NewPages Guide to
Indie Bookstores in California

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books.

The High Desert's premier book boutique! Quality used books, complimentary cafe, free wi-fi, gifts and cards.

Independently owned and operated for over 48 years. Readers serving readers

Afikomen Judaica, Contemporary Judaica for Inspired Living, is the premier, full service Judaica shop serving the entire Pacific Northwest. We specialize in quality merchandise, excellent customer service and an open, welcoming environment. 

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books.

Builders Booksource is not just for builders or architects. We see “builders” in everyone, from kids to grandparents!

We are a bookstore that specializes in Asian, Asian American titles, language learning, children's books, martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine. We also carry Chinese calligraphy brushes, ink, watercolors and paper for your art projects. Book events and promotions for local authors, special book orders and institutional sales is also on our list of services.

The literary annex to Mr. Mopps' toy shop--specializing in great books for babies, kids, and teens.

We aim to be an ideal place in Berkeley to see, sample, discuss, and buy books published by the great English-language university presses, an intellectual and literary realm of infinite richness, ever renewing. Join us for bookish talk and dinners. Be one of our 10,000 minds on fire. Looking for books that are not currently on our shelves? We invite you to our new sister site, universitypressbooks.indiebound.com, where you can browse and order a wide range of books.

An eclectic mix of used, rare, new and collectible books. Also gifts, tea, coffee, and ice cream! Specializing in regional history, fiction, natural history.

For over 40 years, Spellbinder Books has served the Eastern Sierra book-loving community. With a wide range of general and local interest titles, a special order service, gifts and cards, and a café behind the store, our friendly staff are happy to help you find your next read. Being East-Side aficionados as well as passionate readers, we're a great source of information about the area, too. Check out the store web site for information about our hours, location, and upcoming events - or email us to be added to our e-newsletter list - or like us on Facebook!

Known for our fascinating selection of titles, author events, enthusiastically diverse staff, and urban California aesthetic, DIESEL is the cutting-edge, high octane, community-radiating, independent neighborhood bookstore we all dream of hanging out in, getting imaginally turned on in, and literarily inspired by.

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books. The Burlingame Books Inc. is a complete general interest bookstore offering a great children's department, best sellers and experienced staff.

Mrs. Figs' Bookworm has been serving Camarillo, CA since 1973. We are proud to be a part of such a wonderful community, and we are genuinely grateful for the community's support!

We are Silicon Valley's premiere independent used bookstore. We buy, sell, trade, and have over 100,000 titles in stock at both locations.

Formerly located on Town Center Drive in Valencia, The Open Book is open once again in our new location on Soledad and Whites in Canyon Country with double the space and double the books! We carry a range of genres to suit every reader, young and old, as well as vintage books, CDs, and vinyl records. Come browse and pick up a book or two at our always-discounted prices, and be sure to ask about our events!

For over forty years, Pilgrim's Way has been a gem cherished by locals and tourists alike. Like the world around it, this little bookstore has evolved and expanded, while remaining steadfast and becoming the only remaining bookstore of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Itss original specialty of metaphysics has sustained, but a wide variety of new books and merchandise have found a place on these shelves. Titles ranging the gambit from new release bestsellers to children's books and from nutrition to local interest; the store's selection has proven as eclectic as the town's residents. It's a "Don't Miss" stop on a Carmel-by-the-Sea adventure.

A Mountain Marketplace featuring new books, gifts, clothing, local art, UPS Shipping, Copy Center, an online store for books, movies & DVDs, and much more.

We're open 7 days a week. Stop by for our selection children's books, cookbooks, history, gardening, religion, art, and classic literature, and more. Hundreds of titles are added to our stock weekly.

A small local used bookstore with a huge selection!  Come check out the largest used bookstore in the San Joaquin Valley area. We specialize in local history, children's, California, and have 100,000's of used and collectible books!

Bay Books a local independent bookstore that carries a broad selection of books, from the latest published books to the established timeless classics.

Purveyors of the finest photography, art, fashion, cinema, design, and architecture books and catalogues since 1984.

The only exclusively romance bookstore in the United States.

Located in the beautiful San Ramon Valley, at the base of Mt. Diablo, Rakestraw Books "The Bookstore in Danville" strives to be a place where books and writers and readers matter. Founded in 1973, Rakestraw Books is a small, independent bookshop that remains dedicated to the principles espoused by its founders: to sell a variety of books of merit; to help readers discover those books; to sponsor events that bring a diverse range of writers and artists to our community; and to accomplish these tasks in a manner that is both professional and friendly.

