I've been to Book Passage only twice now and had unpleasant experiences both times. Although it's very close to our home, I drive further to other independently owned small bookstores -solely because of the employees terrible attitudes here. It's sad because Book Passage has fantastic events, classes, speakers, and more. But the employees are SO useless and act like you're inconveniencing them when you ask for help to find things you'd like to buy. On my visit yesterday, I was shopping for some gifts for my former students and their parents (in SoCal). Naturally, this gift was to be special and I wanted to find the perfect thing for them. When I asked the woman (not sure of her name, but she has red hair in a long bob) where NorCal specific items were, she half motioned with her hand and said it was in the other building. When I went back to ask another question, she stared at me and then walked off. Another employee begrudgingly helped me. The two women working in the other building were deep in personal convo and looked SO annoyed when I asked about the gift items area. When I was rung up, there was no "thanks" or "have a good day", just silence. Wow, these ladies are so rude and such a buzzkill!! I debated leaving a review, but after I came to check other patrons experiences, I see this is their M.O and it should be a good warning to all that shop here. read more

Book Passage - Bookstores Near Me - Corte Madera, California

Nice independent bookstore that's in 2 separate buildings. They get a lot of authors and speakers so it's a nice part of the community. I saw Anthony Bourdain on tour right after kitchen confidential was popular 20 years ago. They have a decent used book selection too read more

Book Passage - Bookstores Near Me - Corte Madera, California

See all

Great bookstore. Two separate buildings - the back building has a fun used book section that I frequent, and tons of kids books. The front building is really fun, too. A favorite local spot. Friendly service. Great book store. read more

Yesterday, I made my first visit to Corte Madera to see my favorite author, Leigh Bardugo, at Book Passage. This was the final stop on her book tour for The Familiar, and I'm so so so grateful that she came to the Bay Area! Thank you to Book Passage and all of its staff for helping create such an enjoyable event for us fans! Leigh Bardugo is a best-selling author, widely known for writing the Grishaverse (Shadow & Bone, Six of Crows, and King of Scars series), which was adapted into the Shadow & Bone Netflix series. My favorite of her works is Ninth House, a supernatural, murder mystery, and thriller novel. Tickets for this event sold out fast, and I was not surprised to see a long check in line outside Book Passage. After checking in, they handed us our copy of The Familiar (included with the price of the ticket). Then, we picked seats (first come, first served). Luckily, they let us tape name tags to the chairs so we could walk around, purchase from the cafe, and use the bathroom before the event. The staff introduced Leigh and we were all so excited! Audience members were able to submit questions in a basket for the event. Leigh was so funny and tells stories so eloquently. She answered audience questions and it flew by so fast! After the event, she signed books from the audience (2 per person). This was the first book signing I've ever attended and I'm so glad it was with Leigh. The staff even took a picture of her signing my book, which is 20 seconds of my life that I will treasure forever! The Book Passage staff was very efficient and orderly in setting up, managing the line, and making sure that everyone followed the rules. It was a packed event, but it was very organized. Thank you to Book Passage for hosting this event! read more

