Internet Info 1994 March/Internet Info CD-ROM (Walnut Creek) (March 1994).iso/answers/rec/books/stores/north-american/bay-area

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Subject: Bookstores in San Francisco Bay Area (SF) List (rec.arts.books)
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Archive-name: books/stores/north-american/bay-area

Last change:
Mon Mar 14 11:13:44 EST 1994

Additions:
    Berkeley (Berkeley Book Court, Cartesian)
    Half Moon Bay (Ocean Books)
Changes:
    Berkeley (Black Oak, other minor changes)
    Barnes & Noble (moved to proper cities in Lower Bay area)

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under /pub/usenet/news.answers/books/stores/north-american/bay-area.Z.  Or,
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[Note 1: I collected these comments from a variety of people.  I personally
have no knowledge of many of these places and take no responsibility if you
buy a book you don't enjoy.  :-)   Phone numbers and precise addresses can
be gotten by calling directory assistance for the appropriate city.  Call
ahead for precise hours, as even when I list them they are subject to
change.]

[Note 2: I am cross-posting this to rec.arts.sf.written, but the bookstores
listed include *all* types of bookstores, so please don't tell me that a
particular store has a limited SF--science fiction--section unless I have
specifically claimed otherwise.  All references to science fiction are
abbreviated SF for ease in electronic searching.]

SAN FRANCISCO:
(Thanks to Joseph Brenner, this is arranged geographically, roughly east to
west, or starting "Downtown" and moving outwards.  If something is grossly
misplaced, please let me know, but it's difficult to order linearly a
two-dimensional map!  The streets in the downtown area, running east to west
are Sansome, Montgomery, Kearney, Grant, Stockton, Powell, Mason, Taylor,
Jones, Leavenworth, Hyde, Larkin, Polk, and Van Ness.  Running south to
north are Market, Turk, Eddy, Ellis, O'Farrell, Geary, Post, Sutter, Bush,
Pine, and California.)

Chinatown:
    Louie Bros Book Store (754 Washington near Grant).  Chinese
        language.  Noted a Lotus 1-2-3 manual in the window.

Downtown:
    William K. Stout Architectural Books (804 Montgomery,
        415-391-6757).  This is a beautiful bookstore on all facets
        of architecture, including furniture.  The books are stored
        in a seemingly chaotic fashion, but the staff is helpful
        and knowledgeable.  Closed Sunday, open late Thursday.
    City Lights (261 Broadway and Columbus, 415-362-8193).  The best
        place for general literature.  Famous beat era shop.  Go
        downstairs.
    Alexander Book Co. (south of Market on Second Street downtown,
        415-495-2992).  Pleasant to hang out in, and carries a more
        interesting selection of everything than many larger places.
        It's hidden away behind Stacey's. (Stacey's is valuable but
        really just a giant Waldenbooks in spirit.  Alexander is
        not--they will order *anything* from anyone if even just
        suspected to be in print.)  Mon-Fri 8:30AM-6PM, Sat
        10AM-5PM.
    Rand McNally (595 Market near 2nd, 415-777-3131).  Huge selection of
        maps and travel books.
    Stacey's (581 Market near 2nd, 415-421-4687).  It is remarkable for
        technical books.  Another branch at 383 Sacramento between
        Front and Battery.  Mon-Fri 8:30AM-6:30PM, Sat 9AM-5:30PM.
    Audio Books (7 3rd south of Market, 415-905-0200).  Books and other
        stuff on tape for sale and rent.  I wasn't able to visit it
        because I was busy during the daytime when it was open, but
        it seemed to have an impressive selection.
    Bassett Book Shop (865 Market in the San Francisco Centre,
        415-543-0933).  This used to be Brentano's.  It has recently
        opened on two floors of the "Nordstrom Mall."  The store
        itself has three floors of new books; it's spacious, and
        looks inviting.  The selection is reasonable.  There are
        chairs that are not very comfortable.  The staff is not up
        to speed yet, but that will probably change.
    Tillman Place Bookshop (8 Tillman Place off Grant between Post and
        Sutter, 415-392-4668).  Was previously called Charlotte
        Newbegin's Bookshop.  Contrary to previous reports, they do
        *not* specialize in Russian books (can someone help me out
        on what bookstore the person might have been thinking of?)
        and does not carry used books.
    Argonaut Books (786 Sutter at the corner of Taylor, 415-474-6353).
        Used.
    Hunter's Books (151 Powell, 415-397-5955).  A super-discounted
        branch of Books Inc.  Remainders and such.
    International Corner (500 Sutter at Powell, 415-362-4812).  Foreign-
        Language vooks, mostly European languages.
    The Bookstall (570 Sutter btwn Powell and Mason 415-362-6353).
        Used.  It has a general selection of books.
    Albatross (166 Eddy btwn Mason and Taylor, 415-885-6501).  Used.
        Much more upscale than McDonalds, excellent selection.  In a
        very seedy area, but you are probably safe during the day.
        Also a branch at 143 Clement at 3rd Avenue, 415-752-8611.
    McDonalds (48 Turk, 415-673-2235).  Used.  You gotta see this place:
        rickety shelves stacked to the rafters with old books and
        magazines.  The next quake is going to wipe this place out.
        In a very seedy area, but you are probably safe during the
        day.  "Heavily advertised, but greatly overated.  I do not
        see how they could possibly have over one million
        books/magazines/records, as they claim, and their material
        seemed badly disorganized.  In addition, Turk St. is an
        alarming place to someone not familiar with that area (not
        someplace to go after dark)."  Mon, Tue, Thu 10AM-6PM,
        Wed, Fri, Sat 10:30 AM-6:45PM.
Civic Center:
    European Books (925 Larkin a couple of blocks uphill/north
        of Fantasy Etc., 415-474-0626).  THE place to go for
        European-language books.  Mostly French, German, and
        Spanish, but other languages as well.  Mon-Fri 9:30AM-6PM,
        Sat 9:30AM-5PM.
    Fantasy Etc. (808 Larkin between Geary and O'Farrell, 415-441-7617).
        SF and mysteries.
    A Clean Well-Lighted Place For Books at Opera Plaza (610 Van Ness
        Ave between Golden Gate and Turk, 415-441-6670).  A good
        general selection of books, and a helpful staff.  "Only in
        San Francisco will you find a bookstore where the children's
        section is next to the lesbian and gay section."  Sun-Thu
        10AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-12M.
    San Francisco Opera Shop (2nd floor of the War Memorial Opera House,
        Van Ness at Grove, 415-565-6414).  Open every night an opera
        is given; features opera-related items which are sometimes
        hard to find elsewhere.
    Acorn Books (740 Polk between Eddy and Ellis next-door to Sierra
        Club HQ, 415-563-1736).  Used.  Everything over $15 is on
        the computer.  They also have printouts by topic.  "Very
        large collection of SF paperbacks.  Some hardcover.  Some
        highly priced collectibles.  A good selection of pulps in
        average condition (AMAZING, ASTOUNDING, ANALOG, etc.).
        There are a few other used book stores in the immediate
        area, which I would recommend staying away from."  "This has
        one of the best selctions of out-of-print material I have
        seen in SF/fantasy."  Mon-Sat 10:30AM-8PM, Sun 12N-7PM.
    Books & Company (1323 Polk near Bush, 415-441-2929).  "This is a
        cramped, low-ceilinged place, painted blood-red throughout,
        with books overflowing every imaginable horizontal surface.
        Classical music wafts through the air, as does the faintest
        aroma of the Bookstore Cat's ... uh ... facilities.  There
        are oriental rugs on the floor, the better to cushion the
        fall of all those precariously-perched books, and a rather
        curmudgeonly appearing proprietor, who becomes an absolute
        sweetheart with the slightest provocation.  If you peek
        behind the piles of current titles, you'll find all kinds of
        used treasures on the shelves.  And new titles are *heavily*
        discounted--at least 40% off the list price!  Its hours are
        rather eccentric--something like Wednesday thru Saturday,
        afternoons only, but don't quote me.  [Sorry, too late!]
        Anyway, the place is a bibliophile's (and ailurophile's
        too--the Cat is perfect) paradise....
    Around the World Books (1346 Polk, 415-474-5568).  *Not* a travel
        bookstore, but art and children's books, used.  (May be some
        new books as well; I'm working from the phone book listing.)
    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art bookstore (Van Ness and
        McAllister, near the Opera House, 415-863-2890).  A great
        selection of art and art-related books; also some
        interesting children's books.
    Richard Hilkert, Bookseller (333 Hayes, near the Performing Arts
        Center, 415-863-3339).  Has a large number of books on
        architecture, as well as a large collection of books, new
        and used, on design, the arts, collecting, gardening,
        cooking, travel....  Carries new and used books, and has
        book signings from time to time.
    Drama Books (134 Ninth St, San Francisco CA 94103, two or three
        blocks off Market, 415-255-0604).
    U. S. Government Bookstore (Room 1023, Federal Building, 450 Golden
        Gate Avenue, 415-252-5334).  "Did you know that the U.S.
        Government Printing Office operates 24 bookstores across the
        country?  ...and that they have some of the most >ahem<
        unusual and interesting things you'll find anywhere?"
    Super Crown (1700 Van Ness).  Standard discount superstore.