Read Booksellers is located in the beautiful, outdoor Blackhawk Plaza complete with a variety of great restaurants and stores. Besides a large variety of books for both adults and children we are known for our collection of fine pens. GR Doodlebug Toy Store is connected to the book store.

A science fiction and fantasy bookstore, serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1977 and the Internet since 1994.

We exist for one simple reason: For the love of books. Face in a Book is a different kind of bookstore hub for reading enthusiasts and novices alike seeking books on every subject. Located in the heart of Town Center in El Dorado Hills, California, Face in a Book aims to delight readers of all ages. In addition to over 3000 titles to choose from, Face in a Book is your neighborhood destination for fun, affordable gifts, greeting cards, stationery, and jewelry for any occasion.

A store for book lovers. Over 50,000 used books in all genres, a friendly dog, and plenty of quirkiness. Come visit!

Eureka Books, est. 1987, offers new books, used books, and rare books in all subjects. Open every day. We swap and buy books, too.

Bookworm and Bookbag have 3 locations throughout the Sacramento area. Locations that include Fair Oaks, Rancho Cordova, and Carmichael.

New and Used Books. Rad vinyl. $1 Coffee. Local Artwork.

Half-priced used books on the southwest corner of First & Herndon.

Fine books for toddlers, young adults, older young adults and adults. The only independent, locally owned book store in the entire San Joaquin Valley.

We are dedicated to bring the best in reading and entertainment to Southern Humboldt. We are constantly adding new stock and items each week.

One of the largest used bookstores in the SF Bay Area. We sell books, music, movies, calendars, games, software, art prints, and more!

A vibrant center of our community, webring people together through books. Check out our other social media pages to stay up to date with's happening in the store.

Thousands of the most popular book titles at bargain prices, plus over 9,000 rare records!

We are an independent new & used bookstore in Half Moon Bay, CA on the corner Purissima and Kelly. We have toys, games, and a fun play area.

Books on B is Downtown Hayward's new bookstore. Join Renée Rettig as she works to preserve a long legacy of booksellers in this community.

With over 650,000 used and rare books, Hein & Co is one of the largest used book stores in California. We now feature used DVDs, CDs, console videogames and systems, as well as antiques and an entire 99-cent discount entertainment store.

Well Read Books is a bookstore that sells new and used books as well as book accessories such as Book Seats, booklights, and magnifiers. We also provide tutoring services to all ages and most subjects.

Greeting cards, gifts, toys, games. Over 30,000 titles, children's, YA and adult. Author signings, Saturday morning story time and a full-service coffeehouse. Open 7 days per week and 360 days/year. Picked as the finest bookstore by the Crescenta Valley Weekly.

Originally founded in 1896 in Minnesota, Warwick's is a fourth generation-owned independent bookstore based in La Jolla, CA. After all, independent minds need independent bookstores!

Bel and Bunna's Book: a literary wonderland for children and young adults, based in Lafayette, California.

We are a general interest bookstore located in the Old Pottery Place, in Laguna's historic HIP District. Our goal is to provide you with the most interesting community bookstore with superb selection and knowledgeable staff. We are open seven days a week and offer free parking and free gift wrap with any purchase.

Art Catalogues specializes in new and out-of-print books and exhibition catalogues on art from the twentieth and twenty-first century.

Chevalier's Books is a locally-owned independent book store that has been serving the Larchmont Village neighborhood of Los Angeles since 1940.

Children's Book World has been open since 1986 and is a children's bookshop in West Los Angeles, stocking over 80,000 titles for children, parents, and teachers. Our superior staff does an excellent job of helping customers choose just the right book for each child and assisting teachers with their classroom needs.

We sell books, mags and videos, of adult and general interest.

Best selection of books on the visual arts. 

OOF Books is a bookstore in Los Angeles dedicated to art books, the art of the book, and programming.

Phoenix Books/Joanne's Used Books is a small traditional open shop located in Central California. We carry both NEW & USED. We specialize in Central California history, equine titles, magic titles and have a large collection of regional and other cookbooks.

We have committed ourselves to delivering a broad selection of books to the community, while hosting hundreds of author events. We look forward to seeing you soon and assisting you in finding that perfect read.

A unique book and gift shop specializing in personal development products to enhance all areas of your life.

The oldest children's bookstore in the country (established in 1966), this neighborhood touchstone engages the reading community with the best selected titles, hand-picked greeting cards, exquisite gift items for all ages and a warm and knowledgeable staff. Author events, storytimes, book fairs, library partnerships and many book and writing clubs for all ages.

