I have no pictures because the owner requested no phones out in the store. The staff were extremely helpful in directing us where to go and what sections held what genres. I was also informed of sloped floors and uneven areas since I am a cane user which I GREATLY appreciated. This store is stacked with literature and poetry, I'd say that's definitely their forte here. Their lit section for new releases is huge and they had so many different editions for so many popular literature books. They also had a lot of lit and non fiction used options. Everything is great pricing. Basically either list or discounted for used items. The store is cozy and small with memories, photos, and clippings everywhere on the walls. It you are a wheelchair user it is not accessible for you, but if you use a mobility aid like a cane or crutch you can manage. There are very small tight sections. Next time I'm in the market for a classic book, this will be my go to. read more

Cool, secondhand bookstore in downtown La Jolla. Small store, jam-packed with books from top to bottom, every nook and cranny. The place is really well-kept, I thought that it'd be dusty, but all the books that I grabbed to check out were in good condition. I loved the old books with distinctive covers and spines but they were outside my price range. They do have dollar books available outside but none of the titles attracted me. read more

Be prepared to be judged here if you appreciate the art of photography. Came here to find our book for book club. The bookstore and the outside is beautiful. I personally love to take pictures, especially on vacation. As do many others. When we came in, they literally have a gate to enter the book part (talk about gatekeeping in real life lol). They give you a set of rules before you enter and there are signs that you can't take pictures. Only once you listen to those rules can you enter... I overheard the men working here complaining about young people taking pictures in front of their book cases outside while a young girl was doing just that. Basically making fun of anyone who does that. I said "you all have a beautiful place, it's so photo worthy." They just said ya, but if you're not looking for books then don't come in here and start taking pictures. lol - can you not do both....? They didn't have the book I was looking for, I was going to buy a journal but ended up not wanting to after hearing all that negativity. 2 stars simply because the space is pretty. Enjoy the pics:) read more

DG Wills Books - Bookstores Near Me - La Jolla, California

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If you live in SD or are visiting and love books, THIS IS THE PLACE!. Dennis Is an intellect whose outstanding book collections contribute to the cultural community. read more

Such a great find and a really nice owner. Stumbled upon DB Wells while biding La Jolla, the owner was super sweet and gave us the overview of the bookstore, new books upfront and used books of many topics/ areas in the back off to the right. It has a lot of books from floor to almost ceiling. I found a nicely suede binded Dracula book which I had to have...only $20! Explore around and you can find books from 1890, super cool! There are pictures of celebrities from events hosted in store, that are taped on the walls and doors. Quite a treasure. So glad we found this spot. read more

DG Wills Books - My find! - Bookstores Near Me - La Jolla, California

The gate and awkward welcome upon entering is weird and may turn off some, but this place is a treasure trove. I always find something exciting and unexpected! read more

Came here looking for a specific book. I walked in and 3 older men were sitting at a table by the gate that's inside near the entrance. Confused, I asked if they had the book I was looking for. They all just stared at me as if I had grown a horn. I then asked if I could pass the gate to look myself? One of them scorned snd started reciting the rules. That's enough for me. Won't be back. read more

Very interesting store to look at. They have $1 books located outside and most of the books inside are more educational. Not too much fiction and nonfiction book. It's a tiny bookstore filled with booked everywhere. They combine new and old books together. Some books are marked with the price and some are. read more

I cannot say I'm surprised that other reviewers mention the attitude and demeanor of the workers here. I had the same experience where one worker is very sarcastic and a little stand-offish. Additionally, the no phones allowed was quite annoying and inconvenient. 1. I often times forget which books I put on my reading list and then need to check my phone for reminders. 2. I want to preface that I went to this bookstore with the intent of buying a book and supporting a local business. With that said, I am a student and need to be mindful of prices elsewhere. Because I could not check my phone to compare prices, I could not find a book that was the same price online. If a local bookstore has the same price online, I will undoubtedly buy local. Even still, I may sometimes buy local at a higher price. However, when I was on my phone, I was quite intensely told to get off my phone and that it wasn't allowed. I was given no explanation either. That deterred me from buying anything. Overall, I've been to several antique and outstanding bookstores in Southern California, and this is one that feels like you're walking on eggshells rather than enjoying a magical place. read more