Marina:
    Charlotte's Web (2278 Union, 415-441-4700).  Children's bookstore.
        Excellent selection of children's books along with tapes,
        cards, art supplies and other good stuffcards, that children
        and parents will enjoy.  The staff is friendly,
        knowledgeable, and helpful.  Will do special orders for
        items not in stock.  Special features: monthly talks and
        presentations by local authors and illustrators, story
        hours, newsletter, and Joe the Dog.
    Russian Hill Bookstore (2234 Polk, 415-929-0997).  New (Spring '93)
        used bookstore, specializing in religion, philosophy,
        history, art and sports; also general subjects.  Next door
        to the Gateau Boutique which, though little-known, has some
        of the best fancy pastries in San Francisco.
    Blue Sky (down the street from Russian Hill). "I think [this]
        is much better [than Russian Hill]."
    Aaben (1546 California).  Specializing in fiction, mystery, film,
        SF, and counterculture.
    Writer's Bookstore (2848 Webster, between Green & Union,
        415-921-2620).  A tiny store with new and used books.
        Classical music on the radio, sports on TV!  *All* new books
        discounted up to 40-50% off cover-price!
    Maritime Book Store (Hyde Street Pier near Fisherman's Wharf).  A
        very good selection of new maritime books.  While there,
        must visit the Balclutha, one of the few remaining
        square-rigged Cape Horn sailing ships.

Mission (and Noe Valley):
    Dog Eared Books (1173 Valencia, 415-282-1901).  Medium-sized,
        general-purpose used bookstore; mostly paperbacks.
                Open Mon-Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun 12N-6PM.
    Laissez-Faire Books (Howard Street, 415-541-9780).  Some general
        philosophy, but strong classical liberal flavor.
    Freedom Forum's Books (1800 Market Street, 415-864-0952).
        Capitalist.  "Most bookstores carry plenty of socialist
        books; how many carry the works of the Austrian economists
        such as Ludwig Von Mises and F.A. Hayek?  ...  Anyone
        wanting a balanced view of both socialism and capitalism
        should patronize this store frequently."  (Someone else
        called this "Free Forum Bookstore.")
    Limelight Film & Theatre Bookstore (1803 Market, San Francisco CA
        94103, 415-864-2265).  The Limelight has more scripts, but
        Drama Books also stocks used books, and more about the
        history/techniques of theater.
    Aardvark (237 Church at Market, 415-552-6733).  Used to have
        separate new and used stores; now the Church Street location
        carries both new and used books.
    Ant Hill Books (237 Church Street, next door to Aadvark,
        415-626-BOOK).  A small, but promising place.  General-
        purpose collection, with some unusual titles and a growing
        selection of first editions.
    Maelstrom Books (572 Valencia near 17th St, 415-863-9933).
        Medium-sized place.  "Looks good."  "[Does] not look very
        good.  In fact, it looks dilapidated.  It's dark, and the
        books do not look in good condition.  The selection is not
        up to par with other stores in the neighborhood."
    Valencia Books (524 Valencia, near 16th St, 415-863-6829).  Many
        hardcovers on tall shelves, old wooden floors with some
        scattered chairs.  A great used bookstore.  The hours are
        just listed as "opening" to "closing," but closing seems
        *late* and opening is around noon.
    Forest Books (3080 16th St at Valencia, 415-863-2755).  Largely used
        books.  Spacious, fluorescently lit place with subdued
        classical music.  Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM.
    Abandoned Planet Bookstore (518 Valencia, next door to Valencia
        Books, 415-626-2924).  Medium-sized selection of used books,
        mostly paperbacks.  Specializing in arts and literature.
        They don't have a large selection yet, but they have
        obviously spent some money to make it look nice.  Great
        cushions to sit in the window corners.  This may become a
        nice place.  (Was previously The Book Center.)  Very low
        prices.  "Excellent steak burritos across the street, at
        La Cumbre."
    Adobe Book Shop (3166 16th west of Valencia, 415-864-3936).  A
        used-book store.  "It doesn't look as nice as some of the
        other stores, but it has a reasonable selection."
    Old Wives' Tales (1009 Valencia, 415-821-4675).  Feminist.
    Modern Times Bookstore (888 Valencia near 20th Street, 415-282-9246;
        next door to Cafe Beano at 878 Valencia).  A good selection
        of books along the lines of contemporary urban/liberal
        thought; lots of political stuff.  "I gather from the name
        they think of themselves as an alternative to the more
        backward-looking City Lights bookstore."  "Finally a
        bookstore that doesn't just have the tracts on Central-
        American politics, but also books in Spanish."
    Manzanita Used Books & Records (3686 20th St at Guerrero,
        415-648-0957).  Incredible, random cluttered collection of
        books, comic books, records, whatever.  Incense, light jazz
        music, and many rooms which definitely exhibit a Tardis
        effect.  Almost a must-see.   "Manzanita is, indeed, a
        treat."
    Carroll's Books (Church and 24th--Noe Valley, 415-647-3020).  Used.
        Jim Carroll was a buyer at Green Apple (see below) and has
        excellent taste in used books.  A large used bookstore with
        a good selection, but most impressive for its funky living
        room area with cool bird cages.  "Small, but a great
        atmosphere and selection....  I found a near-perfect
        Riverside Shakespeare for $25." If you're in the area, check
        out the Mission: Valencia Books, Maelstrom, etc.
    Phoenix Books & Records (3850 24th at Vicksburg--Noe Valley,
        415-821-3477).  Good general used books store.  Has some
        nifty chairs.
    Cover to Cover Booksellers. (24th at Sanchez--Noe Valley,
        415-282-8080).  Smallish general bookstore.  A neighborhood
        place.  Lots of kids books.
    Small Press Traffic Literary Arts Center (3599 24th Street at
        Guerrero, 415-285-8354).  "SPT is a non-profit literary
        arts center.  The bookstore carries an extensive stock of
        contemporary poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and literary
        quarterlies.  Many of these items are difficult to find
        elsewhere.  It sponsors reading series of new and
        experimental writers, a multicultural reading series, and
        writing workshops in poetry and prose.  It's a gathering
        place for poets and writers.  SPT accepts mail orders and
        credit cards.  Hours are Noon to 6PM, Tuesday through
        Saturday."
    La Latina (2548 Mission between 21st and 22nd, 415-824-0327).
        Spanish-language books.
    La Moderna Poesia (2122 Mission, 415-861-6775).
        Spanish-language books.

