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    Downtowne Bookstore

    4.4 (136 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Timmy S.

    This bookstore is located less than a block away from Riverside's famous Mission Inn. The store features two separate sections, each with its own entrance: one located on Main Street and the other accessible via a walkway along the side of the store. The Main Street entrance takes you into a store that has some books but mostly gift items and knick-knacks. I popped in and out of here quickly because I mainly wanted to check out used books. Those can be found by going to the side entrance down the walkway. The used book store is very well organized by categories, and books in each category are shelved alphabetically, making everything easy to find if you are after something specific. Some categories are far better stocked than others. The category I was most interested in was a bit sparse so I didn't end up purchasing anything this day. On the pathway to the used books entrance is a kiosk where you can leave a poem. Cool idea. If you like a good bookstore this will be a place you'll enjoy spending a little time browsing.

    Courtney O.

    The vibes at the Downtowne Bookstore are incredible. I'll start with the staff. When I walked in, they were so welcoming. They explained that they have two store fronts- a new, more curated one that's facing the street and the original around the corner with more second hand books. They also obviously love each other and I love that I happened to be in when they did a little birthday surprise for one of their employees. I appreciate that the bookstore is oriented towards justice. They had a large range of books and really elevated diverse authors and stories. What's cool is that they had a whole bunch of signed books in the back! They have a great selection. It's so important to support local bookstores and I absolutely loved this one!

    Christopher C.

    Downtown bookstore is an amazing little spot that really hits all the musical notes of everything you want into a bookstore. My fiancée, and future mother in law came by and they have two stores, one in the back and one in the front. The back is more of the bookstore with plenty of sections to find what you're looking for all organized for you. It seems they work on doing orders for any books you're looking to get in too. The front is more of a shop but it still has plenty of books for you to look through. I really love the logo for this place and I really enjoy the section outside to read, along with the little things they have outside to leave notes for random people, dog treats and book exchange. Their prices are pretty fair and they have amazing service on top of that. I really enjoyed this store and look forward to going back.

    Megan Y.

    I wanted to love this bookstore so badly. Cute location near Mission Inn, cute merch, cute concept... but the vibes were unfortunately not it. I spent some time browsing and noticed another customer was immediately greeted and helped, while I kind of just... existed there. I asked about gift wrapping and was told they don't offer it (no big deal!), then asked if I could buy the wrapping paper they sell and use tape to wrap it myself. Also a no. I even popped into the secondhand bookstore (which I was excited about), and while the employee there was friendly, same result. It's not about gift wrap, it's about customer service. The store looks like a cozy, welcoming bookstore, but the experience felt cold and uninviting. Which is a bummer, because I love supporting local and this place had so much potential. Sadly don't see myself coming back.

    Store front
    Terra A.

    This little book store/ celebration of art & music is a gem in downtown Riverside. A wonderful mix of used and new books, vintage and modern, with loads of adorable and eye-catching knickknacks to peruse. Don't miss this sweet store when you are in town. If not in town - make a little day trip down to the arts and culture area and check it out.

    Victoria B.

    I haven't been here in yearssss. I hadn't realized how much it has changed since then. I've always loved the little hidden entrance but inside looks even better than before. They have so many cute tote bags, thumb page holders, book bags etc. They even have an autographed copies section. It just looks so aesthetically pleasing inside and they even added a seating area outside if you wanted to hangout and read. Staff is also nice and welcoming. I'll definitely come back soon to buy a book :)

    Leilani M.

    A fun little gem in town. Wonderful welcoming service. Hidden pathway down the sidewalk where the Saturday farmers market is held. I love these kinds of bookstores throughout the city. An escape from the fast pace. An oasis to get lost in before the next calendar alert appears.

    Inside the Bookstore during Festival of Lights season
    Daisy R.