See all

My friend and I went to Book Passage at Corte Madera for a book signing event celebrating the rerelease of "Always Mine" by Laura Pavlov & accompanied with another amazing author of the Windy City Series, Liz Tomforde. This was our first time going to this bookstore and probably our last time. We entered the store and staff at the front register greeted us. We asked if we could sit in the seats where the event was taking place and they said it was fine - while reminding us that the event started at 11AM. We took our seats, chatted with a few readers until the authors were introduced and the conversation began. The conversation segment and the Q&A's portion went smoothly - and it was one of my favorite parts of the event. The authors had a fun and insightful conversation about their stories, their style of writing and upcoming book releases- and even their personal stories before they became full-time authors. The Q & A's was just as fun. This was an hour conversation + Q&A - and it was time for the book signing. This is where everything went downhill - The event coordinator/planner of the event, CHERYL instructed the front row and so forth to line up for the book signing. There were no issues there, readers lined up accordingly with their books in a single filed line and patiently waited for their turn for signing - and that's when things took a turn for the worse: - A reader stood by the Liz's right to take a photo (the reader asked Liz if it was okay to stand there and Liz told her it was fine) and Cheryl angrily yelled at her not to stand there and instead stand in front of the signing table. Liz apologized to the reader for getting her trouble and Cheryl didn't even bother to apologize for yelling at the reader. **Word of advice - Cheryl, how about informing readers and the authors beforehand what the rules were prior to the photo sessions before yelling at readers? Just common courtesy and manners - Oh and an apology works too. ** - Another reader was walking over to take a photo between the authors and again, CHERYL rudely yelled at the reader that it wasn't allowed and again- didn't apologize. ** Again, was the yelling really necessary? It's giving unprofessionalism. ** - I noticed that CHERYL was getting more impatient which led to readers trying to talk as fast they can to the authors and take photos (which she would rudely interrupt the reader in the mid-conversation with the author if they wanted their photo taken instead of waiting till the conversation was over) **Cheryl, did you need to go somewhere? If this was a timed event - please note it on the event page and also if the reader wanted you to take their photo- they will politely ask you.** - While Cheryl volunteered to take photos, she was literally stepping on my foot to take photos of readers and was aware as she looked back at me AND didn't even bother to apologize either. **My foot is fine, Cheryl. Thanks for the concern!** - My friend and I were the last ones to go since we had more books to get signed - and didn't mind other readers lining up ahead of us to get their books signed. While my friend was talking to the authors - I moved to the other side of the room to record her moment with the authors and CHERYL interrupted me during recording- and rudely said " OKAY CAN YOU GET YOUR STUFF NOW?" ** Common courtesy and good mannerism isn't that difficult, Cheryl.** -Cheryl also was rushing Laura to the back while I was still in conversation with both of the authors. I talked to Liz a bit longer before Cheryl showed up again and still rushing Liz to the back- and I managed to give my mini gifts to Liz (for her and Laura). **It's giving lack of good mannerism** My friend and I didn't even bother packing books into our book sleeves. We quickly packed our books in our tote bags and just left - ya know - just in case, Cheryl appears and starts yelling at us too. PROS: - Parking was a breeze, there's plenty of parking even though the bookstore was surrounded by small businesses and stores. -It was easy to navigate around the area and the Book Passage sign is visible - There are two separate sections to this bookstore: (first section - has the cafe and variety of books of different genres - no public restroom) (2nd part of store focused more on books for children, great customer service (staff was polite) and actually has two public restrooms - need to borrow key in order to enter the restroom) The authors were wonderful and genuinely kind- and engaging! The readers were just as amazing and I loved the conversations! Despite a couple of mishaps, the authors were patient and welcoming. CONS: CHERYL For future events, please be more clear regarding rules of photo sessions, the actual time in which the event will end while also maintaining a standard of professionalism. read more

Book Passage - Author Laura Pavlov and Author Liz Tomforde ! - Bookstores Near Me - Corte Madera, California

I am SO thankful that our community has one of the best independent bookstores in the country... Book Passage. They continue to offer unique, thought provoking, amazing speakers and author conversations! Last night, I went to listen to a conversation with three end-of-life doulas. The topic was "what the dying teach is about living" from the book What Matters Most. I walked away excited about life, and thankful that Book Passage continues to introduce me to new and amazing books and authors! read more

I'm usually all for local book stores but not this one. The curation of books is suspicious while the facade of the book store tries to paint it as one for the people. However, it only carried books with someone side of the narrative of armed conflicts - it is a slap in the face to combat veterans who have served this country. read more

A treasure , locally owned, fantastic selection of books and also beautiful gifts and a cafe . Great staff; so helpful ... We must support local bookshops ! read more

One of the worlds best independent bookstores. Not only of these folks knowledgeable, but they bring in some of the worlds best authors to speak. Stop by get a cuppa coffee or tea enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and great selection of books new and used. read more

Went to Book Passage with my friend for first time today for a book signing (Laura Pavlov and Liz Tomforde). Traveled about an hour and a half, which wasn't bad. New indie bookstore to us, so that was great. Here are some pros and cons to consider. Pros: - Located in a small plaza with ample compact spaces parking - Spacious bookstore with two buildings next to each other - Spacious space for hosting events - Mini cafe inside with great selection of coffees - Good selection of new and used books, along with stationery items Cons: - Poorly organized events by Sheryl Here's what happened. Book event today was great until the end when my friend and I were rushed by Sheryl to take pictures/record with authors when the authors weren't even done signing our books and having conversations with us, even interrupted an author so she can take our pictures when she could've waited a couple minutes until they're done. She even yelled at another reader who got up on stage to take pictures with authors. (First of all, there wasn't any mentions about how to take pictures with authors. Secondly, there wasn't any mentions about how long the event took because website only mentioned event started at 11am and ended until signing was done.) Plus, she interrupted my friend while my friend was recording asking if my friend was done so my friend can take out her books to get signed. Highly recommend that Sheryl be courteous and respectful to everyone at the event and not rude and disrespectful. My friend and I were upset that this happened at the end. Also recommend that the full event details should be listed on website when coordinating events at Book Passage. This includes start and end times, discussion/Q&A, guest presenters, ticketing info, book limits, etc. Otherwise, the event with the authors was amazing because I absolutely LOVED their conversations. Shoutout to Laura Pavlov and Liz Tomforde!! Highly recommended reading their romance books. read more

