This is one of the best bookstores. Recently moved a few blocks away from its original locale…read more Yes, one if my favorite quirky bookstores. I just want to sit and let the words envelope me. Takes me on journeys from a sitting position. This is truly a special spot . No, a holy spot where literature and west coast ease come together. Mashed and spiced with ideas of love and loss. Science and fiction. Her story and His. Excellent service. Real and not plastered plastic. Excellent selection of used treasures. Best value for dreams and dreaming.

Stumble upon this nice used bookstore. No only does it have its own personality overall, check out…read morethe variety books. Great selection from which I picked up two books myself. Best part of strolling through the stacks are the interesting comments, images, and quotes throughout the store. So check out those bookshelf end caps for some thought proving wisdom. Parking in the lot behind the building is easy. Great location in downtown in a walkable area near other places to also ready and enjoy your great finds here! Oh, and they sell vinyl LPs also!

Super neat book store! Popped in before dinner to browse titles and get gift ideas for upcoming…read moreholidays. Store is a good size with many book genres, a full children's section, calendars, magazines, games, gifts, and stationery. Staff was kept the queues short & were ready to help with recommendations. Great selection of calendars & books on sale!

This bookstore has been around since forever but I didn't realize Books Inc declared bankruptcy and…read morewas bought out by Barnes and Noble recently. This store has retained its name and branding and general cozy vibes, but they switched the rewards program and receipt paper to Barnes and Noble. They didn't ask us for a membership number or anything at the cashier. There is no indication of this store's relationship to Barnes and Noble anywhere in the store (probably by design). So I guess it still feels like you're supporting a local business but it's actually Barnes and Noble now.

I found this place on TikTok and decided to stop by. We parked right in front as soon as it opened…read more The place is beautiful. They have so many good book that I have not seen anywhere. I found older books so a lot of hidden books. They have a teen section and kids section. The books go up to the ceiling and they have an upstairs. Highly recommend coming here so many great finds.

I was wandering around downtown Palo Alto with my sister when we came across Bell's Bookstore. I…read moredidn't know anything about it, but was captivated the moment I walked in. They offer new, used, vintage, and rare books in a charming atmosphere. I enjoyed wandering the aisles without really looking for anything special, just checking out whatever grabbed my attention. Among the books that caught my eye were two used hardcover books on the Beatles that had lots of great photos and stories, but they were too heavy to carry around downtown until dinner. I'd like to go back and get them. I ended up buying a small book of Rumi poems and a dragon journal for my niece for Christmas. My sister bought two vintage pulp fiction books with awesome covers. This is such a special book store. I highly encourage you to check it out.

My family & I were there earlier this afternoon & had a wonderful experience…read more Everyone who was working was friendly, knowledgeable & really helpful. It was a very pleasant experience & I look forward to returning.

This store is a bit smaller than other ones however the staff her are so helpful! They can easily…read morehelp you find any book you need. Also it's conveniently located within a plaza so parking is never an issue.

This may be my favorite used bookstore yet!…read more The ladies working there were so welcoming and friendly. They let me and my boyfriend in a few minutes before opening so we could get out of the cold. So thoughtful. The selection was amazing. I snagged some older titles and then came across a table with some newer titles and all $6 and under. What a bargain. Will absolutely be back!

At first I couldn't find this place because there was a mini golf set up in the courthouse square…read more I had to literally walk around the block and saw these signs that read "used books" "this way" haha. This place is really hole-in-the-wall basement ish warehouse type feel bookstore. The prices are amazing for the used books. It is incredibly reasonably priced. I found two children's books in very good quality for $1 each. What a steal! For the most part, don't expect finding hot new bestsellers in here. This place is like for book antiques or if you need a used copy of something that might be a few years back. It was good for what I needed since I'm looking for some older historical fiction books about the American revolution. I was surprised to find two books here that I needed and so maybe you'll get lucky too! The couple who owns this place are very friendly. They said hi right upon me walking in. Selection is pretty wide, the books genres are organized in a neat way but the books themselves are scattered. For example, the fiction and nonfiction adult books are alphabetical order by last name but the children's books are not. It made things harder for me to look but I didn't mind since I had time. If you're in a rush then maybe this place isn't the best or just ask the lady up front for help! Overall this place is a gem and the proceeds go to a good cause--San Mateo historical foundation!

One of our favorite things to do is collect records! It was my first time here and my bf has been…read morecoming here for years. LOVED the vibes in here and so much to sift through! This place has personality and a nostalgic charm to it. They are a brick and mortar store that has been in business since 1988. They sell every genre of music both online and in store. Besides music they sell electronic equipment-guitars, Cds, Tapes, 78's, 45's, DVDs, video games, comic books, collectibles. Anything you pick up and later change your mind leave on the floor or at the counter so it can be placed back accurately. There aren't prices on them so they'll tell you the price when you ask. | September 13, 2025 |

NO - absolute worst service ever. They take advantage of you both ways - buying and selling…read morerecords. Like everyone says - no price on records. They look you over then give you a jacked up price. They told me all records are $25 or $35 dollars - I bought one, guess what $35. I wanted sell them about 100 records - their offer $18. What a freakin joke they are. The one-eyed man is especially charming. Told me I am wasting his time, "what are you going to hover over me", what a cranky curmudgeon. Buy or sell your records in San Mateo - well worth the drive.

A friendly and warm store with a great collection of new and interesting books. The owners are…read moresuper friendly and will be happy to order books for you. There are lots of great community events here, and the space is generally very comfortable to spend time in--especially with kids!

Lovely bookstore with a bunch of cool recommendations. If you're looking for something specific…read morethat they don't have in the store, they're more than happy to put in an order for you. In my experience, the book is usually ready for pickup in about two days, and they'll send you an email to let you know. If you're into book clubs, a variety of community book clubs (e.g. transit book club) are hosted here too.

I understand the frustration of the previous reviewer (JoAnna's), but I should note: it's exactly…read morethe case when one shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Don't be afraid to get inside. Szwede Slavic Books got a hit by economy and moved to this place from more nicer (and more expensive) location in Palo Alto. I'm happy they still exist. First of all, they have unique collection of the Slavic (Russian, Polish and more) books: broad selection of classic literature, popular books, guides etc. Also they have very interesting collection of rare, out-of-print books. They also managed to have on stock some special publications and low-volume books and references that are intended for narrow audience of professionals. Second, the staff is very professional and knowledgeable. I got a feeling they have some academic background. Don't hesitate to ask them. They may help find the right book, order it for you or give a valuable advice how to get a book you need. If Slavonic languages is area of interest, then it's definitely store you for you. If you curious to explore tricks of linguistics - that's store is your destination. BTW They have collections of books in English that cover Slavonic cultures and adjunct matters. NOTE: there is now Wi-Fi, no coffee or beverages on site ;-)