Castro:
    A Different Light (489 Castro Street between 17th & 18th,
        415-431-0891 or 800-343-4002).  This is a branch of the
        company that also has bookstores in West Hollywood and New
        York City.  They have a very large selection of titles of
        interest to lesbians, bisexuals and gay men, and
        occasionally carry a few used books.  They also have a
        large L/G/B newspaper and magazine section, and sell videos,
        cards, T-shirts, buttons and other good stuff, and also
        regularly schedule authors' receptions and readings.
        Sun-Thu 10AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-12M.
    Crown Books (518 Castro near 18th Street, 415-552-5213).  A typical
        Crown bookstore, though with a fairly large "Gay Interest"
        section in the back.
    Books Etc. (538 Castro near 18th Street, 415-621-8631).  A good
        selection of (mostly) used books, notable for having a
        fairly large "Gay Interest" section.

Lower Haight:
    Diluvian (518 Haight near Filmore, 415-558-9035).  Largely a used
        bookstore, with a wide assortment oriented toward
        hardcovers.  Atmosphere is relaxed, spacious with a number
        of easy chairs scattered around.  They play classical music
        in the background.
    Naked Eye (533 Haight St near Filmore, 415-864-2985).  Newstand and
        video rental place.  A weird magazine selection, with some
        nice touches like "The Skeptical Inquirer" on display next
        to the UFO magazines.
    Comix Experience (305 Divisidero, 415-863-9258).  A basic comic book
        store, with a bit more open space than usual, for live
        appearences by authors and artists.
    Kinokuniya (shopping center at 1581 Webster, 415-567-7625).  The
        largest Japanese-language bookstore in San Francisco.  They
        also have books in English on Japan, translations into
        English, Japanese language textbooks, many periodicals, etc.
        They have a branch in San Jose (408-252-1300) and perhaps
        elsewhere.  Sun-Sat 10:30AM-7PM.
    Buddhist Bookstore (1710 Octavia, 415-776-7877).  Buddhist books,
        one assumes.

Upper Haight:
    Saint Adrian Company (1334 Haight, near Central, 415-255-1490).
        Small, but classy used bookstore.  Atmosphere: has a small
        leather couch on a Chinese carpet, with jazz music in the
        background.
    Bound Together, the Anarchist Collective Bookstore (1369 Haight near
        Masonic, 415-431-8355).  An odd collection of new and used
        books, plus small press stuff.  It has some strange
        left-wing anarchist literature, but it also carries quite a
        bit of other material, which might loosely be classified as
        "weird": lesbian poets, Tesla Coils, early issues of
        "REsearch," and so on.
    Forever After Books (1475 Haight near Ashbury, 415-431-8299).
        Small, but with every available space packed with used
        books.  The staff is very agressively helpful, probably
        because they know how hard it could be to find something
        here.  They carry all of the usual stuff, though in
        particular I thought they had impressive collections of
        old DIY/Engineering books and children's books.
    Great Expectations (1520 Haight near Ashbury, 415-863-5515).  Very
        small place, but a surprisingly good collection of general
        literature.  Lots of T-shirts and things, largely on 60s
        nostalgia themes, but there are also hints of the newer,
        punkier Haight.
    Comic Relief (1597 Haight near Clayton).  Mostly comics.  Carries
        some other random things like THE ANARCHIST COOKBOOK.
    The Booksmith (1644 Haight near Belvedere, 415-863-8688).  Has a
        table up front with a collection of excellent, quirky,
        discount hardcovers and trade paperbacks.  Recently (6/93)
        started producing a set of "author trading cards" with a
        photo on one side and information about his or her current
        release and Booksmith appearances on the other; the first
        group includes Jon Carroll, William Wegman, Terence McKenna,
        Jullie Smith, Mary Bowen Hall, Susan Dunlap, and Linda
        Grant.  Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-6PM.

Richmond:
    Green Apple Books (506 Clement, 415-387-2272).  New and used.
        "Remotely situated in the Richmond district under perpetual
        fog and surrounded by a maelstrom of Russian tearooms,
        Vietnamese restaurants and greengrocers, the Holy City Zoo,
        Tevye's, and the greatest Armenian delicatessen--Haig's--
        I've ever smelled."  Go upstairs for used books.  There are
        a few other used bookstores within a block or two of there.
    Albatross III (143 Clement near Second Avenue, 415-752-8611).  Used.
        This is the neighborhood of Green Apple and many
        restaurants.
    Canterbury Books (5301 Geary near 17th Avenue, 415-751-7770).  Very
        knowledgeable staff.  Just one block from a 38 Geary bus
        stop.  "Highly recommended."  Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12N-7PM.
    Znanije (5237 Geary, 415-752-7555).  A Russian bookstore.  ("It's
        down towards Golden Gate park, not towards downtown.  I
        think the cross street is 16th.")

Sunset:
    Ninth Avenue Books (1348 9th Ave between Irving and Judah,
        415-665-2938).
    Beard's Books (637 Kirkham near 8th Ave, 415-566-0507).  Mostly used
        books.  A little bit of everything, but not a lot of
        anything.  High prices.  A hard place to be enthusiastic
        about, but it is open late (after midnight), and it's got a
        cafe next door.
    Comics & Comix (650 Irving, 415-665-5888, and 700 Lombard,
        415-982-3511).  More entries in the chain (smaller than Palo
        Alto's).
    Books New & Used (345 Judah at 9th Ave).  "Discount Medical,
        Technical & Professional."  Hours around 9 AM-6 PM, closed
        Sunday.
    In and Out of Print books (401-A Judah and 9th Ave, 415-665-1116).
        Another great used book store.  Its awning says OPEN TILL
        MIDNITE.  "They have a fairly typical assortment of the sort
        of stuff which people like used bookstores for, including
        some older paperback first editions as suitably outrageous
        prices." (The 443 Clement branch has apparently closed as of
        1/93.)
     Elsewhere (260 Judah and 8th Avenue, 415-661-2535).  SF and
        mysteries.  "An excellent collection of collectibles.  A
        less than average selection of regular, used SF.  Prices are
        fairly high, but I always have been able to find a rare
        book, in fine condition, that I haven't been to find
        elsewhere."  One person said it seems to be open only about
        10 hours a week; another said it is open until 8 on
        Wednesdays; yet another says Wednesday through Sunday 12-4.

