This bookstore is awesome!! I can't believe I've never been here until now, though I have visited…read morethe Campbell location. First off, I love the political signs posted on the windows, like the "everyone is welcome here except ICE". When I walked in, the store looked exactly like what I've always envisioned a cozy community bookstore to be like--filled to the brim with books and with a lot of character. I came here to sell some books and it was pretty quick--I had probably 20-25 books and the employee finished in less than 10 minutes. As I was waiting for my books, I walked around exploring. I was very impressed with the selection of fiction. There were actually quite a bit of new releases, but also older books and editions that I would likely not find at a corporate bookstore. If I had the time, I'd love to spend 1-2 hours here just browsing. I didn't expect to get much money for my books; I was actually going to donate them and didn't realize that they still buy books, so their offer was ok. I was moreso pleasantly surprised that the employee was so nice lol, and also a little chatty. Honestly the last time I sold books was probably 15-20+ years ago at Half Price Books and I remember they were always pretty rude/standoffish lol. In addition to the service, the atmosphere, and the book selection, the cherry on top for me was that they have a special shelf where you can buy a book there for 50% off for them to donate to the library at Elmwood Correctional Facility at a bit of a loss for the store. I used most of my credit from the books to get a Stephen King book for the library.

I've been visiting this bookstore for over 20 years and I definitely have a love/hate relationship…read morewith this bookstore lol. The Bad: The staff can occasionally come across as a bit unwelcoming, and I personally wish the storefront atmosphere stayed more focused on books and less on outside messaging. They sometimes price popular or trending used books higher than what you'd pay for a brand-new copy elsewhere. The Good: I absolutely love the character of this bookstore. Shelves packed floor to ceiling, creaky wooden floors, stacks of books everywhere, and even a cat roaming around the store it feels like something straight out of a fantasy novel. I've visited countless bookstores, and nothing beats the old vintage feel of this place. They have a great selection of beautiful leather-bound books, plus an excellent fantasy and sci-fi section. I especially love when they put books out in under $6! The prices at this location are better, and this store feels much more like a classic old bookstore. The Campbell location feels more like a modern bookstore, and the prices there can sometimes be higher. At the end of the day, this place is a San Jose landmark and everyone should visit it at least once. Even when I disagree with certain aspects of it, I still keep coming back because it's nostalgic.

I think it's important to support local nonprofit stores. I give this place two stars because…read moresometimes they have amazing things that are not. I have held off on the review because I thought that my first couple of times was a fluke. I happen to visit the store during one of their 50% sales. I felt very lucky, until I realized that they are charging $28 for a book that is originally $19.99. Sure if it was vintage I'm all for it. It is not vintage. It is as if I walked into a bookstore and purchased it for a dollar off. I think that is astoundingly vile. I would support this bookstore more often, if I did not find that they double their prices from the original price, on items that are not vintage items that have been printed past 2020. Cookbooks, journals, art, books, etc. In addition, they have someone who destroys vintage books by using duct tape to fix bindings. They will take an antique (over 100 yrs) book and use duct tape to keep the covers together and they will have the audacity to charge you as if the book was worth anything after they've done that to it. They will have a little note inside the book that says "Rare Book, etc., etc. repaired and charge you $80 or more and the book looks like a monstrosity. It is not done well. It is not accurate. It is not decent. It is not within boundaries. This is not repair, this is sacrilege. I would rather receive the book bound with a rubber band holding the two covers together and I could take it to a book maker and have it fixed. Once you use that kind of tape on the covers, they are ruined. Do not double the price on modern books at sale times. Do not double the price on books that are not vintage. That is just wrong. Do not try to put 15 books in a paper bag. It's not going to hold. Give more than one bag. If somebody's willing to buy many books, give up some bags. We spent the money we are worth more thane one paper bag. You guys need to work on your customer service.