Must see spot in La Jolla. Some amazing collector books, all the books outside are $1. The owner is very nice and easy to talk to and can help you on your book quest. read more

DG Wills Books - Bookstores Near Me - La Jolla, California

This place was great. The selection of books was unique, like nothing I've seen up and down California. The owner was incredibly friendly and talked up the book I picked out on my birthday, Blues by John Hersey, and he was absolutely right. The decor and newspaper clippings, with fliers that detail its history with writers like Gore Vidal and Norman Mailer, firmly cemented this place in my mind as an ideal bookstore. I hope it stays open for a very long time! read more

The owner is personable kind and can attain any books out of print He's a gem of a man to a carry on a literal conversation with & I've been coming here for over 20 years read more

When you think of a used bookstore, DG Wills image comes up. Rows of books tucked away, some in nooks and crannies. You really have no idea what you'll find. Make sure you dedicate a good amount of time to get lost here. read more

Loved visiting today. The clerk and owner there were friendly and helpful. It is likely the tidiest used bookstore I have ever been to, and the selection is wonderful. Found a few interesting books I have not seen anywhere else before. Extremely reasonably price. Will come back next time we are in San Diego! read more

Love this bookstore and it is a must-visit every time I am in La Jolla/San Diego! The gentleman at the front is very nice and helpful if you're looking for anything in particular. You can find so many different things here and there will almost certainly be something to suit your own personal interests. Like other reviewers have mentioned, this store has some of Francis Crick's personal copies of books. Last year I picked up Crick's copy of the NYU Computer Science Symposium on Natural Language Processing. It was an incredibly special find for me because one of the chapters in that book was authored by my undergraduate thesis advisor, the late Eugene Charniak. I am also a huge opera fan, and on this last visit this March I found an autographed first edition copy of Luciano Pavarotti's autobiography from 1981. Safe to say the books that are the most special to me have all come from DG Wills! The value is also unmatched -- it's clear that the owner isn't prioritizing making a big profit as his main focus, but rather sharing great books with the local community and all other wanderers who happen to find their way into the shop. read more

I have visited DG Willis numerous times over the years. I love the quaintness of the shop from poetry to philosophy to one of a kind finds. It really feels like you are hunting for treasures. Love it. The bookstore is small, the aisles are small and the air is well dusty. They have both used and new books. They do a great job with the window displays.. they tend to draw me in. Dennis (owner/manager) is great. Direct, knowledgeable and you might get a smile or chuckle out of him. There is however, another gentleman whose vibe is the complete opposite. He always appears anxious and uncomfortable, and not in the mood to help you. Really makes you want to leave like immediately.  I'm a big fan of DG Willis aside from that one gentleman with the awful customer service. read more

Nice selection of books in an enchanting setting. Love the books outside. Must visit in La Jolla!

Very impressive collection with eclectic finds in philosophy, eastern spirituality, western esoterica, religion, classics, and much much more. The store itself has a cool antique vibe and the owner is very helpful and knowledgeable. read more

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Long overdue review! I first visited during COVID, as part of a personal endeavor to begin reading regularly again. I walked out with 2 new books, so suffice to say I had a great experience. This most recent time I visited, I brought along two friends since I know they'd appreciate the atmosphere and unique collection. I also was happy to just be in the space again, sans COVID. And if you must know, I walked out with another book. Couldn't help myself haha. Plus the owners and employees were so personable and kind that it got me excited to read my newest addition to my own personal library. read more

