The Reading Bug

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!

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Reach and Teach

5.0(106 reviews)

0.2 mi

Reach and Teach is truly a local gem and one of the most inspiring shops on the Peninsula. They…read moreoffer a carefully curated mix of progressive books, educational toys and games, eco‑friendly products, and other high‑quality gifts you won't find in big box stores. Every visit feels like a treasure hunt--you'll discover something meaningful, fun, and thoughtful. The two owners are not only super friendly but also deeply civic‑minded, always ready to share knowledge and support community causes. Their passion for education, sustainability, and social justice shines through in everything they do. If you're looking for a place that combines heart, purpose, and great finds, Reach and Teach is a must‑visit.

The first thing you'll appreciate is the service. The owners are friendly and incredibly…read moreknowledgeable about everything they sell. Next, it's the selection. These aren't just toys, games, and books; they've got the best toys, games, and books curated for developing and broadening minds of all ages. They don't just sell what's hot, they sell what's good. I'm not sure who enjoys going more, my 4 year old son or me!

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Our front door explains that we are a "one stop shop for ethically produced products from around the corner or around the world"

B Street Books

4.2(181 reviews)

7.1 mi

B Street Books remains an absolute gem. While I certainly miss having them right in downtown San…read moreMateo, their new Burlingame location is well worth the trip. They have a fantastic, curated selection where you can truly get lost in the stacks. I rarely leave without finding one or two obscure titles that feel like once-in-a-lifetime finds. What I appreciate most is the atmosphere: the owner and staff are incredibly knowledgeable if you have a question, but they truly respect the "browser's right" to wander in peace. No hard sell, no hovering--just a quiet, welcoming space to discover your next favorite book. It's the kind of local shop that makes a community better.

Good new location. Great prices, lots of books for everyone, and really helpful staff.read more

The front of the store from the street

Inside (4/27/24)

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Inside (4/27/24)

Kepler's Books & Magazines

4.3(333 reviews)

5.4 mi

Historically significant bookstore that touches upon the beatniks, musicians and bohemians…read more I love this long-lived bookstore. It opened originally across the street in 1955 by conscientious objector Roy Kepler. He had ties to and thought along the same lines as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the founder of City Lights Books in San Francisco. Ken Kesey, Jerry Garcia and loads of other literary and musical bohemians have mentioned the impact this bookstore had on their lives. Support your local bookstore and come here.

Kepler's is a cozy book store in Menlo Park. I was able to find underground parking for free on a…read moreSaturday afternoon. The staff were really friendly and accommodating when I came to see some author friends speaking on their Speculative Saturday sci-fi/fantasy panel and book signing. Lots of restaurant options in the area. After the event, some of us headed out to dinner together.

Inside the store

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Entrance!

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

3.3(240 reviews)

3.1 mi

This is my favorite Barnes & Noble in the area. Not only is the cafe a lovely place to relax, but…read morethere is seating throughout the store. The upstairs seating is my personal favorite. The staff is always patient and helpful, as are the baristas in the cafe. In particular, there is a middle aged woman who is usually on the second floor and has wonderful customer experience skills. She always checks in on visitors and gives great recommendations or updates on new display organization. This location has something for everyone. I can almost always find what I am looking for and more when I visit. I get great deals as a member, it's definitely worth the investment if you read often.

Functional bathroom inside and probably the last toy store on the Peninsula. But textbook supply is…read morelimited, this is not a good place to get educational materials such as a calculus textbook. Despite B&N's large catalog, the in-store selection is still lacking compared to the larger public libraries around here.

Schindler MT 300A elevator, Barnes & Noble Hillsdale South

Cards galore buy 3 get the 4th free

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Halloween cards available

Feldman's Books

4.4(121 reviews)

5.4 mi

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.

Wanted to leave a review here because the nice gentleman running the store let me use his phone for…read morea personal emergency when my phone wasn't working. He was very kind and really helped me out. Thank you, again, kind sir!

Inside seating

World War Two - Feldman's used book section

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Fantasy, classic, fun

Barnes & Noble

3.1(84 reviews)

2.0 mi

This store is a bit smaller than other ones however the staff her are so helpful! They can easily…read morehelp you find any book you need. Also it's conveniently located within a plaza so parking is never an issue.

I went there last weekend, this barnes & noble seem to be smaller than other ones. I was trying to…read morelook for boxes of christmas card. The choice is not that good. Price is pretty expensive, around $19 per box of 16 cards. I did not get it. Parking is good, since it is a small plaza with CVS and other stores. I have no problem in parking.

Business best sellers

Blood Brothers by Randy Ali and Johnny Smith, well researched and written so well to transport into the1960s thx for stocking it

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Ready for winter

Books Inc

4.2(125 reviews)

7.1 mi

This bookstore has been around since forever but I didn't realize Books Inc declared bankruptcy and…read morewas bought out by Barnes and Noble recently. This store has retained its name and branding and general cozy vibes, but they switched the rewards program and receipt paper to Barnes and Noble. They didn't ask us for a membership number or anything at the cashier. There is no indication of this store's relationship to Barnes and Noble anywhere in the store (probably by design). So I guess it still feels like you're supporting a local business but it's actually Barnes and Noble now.

Super neat book store! Popped in before dinner to browse titles and get gift ideas for upcoming…read moreholidays. Store is a good size with many book genres, a full children's section, calendars, magazines, games, gifts, and stationery. Staff was kept the queues short & were ready to help with recommendations. Great selection of calendars & books on sale!

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Ink Spell Books

4.6(78 reviews)

9.8 mi

Nice bookstore, this is the kind my wife and I love because the books are curated. We came to just…read morehave a look and ended up spending more time here than we thought. There is a main section and also a small walkway that connects to the building next door with more books. It's set up with comfortable sofas and chairs for people that want to hand out and read. They have a large children's selection of books and toys, my kids wanted some of the lego sets they had. In this section I ended up spending the most amount of time in the "Where's Waldo" section. There were so many new books that I didn't know existed and our old childhood books we passed to our kids are some of their favorites. Some other notable areas are a "rare books" section in the display case with handwritten tidbits. There is also a discounted "used books" section. My wife ended up with two books which she loved.

If you want to grab a book and enjoy it while chilling to the sounds of crashing waves and chirping…read morebirds this is your place. Lovely staff. Great used book options too if you forgot to bring your Harry Potter copy with you. Your kids will thank you.