In my opinion, there are fewer things more lovely than getting lost in a good bookstore and thankfully there are some wonderful ones here in Oakland to do just that. And just like Oakland, these shops are as diverse as the city they serve and you can learn something from each of them. So here, in no particular order, are 10 of those bookstores you shouldn’t miss!
1. Walden Pond Book Store – 3316 Grand Avenue
Voted the Best Bookstore in Oakland Magazine’s Reader’s Choice issue the last 4 years running, Waldon lives up to the hype. Whether you are looking for a rare book, a new best seller, or a cheap used book that you would have never found otherwise this is the place. The staff is supremely knowledgeable without being stuffy and the $1-$5 bins out front have some great finds.
2. Laurel Bookstore– 4100 MacArthur Blvd.
Opened by a woman who saw a void for a good bookstore in the Laurel and wanted to provide a shop with the diversity and inspiration that exists in that neighborhood. You will find anything from best-sellers to self-published Oakland authors in her shop and she is passionate about helping readers find something they will love. In her “history” section of her website she states: “If you need us to hunt down a book from your childhood, we’ll do it. I like the idea that we’re creating childhood memories for future, as well as current, adults. ” and the shop definitely lives up to that idea.
3. Dan Webb Books– 331 17th Street
If you are looking for that old book smell, this is the place to come. The shelves are full of dusty hardcovers and used books. The collection specializes in history and military history, though they have a great variety of all kinds of books. They buy back used books and have reasonable prices.
4. Pegasus Books– 5560 College Avenue
It wouldn’t be an East Bay bookshop list without a Pegasus Books on it. This is the smallest of the Pegasus grouping but it has quite a good variety and mix between old and used. The staff is knowledgeable and it is nice to know that if you are looking for something specific and they don’t have it in that store directly, chances are they have it in one of the other 2 and can get it to you.
5. The Bookmark Bookstore– 721 Washington Street
Besides the plethora of cheap used books, the great thing about Bookmark is that it is run by the Friends of the Oakland Public Library and the proceeds go into our library system so more reading for all! They have $1 carts outside and if you are an OPL member you get 20% off. A great place for the avid reader on a budget.
6. Owl and Company Book Shop– 3941 Piedmont Avenue
If you secretly (or not so secretly) wish that you could live in Diagon Ally, this is a shop you must check out. Floor to ceiling bookshelves of old and used books at good prices. Definitely worth a venture.
7. A Great Good Place For Books– 6120 La Salle Avenue
An excellent, all reaching, neighborhood bookshop. They are great with recommendations and can do quick special orders for anything you may desire.
8. Diesel, A Bookstore– 5433 College Avenue
Diesel has an excellent collection of new books with a very knowledgeable staff. Very organized with a great flow from one section to the next while being easy to navigate. Grab a book from here and head to Bittersweet for some hot chocolate for a great bookish day.
9. Spectator Bookstore– 4163 Piedmont Avenue
An overall great bookstore, well organized but not stuffy. They sell both new and used books and have good prices. A fun place to browse through the different rooms and enjoy the ambiance.
10. The Book Tree– 6121 La Salle Avenue
A solid neighborhood bookstore with a vast collection of new books. The owner is knowledgeable about most genres and takes great pride in his store. Be careful of the hours as they aren’t always standard, but if you are in Montclair definitely stop by and take a peek.
Honorable Mentions and Specialty Bookstores:
Marcus Book Stores-3900 Martin Luther King Jr Way (African-American History, African history and African-American Authors)
Bibliomania- 1816 Telegraph Avenue (Rare Books and First Editions. Know what you’re looking for if you can. The owners tend to be crotchety and don’t encourage browsing.)
Black Swan Books- 4236 Piedmont Avenue (Rare Books and First Editions)
Book/Shop- 482 D 49th Street (Rare and Antique Books)
European Book Company- 6600 Shattuck (French and European Books)
Issues- 20 Glen Avenue (Ok, ok, I know this isn’t technically books. But this is the mecca of magazines and you should go.)
Leave a Reply