As a San Diegan émigré to New York, book author, and onetime book clerk at S.D.'s legendary Wahrenbrock's Books and New York's iconic Gotham Book Mark, I can say (with some authority!) that D.G. Wills Books in La Jolla (7461 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037; (858) 456-1800)) is every bibliomane's dream of a new, used, and antiquarian bookstore, equal parts Dickensian curiosity shop, memory palace of San Diego history, and magpie's nest overstuffed with literary curious, fondly remembered classics, new releases you've never heard of but know you *have* to have. Wryly funny, unapologetically idiosyncratic owner (Dennis "D.G." Wills) with a photographic memory of every single one of the tens of thousands of titles on his shelves and a seemingly inexhaustible store of amusing anecdotes and philosophical aperçus? Check. Rabbit warren where every twist and turn of its labyrinthine stacks promises another rare, once-in-a-lifetime find? Check. The requisite book dust that looks as if it's lain undisturbed on the uppermost shelves since before you were born? Check. Billy Collins, Christopher Hitchens, Allen Ginsberg, Gore Vidal, Nobel laureates from nearby UCSD (such as Gerald Edelman and Francis Crick), and countless other boldfaced names have held book-launch parties at D.G. Wills, as the wall display of curling Polaroids and Xeroxed news clippings attests. Whenever I'm in town, I stop by--and always leave happily laden with a stack of new acquisitions. When I was a teen, D.G. Wills was an oasis in the Mojave of the Mind that was the Goldwater Republican, Navy-dominated San Diego of the 1970's. The city has changed dramatically since then, but D.G. Wills is still one of its incalculably valuable treasures, a bastion of the bohemianism, eccentric individualism, and free thought that are part of the secret history of this historically conservative (but far less so, with every passing day) city. read more

Nice shop with a large selection of books both new and used. I was pleased with my purchase

absolutely loved this gem of a bookstore in la jolla! they have every kind of genre and even a dollar section outside with some great picks! ted and dennis were both the sweetest gentlemen and helped me find exactly what i needed. they don't allow using phones inside (which i highly respect and think is a great rule) so i didn't get any pics but inside is so beautifully set up too. a true treasure, definitely visit if you're in town and want to pick up a good book and read on the cliffs! read more

DG Wills Books - dollar shelf! - Bookstores Near Me - La Jolla, California

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SAN DIEGO BOOKSHOP ROAD TRIP. Stop #03. That's the sign post up ahead... Next stop... SHOP NAME/LOCATION: DG WillsBookstore / 7461 Girard Ave., La Jolla, CA INTRODUCTION: For this bookstore and probably others, I will do a review and then follow it up with a journal-like entry. This way, if my readers only want the short and sweet, they'll get it right out of the gate and the first paragraph, or so, should suffice. For those who want to gain a greater comprehension of what I have experienced, there is the full review that follows. Note: In planning my route for this bookstore road trip, I read some Yelp reviews for the first few shops that I visited and reviewed. Then, I stopped. The one thing I did not want to do was to memorize which review was for which store. This allowed for me to be more open-minded and less likely to pounce on discrepancies that others have exposed. It was my desire to go in with high hopes.. and not wish I was high, in order to have hopes. SUBMITTED FOR YOUR APPROVAL... MY REVIEW: This is a bookstore that is more intricate than confusing as far as it's labyrinthine design goes. I loved discovering what was around each corner. Perhaps a bit too much because we spent a lot of time here. In more than a few areas the lighting is poor and I had to use my cellphone's flashlight app to provide proper illumination while perusing the shelves. The inventory of books here is awesome. (WWHBD? What would Henry Bemis do?) Even though there are many areas where the double-deep bookshelves house books that are double-deeply stacked. No worries though, they are still very organized. A JOURNEY INTO A WONDEROUS LAND: Wow! I love this place. It captures what perhaps Lhooq Bookstore was trying to pull off when it somehow had things go terribly wrong. PARKING: There was very limited parking in a small lot, down the left side of the building, toward the back. It was later int h afternoon on a Saturday so, I was able to easily nab a spot. Otherwise parking can be found on the street. TIME ENOUGH AT LAST!!: As I said earlier it was sort of cozy maze like in the one room (loved it)... made it fun to explore. They have some many great antiquated collectables hanging from the overhead and decorating the shop, that you can spend a hour just looking at that. The framed and non-framed ads and posters from movies and pulp book covers add flavor to this place. They did have piles of books on the floor, which wasn't overwhelming but, generally I am not into places that have overflow issues. Mostly because I don't want to move books to see books. I just want to go down a row like the same way I eat and ear of corn... Left to right, next section ... Left to right, repeat.The guy running things was freakin' awesome he helped me a couple fo times and then we found out that we shared a passion for a late 50s/early to mid 60s TV show. PRICING: I'd say it was quite fair. Pound for pound the customer probably gets a good deal and the bookstore makes a bit of bank as well. PURCHASES: Shakespeare Quiz Book, by Fanny Gross; Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1959. Annual Shakespeare Lecture 1924 by E. K. Chambers; The British Academy. Annual Shakespeare Lecture 1930 by Lascelles Abercrombie; The British Academy. Annual Shakespeare Lecture 1931 by Caroline F. E. Spurgeon; The British Academy. Annual Shakespeare Lecture 1933 by Ronald B McKerrow; The British Academy. Falstaff and His Companions by Paul Konewka; Roberts Brothers Ltd., First edition, 1872. A Life of William Shakespeare by Joseph Quincy Adams; The Riverside Press, First edition, 1923. William Shakespeare and His Family by Frank Marcham; Grafton and Company, 1931. FINAL GRADE: File it under A for AWESOME in... The Bookstore Zone! ROADTRIP NOTES: Previous Shop: Farhenheit 451 Next Shop: BookOff San Diego Bookstore Roadtrip, stop #03... "IN THE BOOKS" read more

