Archive-name: books/stores/north-american/bay-area

Last change:
Tue Sep 24 17:18:51 EDT 1996

Additions:
	Burlingame (Burlingame Book Browse)
	Menlo Park (Feldman's Books)
Changes:
	Builder's Booksource
Deletions:
	Canterbury Books
	Writer's Bookstore (it was reported the owners were acquiring
		their stock by shoplifting it from other stores!)

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under /pub/usenet/news.answers/books/stores/north-american/bay-area. Z.  Or,
send email to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with "send
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message.

Sacramento and other California listings (outside of southern California)
can be found in the "Bookstores in Western North American Cities" list.

[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.  Okay, Market is diagonal, but I had to start
somewhere.)

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

Downtown:
	Henry Hollander, Bookseller (55 New Montgomery Street, Suite 317,
		third floor of the Sharon Building, 415-882-4541,
		boychik@hollanderbooks.com, http://www.hollanderbooks.com).
		Specializing in Judaica and books on Africa.  Has a search
		service.  Open Tue-Fri 12N-5PM.
	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,
		http://town.hall.org/places/city_lights).  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.  Mon-Sat 8:30AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-5PM.
	Borders Books and Music (400 Post St at the corner of Powell on
		Union Square,, 415-399-1633, http://www.borders.com).  Now
		perhaps the largest book emporium in the Bay Area, Borders
		has four floors of books and music with over 125,000 book
		titles, 70,000 music titles, video and CD-Rom in stock.  A
		lovely cafe overlooks Union Square where customers are free
		to browse selections.  Very impressive depth and range.
		Open Mon-Wed 9AM-11PM, Thu-Sat 9AM-12N, Sun 10AM-9PM.
	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.
	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)."  Another poster says "there
		may be good stuff in there somewhere, but it's impossible
		to find it.  ...  They have vast amounts of junk [and the]
		near-total lack of organization makes it impossible to
		search quickly even if you know exactly what you're looking
		for, and browsing is tedious and unrewarding." Mon, Tue,
		Thu 10AM-6PM, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:30 AM-6:45PM.
	Foley Books (345 California, Plaza Level, 415-391-0622).  "I've
		bought quite a few books from Foley Books over the years at
		its various locations. It is an outstanding bookstore with
		discount prices!  Although it is smaller than it used to be,
		you can order books and still get the 20% discount."
		Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM.

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.  The owner is quite knowledgeable.
	A Clean Well-Lighted Place For Books at Opera Plaza (610 Van Ness
		Ave between Golden Gate and Turk, 415-441-6670,
		http://www.bookstore.com).  A good general selection of
		books, and a helpful staff.  "Has one of the most
		knowledgeable mystery buyers in the business, Lorraine
		Petty.  Customers should feel comfortable that she won't
		steer them wrong.  She also hosts, quarterly mystery
		events in association with Sisters in Crime to which the
		public is invited." "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, acornbks@netcom.com).  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 (GPO) 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 btwn Polk and Larkin, 415-563-3525).
		Specializing in fiction, mystery, film, SF, and
		counterculture.  Open Sun-Thu 10AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-11PM.
	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.
	Barnes & Noble (Cost Plus complex near Fisherman's Wharf).