I was very curious when I read the bad reviews of this wonderful independent bookstore, most of which complained about employees being impolite and indifferent. My many experiences at Book Passage have always been the exact opposite; in fact, I have often ended up chatting with several of the very pleasant and helpful employees. For me, the mark of a great bookstore is found in how well they curate their offerings. I rarely go to a bookstore because I am looking to buy a specific book; instead, I love to encounter a book I previously did not know had been published. I have found many such treasures browsing their offerings. Book Passage does an especially wonderful job stocking interesting titles in their poetry and nature sections-- and one is often greeted with signed books from the many author readings they host. If you love to browse and to find treasures you did not know you wanted until you encountered them, this is the perfect bookstore for you! read more

I love book passage- but this specifically is about their cafe. It's an unexpected find in an area with lots of upscale restaurants. Was hungry after the DMV and had a lovely side salad, tomato soup and toasted bagel with my espresso. Totally made my afternoon. Soup was amazing! read more

See all

I arrived for a book signing and I had purchased a copy of the book in advance. When I went to the desk to pick it up, the employee seemed appalled that I approached them. I told them that I had preordered my book and they were very condescending. They repeated what I said back to me in a weird, mocking tone. I was so confused by this behavior that I literally said "have I specifically done something to you to make you treat me this way?" They replied "well you're supposed to pick it up next door". Ok great. When I went "next door" the younger staff were MUCH more friendly and helpful. After picking up my book, I went back "next door" where the event was being held. I wandered around before sitting and overheard several employees be rude or condescending to other patrons. If these employees hate their jobs, maybe they should find new ones? The only people being rude in this establishment were the employees. Long story short: if you want to get treated poorly for simply walking in and making a purchase, this is the spot for you!! read more

I made a trek up to Book Passage the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I've never been here before but the space is excellent. The selection is outstanding. One of the booksellers kept trying to sell "Trespasses" and was so loud. The bookstore was quiet (one of the best parts) but the woman talked so loudly it was disruptive. I'll definitely be back! read more

I have always found something of interest here AND they carry the Media Press August to August Calendars which I have been using since the 1980's but we're getting hard to find when Bezos wiped out so many bookstores. They have a good selection in each category a great kids book section, travel and even used books! 10/10 read more

I like supporting this bookstore and bought a lot at Christmas and each time I've gone to check out the response at the end of the sale from the salesperson is "There ya go"...what happened to "Thank you"???Bizzare ..Especially when I can go to Amazon for a lot less money! read more

In the world of online book sales, it is wonderful to still have the opportunity to browse books and attend events at Book Passages! I make it over from the East Bay as often as I can. read more

Closing out my year on Yelp with a review of Book Passage, the wonderful independent bookstore in Corte Madera. I'm an author, and Book Passage has been good to me over the years--I've done two events at the Ferry Building store, and my most recent book was picked for the signed first editions club for December 2019. (If you're a member of this club, thank you for supporting independent bookstores, and I hope you enjoy Your House Will Pay!) I stopped by the Corta Madera location for the first time last month to sign piles and piles of my novel. The staff could not have been nicer or more helpful--they took care of me as both an author and a customer, as I of course could not resist buying several books. Book Passage is huge and beautiful, so big it occupied two separate storefronts in the same plaza. The selection was robust, with tons of books in every genre, many of them autographed. I ended up buying a couple of children's books and a few signed novels for myself and as gifts. Book Passage is a rarity, even with independent bookstores making a comeback. It's large and apparently thriving--plentiful inventory, a good selection of cards and non-book gift items, even a cafe--but it has the irreplaceable personal touch of a neighborhood bookstore. There was an author event happening while I was there, one of many hosted each month between the two locations. Book Passage is an invaluable hub for the Bay Area's literary community, a gathering place where you can indulge your love of books. read more

Very chill spot. Great coffee and book selection. I had a wonderous time purchasing a bunch of used books that benefit a scholarship for the youths read more