DG Wills Books - Bookstores Near Me - La Jolla, California

Attempted to visit this bookstore 1/1/2025 around 11:30 AM. Attempted because my family was told we could not bring our toddler inside the bookstore. We had a stroller and first were told "there's no room" and my husband offered to carry our daughter instead. I'm assuming the person we were talking to was the owner said "well you need two hands to look, that's not going to work" and then told my husband "can you wait outside." And "there's one dollar books outside." Don't come here if you have kids because apparently they're not allowed :) incredibly disappointing. If there's three of us and my husband carries our child there is no reason we should be denied to shop. Do not recommend coming here. read more

Very cool find. A hidden gem in La Jolla. I came upon this bookstore by accident, and just decided to pop my head in. There are a lot of great books here. Plenty of cheap used books outside, a lot of nice collectibles inside, as well as a whole section of new books as well. The owners(?) are very knowledgeable about the classics and have great recommendations on translations and the sort. If you're looking for a hard-to-find book, this is the place I would suggest you look first! read more

Just found this lovely bookstore at La Jolla area! Just by looking from the outside, it gave me a good, cozy vibe already. It's reeling me in and so we went in. Once we did, it's almost a different world, there is a gate the owner lets you in from. After, he gave us a tour where certain sections were and how their pricing works. To be honest, I don't usually stay long in bookstores as I usually know what I want to get but I stayed here longer than expected. They have good collections of books that I ended up with 4 books but unfortunately can only afford one at the time. So I'll most likely come back for the others. Just add into that, they do have a driveway book shelves where they sell their $1 books, I'd suggest checking them first then go in. Also, there are good brunch/coffee shop next to them, a good stop to start your purchased books. read more

DG Wills Books - Bookstores Near Me - La Jolla, California

It had been ages since I visited this bookstore, as soon as I entered I realized how much I had missed it. You walk through the door and the world slows down, people speak softly, more kindly, and you are surrounded by treasures that seem to say "pick me, pick me". They now have a small partition door, so you need to ask the staff to let you in. The nice and polite gentleman at the counter came to open it, showed me the different sections in which the books are organized, then discreetly let me look through the aisles in pursue of my next reading companion (I found two). Their selection is excellent but not overwhelming: literature, poetry, travel, foreign language and more; they sell both new and previously loved books at very reasonable prices. I look forward to my next trip to this lovely bookstore and will definitely recommend it. read more

Upon arrival, the quirky owner will ask you, "Have you have here before ?" "Do you understand our pricing ?" And, he seemingly does this every time you've been there, even if you just had a nice chat with him yesterday --And yes, when he lets you through the turnstile, the place is a bit dark, cluttered and ramshackle... But, for all these reasons and more, I LOVE this bookstore! Once you get by DG Wills' bookstore "Miranda Rights" and idiosyncracies, what you'll find is a quiet spot, to stop and think--A shop soothed by classical music, and a book smart owner, who has curated an impressive and eccelectic collection of new and used books, pamphlets and sheet music. My advice? Stop by this off-the-beaten-path gold mine, grab a cuppa and a baked good from always solid Pannikin's, which is right next door, walk into town and you'll feel renewed. I do, every time I go. I don't know about you, but I'm kind of tired of cut/paste, cookie cutter retail, I like the days when shops had a feel. Barnes & Noble it ain't...And, that's a great thing. read more