BERKELEY/OAKLAND:
    Afikomen (3042 Claremont, Berkeley, 510-655-1977).  Judaica.
        Probably closed Saturday.
    Avenue Books (2904 College Ave, Berkeley, 510-549-3532).  Small but
        *very* well-stocked.  Offers many services including
        gift-wrapping, UPS shipping (no service charge) and special
        orders (including ones directly from the publisher--again no
        service charge).  Lots of friendly, knowledgeable staff.  A
        good old-fashioned neighborhood bookstore.  Their SF
        section is mostly a token one--but with Dark Carnival and
        Other Change of Hobbit so close by, there's no need to have
        an extensive one; excellent mystery section,
        though!  Open Mon-Sat 9:30AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-6PM.
    Barnes & Noble (on Shattuck in Berkeley).  "The Berkeley store is
        quite large without the crowding which often occurs between
        rows of bookcases.  They even put out some benches around a
        fountain in the center of the store.  The magazine selection
        is huge.  I found "Car Design and Technology," a British
        magazine.  It was the latest issue (flown in, according to
        the sticker), and still only cost a few dollars."  The one
        in Jack London Square (see below) is supposedly twice the
        size.
    Barnes & Noble (Jack London Square, Oakland).  About twice the size
        of the one in downtown Berkeley.  One poster writes, "But
        seriously, why would you go to B&N when you have Cody's
        right there?" Another replies, "Well, let's see ... Barnes &
        Nobles prices are better, for one thing, since they discount
        everything.  Also, their selection is better.  I suppose
        it's more romantic to support Cody's, but some of us can't
        afford to be that romantic."
    Berkeley Book Court (1700 Shattuck Ave at Virginia ).  Tightly
        packed, some older material.
    Bibliomania (San Pablo between 15th and 16th, 510-835-5733).  A very
        nice used bookstore, among the Bay Area's finest.  Very
        attractive--varnished pine shelves, books arranged
        alphabetically by author  within each section, dustjackets
        protected with mylar sleeves.  Fiction, poetry,
        Californiana, general titles.
    Big Bad Book Sale (2349 Shattuck Ave).  New books greatly reduced,
        with very little order to the chaos.
    Black Oak Books (1491 Shattuck Ave, 510-486-0698).  I think you
        either love it or hate it.  One poster says, "They have a
        good mix of new and used and their used selection includes
        particularly good mythology/folklore and cookbook sections.
        Their women's section is quite good and they have one of the
        better humor sections I've run across (e.g., that's where I
        picked up Sally Swain's GREAT HOUSEWIFES OF ART)."  But
        another claims, "Black Oak Books is all shuck and jive.
        Lots of new Politically Correct stuff up front, but slim
        pickins for used goods in the back."  "Good selection, but
        very pricey."  Sun-Sat 10AM-10PM.
    Cartesian (2445 Dwight Way).  Small, good quality, scholarly.
    Cody's (2454 Telegraph at Haste, 510-845-7852).  "One of the two
        stores in the Bay area I hold up as the definition of the
        term 'bookstore.' (The other is Kepler's in Menlo Park.)"
        A very large selection of just about everything
        (foreign-language books on Dwight just west of Telegraph).
        "Cody's is the only book store in the Bay Area with a
        significant selection of books on various subjects that
        interest me (including Judaica, system dynamics and
        whitewater maps).  It is true that it isn't as good as it
        was when Fred Cody was alive ... but it's still a damn good
        store."  Re the Judaica, Cody's claims it carries "the
        world's largest selected of Passover books and related
        items, including 200 Haggadahs, many of them rare and
        out-of-print" [PW, 8/16/93].  The cafe that had been added
        was replaced by a magazine/journal/newspaper area.  ("This
        part of Cody's now sells the usual range of foreign and
        domestic magazines, art journals, literary rags, newspapers,
        etc.--the sort of stuff that Dave's (also in Berkeley) was
        once so good at.")  There is even a book about Cody's:
        CODY'S BOOKS: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A BERKELEY BOOKSTORE,
        1956-1977, by Pat and Fred Cody (released Oct 1992 and still
        on display at Cody's; it was described in an article in the
        8/3/92 issue of PW).  Will ship worldwide.  Sun-Thu
        9:15AM-9:45PM, Fri-Sat 9:15AM-10:45PM.
    Dark Carnival (Ashby/Adeline, across the street from the Ashby BART,
        about two blocks north of the Adeline and Shattuck
        intersection, 510-845-7757).  (The address is 2978 Adeline,
        but some people think it's on Shattuck.)  "An unbelievably
        fantastic book store.  Simply the best.  Nirvana.  The
        volume, quality, thoughtfulness and variety are
        overwhelming.  Tucked away in every nook are displays of
        sub-genres which are impossible to pass by.  Their table and
        bookcase of signed books beats many stores entire selections
        of SF.  I've even had recognizable authors serve me from
        behind the counter.  The store is too large to browse fully
        in one visit.  Large collection of hardcovers, including
        some limited editions.  Large non-fiction section.  Frequent
        signings, readings and parties.  Many imports.  And much,
        much more!"
    Dave's Smoke Shop (2444 Durant).  In the indoor shopping passage
        between Durant and Channing Way just west of Telegraph; same
        mini-mall as Revolution Books).  The periodical selection in
        there used to be amazing.  They even had Pravda
        (untranslated).  However, they have recently changed
        ownership and the selection has become somewhat smaller.
        Whether this is a permanent change is anyone's guess.
    De Lauers (1310 Broadway, Oakland, about 3 blocks away from Holmes
        Bookstore, 510-451-6157).  "This place is open 24 hours a
        day, and has the widest selection of newspapers and
        magazines that I've *ever* seen in one place."
    Gaia (1400 Shattuck Ave, 510-548-4172).  "Ecological and Spiritual
        Resources for an Awakening World."  A primary resource for
        the East Bay women's spirituality community.  Books, music,
        sacred arts."  Wonderful atmosphere.
    Gull Book and Print Gallery (1551 San Pablo, 510-836-9142).  A
        consortium of a dozen or so used booksellers.  Well worth a
        visit, although the place has seen better days.  Eclectic
        collections of uneven quality.  Strong on fishing titles and
        1940s porno paperbacks.
    Half-Price Books (2525 Telegraph between Dwight and Parker).  "This
        bookstore is abominably organized.  The only time I ever go
        in is when I'm waiting for a table at the Ethiopian
        restaurant next door."  Open Sun-Sat 10AM-10PM.
    Holmes (274 14th St, Oakland, 510-893-6860).  Excellent selection,
        *excellent* prices.  You might have trouble getting there,
        because the freeway collapsed.  (Others claim this isn't a
        problem, and there is pretty good parking.)  It's also on
        the border of a major crack-dealing district, so you should
        only go there in the middle of the day, not at night.  (As
        someone else points out, it also closes at 5, so the former
        seems redundant.)  Lots of Californiana upstairs.  New and
        used books.  Todd Nemet writes that on 23 Jan 94 the KPIX
        10 o'clock news that the Holmes bookstore is haunted.  "They
        interviewed a worker who said that she has heard books fall
        out of their shelves behind her, creaking on the steps, and
        mysterious knockings on the door.  The owners think that the
        ghost is of the founder of the bookstore.  Although the news
        story was pretty long, there wasn't too much more
        information in it.  The reporter also dared anyone to spend
        the night in the basement of the bookstore without any
        lights on.  Don't you think that having the lights out
        defeats the purpose of spending the night in a bookstore?
        But I thought I should alert you of a chance to spend the
        night in a bookstore anyway."
    Liberty Tree (134 98th St in Oakland).  Not just libertarian but
        also general civil liberties and` history books.
    Marcus Books (Oakland).  African and Black history and issues.
        Also supposedly has a branch in San Francisco.
    Mr. Mopps' Children's Bookshop (1405 Martin Luther King Jr. Way)
    Moe's (2476 Telegraph between Haste and Dwight, 510-849-2087,
        [e-mail]).  Five floors of mostly used books.
        Around for over 25 years, they are one of the largest
        bookstores of their kind.  Their old store can be seen
        briefly in THE GRADUATE).  Has a variety of services.  Will
        do book searches through their email address.  More Moe's,
        located on the fourth floor, is an art and antiquarian shop.
        One poster writes, "My favorite bookstore and probably the
        best bookstore on the face of this earth.  Okay, okay, that
        may be an exaggeration (especially since I haven't been to
        New York).  However, how many used bookstores do you know
        that charge 1/2 of the cover price for *all* paperbacks--
        including the old 25- or 35 -cent paperbacks!"  (Although
        another poster calls them "very pricey" on hardbacks.)  Will
        ship worldwide.
    Mama Bear's (6536 Telegraph, Oakland).  Feminist
        bookstore/coffeehouse.  Limited selection.  There's a better
        feminist bookstore in San Francisco called Old Wives' Tales.
    O'Neil Book Co. (1150 Sixth Street, one block north of Gilman,
        510-527-9855).  Great selection of remaindered books.  "I
        was told about this by one of the proprietors of The Other
        Change Of Hobbit, who thinks most highly of it."
    Other Change of Hobbit (2020 Shattuck Avenue at University Avenue,
        510-848-0413).  "An excellent selection of new SF, paperback
        and hardcover.  Plus, there's a decent selection of used
        SF, some used pulps, with an occasional outstanding
        collectible under the glass case in the back.  Occasional
        signings."  You can send them your want list and they will
        get back to you as things come in.  They ship worldwide.
        **MOVED FROM ITS OLD LOCATION 3/93**
    Pegasus Books (1855 Solano, 510-525-6888).
    Pendragon Books (5560 College Avenue, Oakland, 510-652-6259).
        Pegasus and Pendragon are owned by the same management.
        Both of them stock primarily used books, remaindered books
        and recent releases.
    Revolution Bookstore (2425 Channing Way).  In a mini-mall between
        Durant and Channing Way off Telegraph; underneath building
        on west side of Telegraph--the same mall as Dave's Smoke
        Shop.
    Serendipity (1201 University Ave one block east of San Pablo,
        510-841-7455).  A
        warehouse full of first editions and rare books.  Used
        books.  "One of the Bay Area's finest, but they know books
        and there are few bargains there.  Also worth a visit just
        to admire some very fine woodworking in their bookcases and
        cabinets."  "I have yet to find anything of any interest to
        me in Serendipity Books."
    Shakespeare and Company (2499 Telegraph).  Diverse store.  Open
    Shambhala (2482 Telegraph next to Moe's).  Excellent source for
        books on Eastern religion and other forms of mysticism.  New
        books.
    University Press Bookstore (across from the intermural athletic
        center, 2430 Bancroft).
    Walden Pond (3316 Grand Avenue between Lake Park and Mandana,
        Oakland.  Distinct from Waldenbooks, a used and new
        bookstore.  They have a particularly good selection of
        international writers (in translation) and radical
        literature and magazines.