We always stop here whenever we're in Carmel. It's a fun shop, it has a great collection of…read morethrifted items. Prices are a bit high, but most items are in great condition. It's well organized, merchandise is well set up. I worked retail for years so I'm familiar with merchandising. It's important to be able to attract shoppers and make them want to come in and browse the aisles. One thing that is also important is making your shoppers feel welcome. You have a Karen in your store that made shopping uncomfortable. No friendly greeting, just a stare. Being followed--and very obvious about it--was a total turn off. You have a Karen, and she needs to be trained. The big Texas blond wig needs to be taught not to be suspicious of brown people. I have never been treated so rudely and poorly in a retail establishment. This Karen is bad for business.

Came here to share a bottle of wine with my son who is a student at UCSC. what a pleasant surprise…read morewe got when we ordered food. This was some of the BEST FOOD that I have had. We pride ourselves in eating in some of the best places all over. Bad Animal exceeded our expectation of a 'wine bar' food menu. We had Oysters Miso Black Cod Crostini And I never order dessert it with every bite of food I couldn't pass the opportunity to try what they had to offer. We went with the lemon verbena gelato with fresh blueberries Our server ( we sat at the bar) was very knowledgeable about the wine and food. He took his time explaining every dish which made the experience much more enjoyable. Whenever I get a chance to visit Santa Cruz, I will Make a point to eat here.

Bad Animal was almost the perfect meal…read more.. We started with the gougères, which were light, airy, and absolutely addictive, the kind of bite that sets the tone for a great meal. The king salmon crudo was beautifully composed, fresh and bright, and the peaches were a standout, simple but perfectly executed. The chicken schnitzel was crispy, well-seasoned, and satisfying in all the right ways. The NY Strip was where things got slightly complicated. The seasoning and flavor were genuinely excellent; the spice profile was spot on and the crust had great character. However, about a third of the cut was too fatty to eat, which was disappointing at that price point. It didn't ruin the experience, but it did feel like a quality-control miss on what was otherwise a beautifully cooked piece of meat. Also, put this steak over something else besides elaborate mixed greens. Service was warm and knowledgeable, and the space has a wonderful energy. Bad Animal is doing something right (for the most part). Hopefully I'll make it back but hoping for a better trim on the steak next time.

The Friends of the Capitola Library Bookstore is located in the Capitola mall. This bookstore is a…read moregreat place to pickup pre-owned books, CDs, DVDs, and other media. There is a wide variety of offerings of mainstream as well as obscure subjects. Books are grouped by subject matter and interests and are well laid out. From classical art to crafts, from English literature to foreign language editions, from outdoor gardening to interior remodeling, the bookstore's offerings are plentiful and diverse. Most books and media looked in excellent condition. At the time of our visit, prices were $1 for most paperbacks, $2 for hardcover editions, $1 for CDs, and $2 for DVDs. This family-friendly bookstore has something for all ages. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. All proceeds benefit the Capitola Library.

Wonderful eclectic selection of books, *well organized* and attended by pleasant volunteers. Very…read moreaffordable prices, mostly $1-3! They will take donated books you bring to them. Go here first to find a book or CD or DVD you might be seeking.

My favorite bookstore ever!! They have created such a curated selection of the best books! And Gary…read morewill help you find any book you want or help you find a book to fit what you're hoping to read! I always come for one book and leave with a stack! So grateful for this wonderful shop! Cute little kids section too!

Just a perfect little bookstore. Cozy, charming, colorful, thoughtfully curated, and a nice…read moreselection of staff pick!