Great experience visiting this local bookstore. They have used books out front for $1 a piece. Inside there are so many books. The owners gave us a small tour then we roamed around freely. New and used books galore on topics of any kind. They do enforce the mask mandate unless you can show proof of vaccination. Not a problem for me and I'm glad they do this. read more

I visited all the way from Las Vegas and it was well worth the trip. I spent about an hour and a half here, and I felt like there was still so much more to see. I'm currently a graduate student in the sciences, so literature isn't necessarily my strong suit, but I still consider myself an avid reader and I appreciate books in general. The owner was friendly and welcoming, and he took the time to explain each section of books located throughout the store and hidden crevices. It was beautiful, aesthetically speaking, and it was very peaceful being able to go through the shelves and discover new things. I ended up with a special edition leather bound Don Quixote, a Sylvia Plath pocket poem set, as well as a lightly used textbook about Neutrinos (the science section is awesome, by the way-- incredibly old textbooks at a fraction of the cost they would normally be). If you're anything like me, you'll probably be geeking out for hours. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I will be sure to return soon. read more

Gorgeous used and new bookstore. You'll be transported to a new world. Friendly welcoming staff. read more

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Went here after me and my sister went to the cafe next door. Right when we got in the store, as excited as we were, the reception from the guy manning store was kinda rude. When my sister also asked question about specific books, he was outright abrupt, sarcastically answered her question and low key shoo us away. Not going back here!!! read more

I visited DG Wills on a Tuesday slightly before 11am. It was not busy at all. When I walked in, there was a wooden gate that I saw. I was stopped before opening it and when asked if it was my first time there and I said yes, I was given an abrasive "talk" about how I wasn't even allowed to have my phone out at all, I better not be caught taking pictures, a whole thing about social media and their feelings towards teenagers. I explained that I actually read and I'm in my mid thirties, but thanks for the rundown, I guess? I don't even do ridiculous social media posts. This was not a great first impression at all. I get the frustration of influencers taking over businesses with these types of aesthetics, but goodness... while looking around, I walked to the desk and pulled my phone out to show a picture of a book I was looking for. The man saw my phone and immediately got defensive. I explained that I simply had it out to show him a picture of a book, I'm not trying to take pictures of myself in my yoga pants, t-shirt, and three day old hair. The book in question was semi smutty, I'll be honest about that. The man was so offended by this and was so rude telling me that they would not have THAT book in their store. Honestly, you'd make decent money if you did. In my opinion they're overpriced and with the amount that have foxing, I think there are better used and new bookstores to shop at in the San Diego area (where you won't be harassed for even having your phone out). I'd like to add that I remained very polite the entire time because that's just the type of person that I am. read more

Yes, my first experience 24 or so years ago was unpleasant. A book clerk shouted and scolded me for dropping a book, rushed over picked it up like a baby human, dusted it off, turned it over looking for damage, as he chided me. And yet, being born and raised in San Diego, a book lover since three, a book shop scourer since I could leave the house by myself, and having worked in multiple libraries and bookstores, I am confident that this is the best bookstore in town. I kept going back to the store, hoping the clerk who scolded me wouldn't be in, but I had to go back, because who else had such a collection?!!! The vastness of so many genres, new and used, obscure, classic, highly sought after. It is much smaller than that bookstore that is now closed but used to be in the Gaslamp with the 3 stories, and yet the selection was juicier, fresher every visit. A tighter ship. With famous authors visiting. And cool conversations to overhear as you're browsing. I learned to be more careful with the books, never dropped another. After a few years, I became a regular face and the owner would let me look around even when it was close to closing time and he got tired of new people asking questions and told them to get out because the store was closed. And I glowed with joy at being part of the in-crowd. Sometimes he'd offer me a beer, and I got to see some of the secret moving bookshelves and rooms, watch a football game or an old black and white movie, hear heated political debates, hear tidbits about the owner's life, listen to faint classical music. And when Gore Vidal visited, he introduced me by name adding "this is an avid reader with great taste as well as a budding writer." I could have died for overflow of pride. And so when I read a negative review of this store, it stings a little, but I get it. People are looking for customer service. They want everywhere they happen to go, to be waited on and to be said to: yes sir, right away, of course ma'am here you are. But this expectation is seen as arrogance here. When you come here, you're in DG Wills' house. It's a house of knowledge and culture and events, bring a tad of respect, and in time you will be part of the club. But play proud and easily snubbed, and then you miss out on the books. I guess you can see it as a test to find out how much books really mean to you. And luckily I passed, and I am loving the prize!!! Much love to you, Dennis! Thanks for all the years of hard work and fun. See you soon. read more