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.
	Lodestar (313 Noe at Market).
	Freedom's Forum 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."  (People have
		given me a variety of names for this store: Free Forum,
		Freedom Forum's, etc.  I called and the name listed is what
		they said it was.)
	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.
	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.
	Builder's Booksource (300 Deharo St. at 16th, 415-575-3980).  [I've
		also seen this listed as being in Ghiradelli Square,
		415-440-5773.]  Architecture, construction, landscape
		architecture, engineering, interior design, etc.  From
		coffee-table books all the way to the AISC Steel Manual....
		Also has a larger store in Berkeley.
	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 lounge in the window corners, often occupied by
		some very pretty cats.  Definitely a nice place."  Very low
		prices.  (Was previously The Book Center.)
	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."
	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."
        China Books & Periodicals, Inc. (2929 24th, 415-282-2994, FAX
		415-282-0994, chinabks@sirius.com,
		http://www.chinabooks.com).  Does mail order.
	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."  "Next door to Carroll's, a
		place called Lovejoy's has opened up, which is recommended
		to people interested in authentic British tea rooms,
		antiques, or the series of mystery novels by Jonathan Gash
		about a character of the same name."
	San Francisco Mystery Bookstore (746 Diamond at 24th--Noe Valley,
		415-224-1132).  "Around since 1976.  It's one of the oldest
		mystery specialty stores and is owned by an icon in the
		mystery world, Bruce Taylor.  It has mystery reference, new
		and used, signed collectibles." Wed-Sun 11:30AM-5:30 PM.
	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.  Apparently the bookstore is no more, but they
		still sponsor 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.  Tue-Sat 12N-6PM.
	La Latina (2548 Mission between 21st and 22nd, 415-824-0327).
		Spanish-language books.
	Meyer Boswell Books, Inc. (2141 Mission between 17th and 18th,
		third floor, 415-255-6400, FAX 415-255-6499,
		http://www.toc.com/meyerbos/).  "The only bookshop in the
		English-speaking world specializing in antiquarian rare and
		scholarly law exclusively.  Its stock contains somewhat over
		6,000 works."  For electronic access to their catalogue,
		connect to their Web site send an e-mail message to
		rare-lawbooks@netcom.com.  In the subject field put the word
		help, and likewise in the message field put the same word.
		Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM.
	Bolerium Books (2141 Mission between 17th and 18th, third floor).
		Antiquarian.  Specializes in social and radical movements,
		such as labor, women's rights, and African-American
		materials.
	Tall Stories (2141 Mission between 17th and 18th, third floor).
		Antiquarian.  Literature, first editions, SF, and mystery
		fiction.  This shop is a cooperative of about 20 dealers.
	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 close to 14,000 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.
	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:
	Marcus Books (1712 Filmore between Post and Sutter, a few doors down
		from the Kabuki Theatre complex).  African and Black history
		and issues since 1960.
	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.  [Someone says this shouldn't be listed in Lower
		Haight, but I can't figure out where else to put it.]
		Sun-Sat 10:30AM-7PM.
	American 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.  They specialize in Beat
		writers.  Their rare book case is usually filled with
		various hard-to-find Beat-related editions.  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.  One poster wrote at length of his
		dissatisfaction, especially concerning the staff, and
		summarized as, "Rude staff possibly inclined toward petty,
		knee-jerk self-gratification."  (Someone else comments,
		"I think the complaint about the rude staff at Bound
		Together is also pretty funny.  If you were a left-wing
		anarchist, would you be in a good mood? ")
	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,
		books@sirius.com, http://www.sirius.com/~books/).  Has a
		quirky and always interesting sale table, excellent science
		fiction and music sections, magazines, poetry, kids books
		and lots of great fiction--both new releases and backlist.
		Lots of counter culture titles.  Has been 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.  Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-6PM.
	Austen Books (1687 Haight, 415-552-4122).  Mostly used, with a
		small ammount of new stock, mostly Dover and Autonomedia and
		trendy stuff. 

