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.

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

We offer quality books at about half price. Over 2600 square feet, two floors, with an estimated 40,000 books of all genres. Used, Rare, Collectible. Buy, Sell, Trade, Donate.

A locally owned independent bookstore since 1993. We carry lots of books, both new and used, as well as cards, quality games and toys, magazines, jigsaw puzzles, and other great gifts. We even have fair trade organic chocolate! We special order books at no extra cost and have a customer rewards program.

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!

Berkeley's first store for science fiction, fantasy, art, geek toys, writers' reference & surrealiana. Free comics every day at our sister store Escapist.

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.

A literary landmark on Berkeley's famed Telegraph Avenue with four floors of new, used, and sale books, plus a full schedule of readings and signings. Come in or shop online at our website.

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

Literary & Garden Arts

Revolution Books is the intellectual, political and cultural center for a movement for an actual revolution. Visit our website for information on upcoming events.

Come browse our new and gently used books in many genres, including contemporary and classic literature, mysteries and thrillers, history, memoir, biography, children's and young adult.

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!

Dollar Book Fair - Buena Park, located in the Buena Park Downtown Mall (one block from Knott's Berry Farm), carries thousands of gently used books in all genres, 99% of which are priced at $1-$3. Mass market paperback fiction are $1 each, or buy three, get one free. Giant selection of kids' books. New arrivals all day, every day. Hours are Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Romance, westerns, classics, history, cooking, memoirs, travel, self-help, religion, sports, art, coffee table books, and more! We also carry DVDs, $2 each or three for $5, and CDs at $1 each. Your trade-ins or donations are welcome. Come and explore!

Dark Delicacies is America's Home of Horror. Check out our website for a list of upcoming signings.

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!

Books Inc. is the West's oldest independent bookseller—around since 1851. In addition to bookselling, we host book clubs, author events, and storytimes.

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 family-owned independent bookseller where every book is hand picked by the proprietor. Find new works in the humanities and sciences, select bestselling fiction and nonfiction, travel guides, children's classics, reference materials, foreign and domestic magazines, as well as collection-worthy architecture, art, cooking, equestrian, fashion, gardening, interior design, photography and wine books.

Bookworm and Bookbag have two locations throughout the Sacramento area: Fair Oaks and Carmichael.

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

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!

We are a full-service used bookshop in Concord, California.

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

The Bay Area's liveliest bookstore!

Purveyors of the finest photography, art, fashion, cinema, design, and architecture books and catalogues since 1984. Visit our website for news on upcoming events.

The only exclusively romance bookstore in the United States. Visit us for author events.

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.

Independent bookstore in downtown Davis. Two storefronts on one block: Avid Reader Original and Avid Reader Active.

The Avid Reader Active is the sister store of The Avid Reader bookstore in Davis, CA. We feature a variety of toys, games, cookbooks, crafts, and more.

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 pay cash for books, blu-rays, DVDs, manga, comics, CDs, records, textbooks, collectible texts and media, and anything else printed or recorded, and always sell them at half off the publisher's price or less! We also host open-mic poetry readings every other week, and Fire Sales every quarter.

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!

Where you can buy or trade paperback books. Specializing in popular fiction.

Nan's Pre-Owned Books has been in business since 1987, and offers used books and used audio books. We can order new books upon request.

Four-Eyed Frog Books is an independent community-owned bookstore serving northern Sonoma and southern Mendocino Counties. We carry a variety of books for all readers, including best sellers and books on the local area and by local authors. We also have a great selection of calendars, greeting cards, puzzles, journals, and games, and host author events.

Serving Half Moon Bay since 1972, Coastside Books Inc carries a wide variety of cards , gifts, and books. Your one-stop shop of goodies.

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. As we celebrate new, used, and rare reads, we also host events. Join Renée Rettig as she works to preserve a long legacy of booksellers in this community. 

A family-owned and operated independent bookstore in Healdsburg featuring an outstanding selection of fiction and nonfiction titles, as well as music CDs.

An independent mystery bookstore, specializing in author appearances and signed first editions.