It might not necessarily be clear if this is a bookshop or a curio collection. It wouldn't be out of place on Diagon Alley.... There are books, old and new, stacked almost floor to ceiling on closely spaced bookcases. And then there are old printing presses, typewriters, tackle blocks, and other odds and ends hanging about. The selections seem to reflect the owner's particular predilections and interests, which is lucky if you share them, but less so if you don't. They host occasional author events, which are worth checking out. It's not really a sit-down-and-hang-out kind of place, but if you miss, or want to experience, old-school bibliophilic collections, this is one of very few remaining spots where you can still indulge. And if you do buy a book or two, Pannikin Cafe next door is a great place to enjoy it. read more

A really special experience and awesome customer service. I'm so glad that we stopped by, it made our day.

A quirky wonder for bibliophiles, well worth the trip. Now that I've found it, I cannot wait to go back.

Best bookstore in San Diego. They have both new and used books. They have an extensive collection of used scientific books. They have sold the libraries of many UCSD and SIO faculty, including Nobel Prize winner. read more

Yikes. Okay. So here is my bit about the manager not allowing me inside with children. Picture this: it's a beautiful evening in La Jolla and I just parked my stroller in front of the DG Wills store after walking a mile and a half to get there, right? I am unbuckling the baby from his seat, and the toddler is dancing around my feet - obviously beyond excited to go inside and take a look at the books. This kid LOVES books, and had been talking about going to this bookstore since he awoke from his morning nap. I have the baby in my arms, and right before we walk inside someone from the inside closes the door. (I've driven past this place numerous times and the front door is always open. Weird right? Anyway, besides the point.) I'm thinking to myself... maybe they're closed?! I look for the hours on door, and it says they close at 7:00pm. At that point it was about 5:00pm, so I know they're still allowing customers to come in. As I'm reaching for the door handle the owner/manager (I'm assuming) pops his head out of the front door, and says that I can't come inside because I have children with me. I'm... dumbfounded. I had to double check that my ears were working properly. Consequently, I asked, "So, I can't come inside because because I have children with me?" He responded with, "Yes, I apologize. We have a sign on the door that explains it for parents. " (A photo of the sign is attached for reference...nowhere does it say that children can't come in, but I digress.) As previous reviews have stated, he then also pointed me in the direction of the books outside on the porch for us to look at. I declined, and started to put the baby back into the stroller so we could head home. I wasn't going to say anything on Yelp because I am a lover of books, and believe in preserving the good name of bookstores. Nonetheless, I am a curious person by nature, and wanted to scope the reviews to see if anyone else had this experience as well. With that being said, whenever a review for this store was not gleaming and positive... the owner responds in a defensive manner. Instead of taking in what people have to say and reflecting upon it, he responds with all the reasons his actions are justified instead of apologizing. I don't know if you guys have been in a relationship with someone like this, (come on, we all have) but clearly there are some communication problems going on here. Hoping a resolution can be found! read more

DG Wills Books - Bookstores Near Me - La Jolla, California

Okay, so this review is WAY overdue, as I last visited this shop years ago, pre-COVID. I live far north of California, but I always stop at local used bookshops wherever I travel, and this place is just the kind I like: good sized poetry section, lots of old books, and piles of them. It's the kind of place you want to walk the aisles and get your eyeball onto every spine, a real bibliophile's haven. I'm headed back to San Diego soon, but unfortunately not for pleasure this time, which may cramp my ability to visit La Jolla. I wrote this review now because I came across the page while researching bookstores in the San Diego area. I also wanted to add: the owner was gracious and helpful when I spoke to him. read more