BookSmart is dedicated to helping people have fun, learn and think by providing a nurturing atmosphere filled with the joy of discovery! We love the touch, feel and smell of books. We understand and are delighted by the need to learn through play. We treat customers as honored guests!

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books. Occupying a prominent corner in the revitalized downtown of Mountain View, enjoy a great selection of books, magazines, plus wi-fi and a great cup of coffee at the Cafe upstairs.

Come visit our cozy, comfortable, and organized bookstore with 20,000 titles. We sell used and new books, and we are always adding events to our calendar!

Island Tales Book Shop is a unique children’s book shop located on Balboa Island in Newport Beach, California. Our quaint little shop is filled with quality children’s literature both new titles and the classics. We also carry unique and wonderful gifts for those special times in a child’s life. Additionally, Island Tales offers children’s crafting in our fun arts and crafts room, story time, and event hosting for birthday parties and other special events.

A Great Good Place for Books is a small independent bookstore in the Montclair district of Oakland. We are a general bookstore, but we specialize in literary fiction and children's books. We also do 2-3 author readings per week.

Laurel Book Store has a little bit of everything and the ability to get the rest. We have a great selection of children's books, cookbooks, mysteries, LGBT, and many more. E-books are available on our website, and shopping for books online is easy whether you want to pick up at the store or have it shipped to you. We are your neighborhood bookstore in Oakland.

Bart’s Books, at the corner of Matilija and Canada streets in Ojai, CA, is the home to the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the U.S.A.

Orinda Books is Contra Costa County's largest independent trade bookstore, where comfortable chairs and ample free parking enhance your shopping experience. An extensive children's department caters to the younger audiences and a knowledgeable staff ensures speedy fulfillment of special orders. Free gift wrap makes your shopping a pleasure. Author readings and book signings attract an area-wide audience. Open seven days.

In the heart of Silicon Valley, family-owned Bell's Books has been providing an eclectic mix of rare, used, and new books to the Stanford community for almost eighty years. In an historic storefront, the bookshelves rise twenty-two feet high, brimming with fine books on over five hundred topics.

Books Inc., The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, is a locally owned and operated independent bookseller with 10 locations in California. Books Inc.’s origin dates back to the Gold Rush Days of 1851 when Anton Roman struck it rich in Shasta City, California and set himself up in business selling books.

Alexandria II is named after the ancient library of Alexandria in Egypt, which served as a learning center for over 600 years. We hope to honor its tradition by creating a place for people of all beliefs to learn and exchange ideas. Alexandria II first opened its doors in Pasadena on October 19th 1985. The original store was located on Colorado Blvd. near Rosemead Blvd. In August of 1988 the store was relocated to South Lake Avenue, near California Blvd. and remained in that location for 21 years. In July 2009 the store moved a few blocks north to its current location at 170 S Lake Avenue.

Book Alley, founded in 1992, is not only Pasadena's finest used bookstore, but also one of Southern California's fastest growing (a rare feat these days). We are a general used bookstore, thus offering a large selection of books on all subjects, including children's titles. Although we do not specialize in any one subject, we can claim to have the largest selection of art, architecture, and photography books in the area.

Epilog Books is an independent general bookstore located in Quincy, CA in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. We offer new and used books, children's books and activity kits, cards, postcards, magazines, comics, candles, incense, and Camille Beckman bath and body items. We have many wonderful gift items including items by local artists, crafters and musicians. We also offer premade and custom framing.

We offer New and Used Books, new releases, children's favorites, classics and vintage. We also have beautiful gifts, jewelry, candles and local items as well as a large metaphysical section. Open 7 days: M-F 10-6 S/S 10-5

Welcome to Cellar Door Books, an independent, locally owned bookstore for all ages in the Canyon Crest Town Center in Riverside, California. We are conveniently located right across from Jammin' Bread Cafe. You will find story times, book clubs, author, open mic nights, and a welcoming staff who really know books. Finally, a place you can share your love of reading with your fellow Riversiders.

We specialize in books on history, philosophy, science and economics. We offer a big selection of science fiction and fantasy books and DVDs. Our international selection includes books in German and French, and books about Europe, Asia & the Middle East in English. In our shop we sell Jazz Music CDs, DVDs, art postcards and more

The Avid Reader at Tower has been a leading bookstore in Sacramento for 26 years and specializes in fiction, hardbacks, history, mysteries and has an extensive children's section. We are the bookstore for Cap Radio's new bookclub.

J Crawford's Books is primarily a used and out of print book store. We also carry a few new books and every once in a while a few very scarce books will come our way. We have sold, traded, and purchased books in Sacramento since 1983.

