Having an independent bookstore less than 5 minutes from my house is a blessing nowadays.  Instead of relying on the meager offerings at Target or Walmart, hitting the freeway to another town, or even delving into the depths of (yikes!) the Internet, I enjoy stopping by this Books Inc location.  While this storefront is not as big as some other bookstores, the selection is larger than you'd think.  Everytime I look for a gift for a family member or friend, I can find something that will fit.  In addition, this location is also the central warehouse for the company, so they have 2 warehouse sales a year.  I always find something for myself during these sales.  My wife & I stop by frequently and have befriended some of the staff.  They are always helpful with a suggestion for ourselves and when buying for others. This location is in a tricky part of town (on a busy corner).  While there are usually parking spots available, getting into the parking lot can be difficult.  Better to come east on San Leandro Blvd. or south on Washington Avenue. read more

I called to ask about a specific book which they had and held it up front for me. The service I got from the employees was so warming and they all had great recommendations for my next find. I almost wasn't going to come in but they had a great deal on the book i wanted. If i was closer i know id come here all the time. I know for sure i will be coming back and purchasing from here first hand. The value/ price was way better than my typical Barnes & Noble. I'll share a few photos of some books I was recommended after I'm done reading Untethered Soul Thanks everyone read more

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Small little hole in the wall book store with a big personality. Love the recommendation walls! The fantasy section seemed to be the most robust, but that might be my perception because the staff recommendations were mostly fantasy (which is totally good with me). There was a little of this and that around the store, but not much more than just books. The store is pretty tiny, so theres just not a lot of room. The highlight for me was the woman working behind the counter who was super knowledgeable about books of many different genres. I was reading A Secret History by Donna Tartt at the time and the shop keep really met me where I was at and we both got really animated talking about the characters, so that was a delight. I had been curious about Brandon Sanderson and I was able to pick her brain about that, as she seems to be an expert! She was also verses in audiobooks. She recommended joining one of their book clubs. I was interested in the fantasy book club, which meets once a month. I believe they have other genre book clubs as well. Such a quaint shop. I think a little more whimsical decorations would go a long way. But overall great experice. read more

"Support your Local Bookstore!" I was on my way to the local brewery when I spotted this new little store. It's not huge, but they make the most of their space. I can't recall the last time I saw a new independent bookstore Parking was not a problem. Be careful when exiting, however. Traffic coming from the tunnel can surprise you. The independent bookstore is a vanishing breed, so I was delighted to check out this little store. The store is clean and perfectly laid out. I had no trouble finding various sections that I was interested in. They have both books for adults as well as children. They also have some specials. I also appreciate the little notes about staff picks, or reviews from the staff. Just one suggestion: Suggest staff actually talk to customers, rather than watch videos. read more

Books Inc - This was in the mystery section. I think that's Agatha Christie - Bookstores Near Me - San Leandro, California

I'm a school librarian and love to stop by local, independent bookstores. Books Inc is an independent chain in the Bay Area with locations throughout the Bay. The San Leandro location is quaint and well stocked with super friendly staff who really know their latest releases. They are also a dog-friendly store which our 8 mos old standard poodle puppy loved! read more

I bought books there and really liked all the stuff they had. The person that waited on me was very nice.

Books, Inc recently opened and is located on Washington Ave near the corner of San Leandro Blvd. It's a little tricky to get in and out of the location as it's in the plaza right next to the tunnel. However, there's plenty of parking available. Husband and I stopped by this weekend as we saw a warehouse sale sign posted. I've personally been reading a lot of ebooks recently as I'm a fast reader and goes through books fairly quickly. I would be broke and frankly I don't have enough space to hold all of the books I've read. But at the same time, who can pass up a book sale? It's not a very big space. There's a few tables in the front of the new fiction and non fiction books that recently came out and walls of shelving around the store. From what I can tell, they only sell new books so the price is competitive to other places that sells books. Be on the look out for the shelves with the sales as I saw some great deals there! They also sell some knickknacks, but I didn't spend time looking at them. During the warehouse sale, they utilized a back room and filled it with books with prices at $3, $5, and $7. There was a good variety of books too! I ended up with 5 books. I definitely recommend checking this place out! It's nice that there's a bookstore in San Leandro now and I don't have to drive to a Barnes & Noble or Half Price Books to get my bookstore fix. Am I the only that loves to spend time in bookstores? read more

