Great fine books with an emphasis on California, Gold Rush and Western Americana. James is a very…read morerespectable, knowledgeable with a true passion for books of quality. I highly recommend a visit to their website or making an appointment to see their books when you're in Monterey. Awesome!

Great people great service. Great shipping love the book I got…read more Perfect description beautiful bookstore

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.

Tiny and very overpriced for secondhand trade paperbacks. ($3???!!!) Small selection of mysteries…read more Kids books section had a good assortment of middle grade books (random but welcome). Really not worth a stop unless it's a half price day. But I heard a customer asking for a certain item and he was told it's not available on half price day (they put it away).

Came by for dinner the other night and it was a phenomenal experience. Made a reservation for…read moredinner and my table was readyd upon arrival. Parking is available in the paid garage right across the street. Street parking was also available at $2.25/hour coins only (no credit cards). Bad Animal is located inside a used book store. The restaurant featured a bar, open kitchen, along with a dining room facing the bookstore. Service by the staff throughout the evening was fantastic! Started off with the artichoke and maitake crostini and it looked fantastic. The crostini wasn't super fresh and wasn't warm. I've had better crostinis in Paris. I do love the European portions at this restaurant so I can try more dishes! Moved on to the corn that the waitress highly suggested and it was very fragrant and tasty. Opted for the miso cod and it was excellent. This was served over a bed of rice which was decent. The rice was pretty fluffy and the miso glaze over the cod was a touch on the stronger side. The cod was cooked to perfection. Loved the side of cucumbers! Ended off the meal with the chocolate mousse which had a fantastic layer over foam and strawberries on top. Loved how it wasn't too sweet too! ~$90/head after tax and gratuity for dinner.

Such a cool and unique spot in Santa Cruz. The whole atmosphere is amazing -- having a restaurant…read moreand wine bar surrounded by books gives this place so much character and makes it feel completely different from anywhere else in the area. The food was great, the service was friendly, and you can tell a lot of thought goes into the menu and overall experience. I also loved being able to look around the bookstore before and after eating. It's the kind of place where you actually want to stay for a while instead of just eating and leaving. Definitely one of the most memorable places I've been to in Santa Cruz. Would absolutely come back. 5 stars!

We are from San Diego county. We go to the store whenever we go to visit relatives in Alameda and…read moreSacramento counties. This store is a treasure trove, and the staff are wonderfully kind and knowledgeable. If you bring your own tote, you'll make their lives easier!

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.

This is my favorite bookstore, and I don't even live in the area, but it is a must visit every time…read moreI'm visiting. Gary has the best book recommendations! He has little notes around the bookstore to guide you in the right direction if you are unsure of what to read. The selection is so vast, but if need be, Gary is able to order you a book or at least let you know when the book will be back in stock. The kids section is also so cute. There is a little sectioned off area for the kids that has books at the eye level of children and there are so many options from fun kids books to fun, educational books. And so many pens, stickers, and doodles kids (and kids at heart) also love. There are both new and used books in this bookstore, which is amazing because there are so many recent books that you can get at a deal and the quality is still fantastic! This place is truly a gem and I love to visit, and I already look forward to visiting again.

What a wonderful little bookshop in Santa Cruz. This bookstore is absolutely adorable with a good…read moreselection of recent and backlist books. I love the name and the logo too.

What a great bookstore discovery…read more You should definitely stop by this small bookstore when you're in town. The selections are very organized and the staff is extremely friendly. They keep the AC on so you will be comfortable while browsing. They will soon have a coffee shop next door - with a connecting door! I'm a local and I can't believe I hadn't stopped before! Look for them on social media under Narrative Books Cafe Insta- @narrativebookcafe

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"

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!

Been to this lovely shop twice and each time I was greatly warmly and each piece that I inquired…read moreabout was explained in great detail. The prices are great and I love the rings that I purchased thus far. I will definitely be back soon

A best kept secret - or maybe not. Chuck is honest, forthright, fair and has an eye for the best…read morestuff. Cannot go wrong buying or selling. He works by himself, so if there's a crowd, wait your turn, it's worth it.