Book Passage - Espresso - Bookstores Near Me - Corte Madera, California

Tom Hanks as...oh who cares?: "...we're going to sell them cheap books and legal addictive stimulants. In the meantime, we'll just put up a big sign: "Coming soon, a FoxBooks superstore and the end of civilization as you know it." Meg Ryan as Meg Ryan: "...but no one will remember you. And maybe no one will remember me either, but there are plenty of people who remember my mother, and they thought she was fine, and they thought her store was something special. You are nothing but a suit." I was channel-surfing, and "You've Got Mail" showed up. While it's one of those damnably plasticine Tom-Meg movies, it does bring up the conundrum of indie bookstores who must face the massive price cutting of the megastore chains. Oh, how I wish there were more stores like Book Passage around. They have a much smaller store in the Ferry Building, but the Corte Madera location is the one to visit for some serious perusing. I only became aware of this place because a friend of mine raved about a travel writing seminar they held here. I stopped by on the way back from Guerneville and wasn't thrilled to find this in a mall. However, the owners creatively divided their space into two parts, and the international side is the place to be. There are lots of travel books, tomes on how to expose your creative side, coffee-table books of all kinds, and a great back section for used books. Night owl that I could be, I wish the store was open past 9:30pm like that other mass-market store whose name we dare not mention. I don't know if I'd frequently lay down a five spot to go across the Golden Gate, but I could see doing the occasional weekend drop-by and hanging out for hours and hours. The cafe also has WiFi for you perpetual laptoppers. Oh, how I wish San Francisco had a bookstore as humungous as Powell's City of Books in Portland read more

Book Passage - The International side of the store - Bookstores Near Me - Corte Madera, California

Just had such a lovely evening in their little community room with Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris talking about their wonderful new book The Eyes & The Impossible. Book Passage is unique gem; a forum for the likeminded and a safe place to wear your imagination on your sleeve. The owner and employees are passionate and welcoming, and the frequent opportunities to hear from the authors themselves is treat. It's a special place. Thank you! read more

As a former high school English teacher, I appreciate this friendly, well run bookstore. Loved their staff book pics and book reviews. Their website makes it easy to order online And if you call them to come bring your books to your car they give a sincere greeting. Today I was delighted to Discovered that the book I had bought has been autographed by the author! Thanks, Book Passage! read more

Very disappointing. I made a special trip as I want to support the few bookstores left. I asked for a book about Marin County. In the travel section I saw Napa and Sonoma county. I asked if there was a book about Marin. She said that unfortunately there isn't much to do in Marin, for kids or adults. ( I had originally asked about kids. ). She said she was an adult living in Marin and she usually just leaves. I have lived here almost 40 years, done so much but just thought a book with everything in one place would be fun to share with our grandson. Back to Amazon........., read more

It's a cute little store but It's very crowded and I don't think it's complying with the California law that there must be 3 feet of space for wheelchair access. I went for a large event so I understand having to keep everyone where they can but they had some of us move into a line in the bookshelves and a young lady at the event was in a wheelchair it did not look like she'd be able to go in these shelves if she wanted to because of the space issue. There store is two separate stores so if you want to grab a coffee then go browsing the children's section you need to go get a coffee, walk outside and into what looks like another store but is the same store it doesn't make a lot of sense. Saw two of the employees sit there arguing with each other over the event and no one actually communicated any information to us about the event. We had to get it by listening to the employees talk to one another saying things like "the author isn't even here yet, he might now start signing as soon as he gets here even tho he's late." It's a shame for a store that seems to have a lot of events that they don't have their act together. The YA section wasn't event a section, it was an itty bitty corner containing 4 shelf's of books that every store has, not a single oddity. And the whole cafe was a thing too. I sat at the bar because there were no tables available drinking got chocolate and after someone asked one of the guys to switch to a Togo cup instead of a for here cup you could tell the guy behind the counter was irritated. He gave him the coffee in a Togo cup and looks at the girl on registers but annoyed saying "all drinks are getting to go cups for the rest of the night." As if it was the worst thing in the world to swap out cups. I've worked on a cafe before, it's no fun but this guy seemed to think it was the bane of his existence. read more

What a gem in Marin! The staff are so kind and accommodating but they're also very easy going and don't watch you like a hawk when you're looking at books around the store. They've got a great selection of books in both buildings and their accessories and gifts are so beautiful. read more