I always love to visit a bookstore as so many brick and mortar stores have gone by the wayside. I was surprised when I found out that Books Inc had a location in San Leandro as I've always enjoyed the Alameda location. This location could be pretty easy to miss as it's definitely off the beaten path, at the corner of Washington Ave and San Leandro Ave. (basically on the other side of the underpass from the Ghirardelli factory). Inside is bright, clean, and well organized but the selection isn't as extensive as the Alameda location. However, they've still got a little bit of everything here as well as the sale books and some toys/knick knacks as well. Glad to see them in San Leandro, I hope they do well here! read more

Started coming here recently, after people at SL's main library at Estudillo (surprisingly one of the volunteers from the said library is an employee at this bookstore) told me to check out this new bookshop that just opened nearly a year ago. I must say staff is friendly, & they know their stuff. They have a decent amount of books along with some other stuff compared to the big box bookstore, "Barnes & Noble". looking forward to coming here again read more

Cute little bookshop, very clean and organized, small selection in comparison to mega franchises but what do you expect if you are going to a local book shop. Came in and was greeted by wonderfully friendly staff. Books were priced the same as if you bought from Barnes and Nobles so why not support the smaller guys. read more

Very clean & well organized book shop with easy parking. Good sized selection of sale books as well. Staff were friendly w out being intrusive. Found a mystery book whose author I'd been hearing about, also bought a puzzle & a kids' book as gifts. Lots of super cute cards, socks, art supplies gift type items interspersed w books. read more

Books Inc - Display - Bookstores Near Me - San Leandro, California

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I just went today and im so happy i finally got a demon slayer manga :] i will be going back when i get more money to spend and the workers are nice they are cool! And the price for my book was 11 dollars im pretty sure. read more

Such a nice little bookstore. The best I've seen yet! Love the fact the books are alll new here ! read more

Books Inc - Bookstores Near Me - San Leandro, California

Always great service, great selection of books and lots to find in the sale rack, love the warehouse sales. I'm grateful to have an excellent book store so close to my house. read more

I've been shopping at the Books Inc. location in Alameda for quite a while now. Recently they opened up a shop in San Leandro! This is so much closer to my house too! Walked into a super clean well-lit book shop and was immediately greeted and offered assistance if I needed it. My daughter and I were there to browse (which always leads to purchasing...lol). We both found a few books to add to our ever growing "to be read" collection. As we were checking out, we were helped by Leah. She might be one of the kindest, and friendliest booksellers I have ever met! She knew a little something about each book we were purchasing and shared such great information that we were even more excited to read our selections! We will definitely be back and hope we run into Leah again! So delightful! This location is a bit smaller than the Alameda location, but well stocked and worth the visit! read more

This is a small clean bookstore. The staff were helpful and friendly. I like the hand written staff recommendations for books I have yet to read. I will definitely be back. read more

A sweet little bookstore, great children's section. Good poetry section! Ok I'll be back!

Great store, great selection, even better employees. Went in and took a peek and they had a lot to pick from. Learned a but about their book fair partnership also. The only downside is the parking lot but other than that it's a great spot! read more

I love having a book store a few blocks from my house! My recent visit was to pick up a couple books for my great niece, there were several choices for babies. The store seems well stocked and the staff has always been very friendly. read more

New store in a surprisingly convenient location. The people are helpful, and it's well-stocked.

Great store with supportive staff. It's a clean, well lighted place for books. got a signed sparti Smith book of Days here.

Picked up some new hardcovers. my kids like the kids' section. Nice to have in town - we need a good bookstore in town. It's a local chain that uses part of the building for their book warehouse read more

So happy to have this amazing bookstore in San Leandro. The people that work there could not be any sweeter, helpful, and all around wonderful. The selection is great and the prices are competitive. Lot's of other great things other than books too, great place for buying gifts. The first time I went my toddler decided to have a complete melt down and instead of the people working there making us feel like awful people, they could not have been more warm and understanding. I have been back multiple times and have always had a great experience. Go support them! read more