Winter is finally approaching, making the idea of cozying up with some hot chocolate and a great read sound enticing. Knowing that there’s no better company than a good book, make your shopping habits more ethical by supporting independent bookstores and authors during the gift-giving season.
The independent and local bookstores listed below can help you find the perfect read for that special someone or put you into a blissful state of relaxation through the escape that books bring.
This holiday season, local businesses need your help more than ever. The value of independent bookstores is undeniable, and many have played an essential part in their communities. Indie shops ask for your patronage and donations as shutdowns loom and holiday sales revenue faces a big drop.
All the stores listed have websites where you can shop or find information about things like phone orders and curbside pickup. Bookstores are having a hard time competing with online retailers like Amazon, so become a conscious consumer and shop small for the holidays.
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Moe’s Books, Berkeley
A well-known and frequented staple in Berkeley, Moe’s Books has been around since 1959. The shop, with four stories of books, is located in the heart of Berkeley on Telegraph Avenue. Moe’s was featured in the New York Times and has attracted book fanatics from all over the place. You can catch UC Berkeley students grabbing a last-minute book for class or parents finding a new read for their children.
Despite its endless genres and warm comfort, Moe’s has been threatened by the economic strains of the pandemic. Now that more restrictions are in place, Doris Moscowitz, daughter of owner Moe Moscowitz, is asking for help to support the workers and the bookstore itself.
If you can, stop by Moe’s in person, donate to its GoFundMe, or shop on the Moe’s Books website for all your gift-giving needs.
Walden Pond Books, Oakland
Next door to Berkeley is the family-owned Walden Pond Books, the largest independent bookstore in Oakland. Open since 1973, the store is located on Grand Avenue by Lake Merritt.
In the shop is a separate rare-books room and lots of knickknacks, from calendars to cards. Keep up with all your favorite authors thanks to the shop’s curbside pickup while supporting this well-organized neighborhood store. According to the Walden Pond Books’ GoFundMe, they employ 15 staff members, some of whom have been with the shop for more than 20 years.
Walden Pond is currently open for in-store pickup only and has a website you can peruse.
A Great Good Place for Books, Oakland
Another Oakland bookstore staple, but perhaps a bit more hidden, is A Great Good Place for Books. This little gem in the Montclair Village neighborhood has hosted many author events and has created its place in the community. As costs are rising and sales are dropping, the shop is asking for your donations and patronage.
As of December 5, A Great Good Place for Books is open at 20% capacity. If you want to skip the line altogether, you can order ahead for pickup or prepay on A Great Good Place for Books’ website.
B Street Books, San Mateo
Offering more than 20,000 titles, B Street Books is San Mateo’s only used bookstore and has been open for more than 10 years. Open seven days a week and well into the evening, the shop needs your help more than ever during the pandemic.
From friendly staff to efficient Covid-19 regulations in place, B Street is your one-stop shop for buying books on the peninsula. Owner Lew Cohen has gone above and beyond to make the shop cozy as can be and has maintained an impressive stock of reads.
Visit the B Street Books website for hours, new arrivals, and information on how to sell your own books.
Linden Tree Books, Los Altos
Indie bookstore Linden Tree Books has been located in downtown Los Altos since 1981. Its extensive selection is geared primarily toward children and young adults. You can also earn one point for every $1 spent and get $10 off your purchase for every 200 points earned.
This shop is an excellent destination if you’re stuck on what to get the kids or teens in your life. Make a difference and give a story that makes an impact on them.
If you don’t have the opportunity to visit this quaint location in the South Bay, you can visit the Linden Tree Books website.
Rebound Bookstore, San Rafael
This eccentric bookstore, locally owned and operated for 14 years, is a treasure to residents, who selected Rebound as the “Best Used Bookstore” in Marin County. Works by local writers fill the shelves, along with 35,000 items in the store. You can safely purchase books by prepaying or have the staff ship them to you.
The shop is also accepting donations and asks that you call first to make sure they are in. You can also buy gift certificates for the holidays so your recipient can select their next book to dive into. Rebound offers reasonable prices and a friendly staff to help you with all your book-buying needs.
Call ahead or visit the Rebound Bookstore website.
City Lights Bookstore, San Francisco
One of the better-known independent bookstores, City Lights Books has unfortunately also fallen under economic hardship. This literary landmark was founded in 1953 and has been standing proudly in San Francisco ever since.
More than 10,000 people recently donated to its GoFundMe, and City Lights has been fully paying its staff, including health care, despite the store having no income. Locals have stepped in to share their stories with the shop and have gathered to help save the establishment.
The shop is calling on Bay Area folks to help in any way they can by visiting the City Lights Bookstore website, donating, or stopping by.
Coastside Books, Half Moon Bay
Coastside Books and its friendly staff have been serving Half Moon Bay since 1972 with a carefully edited selection of books, plus goodies like stationary and gifts. The shop, located in the historic downtown, carries cards from independent design companies and artists and a collection of unusual trinkets.
Visit the Coastside Books website for hours and more information.
Berkshire Books, Concord
Berkshire Books is located in the East Bay in the small town of Concord. It’s operating on a reduced schedule, but the shop is still open and willing to assist with buying, selling, or trading books.
Berkshire has been a one-man-operation for 15 years. Owner Lynn Kuehl, a kind and personable soul, suffered an aneurysm in his knee last year but is back to running the store. If you desire a socially distant, safe, and pleasant book-browsing experience, this vintage bookstore will not disappoint. Find the perfect gifts, and admire the endless books and great prices.
Visit the Berkshire Books website for hours and other information.
