same book at different prices, so check them all if you care to. -The organization seems to be getting better over time Some negatives: -I like it when used bookstores have a clearance section, and this bookstore never has. -sometimes the books here are more expensive than they would be on amazon, including shipping. It is rare that the books seem like a really good deal for used, instead they seem like "fair" prices. (but hey, it's nice to support them over amazon if the price difference is minimal) read more

Love this place. Let's face it, the paper-book trend is fading fast as more and more people opt for the fancy electronic books that can easily be accessed on one's phone, tablet, etc. This is a fact that I'll never be able to accept. I own a Kindle and have tried reading books on it, but it's just not the same. It just feels wrong. Don't get me wrong. I love technology, but I'll never be able to warm up to electronic books. I love paper books way too much and this is why I'm glad that we still have bookstores like this one. I love walking into this place and browsing through the aisles of shelves loaded with books. I pick up the books that interest me, leaf through them and decide whether or not I'll buy them. I often buy at least one book when I visit, which is usually once every two weeks since the inventory is constantly changing. I've never been disappointed with my purchases here and I often get a nice "Hello" or "Good morning" from the person at the counter upon walking in and then a "Have a nice day" before leaving. I know, these are the usual things you hear, but you won't experience this kind of stuff browsing through electronic books on Amazon. As long as this business stays open I'll be a happy man. read more

This shop is one I discovered with a friend as we explored Downtown Chico and I find myself coming back each time I'm in town. You could spend literally hours here and not get bored. There is much to see and it's organized and broken down into many different genres/categories. The employees are kind, helpful, and best of all they leave you to browse in peace without badgering. The Bookstore also hosts cultural events, poetry readings, and so much more. If you are a lover of books, the writing word, and knowledge you will feel right at home. This store has piles of books so some digging may be required, but honestly it's part of the fun. read more

Update: Now the guy who really did run it all this time, does own it with his wife, because the of arc of history bends towards justice. The Bookstore just keeps getting better. read more

I adore the bookstore, I've been going there my whole life! Great selection of used books and if they don't have it they can usually order it for you. A quiet space to browse and read, some local art throughout. It's a special Chico business, and downtown wouldn't be the same without it. I encourage you to check it out and to support them! read more

I love The Bookstore! A great selection of art books - many bestsellers for much less than new.

I sort of collect bookstores, and this one is pretty! It's pretty well curated, but the lady working there (I think there was only one) didn't seem super interested in any of the customers who were in the store. I wish I'd hand longer to peruse - I could probably stay in there for hours. Books are a little pricier than you typically see in a dingy sort of used bookstore, but not outrageous. read more

Super helpful. Spent six months tracking down a book, low and behold The Bookstore had it. Seeing as I was 2500 miles away in NY, they did everything in their power to make me a satisfied customer over the phone. Great customer service and the book that was shipped to me arrived in perfect condition. read more

This is a great shop. The store is packed full of amazing books and organized and clean. The old owner was a bit rude, but I hear he's retired and some new young people have taken over--more power to them! The prices are really not bad. Every time I have gone in, I've come out with a bunch of gems. Check this place out! read more

I have only been here 2 times but this place is a book lovers dream!!!! GREAT place and amazing selection. All of the books are reasonable priced and they even have a great selection for kids. I will definitely be back here in the near future. :) read more

Great selection, especially of kids books. Almost makes me wish I had kids so I could take them here... almost. Employees are friendly and knowledgeable. read more

A bookstore now days is a dying thing. That is a shame. However, there are only a few bookstores that I have been in that would garner the support from their community if they were ever in need. The Bookstore in Chico is just such a store. No one wants to see it go because we all know that it is a gem for the community. They have a wonderful selection and great shirts too. Go there, buy books. They make great gifts. They are fun to read. Again, go there and buy books. read more

The Bookstore has the the best selection of any other local used bookstore. The new owner is worlds better than the previous one-he actually cares about the customers in the store. This is a great browsing store. The only down side is some sections are rather disorganized. read more

The books are overpriced, and we saw the owner, today, purchasing a TON of books from one of the local Salvation Army stores for the store. It really makes me sad that we saved the business so that he could buy books on sale and jack up the prices to his customers. It used to be a decent place to find used books; now, I won't go in there. read more

This is a fantastic, used bookstore. I have spent many hours plundering the shelves for rare gems. Two huge rooms stuffed with shelves and lots of fun titles. Antique wood floors and tables piled high with all sorts of stories, lend a surreal taste.The ownership just changed (for the better, in my opinion) and the shelves are becoming more organized and easier to look though. If you are a local, or just passing through Chico you should make a stop into this shop for a taste of what our town has to offer. read more

Love this used book store! Prices are pretty inexpensive and they have a huge selection in many different genres. My husband can spend an hour in the history section lol. Always people shopping in here, today is my third time here. read more

This is a great bookstore!! I loved walking down the aisles to seek out a hidden treasure. My son found 3 graphic novels and I found a book by a favorite author. The staff was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this bookstore for browsing and buying a great book. read more

I have been going to The Bookstore for many many years and there is nothing like it! I love this place. They always have what I'm looking for and their customer service is excellent. They're the best bookstore in Chico. read more

One of my favorite places (not just bookstores) in all of Chico. Used to walk by it everyday on my way home from work and couldn't help but stop. I love the musty, used book store smell and the creaky wooden floors. Their kid's section is huge. My four year old always has the hardest time deciding which book/s he wants with so many options but that's fine by me as it allows me more time to browse the labyrinth of shelves throughout the store. I don't go there as often as I used to but still make a point of going at least once a month. I would recommend others do the same. Especially parents. read more

Chico's own local used bookstore that carries a surprising variety of subjects and titles for its size. The owners and staff are delightful people. Not only do they sell books, yes, but they also host cultural art events at the store as well including modern dance, fashion, readings, etc. What a gem. read more

I have to say it's a very cool bookstore, but I'm pretty bummed out with there service. I am a local college student and was looking to buy an art book, I was 1 dollar short. I asked if they did a college discount or could help work with me because that's all the money I had, and they told me no they don't do that. Was trying to support local but guess I'll just turn to amazon where it's cheaper anyways... read more

Liked the selection of books. When my partner asked the person working if they had a particular bestseller the response was to make fun of the book and scoff at it's content. Not nice. Hurt feelings. I don't want to feel judged about my book selections in a book store. read more