We were on a beautiful night walk and stopped in at 8:30pm to peruse this adorable store. I was with my daughter and two nieces. As we entered the staff almost immediately shut down the children's book side and turned off the lights throughout the store. They clearly wanted to leave and were rude and dismissive. As I purchased my book in the dark at 8:45pm the woman behind the counter asked if I needed anything else. I told her my daughter was still looking. She responded by saying that she had turned out all the lights so she wasn't sure why. The store closes at 9. Rude and bad business. read more

I ordered karen Grassle's new book through them and it was advertised as personally signed. I filled out my personal name so Karen could do that. The book I received was just signed by Karen, not personalized. I tried to send a couple of messages to them with no replies. Then I called and that got me know where. So I think they do a lot with authors and some cool stuff, but not happy with my first experience. read more

Good bookstore with a large selection. They have a cafe and an area for guest speakers and authors. I took two stars off because they clearly have an agenda with their book selections and how they treat certain customers but overall I try to purchase my books at this location to support local bookstores over larger chains. read more

I really want to help local bookstores and this one is close to home. But every time I have been in there, the staff has been indifferent at best and outright rude more often. Today the front desk person basically stayed mute during the entire transaction, except while trying to put roadblocks in front of my return. Without a pleasant atmosphere, and given that they don't discount even best sellers by even a nominal amount, I am not sure why I would shop here. Obama's memoir is $45 here, $25 at Costco. read more

In effort to support independent bookstores, I placed an order via BP's website and went to the store to pick it up; they were very helping in calling me to inform me the order was ready. This is one of the handful of in-person retail experiences I've had since the shutdown due to the pandemic as that I'm in a high risk health category. Despite the store being rather empty, the one staff person was completely distracted by a (very beautiful!) dog that was accompanying an arriving customer. While standing in line at the front desk, I could barely get her attention to pick up my three-book order and did not purchase an additional book which I noticed they had in stock because the staff person was clearly not interested in seeing if I wanted anything else or selling another book to me. She was still quite preoccupied with the dog. Well, one aspect of Amazon Prime ordering and delivery is that one doesn't need to tolerate rude, indifferent, could-care-less service. Disappointing to say the least. I know the reviews have indicated that staff can be very helpful; perhaps the staff person was having a bad day or bad moment. I'll give it one more try! I do subscribe to "Conversations with Authors" which are amazing. I would love to support BP and not Amazon, but at least Amazon has treated me well as a customer. Please try to treat your customers with as much respect as they are demonstrating to Book Passage by ordering books at full price, showing up in person to pick them up, and potentially making additional purchases. Today's experience was very disheartening. read more

Gotta love the local, independent book store! The second I walked into this place I knew I was obsessed. Right away Judy greeted me from behind the counter. I told her I was new to BP and just exploring the area. She was fantastic- telling me about Mt.Tam, the area, the shop, etc... This isn't just your average neighborhood book store, it also boasts a cute little cafe with outdoor seating that faces Mt.Tam. Is there better way to study, read, write or eat?! Bonus: Free Wifi (Woo-hoo!) in addition to a selection that rivals B&N or Borders, Book Passage has some super cool extras that make me happy: -A collection of rare books (perfect present for your book worm friend) -A selection of autographed books -Tons of events and author signings -Workshops! (I'm all about self-improvement!) -Amazing, helpful, friendly staff. (Did I mention Judy? Amazing!) read more

Book Passage - Bookstores Near Me - Corte Madera, California

See all

Friendly staff and a great reading environment will bring me back to book passage after attending a book reading recently. Having never visited book passage, I didn't know what to expect and was confused with the layout. Staff were kind and friendly when I needed assistance! Bathroom situation definitely needs work as there was only one available bathroom for a large group of people, however, I think that can be accommodated in the future. read more

Book Passage is one of my favourite independent book stores, although you might need directions to get there. But it's worth passing Go (Barnes and Noble) and collecting the "$200" of literary treasures that await. Book Passage has been around for more than 30 years and provides its community with a regularly published and full catalog of author events, writing and language classes, and writing conferences. They have a nice selection of books nicely distributed throughout 2 buildings (with a nice common space in between). The main building has a nice coffee shop and a comfortable place to hear author readings. The "Travel Building" also hosts events and is my favourite place to browse around. I belong to Friends of Book Passage as the viability of independent bookstores like this is very important. read more