OTHER:

Corte Madera:
    Book Passage (51 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415-927-0960).  Written up in the
        9/21/92 issue of PUBLISHERS WEEKLY.  Over 9000 sq. ft. of
        books, including a 3200-sq.ft. section devoted to mystery
        and SF and a rare and used book department.  "Book Passage's
        great strength is its travel section.  It was the only place
        in the Bay Area where I was able to locate a guide to
        freighter travel."  The store also carries titles in French,
        Spanish, and German, and has a cafe in the back.  In an
        attempt to fill the gap left by cutbacks in the California
        library system, they have recently (6/93) started a (pay)
        lending library of books, audiocassettes, and travel
        videocassettes.  (Corte Madera is in Marin County, across
        the Golden Gate Bridge.)
    Dan F. Webb Books (1535 San Pablo, 510-444-4572).  Mostly military
        and aviation titles, some general stock.  Be sure to haggle
        over the prices.  Tue, Thu, Sat 11AM-4PM.
Belmont:
    Full Circle Books (1148B El Camino Real).  Specializes in New Age
        books.  They have both new and used books.
Menlo Park:
    East West Books (1170 El Camino, 415-325-5709).  "A complete New Age
        book shop, with sections on herbalism, metaphysics,
        aromatherapy, shamanism, inner healing....  Also cards,
        incense, crystals, gongs, and other Aquarian doodads.  This
        is the sort of thing that people who like this sort of thing
        will like." Mon-Thu, Sat 10AM-9PM, Fri 10AM-5:30PM,
        Sun 1PM-5:30PM.
    Kepler's (1010 El Camino Real, 415-324-4321).  "One of the two
        stores in the Bay area I hold up as the definition of the
        term 'bookstore.'"  Special emphasis on alternative and
        progressive titles.  Has regular in-person programs, often
        featuring important authors.  "They recently opened a
        separate discount book section, big, but not as good as
        Books Inc. (in my opinion)."  Sun-Sat 11AM-7PM.
    Wessex (558 Santa Cruz half-block off El Camino, 415-321-1333).  A
        truly delightful place.  They have a large selection of used
        books in wonderful condition and at good prices.  They seem
        to have a little bit of everything although the SF and
        mystery sections are somewhat limited.  The best used
        bookstore on the peninsula.  Their other claim to fame:
        Classical, Jazz and Blues used records.  Wonderful place!
        Across the street from Kepler's.  Open Friday and Saturday
        until 9PM, and Sunday afternoons.
Palo Alto:
    Bell's (536 Emerson, 415-323-7822).  Used.  In terms of selection
        good.  Great for book collectors.  "Unfortunately much of
        their stock is out of reach on high shelves, which can be
        frustrating.  They also shelve their fiction books in three
        layers, so you have to create little temporary piles on the
        floor as you mine for books.  Great place!"  People used to
        complain that they often changed the price on the book when
        you bring it up to the register (so that for a book marked
        $3 they might say, "Sorry, that's $7.50 now"), but someone
        recently reported that they had stopped doing this because
        it pissed off too many customers.  Closed Sundays.
    Bob and Bob (151 Forest Ave, 415-329-9050).  Judaica.  Closed
        Saturdays.
    Books Inc. (Stanford Shopping Center, 415-321-0600).  New books.
        Has a good paperback selection.  As of 7/93, had moved to
        smaller quarters, reportedly due to rent hikes by the mall.
        New location has much less of everything; the big tables of
        deep discount hardcovers are essentially gone.  Basically
        indistinguishable from Waldenbooks now.  One poster's
        feeling is that within a year, this mall will have no
        bookstores in continuous operation (see comments on Phileas
        Fogg and Sports Central).  Open 7 days a week.
    Chimaera (University near High, 415-327-1122).  Excellent mostly
        used bookstore specializing in well-selected literary and
        humanities titles.  Also good selection of used records,
        cassettes, and CDs, especially for classical, jazz, and
        progressive rock.
    Comics & Comix (403 California Ave, 415-855-8100).  Good new and
        used comics collection, some Frazetta-style "art" books,
        small humor and gaming sections.
    Future Fantasy (3705 El Camino, 415-855-9771).  An excellent
        selection of new SF, fantasy, and mystery.  "Far and away
        my favorite bookstore for SF."  Frequent signings.  New,
        larger location with parking lot.  If you have access to a
        WWW client, Future Fantasy in Palo Alto is accessible at
        http://www.commerce.digital.com./palo-alto/FutureFantasy/.
        "They have a great interface, including their complete
        catalog, newsletter, some cover shots, and forms to
        actually order stuff."  Open Monday through Saturday.
    Know Knew Books (415 California, 415-326-9355).  A good spot for
        used paperbacks, SF and general.  A good selection of
        hard-cover fiction and non-fiction as well.  "My vote for
        the best Bay Area used bookstore.  Although Recycle Books
        in San Jose, or Acorn Books in San Francisco may have
        larger overall volumes, the SF selection in this store is
        unbeatable.  There is also a large, reasonably priced,
        collectible section."  "My vote for best, too.  Not only is
        the SF collection great, but the SF and fantasy first
        editions collection is good; excellent collection of
        series-format paperbacks.  Reliable rumor: they're going to
        open a branch, probably in the South Bay, in the near
        future." Open 7 days a week.
    Megabooks (444 University Avenue near Waverly, 415-326-4730).  Good
        general used bookstore which often has real bargains on
        recent cook books.
    Minerva Books (1027 Alma, 415-326-2006).  Wide collection of books
        dealing with the occult, astrology, Eastern religion, etc.
    Phileas Fogg (Stanford Shopping Center, 415-327-1754).  As of
        7/1/93, this travel store has merged with Sports Central at
        this location.  They did not expand their shelf space,
        however, so both collections have been cut.  Local and West
        Coast travel is still fairly good (but cut down from before
        the merger); the folding map collection is still good, but
        all of the non-travelogue, non-folding map stuff (on the
        right-side shelves as one enters) is gone, replaced by
        sports books.  The staff was noticeably less friendly; there
        was a television and VCR running some sports tape.  "My
        gut-level impression: will be out of business within one
        year if the current format is retained."
    Printers Inc. (310 California, 415-327-6500).  Smaller than
        Kepler's, but more personal, with a cafe in the bookstore
        (a recent trend in bookstores).  Though they have recently
        expanded, the bookshop itself is as friendly and personal as
        ever.  The cafe is also larger but (as one poster says) "I'm
        afraid, much less cosy and intimate than before.  One
        positive result of the expansion is that the cafe section no
        longer closes during readings by authors and poets."  Good
        selection of foreign papers.  The same poster writes, "My
        favourite weekly ritual is to cycle from work to Printer's
        Inc., pick up my reserved copy of the [Toronto] "Globe and