The best source for children's literature and author appearances.

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.

Space Cowboy Books is a used and new bookshop in Joshua Tree, California, specializing in science fiction. In addition to selling books and gifts, we host monthly poetry readings, book release parties, film screenings, writing workshops, and more. We also have a free books for kids program and are the producers of Simultaneous Times podcast.

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!

Maxwell's House of Books opened in 2003 in La Mesa, California's downtown village. At Maxwell's, we stock over 30,000 titles, with special emphasis on: philosophy, literary criticism, history, science, art, literature, political science, psychology and sociology, and economics.

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.

We sell new and used books. New hardback releases always 20% off!

Gatsby Books offers a thoughtful selection of new and gently-used books at affordable prices. Our store is clean and well-organized with first-rate customer service and old-fashioned charm. If you love books, then you'll want to go to Gatsby!

Children, their parents, and teachers all love to visit Linden Tree to browse, shop, and enjoy our musician and author events. Our staff is here to assist you in finding the perfect book, CD, game, or gift certificate. In addition to fantastic children's literature, we carry a great selection of young adult and adult fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, and more! We also provide free weekly story times!

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

Books. Zines. Curios.

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.

Counterpoint Records & Books is a genuine mom and pop store in Franklin Village. We buy and sell used and rare records, books, CDs, DVDs, and more.

Best selection of books on the visual arts. 

Movie Posters, photos, and books about cinema and the performing arts.

We're one of Southern California's largest bookstores. We carry 1000s of new and used books—along with records, DVDs, and CDs—on our first floor; and over 100,000 $1 books in the Labyrinth, our second floor.

A cookbook & culinary shop in Chinatown, LA. Join us for events.

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

Books, comics, and zines from Seite and Kaya Press with records in the back from Sonida del Valle. Hosting author readings, film screenings, and more.

Way-Out RARE vintage BOOKS, ART & Curiosities! Classic Lit, Beatnik, Noir, Surf, Crime, Bigfoot, Esoterica, UFO, Drugs, Nudist, Sci-Fi, Cinema, Sleaze, Hippie, Underground, Horror, Comix and much much more!

Fiercely independent bookstore in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. Hosting signings, readings, and other events.

Stories Books and Cafe is Echo Park’s stalwart supplier of written works and organic/fair trade coffee and espresso. We carry both new and used books all chosen for their unique worth in genres of fiction, history, LA Arcana, art, photography, philosophy, and more.

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.

{Pages} is a full-service independent bookstore with hand-selected fiction, nonfiction, and children's books.

Founded in 1962, one of the best and oldest independent bookstores in the nation, Gallery Bookshop provides extraordinary customer service with our dedicated, book-loving staff of twelve, all with a great passion for books and the people who read them.

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.

Located in historic Downtown Old Monterey, Old Capitol Books is Your Local Fine Used and Out Of Print Book Store. We stock a very wide selection of vintage books: 45,000+ titles. We have a special emphasis on California history and an extensive military section, along with children's illustratred and art books.

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!

Coalesce Bookstore & Garden Chapel. A bookstore as unique as Morro Bay. Your locally owned independent bookstore since 1973.

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.

A resource for expansive ideas, a retreat from ordinary life, and a gathering place in support of community ideals and spiritual growth.

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.

Independent bookstore located in the Lido Marina Village. Our friendly service, expertise, and great selection of books are well known to locals and to visitors. Visit us for regular events. We special order and ship anywhere.

The Iliad Bookshop is one of the largest and oldest used bookstores in Southern California. We have over 125,000 books in stock, a knowledgeable staff, free parking, air conditioning, and comfy couches for your reading and browsing pleasure.

6000 square feet of the latest best sellers, classics, fiction, and nonfiction for kids and adults.

Branches is an independent neighborhood bookstore and gift shoppe located in Oakhurst, California on Highway 41 & 49 in the Vons Shopping Center.

Black Swan offers books, art, and collectibles from around the world, the kind of which you won't see in an average book shop.

A small bookstore in downtown Oakland.

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.

