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    Bell's Book Store

    4.4 (123 reviews)
    ModerateBookstores
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Front
    Ellen H.

    Bell's Book Store is unlike other bookstores and that is what makes it so fun to peruse! They have a great selection of books. I'm sure they are actually structured very logically and orderly but I personally like to wander off and let the books decide for me. This store is perfect for that. One moment you find yourself leafing through a book stalled out in the front, the next you're all the way in the back section where the aisle is narrow and the books stacked high. No matter what you pick out, you always feel like you discovered something new. Choose your own book adventure. - Can you buy the same books cheaper elsewhere? Yeah probably, but you're supporting local and the creativity and soul of book store gems like these. - Can I find any books here that I can't find elsewhere? Honestly not sure, but I've definitely picked up some books here I'm not sure would have been on my radar otherwise. I have a lot of book apps and their algorithms do tend to push the same recommendations my way. - Will it meet your needs, those of your kids, your partner, your friend, your dog and your neighbor? Weirdly yes, they have books on everything. - Will you find dusty, collector item books here? Also yes, they seem to have quite a bit of old and valuable books you can buy. - Will I buy too many books here? Probably. I've definitely had moment where when the final tally came, reality came as well but what a nice problem to have.

    One of the many passageways in Bells

    Bells is magical!! Happy 90th birthday!!! The selection is curated between classics and contemporary. The children's section was perfectly balanced! The passageways, staircases, and stacks upon stacks make the shop truly magical. The staff is always ready to help! Even with tough questions like: An 8yr olds introduction to Shakespeare!

    Lera D.

    Heavenly place for readers. The best place for meaningful gifts. The staff is so knowledgable! Find vintage books, new books and lots of joy! They even gift wrap books for free which is too generous!

    Aubany G.

    What a dream!!! This bookstore feels like it belongs in a hidden nook in NYC or in Europe somewhere, but it's in Palo Alto. It took me a minute to figure out the layout of the genres, but wow. It is truly a bibliophile's dream. We had some time to kill before a dinner reservation nearby, and taking me into any bookstore is dangerous, because I want all the books. My partner reminded me I had to carry these books on this rainy evening and put them somewhere during dinner (we Ubered from SF), so I didn't indulge, but I will be back. The first editions, the rare prints, and the knowledge of the staff were mind blowing. I'm certain that you can find what you're looking for here, and if not they will get it for you. What a treat just to even peruse.

    The book shelf and the masterpiece
    Usha A.

    I was here looking for books and found interesting story books for children. The service is great, if you have any questions on specific types of books, they help you. I paid and the receipt was sent to my email.

    Erich L.

    Smaller local bookstore full of older and used books. They have some collectibles for a lot of money too. I like bookstores and this one has a great variety and some newer books too.

    Interior.

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    1 month ago

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    8 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Everyone was friendly and helpful. The interior designer was delightful and I look forward to going back

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    10 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Always love Bell's Books! Something to discover each time. Friendly vibe, bookish atmosphere. Browsing fun. Unique books old and new.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    A perfect place for book-lovers with helpful, friendly staff. Their collections make for great gifts.

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    7 years ago

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Bell's Book Store

    Do you sell vinyl records?

    No, just Books and cool books. They are selective what they sell and so no garbage...

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    Review Highlights - Bell's Book Store

    I was wandering around downtown Palo Alto with my sister when we came across Bell's Bookstore.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Encore Books

    Encore Books

    4.7
    (26 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $

    This may be my favorite used bookstore yet!…read more The ladies working there were so welcoming and friendly. They let me and my boyfriend in a few minutes before opening so we could get out of the cold. So thoughtful. The selection was amazing. I snagged some older titles and then came across a table with some newer titles and all $6 and under. What a bargain. Will absolutely be back!

    At first I couldn't find this place because there was a mini golf set up in the courthouse square…read more I had to literally walk around the block and saw these signs that read "used books" "this way" haha. This place is really hole-in-the-wall basement ish warehouse type feel bookstore. The prices are amazing for the used books. It is incredibly reasonably priced. I found two children's books in very good quality for $1 each. What a steal! For the most part, don't expect finding hot new bestsellers in here. This place is like for book antiques or if you need a used copy of something that might be a few years back. It was good for what I needed since I'm looking for some older historical fiction books about the American revolution. I was surprised to find two books here that I needed and so maybe you'll get lucky too! The couple who owns this place are very friendly. They said hi right upon me walking in. Selection is pretty wide, the books genres are organized in a neat way but the books themselves are scattered. For example, the fiction and nonfiction adult books are alphabetical order by last name but the children's books are not. It made things harder for me to look but I didn't mind since I had time. If you're in a rush then maybe this place isn't the best or just ask the lady up front for help! Overall this place is a gem and the proceeds go to a good cause--San Mateo historical foundation!

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    Encore Books
    Encore Books
    Encore Books

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    Bell's Book Store - bookstores - Updated June 2026

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