        Mail," and peruse it over a cup of dark French roast coffee
        with the buzz of conversation in the background.  A very
        pleasant and civilized way to spend an otherwise dull
        Tuesday evening."  Sun-Sat 10AM-11PM, though the newspaper
        section may open earlier.
    Renaissance Books (230 Hamilton near Emerson, 415-321-2846).
        Another used bookstore, specially good for its huge
        collection of very cheap popular fiction -- mysteries,
        gothic, SF, etc.  (Used to be Recycle Books.)  "An
        above-average, well-established store which has recently
        been eclipsed by Book Buyers, one block away (see entry.)
        Open 7 days.
    Sports Central: The Ultimate Sports Bookstore (157 Stanford Shopping
        Center, 415-327-7707).  7000 titles, as well as audio and
        video tapes, and a few accessories, but no memorabilia or
        used books.  Thursday night lecture series.  (Written up in
        PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, 10/5/92).  (As of 7/1/93, merged with
        Phileas Fogg (above) in the Phileas Fogg location.  See that
        entry for full details.)
    Stacey's (291 University, 415-226-0681).  Technical books.
        Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
    Stanford University Bookstore (on the Stanford Campus,
        415-329-1217).  The largest bookstore in the Bay Area.  It's
        the most likely place to find a new book.  Their inventory
        is available on the network for people who have the right
        accounts.  There's also a branch at 135 University Avenue
        (415-327-3680) in Palo Alto which specializes in technical
        books and is open Mon-Fri 9:30AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM.
    Szwede Slavic Books (2233 El Camino, 415-327-5590).  Good selection
        of Polish books, among others.
Los Altos:
    The Antiquarian Archive (379 State Street, 415-949-1593).  Used
        books.  "The yuppie nightmare of downtown Los Altos is
        redeemed only by the presence of the Antiquarian Archive, a
        serious used book store."  Fine Californiana, military,
        nautical selections.  Decent prices.
    The Book Nest (366 Second Street, 415-948-4724).  It takes up
        several rooms in a regular house, but the selection is
        second-rate.
    Heintzelman's Bookstore (205 State Street, 415-941-1842).  Packed to
        the roof with a large selection of books.  The owners were
        friendly, helpful, and well-read.
Mountain View:
    Tower Books (630 San Antonio at El Camino, 415-941-7300).  Open
        until midnight.
    Book Barterers Exchange (2025 El Camino, 415-3747).  Used books,
        half price.
    San Antonio Hobby Shop (San Antonio Shopping Center, 415-941-1278).
        Amazing selection of new books on aircraft, trains and ships
        (warships, mostly).  They have many hard-to-find and
        imported titles.  "Note to those concerned: this store (and
        other parts of S.A.S.S.) have been bought out by the same
        people who own the gospel bookstore in the Mall.  It used to
        be a good general gaming bookstore; all of the non-military
        gaming was purged after the buyout."  Closed Sunday; short
        hours the rest of the week.
    Printers Inc. (301 Castro Street, 415-941-8500).  Newly expanded,
        but now more of a meat market in the evenings than the Palo
        Alto store.  The cafe is better run (than Palo Alto) for the
        morning, on-the-way-to-work espresso, etc.
        Mon-Sat 8AM-11PM, Sun 9AM-11PM.
    The Book Buyers (315 Castro).  A good general used book store.  It
        has a good SF section.  (This used to be on Emerson in Palo
        Alto, but the building was damaged by the '89 earthquake.)
    Collected Works (223 Castro, next to La Poblanta).  Used.  Large
        general fiction section, fair sized mystery and SF sections.
        Large collection of general fiction firsts and signed firsts
        in locked glass cases.  Lots of open floor space; very
        quiet, like a library.  Clean to the point of feeling
        antiseptic; not friendly or inviting, and the size of the
        clientele shows it.  But has Hemingway first editions on the
        shelf, if that's what one's in to.
Sunnyvale:
    Computer Literacy Bookshops, Inc. (520 Lawrency Expwy 1/2 mile north
        of 101.  The original site of this mini-chain.  See main
        listing in San Jose section.
Los Gatos:
    Curious Book Shoppe (198 W Main at N Santa Cruz, 408-354-5560).
        Used.
Campbell:
    Barnes & Noble (Hamilton and Bascom).  Not as big as their
        superstore in Santa Clara but definitely the best thing open
        for miles, especially at night.  Next to a Starbucks if you
        need espresso with your reading.
    Books (116 San Tomas Aquino Road, 408-374-0933).  Quality used
        books--hardback only.
    Poor Pat's (1800 South Bascom Ave, 408-369-1800).  Used.
Milpitas:
    A Book Garden (1281 East Calaveras Boulevard, 408-262-9003).  This
        is a fine independent bookstore, with a knowledgeable and
        helpful staff.  It has recently expanded, and added a
        cafe, featuring various coffees, espresso, and pastries,
        croissants, and similar food.  Open Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM;
        Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM.
San Jose:
    Barnes & Noble (Steven's Creek and San Tomas Expressways).
        Fourth-largest bookstore in the United States.  "64,000
        square feet of pure sensory overload."  "About the best
        selection of new books around these parts, a cafe, very
        helpful staff, but a bit of a chain-store feel.  They claim
        to be the fourth largest bookstore in the country, but based
        on what?"
    Books Inc. (420 Town & Country Village, 408-243-6262).  New books.
        A pretty good selection of SF.  Better selection by far than
        the Palo Alto branch, even before the move.  No periodicals.
    Computer Literacy Bookshops, Inc. (PO Box 641897, San Jose CA 95164;
        2590 N 1st at Trimble, 408-435-5017, fax [phone];
        e-mail [e-mail], [e-mail],
        [e-mail]).  A very large selection of technically
        oriented computer books and related technical books
        (electrical engineering, mathematics).  Emphasis is
        definitely on books for computer-related professionals--but
        a reasonable selection of user-oriented tutorials also.  A
        lot of invited guests; you can also get announcements of
        those events via e-mail or reading ba.seminars.
    Yesterday's Paperbacks (Union Avenue near South Bascom Avenue,
        408-559-6006).  As the name implies, this is a used
        paperback store.  "Its most noteworthy aspect is the large
        number of out-of-town (even foreign) newspapers and, to a
        lesser extent, other periodicals they carry.  I'd estimate
        at least thirty different papers, usually only Sunday
        editions for the more distant locations."
    Recycle Books (138 East Santa Clara, 408-286-6275).  They have a
        pretty decent general selection.  SF books are a strong
        point, but philosophy books are a weak spot.  "This is a
        very large used book store.  They have the best Bay Area
        collection of used SF hardcovers.  Very few collectibles,
        though."  Open 7 days.
Capitola:
    Book-Cafe (41st Ave, next to the movie theater, 408-462-4415).  New
        books only.  Good selection of magazines.  Probably has the
        best selection of audio books and literary magazines in the
        Santa Cruz area.  Also has a small coffee-shop inside.