ISSUES features a comprehensive selection of new U.S. and International magazines on all subjects, plus books, t-shirts, vinyl, cards, gifts, and more!

The oldest independent black bookstore in the country. Books by and about black people everywhere.

A cozy all-day spot—café by day, bar by night, with a back patio and book and record shop.

Independent bookstore established in 1994! Curated new and used books, movies, cards, and other rad stuff. We trade daily from 11-5.

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.

The innovative 1888 Center, located in the Historic District of Old Towne Orange, California, is a bookstore, gallery, workshop and café serving Contra Coffee & Tea.

Bargain Book World carries thousands of gently used books, of which 99% are priced at $1-$3. More books arrive all day, every day. Find mass market paperback fiction titles at $1 each, buy three, get one free. Enormous selection of kids' books! Romance, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, fiction, classics, gardening, cooking, memoirs, self-help, religion, history, sports, and much much more. We also carry DVDs for $2 each or three for $5, and a great collection of CDs at $1 each. Your trade-ins are welcome. Hours Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat. 10am-8pm, Sun. 11am-7pm.

We specialize in mysteries and suspense. Check out our website for frequent author events!

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.

The Bookworks is Pacific Grove’s beloved destination for a cup of coffee or tea, a wholesome snack, and a great book (or two, or even three)!

Florey's Book Co. is a family-owned independent bookstore located in Pacifica, CA. In business since 1977, we stock a wide variety of books for all ages and interests, and special orders are welcome. We also have a section of used books.

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.

We buy, sell and trade used books and music (CDs and LPs). It's a cozy spot.

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.

Vroman’s is a Pasadena institution, a literary landmark, a community center, and a wonderful tradition. We hope you visit us soon!

Our 10,000 square feet store carries titles in every category in a beautifully restored brick building in Petaluma's wetside.

Come check out our amazingly varied selection of used books in Placerville, CA!

Towne Center Books is a locally owned general bookstore, conveniently located on Main Street in Downtown Pleasanton.

We are a generalist new and used bookstore, as well as a cozy community gathering place committed to fostering the literary passions of West Marin and the Bay Area

A community space to nurture cultural expression in all its forms: visual, musical, graphic, performing, and literary arts.

Small independent general bookstore in Quincy, CA.

A Classic Tale Bookshop features new bestsellers, classics, children's favorites, and a large selection of toys and gifts.

Multicultural children's books for kids of all ages. Adults and teenager books too!

Red Rock Books is Ridgecrest's only new and used book store. We have a huge selection of new and used books and can special order just about anything. We regularly host author events and have all sorts of other unique items as well: purses, games, book lights, bookmarks and much more.

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.

Sacramento's favorite local used bookshop, home of Raffles, the world's best bookstore cat! Hopefully we'll see you dropping by to browse through our wide selection of both used and new books and movies. And if you're looking for a steal of deal, visit us during one of our regulalrly scheduled sale times.

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.

Sunlight of the Spirit is committed to: encouraging dialogue and understanding of the unity of the spirit within all major faith traditions; providing items, services, classes, and circles that help elevate, educate, and inspire individuals and communities to seek and follow their higher paths with love and compassion; supporting and encouraging those seeking to free themselves from addiction and those with a loved one(s) in recovery; and increasing awareness of the connection between recovery and spiritual development.

We are one of Midtown's oldest institutions, having served book-loving Northern Californians for over thirty-five years.

Whytes Booksmith is a locally owned and run bookstore with a great vibe. Books are our passion and we try to give it back to the local community.

The Bay Area's premiere children's bookstore! The Reading Bug has books, events, and storytimes for all ages. Shop Local! Shop Independent!

Beach Town Books is a friendly, clean and organized, new and used bookstore in San Clemente, California. Grab a coffee and wander the 2,000 sq ft of books to find what you like!

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

The Book Catapult is San Diego's newest independent bookstore. Let us put a real book in your hand, friend.

Controversial Bookstore offers a wide selection of metaphysical books, gifts, classes, and psychic readings. Serving San Diego for nearly 50 years, Controversial boasts the most complete selection of metaphysical books in San Diego County.

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