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.  Has been having license problems, so may not
		be open.
	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).
	Chelsea Book Shop (637 Irving 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.  Was Beard's Books; under new ownership.
	Comics & Comix (650 Irving and 700 Lombard).  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.
	 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 (Berkeley unless otherwise noted):
	Afikomen (3042 Claremont, 510-655-1977, 510-655-3598).  Judaica,
		including gift items.  Closes before sundown Friday and is
		closed Saturday.
	Anacapa (Claremont, a couple of doors down from Dark Carnival).  A
		fairly small antiquarian shop specializing in 19th and 20th
		century art movements and European literary movements (their
		pataphysics selection is one of the best in the States).
	Avenue Books (2904 College Ave, 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."
	Bibliomania (1816 Telegraph Ave 94612, 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.
	Boadecia's Books (398 Colusa, Kensington, 510-559-9184,
		boadbks.norcov.com).  Lesbian/gay/bisexual books, women's
		authors.  Open Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-7PM.
	Builder's Booksource (1817 4th, 510-845-6874).  Architecture,
		construction, landscape architecture, engineering, interior
		design, etc.  From coffee-table books all the way to the
		AISC Steel Manual....  Also has a smaller store in San
		Francisco.
	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 selection 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 (3086 Claremont, 510-654-READ [510-654-7323]).  "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!"  Recently [9/94] moved to this new location.
	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, 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."
	Easy Going Travel Shop & Bookstore (1385 Shattuck Ave, 510-843-3533
		1-800-675-5500, EASYGO1@aol.com).  Specializes in travel
		books, including guidebooks, travel literature, natural
		history and field guides, overseas employment, outdoor
		adventure guides, family travel, gay and lesbian travel,
		language learning aids, ethnic and cultural awareness
		guides.  Complete selection of international maps.  Does
		book searches, has in-store readings and slides shows.  Also
		supplies luggage and travel accessories.
	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.
	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.
	Liberty Tree (134 98th Ave in Oakland).  Not just libertarian but
		also general civil liberties and` history books.
	The Little Book Shop.  "One of the best neighborhood stores I've
		encountered, it which lives up to its name but has a good
		mix of new and used books and excellent customer service."
	Mama Bear's (6536 Telegraph at 66th, Oakland).  Feminist
		bookstore/coffeehouse.  Limited selection.
	Mr. Mopps' Children's Bookshop (1405 Martin Luther King Jr. Way)
	Moe's (2476 Telegraph between Haste and Dwight, 510-849-2087;
		moesbooks@delphi.com, http://moesbooks.com/moe.htm).  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.
	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; ochobbit@hopf.dnai.com,
		http://www.dnai.com:80/~ochobbit/).  "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.  They also supposedly have a "special account"
		where if you give them $500, you then use that to buy books
		at a 20% off discount, plus no shipping or tax."
	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."  "I've never
		found anything of interest to me there either, but it's one
		of my husband's favorite bookstores. He collects first
		editions of dark fiction and has found a lot of what he
		considers to be real treasures there."
	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:

Sausalito:
	Armchair Sailor Bookstore (42 Caledonia, 415-332-7505 or
		800-332-3347).  This is a specialty bookstore for maritime
		books, mostly for sailboats.  New and used books.  Selection
		is good, with travel books, cruise guides, boat design
		books, and novels.  Videos can be rented ($3/day), including
		by mail.  Charts are available.  Imported yachting
		magazines.  Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM.

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 a (pay) lending library of books,
		audiocassettes, and travel videocassettes.
	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.

Emeryville:

	Borders Books & Music (Emery Bay Public Market, 5800 Shellmound,
		510-654-1633).

Mill Valley:
	Books (10 Locust, 415-389-6612).  Small, friendly, interesting
		selection.

Walnut Creek:
	Easy Going Travel Shop & Bookstore (1617 Locust, 510-947-6660 or
		1-800-675-5500, EASYGO1@aol.com).  Specializes in travel
		books, including guidebooks, travel literature, natural
		history and field guides, overseas employment, outdoor
		adventure guides, family travel, gay and lesbian travel,
		language learning aids, ethnic and cultural awareness
		guides.  Complete selection of international maps.  Does
		book searches, has in-store readings and slides shows.  Also
		supplies luggage and travel accessories.
	Hooked on Books (1956 Tice Valley Blvd, Roosmoor Shopping Center,
		510-933-1025).  Used bookstore that specializes in mysteries
		and romance novels as well as having a reasonable SF
		section.

Napa:
	Copperfields (1303 First Street 94559, 707-252-8002).  Chain based
		in Santa Rosa.
	? (1405 Second Ave).  Small used bookstore.  "Aside from a small
		offering of collectibles, what is most on display is
		paperbacks.  There's a nice espresso cafe across the street.
		A possible stop for those otherwise exploring the wine
		country."

Petaluma:
	Copperfields (140 Kentucky 94952, 707-762-0563).  Chain based in
		Santa Rosa.
	Discoveries (627 E Washington, 707-778-3898).  A mixture of used
		books and new and used CDs and vinyl LPs.  They didn't 
		seem to have a general fiction section, but there was a
		fairly decent SF section, and a small room of children's
		books.  Kind of a small place.  Accessibility: a step up,
		but otherwise mostly accessible.
	Reade Moore Books (1 4th, 707-762-2215).  Used bookstore, with
		decent stock, a mixture of some older stuff and more recent
		stuff.  There's a decent comic store a couple doors down.
		Accessibility: there's a fairly big step up at the front
		door.  The aisles are quite wide.  There's a small balcony,
		which is where the history and travel writings sections are.