I have been here four times now, buying between 3-5 books each time. If I just had to review my first three times, I would have given the store a 4 or 5 stars. They have a decent-ish collection and I only buy from independent bookstores so I frequent many in the area. This time, I walked up to the counter twice and both times the lady walked away from me. The second time, my friend called her out and asked her to help me. She comes up annoyed at us. I hand her the three books and I ask her if I can pay with a gift card i got for my birthday. This puts her in a very bad mood for some reason I cannot understand. Turns out you can't use gift cards but the accompanying condescending annoyance is unexplained and frankly strange. At this point, I wanted to walk out and give my money to dog eared books or city lights or something instead, and I regret not doing that. This was my last time at the book passage sadly. I think of bookstores as places of warmth and conversation and companionship, not disdain and rudeness. read more

Book Passage is amazing!! I discovered Book Passage at the Ferry Building when I was living in San Francisco. I love their selection of books and local events, so I was happy to learn that they have a location in Corte Madera. Their extensive list of classes, guest speakers, and events set them apart from other bookstores in the area. They have something going on almost every day at both locations! I recently attended a lecture with one of my favorite bloggers, Andrew Knapp, and his dog Momo. Andrew is currently on tour for his second book, "Find Momo Coast to Coast." The duo is famous for their instagram.com/andrewknapp and website gofindmomo.com. If you're a dog lover check them out! It was a very fun event, and Book Passage did a great job handling all of the attendees and their excited pups! All in all, Book Passage is a great addition to the Bay Area. If you enjoy attending lectures you'll be happy to know that they also offer a few regular events, such as their Literary Luncheons, Dining with Writers, and Cooks with Books series. If you like the idea of dining at local restaurants and wineries with your favorite author, this may be for you! The Corte Madera location has a large selection of books, and if they don't have what you're looking for they will happily to order it for you. I highly recommend signing up for their newsletter to keep up-to-date on current events. Support your local bookstore and give Book Passage a try! read more

See all

Remember when Barnes and Noble and Borders drove out all the independent bookstores? And then, even B&N and Borders began shutting down so that brick and mortar bookstores became even scarcer? Those were sad days for book lovers, but the Bay Area, at least, has always been sheltered from the worst of the nationwide shuttering of bookstores. I can easily name half a dozen Bay Area independent bookstores off the top of my head and of these, Book Passage is probably the best. The selections were "curated" before curating became an overused word and a thing one does to consumer goods. I particularly like the nonfiction selections and the section of local cookbooks. I don't know the precise chronology here, but I'm also pretty sure that Book Passage added a cafe before it was considered a requirement for booksellers. read more

Nice location, great staff and good selection of books Not good on the metaphysical selection , which is something that will make or break a large purchase for me and why I didn't buy a lot the last time I was there.... it's a wonderful bookstore otherwise, nice selection of gift items also! read more

Came here for the mystery writer's conference because my favorite author, Elizabeth George was a guest speaker! It was absolutely wonderful! This store has everything, including a cafe that serves great food,wine, and beer!! The book selection is extensive, the management is top notch! I highly recommend this book store to anyone in the Bay Area, looking forward to going back soon. read more

This bookstore is a little sanctuary that has been around since the 70's. I love the experience of coming here, finding a great book and tuning out for a little while. Everyone who works here is also really nice. read more

I really really want to love Book Passages. It"s a local bookstore with a good selection of books and lovely displays, and they serve equator coffee and Cibo pastries. They do a great job on wrapping (if you can get someone to help you and don't mind the gift delivered with a scowl). What drops a potential 5 star to a 2 star review is the unwelcome attitude. I'm not talking about a few occurrences or a particular bookseller. This is an unwelcoming attitude over 15 years and from the most senior staff members. Before COVID my friends and I decided we'd had enough and found new places to shop (the bookstore in Marin Country Mart is smaller, but I've only encountered helpful and welcoming staff), and to meet to discuss writing and books. After COVID, my friends and I decided to give it another chance. Unfortunately, the unwelcoming attitude has continued. The first day back I asked where I could find the key to the bathroom. I was told they were attached to the red buckets (no eye contact, no pointing out where I could find the buckets). I looked around and couldn't find them. I asked where the red buckets were and she pointed to these teeny buckets at the far end of the counter hidden by a stack of books. Keep in mind that there were no customers. She was just too busy talked with her co-worker. Today I walked in the doors and was welcomed with a frown from the staff member behind the register. I smiled at her. Did she smile back? No. did she welcome me to the store? No. I know I'm not the only one who has be treated this way. Unless you're part of their clique, you're likely to be treated as if you're bothering them (even when you're making a purchase!) Elaine, I know these are your buddies, but please do something to change this culture so all can feel welcome. read more