    This place feels so hidden from all the cool things in Downtown Riverside ! When I was first introduced I couldn't believe it ! I then took my friends & family & they too were impressed! This second time I went i noticed they did alot of changes & cleaned up on the look inside during the festival of lights! It really highlighted the bookstore & made it feel more cozy - Good book finds here . YOU MUST SEE FOR YOURSELF

    Amanda T.

    OMG!!! I love this Book store more now then I did before. Not only is it still woman owned, but now it is Black owned too. They have renewed the space and made it inviting and clean! Plus, they have an amazing selection of new books and old as well as everything I don't need but have to have! lol!!! The service is exceptional. Everything in priced fairly, the only catch is you want to buy everything which is going to hurt the pocket regardless. Lmao!!! Way better than the larger book stores!!! Any wait to go back

    Ooh an alleyway. Neat location.
    Michael T.

    Sure a kindle is nice but there's really no replacing a real live book in your hands. At least in my opinion. If you don't mind used books and are looking to help a small business you'll definitely want to go down the rabbit hole that is the Downtowne Bookstore. Located on Main St next to the Mission Inn and across from the very loud (it was Sunday Brunch time) Proabition, the Downtowne Bookstore has a neat location. You'll see the sign and have to walk down a small alley to get there. I loved it. Inside you'll find wall to wall books from any category you can think of. Cookbooks, poetry, self help or fiction. You name it, you find it. The prices are excellent. At least 50% off of list. There even 99 cent books at the sign on the street. Since the categories are alphabetized by Author, it was super easy to find your favorite writer. The Downtowne Bookstore survives off of donations, so if you're looking to move a library or just have some books you don't need anymore bring them here. Otherwise, help a small business by perusing the shelves and finding your next read! Highly recommended!

    Here are a few of the titles featured at the bookstore!

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    8 years ago

    Awesome little bookstore in downtown Riverside. Eclectic mix of titles that changes weekly. Well worth a visit.

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    10 years ago

    Right around the corner and down the alley from the Mission Inn is this great book shop. Prices are very good.

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    16 years ago

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    Page 4 of 4

    Downtowne Bookstore Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Downtowne Bookstore

    Are you currently accepting donations?

    They have always accepted books from me although, they have denied a select few.

    Do you carry mangas?

    Not typically, it's a used bookstore so if any mangas drift in it's not necessarily something that would last long on the shelves.

    What is the name of the Amazon storefront?

    Downtowne Books

    View All 8 Questions

    Review Highlights - Downtowne Bookstore

    Located between Mission Inn and the Convention Center around other wonderful independent niche stores.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Had a cvs appt and was waiting, decided on finally going in this bookstore because of the lgbtqia…read moreflag. I don't find many places in the area that vocally align with my beliefs and values. Once I got closer to the door I saw stickers about anti-ice and Palestine... so awesome. Staff was so kind and also very attentive when I asked about books on Sudan. They hadn't had any but considered my topic for future book inventory. Left with a book to restart my reading journey again. I praise them for their values! The selection of books is perfect for someone who leans more towards the left and beyond.

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    Renaissance Book Shop

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    A very cute and quiet little mom and pop shop type of bookstore! We went in on a whim after…read morevisiting the coffee shop next door. Parking is available across the street near the goodwill or if you can get a spot on the street. We came in and there were piles of books next to the bookshelves. The sections aren't completely labeled, but if you read enough, you can see what category the bookkeeper has placed the books in. There isn't a certain order (alphabetically or anything). You go in and you peruse what is available . The bookseller is also hanging out in the front and will let you look at the front room or the back room. We saw the children's section, science, graphic novels, AAPI, and fantasy. Their romance was scattered around the store. I did end up leaving with a book purchase. I will say it's hard to look at everything because the lights were also flickering, although there is sunlight coming in. It was quite overwhelming to look at books. Overall the prices were cheaper than a bookstore chain. It's very nice to see these stores still operating. I'd choose this over a chain any day.

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    Downtowne Bookstore - bookstores - Updated September 2026

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