Sonoma:
	Chanticleer Books (526 Broadway, 707-996-5364).  A used book store
		with some antiquarian stuff.  "This 'bouquiniste' had a good
		selection in most categories, with reasonable prices, and we
		went away, happy, with some books."  A step up, and
		otherwise mostly accessible.
	Plaza Books (40 West Spain, 707-996-8474).  More of the Antiquarian
		(as opposed to "used") variety.  Worth the visit, just in
		case that treasure you were looking for is hiding there.
		"The stock is definitely on the antiquarian side, and
		bargains were not to be found."  Not very accessible,
		because of narrow aisles, and tables placed in front of
		alcoves.

Santa Rosa:
	Barnes and Noble (across the street from Copperfields).  "Typical of
		them to locate near already existing bookstores."
	Books Inc. (in the Coddingtown Mall).  "They have a *huge*
		collection of books, no used books, and the best selection
		of SF books of anybody in the area."
	Claire Light (Clairelight?) Books.  Women's books.
	Copperfields (650 4th St, 707-545-5326).  Flagship store of the
		chain.  About half books and half CDs.  "Copperfields was a
		close second after Treehorn, so Santa Rosa should probably
		be the main goal of someone making a day trip from San
		Francisco."  There's a balcony, which is where the film and 
		music books are, but it's otherwise accessible.
	Sawyer's News (733 4th).  Newstand.  Has a better selection of
		magazines than Barnes and Noble.
	Treehorn Books (625 4th, 95404, 707-525-1782).  Probably the besta
		store in the area, a large bookstore with mostly used stock,
		with some remainders and new books.  Reasonable prices, with
		some antiquarian stock, but mostly older and recent used
		books.  "Excellent selection of used books with a good
		history section with some pretty good prices on a lot of
		them, too).  Most of the books are in excellent shape.  They
		don't have a very good selection of new books, but that's
		not their main business.  The staff is real friendly and
		helpful, and they have books that collectors would be
		interested in ...  had a small cache of collectible Philip
		K. Dick books, for instance, they have a real nice selection
		of used SF books.  Accessibility is fine, though you may
		have to navigate around some ladders.

Alameda:
	Kevin Patrick (2170 Encinal).  Somewhat cluttered used book store,
		a bit disorganized, varied selection.

Larkspur:
	A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books (2417 Larkspur Landing Circle,
		Larkspur, 415-461-0171, http://www.bookstore.com).  "It's
		in Marin County, across the "street" from the Larkspur
		Ferry terminal.  It's a popular, comfortable place.  My
		favorite in Marin county!"

Burlingame:
	Burlingame Book Browse (1101 Juanita Ave at California Drive, 94010,
		415-579-2665).  "They have a large selection of quality
		used and rare books.  They also have a very nice collection
		of paperback literature."  Open Tue-Fri, Sun 12N-5PM,
		Sat 11AM-6PM.
San Mateo:
	Lee's Comics (2222 S El Camino Real, 415-571-1489).  Has a
		comprehensive selection of new comics, back issues, books,
		graphic novels, adult, and alternative comics.  "The only
		full service, fully stocked comic store in between San
		Francisco and Palo Alto."  Open seven days a week 10AM-9PM.
Belmont:
	Full Circle Books (1148B El Camino Real).  A bright, cheerful New
		Age store, with a broad selection of new and used books.
		Titles range from psychological to the Occult.  The store
		also carries incense, crystals and jewelry.
Redwood City:
	Secret Staircase Bookshop (2223 Broadway, 415-366-1222,
	secstbks@secretstaircasebooks.com,
	http://www.secretstaircasebooks.com).  Mysteries and children's
	books.
Menlo Park:
	Feldman's Books (1170 El Camino Real, 94025, 415-326-5300).  Open
		7 days.
	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.
		Basically indistinguishable from Waldenbooks.  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).  Good new and used comics
		collection, some Frazetta-style "art" books, small humor and
		gaming sections.
	Future Fantasy (3705 El Camino, 415-855-9771; futfan@netcom.com,
		http://futfan.com).  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.  "They have a great [Web] interface, including
		their complete catalog, newsletter, some cover shots, and
		forms to actually order stuff."  Will ship worldwide.  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.
	Lee's Comics (3783 El Camino Real, 415-493-3957; 2222 S El Camino
		Real, 415-571-1489).  Has a wide selection of new and back
		issue comics, books, graphic novels, alternative, and adult
		comics.  Lee's Comics was chosen "Best Selection Of Adult
		Comics", and "Best Comic Book Store", by Metro Newspaper.
		Open seven days a week 10AM-9PM.
	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).  Shares space
		with Sports Central at this location.  Local and West Coast
		travel is fairly good, the folding map collection is good,
		but there is no non-travelogue, non-folding map stuff.  The
		staff was noticeably unfriendly; there was a television and
		VCR running some sports tape.  "Phileas Fogg ought to be
		great but it is not.  It is devoted to travel but I don't
		think they know what they're doing.  They may, for example,
		have twenty nine different types of map, but no one type
		will be complete across Europe."
	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.
		One person writes, "I would have to say that the Stanford
		on-campus bookstore is the best scientific/technical
		bookstore, especially for CS and math, that I now know of."
	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.  One person claimed, "This store
		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," but another pointed out "San Antonio Hobby has
		been owned by the same couple for *at least* 25 years.  They
		chose to alter their product line.  It happened over *10
		years* ago, when they dropped the Dungeons and Dragons
		stuff.  And yes, they *do* own the gospel bookstore nearby.
		So what?"  Closed Sunday; short hours the rest of the week.
	East West Books (Castro Street).  "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."
		(Moved from their Menlo Park location.)  Mon-Thu,
		Sat 10AM-9PM; Fri 10AM-5:30PM; Sun 1PM-5:30PM.
	Printers Inc. (301 Castro Street, 415-961-8500).  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.)
		shelf, if that's what one's in to.
	Complete Mystery (809-D Cuesta, 415-428-1447).  Used mysteries and
		SF.  Good selection of recent books, but not easy to find in
		its shopping center location.  Open Wed-Mon 10AM-6PM.
Sunnyvale:
	Books Inc. (Town and Country Center--next to Sunnyvale Town Center).
	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.