We sell books - new, used & rare, new & vintage magazines, postcards, greeting cards, ephemera, buttons, stickers, bookmarks, and magnets. Orders welcome!

La Playa Books is a used and new bookstore located in the heart of Point Loma.

Located in Seaport Village, on beautiful San Diego Bay, Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse has been in business for over twenty years. Our shop is filled with hundreds of interesting and unusual gifts, wonderful books, and of course, the fine aroma of freshly-brewed coffee. We hope to see you soon.

Authentic, funky bookstore in the Mission District, with a gallery in the back and a large selection of Spanish titles. Home to a vibrant arts community, with local bands occasionally playing shows in-store. Stop in, say hello, and buy a book!

Alley Cat is a general interest second-hand bookshop with many interests including small presses, fiction in-translation, queer & feminist politics, philosophy, poetry, science fiction & art. We also carry a curated selection of new books to complement our second-hand selection. Our Gallery hosts a gamut of events at the intersection of Art, Literature, Film & Performance.

We are a space for events and books at 1727 Haight. Home to The Arcana Project. A place for the curious. Brought to you by The Booksmith.

Named for revolutionary saxophonist Charlie Parker and writer Samuel Beckett, Bird & Beckett Bookshop and its non-profit Cultural Legacy Project celebrate the progressive and transgressive note, both in the air and on the page, publishing its own annual literary magazine, AMERARCANA: A Bird & Beckett Review, as well as presenting two weekly concert series, a monthly poetry series with open mic and numerous other one-off events, and of course offering for sale new and used books and jazz lps.

A community bookstore for the Outer Sunset.

A hidden jewel of a book shop in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco, Books Inc. at Laurel Village offers a great selection, specialized service and parking!

Books Inc. in Opera Plaza is just steps aways from San Francisco City Hall, War Memorial Opera House, Herbst Theater, and Nourse Theater. Terrific events and close to all public transit!

Borderlands is San Francisco's home for science fiction, fantasy, horror & mystery books. The store is open 7 days a week, from noon until 8 pm, with extended hours during the holiday season. Borderlands carries both new and used titles within our specialties, as well as eclectic periodicals, British imports, small press titles, and many other items of interest to the fan or collector of genre literature. We will happily do special orders. Our personable and perspicacious staff will cheerfully assist you in finding that perfect book, from the cheapest paperback to the rarest first edition, whether you know what you're looking for or not.

A volunteer-run anarchist collective bookstore and meeting place. Normally open 7 days a week from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm (call to verify). Organizes the annual Bay Area Anarchist Book Fair every spring, and also serves as the mailing address of the Prisoners' Literature Project.

Browser Books has been a leading literary bookseller in San Francisco since1976, devoted to offering carefully selected titles in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. We carry books in nearly all subject areas but we are most noted for our comprehensive selection of fiction and literature, classic and contemporary.

Charlie’s Corner is an independent neighborhood bookstore catering exclusively to children. Our imaginative, cozy space is filled with children’s literature that includes both a dynamic selection of exciting new titles, as well as a rich selection of children’s classics that have spanned generations.

A literary meeting place since 1953, City Lights is a landmark general bookstore, internationally known for its expert selection of books and for its commitment to free intellectual inquiry.

Since 1992, Dog Eared Books has been supplying a book-hungry Mission District with new, used, and remaindered books as well as magazines, calendars, and notebooks.

Green Apple Books has been selling new and used books in all subject areas since 1967. We're a carefully curated generalist store with emphases in children's, cooking, literature, and art/photography. We also carry new and used CDs, LPs, and DVDs, plus magazines, gifts, journals, cards, and more. Friendly staff, great community.

Green Apple Books has been selling new and used books in all subject areas since 1967. We're a carefully curated generalist store with emphases in children's, cooking, literature, and art/photography. We also carry new and used CDs, LPs, and DVDs, plus magazines, gifts, journals, cards, and more. Friendly staff, great community.

Since 2008. Specializing in books on the environment, politics, sustainability, food and farming, select art and literature, urban planning, nature, and select children's books.

Welcome to Omnivore Books on Food featuring new, antiquarian, and collectible books on food and drink. Omnivore connects the past to the present by offering centuries of knowledge on growing, raising, and cooking food. We offer everything from 19th Century agricultural guides to how to start a kitchen garden in a 21st Century apartment.

Russian Hill Bookstore, established in 1993, is one of the last family-owned used and new bookstores in San Francisco.

Transforming the world through teachable moments.