Half Moon Bay:
    Ocean Books (500C Purissima, one block west of Kelly and Main).
        Used.  "A very literate selection, and the store has
        oriental rugs, hardwood floors, a wood stove ... it's quite
        cozy."
Santa Cruz:
    Book Loft (Soquel Drive at Seabright, 408-429-1812).
        Used books only.
    Bookshop Santa Cruz (in the old St. George Hotel on the Pacific
        Avenue [previously Pacific Garden Mall], 408-423-0900).  A
        Santa Cruz tradition.  Very large magazine selection and
        indoor/outdoor cafe.
    Chimney Sweep Books (across from Caffe Pergolesi on Center Street).
        A used bookshop, great for philosophy, religion, some rare
        stuff too, but small.
    Gateways (a block from Logos/Plaza in the old Great Outdoors
        Outlet).  A venerable Santa Cruz institution, with twice the
        space of its old location and a small cafe.  It is primarily
        known for new-age, metaphysics, self-help, etc.
    The Literary Guillotine (Union St, downtown).  Recently opened
        (6/93).  Used books.  They seem to tend more in the
        direction of the scholarly than the popular, but they have a
        pretty interesting selection of things.
    Logos (has re-opened in a new building at its *old* location at
        1117 Pacific Avenue [previously Pacific Garden Mall],
        408-426-2106).  Two full floors of books, used records, and
        used CDs.  Can be thought of as Santa Cruz's answer to Moe's
        in Berkeley.  "It is this bibliophile's opinion that Logos
        has *the* best used book selection (in Santa Cruz, the
        center of the Universe).  You can get the same book (used)
        here you can get in Capitola for 1/2 price (new)."
    Plaza Books  (on Pacific Ave. roughly across from the Palomar).  New
        books only.  Plaza Books has the best tee-shirts, post-card
        books, and greeting cards, by far beating out any of the
        more "touristy" places.
Cupertino:
    Booksmart (7287 Coronado Drive, 408-996-1525).  "A good selection of
        used SF.  This store is memorable in that its entire stock
        is in a data base, tagged by bar codes or title.  If you're
        uncertain about a title, their data base will tell you right
        away if they have it.  No collectibles."
    A Clean Well-Lighted Place For Books  (The Oaks Shopping Center,
        across Steven's Creek Boulevard from de Anza College and the
        Flint Centre, 408-255-7600).  Recently moved within the
        shopping center.  The new shop, though much bigger, is not
        visible from the street.  Sun-Thu 10AM-11PM, Fri-Sat
        10AM-12M.
    Computer Literacy Bookshops, Inc. (in the Apple R&D campus off of
        280 & De Anza).  Open to the public, better selection of
        Apple-related books, smallest of the mini-chain.  See the
        main listing in the San Jose section.
    Yesterday's Paperbacks (Union Avenue near South Bascom Avenue,
    A Wrinkle in Time (19970 Homestead Road, 408-255-9406).  New and
        used SF, comics, videos, games, and collectibles.
San Leandro:
    Roskie and Wallace Bookstore (14595 E 14th, 510-483-4163).  "This is
        a rather unique used book store.  The prices are quite cheap
        by Bay Area standards, the collection is huge, though not as
        organized as some stores.  In fact, it's kind of like a
        cross between a bookstore and a rummage sale.  It's not
        usually a place to go looking for something specific, but
        it's a browser's heaven--you're guaranteed to find
        something unique, something you'd never even think of, let
        alone find in another bookstore."  Open Wed-Sat 10 AM to 4
        PM.
Concord:
    Barnes & Noble (near where Willow Pass intersects I-680).  Formerly
        Bookstar, it has a noteworthy selection of new books.
San Rafael:
    Books Revisited (C Street).  A sizeable new and used bookstore.
        Next door to Open Secrets.
    Lifeways Books & Gifts (Lootens Place).  New Age and occult.
    Mandrake Bookshop (910 Lincoln Ave., 415-453-3484).  *The* used
        bookstore in Marin County.  A large selection of quality
        books.  The owner, Hal Bertram, is worth chatting up--has
        some additional goodies in the back room.  Excellent prices.
        Just two blocks from the bus plaza.
    Open Secrets (C Street).  Mainly eastern religion.
    West Wind Books (1006 Tamalpais Ave., 415-456-6322).  Used books.
        A wonderful little bookshop with an excellent
        general-purpose stock.  Fine nautical section.  Charming
        proprietress.  Good prices.
San Anselmo:
    Heldford Book Gallery (310 San Anselmo Avenue, 415-456-8194)  Mostly
        out-of-print and rare.  "Delightful little pillowed alcove
        at the narrow end for perusing (building narrows between two
        converging streets).  I only looked at the one case of
        children's books, which were high-priced collectibles."
    Michael Good (35 San Anselmo Avenue, 415-459-6092).  Second floor
        over doctor's office.  Out-of-print and rare.  "This place
        resembles what I supposed rare bookstores would be like,
        before I had ever visited any.  Creaky floors, a feeling of
        time and of Rembrandtian brownness, and a proprietor
        frequently engrossed in his merchandise."
    Oliver's (645 San Anselmo Ave, 415-454-4421).  Largest of the three
        places.  "I wasn't there long enough to get the flavor of
        it.  I know they carry used and rare, but didn't even bother
        to notice if they carry new."