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.
	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.
	Borders Books & Music (McCarthy Ranch Marketplace, 15 Ranch Drive,
		408-934-1180).  Also has videos and a coffee shop.

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?"  "This bookstore is a meat market on Friday and
		Saturday nights.  Avoid it at those times.  Other times,
		it's a decent bookstore with nice discounts, but the staff
		is only marginally helpful."
	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 408-435-1823;
		e-mail orders@clbooks.com, service@clbooks.com,
		info@clbooks.com, http://www.clbooks.com/).  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.
	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,
		http://www.cruzio.com/~bookcafe).  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:
	Coastside Books (521 Main, 415-726-5889).  "Not a large place--but
		it does show a love of books, and it has a bookstore cat.
		As the local newspaper said: 'The shop carries best-sellers,
		but an individualistic streak dominates.'"
	Ocean Books (416 Main, davidf@oceanbks.com).  Used.  "A very
		literate selection, and the store has oriental rugs,
		hardwood floors, a wood stove ... it's quite cozy."
		Moved in 10/95--I'm not sure if the hardwood floors et al
		still apply.

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).  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:
	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, http://www.bookstore.com).
		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.
	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.

Livermore:
	Book Oasis (160 South K St, Livermore, 510-606-7876).  "1,000 square
		feet of used paperbacks and hardbacks at 1/2 to 2/3 of
		original price, respectively.  Owner is a tall man with
		friendly eyes and a non-stop ranconteur.  Classical music
		plays non-stop at a volume low enough not to be obtrusive to
		the browser.  General subjects covered as well as the south
		wall of the shop given over entirely to the romance genre.
		Book searches offered, and free cookies available to all.
		An unusual SF painting adorns the SF section and adds to the
		friendly atmosphere."  [I think this description is from the
		owner.]  Open Tue-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-5PM.

Concord:
	Barnes & Noble (near where Willow Pass intersects I-680).  Formerly
		Bookstar, it has a noteworthy selection of new books.

