I did not know when I first arrived that this was the Friends of the Oakland Library system…read morebookstore, so the stock would consist of extras, castoffs, etc. It took me a while to go inside l, because the dollar books on the racks outside are of excellent quality, and buy two get one free! That's 66¢ each. Inside, the organization is pretty good, separating mysteries and thrillers from general fiction, for instance. I didn't see a film section though. A "vintage" section, without much of interest. Still, I spent $6 and walked out with four books, so I'm grateful.

Decided to drag myself from my desk and get some much needed fresh air for lunch. While walking I…read morecame across this gem of a bookstore and decided to stop in. Great selection of books and the woman at the register was really kind. I didn't bring my wallet, as I had no intentions on spending money, but after seeing a few titles that were worth bringing home to my book collection, I asked if they accepted Apple Pay - they do! FYI, Apple Pay requires at least a 2.00 minimum purchase. Checking out was a breeze, and I now have three new books. I will definitely return the next time I'm in the area!

Friendly, affordable, nice atmosphere, and a great collection of books. I've loved this bookstore…read morefor years.

When I walked in a week and a half ago, I was met with the cutest little book store! Although they…read moredid not have the two books I was looking for, they instantly offered to get them shipped in for me. It only took a week and a half for both books to arrive! I received a text they were ready for pick up and paid on delivery (no fees for shipping or anything!!) What a great little store with friendly staff who are happy for your business! My new go to shop!

Very helpful staff, lovely selection of new and used books. I got help finding a very niche book as…read morea gift and was directed to exactly what I was looking for.

I fell in love with Spectator Books as soon as I walked in!…read more I love that there's a station to leave your water bottles and drinks. I also appreciate that they have masks available if needed and offer them proactively. On top of that, they provide free drug testing kits, like fentanyl test strips -- which is so vital, especially with the spike in fentanyl overdoses and contaminations in recreational substances. It's just really nice to see that kind of care in the community. The range of books is massive -- both new and used. The selection of new books is decent, but the used book selection (and price) is phenomenal. They also have a whimsical collection of bookmarks, stickers, and random stationery, which is super charming. Honestly, it's just a really solid bookstore. The first time I visited, I'm pretty sure I spent like two and a half hours just browsing all the sections I was interested in -- and there were so many. Lots on religion and spirituality, metaphysics, physics, psychology, cookbooks, music, art, fashion -- so many topics that caught my eye. I took my time and walked out with maybe $125 worth of books and oracle cards, which was such a joy. They also have a book exchange policy where you can trade in books for store credit, but you need to make an appointment to do so. The last time I visited was maybe a month ago, but I'm thinking about going again... tomorrow! XD

Date: 7/20/2025 Time: 3:20 PM 63° Cloudy…read more After Fentons, my sister and I decided to browse in Black Swan Books. This store reminds of Holmes Bookstore that used to be on 14th Street near the downtown Oakland area and Wilmot's Books at 478 Central Avenue in Alameda. Both these stores have been closed for several years. Black Swan Books reminds me of a nostalgic time of the 60's - a library of used books, antiques, record albums, 45's, collectibles, etc. Based on my observation, the owners were helpful with other customers. I wouldn't mind returning to look through their collection of record albums and 45's. Another thing I want to ask is whether or not they accept donation of cookbooks. Return visit? Yes.

A very good, very local bookstore located on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland!!!…read more Along with books, there are all kinds of collectibles in here, so although this store is small, you should spend some time really looking around in here, there's no telling what you might find! There was also a pretty good selection of vinyl records in here!! They greet you coming and going in this store, very friendly!!