(All three of these places are on the same street.  By bus, take Golden
Gate Transit route 20 or 23 to San Anselmo.  At the bus stop, go down
the little stairway between the two bus shelters, and you are on the
high-numbered end of the street.)

Pacifica:
    Florey's.  Forey's stocks a good supply of books, and Mrs. Florey is
        very accomodating.


As for truly NORTHERN California, there is once again an excellent used
book store on the main drag in Ferndale (Ferndale Books?), which had
been closed because of damage from the 4/25/92 quakes.  They also have
branches in Eureka (which has an excellent music selection) and in
Arcata.  Eureka has another good store, located on the square with the
ugly modern fountain in the historic part of town.  Arcata also has the
Tincan Mailman (at 10th and H, a couple of short blocks north of the
town square), a very pleasant used book store with a large selection and
skylights.

There is also Cooperfields, a local chain in Cotati, Santa Rosa, Sebastapol
(good selection with no particular focus; the Santa Rosa store includes a
cafe and sells used books).  Santa Rosa also has Clair Light Books (women's
books) amd Treehorn  (used books with a good history selection).  Willits
has The Book Juggler (a used bookstore with an excellent SF collection).

Someone else notes in Sacramento (definitely out of the Bay Area, but what
the heck) is The Book Mine (916-441-4609), which specializes in old and rare
books and will do book searches.

============================================================================
Sonia Sachs ([e-mail]) reports on the availability of
BROWSING THE BEST WEST COAST USED BOOK STORES: A SELECT GUIDE:
    I have discovered a new and very thoughtful California travel
    guide called BROWSING THE BEST WEST COAST USED BOOK STORES,
    [subtitled A Series of Guides to The Foremost General Stock
    Used and Out-of-Print Establishments in Los Angeles, Berkeley,
    Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Sacramento &
    Orange County].  This terrific little guide -- which is
    actually a series of eight separate folio guides -- was
    probably intended for visiting scholars and other bibliophiles,
    but it will likely appeal to local residents as well because it
    offers fresh views of well-known places.  Four cities are
    featured in the first series of guides -- Los Angeles, San
    Francisco, Berkeley, and Seattle.  A second series of four
    guides -- due out later this year -- tours San Diego, Orange
    County, Sacramento, and Portland, Oregon.  Each guide begins
    with introductory essays that expound, quite eloquently and at
    some length, on the value of out-of-print bookstore browsing.
    Readers are then offered tips on how to browse out-of-print
    bookstores and simultaneously avoid big price tags.  Would-be
    hobbyists are shown how to develop and advance book
    collections.  Novice bibliophiles are given a glossary of terms
    to explain different classifications of books -- rare, used,
    out-of-print, first edition, etc.  This is not just an ode to
    bookstores.  It is an ode to books.  The travel aspect is the
    guides' most exciting feature.  Each guide contains an
    insightful city essay and ten descriptive bookstore narratives
    that go a long way toward situating the reader in the town he
    or she is visiting.  And who hasn't been looking for a new way
    to explore a faraway city?  Individually, these guides form a
    strong argument that bookstore touring is the best way to learn
    the physical and intellectual contours of any town.  Taken
    together, the guides are nothing less than a grand tour of
    literary landmarks all along America's Pacific Coast.  Maps, of
    course, are included.  The author of these guides is a West
    Coast native and long-time bibliophile who is not affiliated
    with any bookstore or bookstore association.  Consequently, and
    happily so, the narrative point-of-view is that of a bookbuyer
    rather than a bookseller.  In terms of style, each guide is
    often as humorous as it is telling, and the author does not shy
    away from pointed comments.  "The Los Angeles metropolitan area
    is surprisingly good used book store territory," begins the
    city essay for the Los Angeles guide.  "Admittedly, there is a
    glut of shops that tend to feature first editions of Eddie
    Fisher's autobiography, but sequestered between all these
    hackneyed enterprises are some very reputable bookstores."  The
    guides, which read like booklets with a map as centerpiece,
    sell for $6.00 each.  For more information, write Browsing The
    Best Publications, Box 7263, Berkeley, California 94707-0263,
    USA.

There is also a book, THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BOOK FINDER, which sells for
$5.95 at the check-out registers of many of the stores.  It covers more
geographic territory than this list, but doesn't have a whole lot more
information--it's basically a "Yellow Pages" sort of listing in which I'm
sure the bookstores buy space.

Anecedote from a reader:

"Had an interesting experience last night:  I was having dinner at a
friend's house when he asked me if I had access to internet.  This was
curious, indeed, as he is probably the most neo-Luddite younger person I
know, resistant to computer technology to the point of keeping business
records on scraps of paper beneath found paperweights and doing business
correspondence via penciled letters.

It turns out that the reason for this sudden interest is that someone
came into his store [which shall remain nameless here] in San Francisco,
and made a stunning $50.00 purchase on the basis of some recommended
bookstore list that you produced and posted on rec.arts.books.  A captain
of industry he's not, so fifty big ones made about as big an impression
on him as a major bus wreck ("Don't mention the money," he says of this
message, "it sounds so crass.").  Suddenly, this computer thing had
reality to him.  He produced a scrap of paper with your net address on
it and requested that I thank you.

I just thought you might get as big a giggle out of this as I did."

============================================================================

Evelyn C. Leeper | [phone] | [e-mail] / [e-mail]