San Rafael:
	Afterwords Bookstore (1321 4th, 415-453-1888).  "It's a used
		bookstore, with some antiquarian books.  It looks fairly
		interesting, but I haven't bought much there.  It has a
		coffee bar."
	Books Revisited (1122 4th).  A sizeable new and used bookstore.
		"The associated coffee bar has yet to open [as of 3/95].
		What will be interesting to bibliophiles is that this store
		specializes in the Arts, with some literature but little or
		no history, except for a small section on California.  There
		is also a section with the latest press.  Obviously, the
		owners are trying a new formula: coffee house, press and
		used books. The prices of the latter are not of the bargain
		variety."
	Borders Books & Music (588 Francisco Blvd, West San Rafael,
		415-454-1400).
	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.
		"I would say that Mandrake is my favorite San Rafael
		bookstore, good for finding obscure older books at very
		reasonable prices."  Just two blocks from the bus plaza.
	Odyssey Bookshop (1109 Fourth, 415-453-8701).  "It expanded to a
		second storefront a while ago.  It's a used bookstore with a
		nice selection, and bargains can sometimes be found, though
		prices in general are slightly higher than the other
		bookstores in San Rafael, though probably more reasonable
		than Green Apple."
	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,
		BK.GALLERY@aol.com)  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 Copperfields, a local chain in Santa Rosa (see listing),
Napa (1303 First Street 94559, 707-252-8002), Petaluma (see listing),
Rohnert Park (540 Raley's Town Center, 94928, 707-584-4240), and Sebastapol
(Copperfield's Annex at 176 N Main, 95472, 707-829-0429 is used, CDs and
tapes; the main store at 138 N Main, 95472, 707-823-2618, is new books only
and has a cafe).

Willits has The Book Juggler (a used bookstore with an excellent SF
collection).

============================================================================
For more used bookstores, you might check http://www.abaa-booknet.com/
or http://kbc.com/html/booklist/whitepgs.htm.

Sonia Sachs (ssachs@moonlight.berkeley.edu) 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.  Ths 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 the NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BOOK FINDER, a pocket-sized
directory of "used bookshops in northern Calfornia from San Luis Obispo
County to the Oregon Border."  (Stores that carry both used and new are
also listed.)  Arranged geographically, it has address, phone, hours
and a brief description for each store.  (Some stores have ads with
more details, but it includes listings for all the used bookstores.)
There are also maps showing bookstore locations for most of the larger
towns, an index of towns, and an index of ads.  The ninth edition
(1995) is probably available at bookstores in the area (for $5.95), or
you can order it from Jules Greenblatt, 4021 Campana Drive, Palo Alto
CA 94306 for $8.95 (including postage and handling).

There is also Book Hunter Press's USED BOOK LOVER'S GUIDE TO THE
PACIFIC COAST STATES, the fifth guide in the Used Book Lover's Guide
Series.  The 474-page trade paperback covers features over 1,350 used
book dealers (open shops plus by appointment and mail order dealers) in
California (the entire state), Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii.
The book includes descriptions; special services; store hours; detailed
travel directions; maps; dealer, location, and specialty indices; and
visitors' comments.  There are no ads.  It sells for $18.95 (plus $2.45
for shipping and handling) and can be ordered directly from the
publisher, Book Hunter Press, PO Box 193E, Yorktown Heights, NY
10598,.  914-245-6608, FAX 914-245-2630.  Similar guides are available
for New England, the Mid-Atlantic States, South Atlantic  States and
Midwest.  For more information or a free catalog, send E-mail request
to bookhuntpr@aol.com, or check their web page at
http://www.oneworld.net/books/bookhunter/.

Anecdote 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."

============================================================================
Copyright Notice

Information contained in this FAQ is compiled from many sources.  The
compiler accepts no responsibility for the comments contained herein.
The comments are provided "as is" with no warranty, express or implied,
for the information provided within them.

This FAQ is not to be reproduced for commercial use unless the party
reproducing the FAQ agrees to the following:
    
 1) They will contact the FAQ maintainer to obtain the latest version for
    their collection.
 2) They will provide the FAQ maintainer with information on what collection
    the copy of the FAQ is in, and how that collection may be obtained.
 3) They will agree, in writing, that the FAQ will be included in the
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    contributors (if any) to the FAQ remain in the FAQ.
 4) They will agree, in writing, that the collection including the FAQ will
    be distributed on either a non-profit basis, or have some percentage of
    profit donated to a non-profit literacy program.  Project Gutenberg
    counts.

To support this, this FAQ is Compilation Copyright 1996 by Evelyn C. Leeper
(the FAQ maintainer).

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

Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | eleeper@lucent.com


-- 
Evelyn C. Leeper    |  eleeper@lucent.com
+1 908 957 2070     |  http://www.geocities.com/Athens/4824
"El sueno de la razon produce monstruos."
--caption to plate 43 of Goya's "Caprichios"