This is not my tale to tell…read more... -But I'm going to give you MY version of the story- And just like a Fantasy Romance Novel.... There will be a little spice, a touch of word play, some intense trope enemy-to-lover conflict, a dash of magic and of course.... A Happy Ending! So, Where do I begin? It all began about a year and a half ago when my wife started back up reading, but this time around..... She picked up her 1st Fantasy-Romance Novel, never put it down and now, the rest is all history. The Backstory: Let me break it down for you.... But first, let's meet the Main Characters: The Ladies... Feyre, Nesta & Elain Archeron & The Gentlemen... Rhysand, Tamlin, Lucien, & Cassian ---(Just to name a few)--- And suddenly, ACOTAR has entered the chat! Yeah, I'm talking about A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas; maybe you've heard of it? ;) So during g a road trip in late 2024, my wife was super excited about her new book series she had started reading and was like, "Can I tell you about it?" In my head I was like, sure, we've got 5 hours to kill... give it your best shot. And just like an Audiobook, she basically gave me the run down, the play by play, the almost word for word enactment of how ACOTAR was going down as was playing out thus far... I could immediately tell: She Absolutely Loved it! Fast forward to present day.... Her love for reading these Adult Romantasy books is more than just a hobby... It's a way of life! Book clubs, late night reading sessions, and a 6ft tall book shelf in our bedroom that's already filled from top to bottom with F.R. Novels. Let's just say, in our bedroom.... Tamlin is Out, you can Call me Rhys and my wife is the High Lady of the Night Court! But those books on her bookshelf are not just any 'ol books with those plain, old boring edges... Oh No, No, No... They are Fantasy Romance Novels, highly sought after literature with Beautiful, Stunning and even Mystical Painted Edges that are now her prized possessions. Yeah, it's come to the point that whatever town, city, or place we visit... She's already mapped out the local bookstore to visit. And in November 2025, Spare Time Books in Paso Robles met their match! The match: My Wife! Yeah, like a kid in a candy store, she was in her happy place. And while I perused the Classics.... You know: Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Dickens, Tolstoy & Twain... My wife was on the hunt for First Editions, Special Versions and of course those cool looking painted edges by... Maas, Yarros, Armentrout, Palphreyman, and Sarah A. Parker. Yes, this quaint, cute little bookstore has a charm that only Bibliophiles, Book Dragons, & Ink Drinkers will appreciate. So, if you too are a book lover.... I dare you to you to step into this enchanted library of stories, tales, fables and literary magic at Spare Time books where the message on their front window says it best.... "So Many Books So Little Time"

Super cute local bookstore with lots of comfy seating for browsing. Used and new books here, as…read morewell as cute accessories made by local artists like metal bookmarks and a cool little tool you can use to hold a book open more easily with one hand. Reasonable prices and the secondhand books are in good shape. If only we lived closer, I'd be coming here all the time.

This is one of the best bookstores. Recently moved a few blocks away from its original locale…read more Yes, one if my favorite quirky bookstores. I just want to sit and let the words envelope me. Takes me on journeys from a sitting position. This is truly a special spot . No, a holy spot where literature and west coast ease come together. Mashed and spiced with ideas of love and loss. Science and fiction. Her story and His. Excellent service. Real and not plastered plastic. Excellent selection of used treasures. Best value for dreams and dreaming.

Stumble upon this nice used bookstore. No only does it have its own personality overall, check out…read morethe variety books. Great selection from which I picked up two books myself. Best part of strolling through the stacks are the interesting comments, images, and quotes throughout the store. So check out those bookshelf end caps for some thought proving wisdom. Parking in the lot behind the building is easy. Great location in downtown in a walkable area near other places to also ready and enjoy your great finds here! Oh, and they sell vinyl LPs also!

This may be my favorite used bookstore yet!…read more The ladies working there were so welcoming and friendly. They let me and my boyfriend in a few minutes before opening so we could get out of the cold. So thoughtful. The selection was amazing. I snagged some older titles and then came across a table with some newer titles and all $6 and under. What a bargain. Will absolutely be back!

At first I couldn't find this place because there was a mini golf set up in the courthouse square…read more I had to literally walk around the block and saw these signs that read "used books" "this way" haha. This place is really hole-in-the-wall basement ish warehouse type feel bookstore. The prices are amazing for the used books. It is incredibly reasonably priced. I found two children's books in very good quality for $1 each. What a steal! For the most part, don't expect finding hot new bestsellers in here. This place is like for book antiques or if you need a used copy of something that might be a few years back. It was good for what I needed since I'm looking for some older historical fiction books about the American revolution. I was surprised to find two books here that I needed and so maybe you'll get lucky too! The couple who owns this place are very friendly. They said hi right upon me walking in. Selection is pretty wide, the books genres are organized in a neat way but the books themselves are scattered. For example, the fiction and nonfiction adult books are alphabetical order by last name but the children's books are not. It made things harder for me to look but I didn't mind since I had time. If you're in a rush then maybe this place isn't the best or just ask the lady up front for help! Overall this place is a gem and the proceeds go to a good cause--San Mateo historical foundation!