Let us set the stage…read more It's 1986. You head to the local bookstore with a mission: find a gift for a friend. Your friend is a mystery buff, and you are a Town-loving nerd, so you want to pick up something that combines these two criteria. But you don't know a book like that personally. Nevertheless, you are unfazed because you have faith in the fearless bookstore staff. You know they'll help you. The cheerful Tally Ho! front window, studded with irresistible and thematic front covers, catches your eye from across the street. It's quarter to closing time o'clock and the place is packed. You are by nature distractible when it comes to beautiful units of reading material. And boy howdy, do they ever have the most beautiful and attractive books. How do they fit so many books within these walls? Will you remember your quest, or will you get sidetracked by the Richard Scarry bags and the Edward Gorey books? Not to worry; the friendly co-owner recognizes the book-trance on your face, and immediately collects the information. They are methodical and efficient and hella smart, and within two minutes, they are showing you the exact spot on the shelf wherein lies the perfect cozy local mystery novel. There is a line at the till, so you get the opportunity to take in the very wide selection of books in the center display. It would be impossible to leave without this graphic novel, right? Oh, this magical realism book was so important to the community, you get that one, too. You do manage to exercise discernment and restraint within the gently used book section, but the smug feeling dissipates when you notice the fistfuls of funny cards you've pulled from the rack. You hear the co-owner tell another customer not to stress about it being closing time o'clock. It feels great to pay for a small stack of books and greeting cards, you think to yourself, as you reemerge onto the sidewalk. But then you remember it's actually 2026. The oasis you just exited is even more rare and precious today. You hear your spouse say, you know, they only just realized that Richard Scarry and Edward Gorey are actually two different people. Your hand finds theirs. You realize that you haven't exhaled that fully or laughed that hard in weeks.

If I could give it zero stars I would and that's just based on customer service. I work at the…read morehospital down the street come in often to check out books. NO ONE EVER GREETS YOU OR EVEN GIVES A SMILE. first impression terrible and I rather give my money to other local places than to people who think they're too good to at least offer a smile to people walking in. This is the person I got today who didn't even bother to turn her head towards customers, you all have got some Serious training to do and if they don't like to greet you're in the wrong job.

I often went to the Fox Theatre but somehow always missed the bookstore across the street! So often…read moreolder books (those published 20+ years ago) are often super pricey. But many of these books are very reasonably priced, like $7.50-$25! Almost all of the stock is older, even obscure books. But it's a book lover's treasure hunt. I picked up a really interesting book about San Francisco's history from 1948 for only $10! Definitely recommend this place and it's a very quick walk from the Broadway BART station. The only thing I'd "change" is recommending that the owner put more of their stock on ThriftBooks.com to enhance their profits. But that would be at the peril of Bay Area bookworms! :)

I ordered a book from them in Aug 2024. It never arrived, and after multiple attempts at contacting…read morethem, they finally said they had moved and couldn't find the book at the moment. (Luckily they hadn't run the charge through on my credit card yet). Every couple of months or so I'd follow-up--sometimes they'd respond, sometimes they wouldn't. Still couldn't find the book, and kept asking me to be patient. I was patient for a long time. Now it's July 2025, about 3 weeks shy of ONE YEAR since I ordered the book. Wrote to them again, no response. But they still have it listed for sale on their website, so I took a shot and ordered it again. Then they wrote me a snotty note and told me to quit ordering it, they haven't found it yet. I wrote back and asked how they can possibly still be looking for a book after one year? Then they wrote back and said they were canceling my order! Very crappy customer service. Zero stars.

Dan has the best prices and and a superb selection of books ,postcards , pamplets and CDs along…read morewith thousands of books including fiction ,history and science . His selection of books on ships , trains and WW2 can not be beat.The best place in the Bay Area to find valuable gems . There is something for everyone at Dan's on 15th St ( plenty of parking) in the middle of Oakland's Cultural District

The best selection of books on war and the military in Oakland. Covers many wars historical and…read morecurrent, many countries armed forces. Both old and new editions. Great place to browse.

Stopped by this weekend! I picked out some great $1 DVDs for our almost 2 and 9 year old to watch…read morein our minivan on roadtrips! Our youngest had a blast playing with the toys at their kids table! This non-profit low-cost bookstore donates all of its proceeds to Berkeley Public Library programs! They sell a large variety of used books, CDs and DVDs! Would definitely return, great service! SYOY! :-)

I love this place so much. I love getting to find good books at a really good price. The value is…read morejust so good. Not only that but I also found some great DVDs here too! Things here come from the library or are things that the library doesn't take in. Which is great because bargain seekers like me can take advantage. The people that work there are so helpful. My experience with them has always been lovely. 5/5