A very cute and quiet little mom and pop shop type of bookstore! We went in on a whim after visiting 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. read more

I had a wonderful experience at Renaissance Bookshop, Music & Movies in Riverside. I was searching for a specific hardcover book that was not currently in stock, but Gene Berkman went above and beyond to help. Instead of simply telling me he didn't have it, he took the time to recommend several websites where I could find the book at a very reasonable price. Thanks to his guidance, I found exactly what I was looking for, and the deal was so good that I ended up ordering two books. Gene Berkman and Jayne Hanson clearly care about their customers and have a genuine passion for books. Their knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to help make this shop a true gem in Riverside. I highly recommend Renaissance Bookshop to anyone looking for books, music, movies, and outstanding customer service. read more

Renaissance Book Shop - Picture of the book I needed in hardcover and a book I bought. Dark Age ahead! - Bookstores Near Me - Riverside, California

Gene is awesome! Wonderful welcome, friendly service and great resource for that book you're looking for. Wide selection throughout the store, organized and plentiful. Clear walkways to browse genres. DVDs and CDs also available. Go see Gene he'll take good care of ya! Limited street parking right in front or large parking lot a few steps away. Located next to Mikey Gs coffee. Near the Bakers Dozen donut shop. read more

See all

Terrific, eclectic selection of used and new books. The owners knows his stock. A pleasure to browse.

It had a huge selection and loved that it was somewhat organized but hard to navigate. Found some books $10-20$ felt a bit expensive for second hand books. It's was super quiet read more

This is my favorite bookstore ! I love not only how organized it is & yes it is organized lol but I love the selection. I was looking for specific books on Mexican history and this was the only store I was able to find that had that. Along with other works on philosophy and history I wanted to take them all ! The pricing is reasonable & the service is great the owner is lovely & knowledgeable. I wish there was tip jar or a donation area so he can get a bigger space and maybe some seating but absolutely love. I've taken many people here & plan to continue to do so. So far my book collection is building and I can't wait to find more books on the topics I'm interested in. If you need something more specific this is the place to go ! read more

I came by with a friend for the first time and I absolutely loved it! They have such a great selection of books organized by category, ranging from older copies to modern editions. I also really liked that they offered some more niche categories, like Latin and Libertarian economics. A lot of the books are placed in stacks, which makes it a little difficult to browse casually, but it adds to the charm of the place, I think. I will definitely be coming back!! read more

Options for independent book stores are slim to none in Riverside. So I was very happy to find this gem that not only sold books but movies and music as well. Are the prices here higher than soullessly ordering from Amazon? Of course. But that is precisely why these mom and pop shops are disappearing. So do yourself a favor and come patronize this spot in Riverside and enjoy the intellectually stimulating conversation from Gene! read more

I visited this bookstore a month ago to purchase some Charles Bukowski books for a friend in his 20's. The location of this store is convenient, especially if you are going to do some thrifting across the street. The gentleman who assisted me was extremely helpful. He even helped me track down a copy of Barfly and told me he'd let me know when it's back in stock. I will definitely be making my next book purchase here again. read more

One of the best stocked used bookstores when it comes to history, economics, and political science -- the stuff I like to buy. The prices are not bargain level but also not exorbitant. Plenty of parking across the street and a clean bathroom. The owner is friendly and knows what he has stocked. I have way too many books, but if I didn't, this is the place where I'd come to find used but good quality books to fill in what my collection was missing. I wish I could give this place five stars, but internet prices prevent me. read more

A very nice little bookshop. The owner Gene is extremely nice and knowledgeable. He knows exactly where everything is in the store which is very useful because it's a small store crammed packed with books. The prices are a bit higher than you might expect from a used book store but that's because so many of the books aren't actually used! There are lots of brand new books for sale at several dollars off the cover price. I'd most definitely give my business to a local shop than a corporation. read more

Renaissance Book Shop - Bookstores Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

We came here to get some books as gifts for a friend's kid who is an advanced teenage reader. I was surprised we were able to find most of the books we need here. The owner was very helpful too as it's not so easy to immediately find a book we were looking for. Considering this is a secondhand book store I do feel it's on the pricey side. Overall it's worth checking out because you can spend a day here easily and find so many books you would like to read with better looking covers on them (compared to the new version book covers on Amazon). read more

Renaissance Book Shop - Bookstores Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

It's all here...any kinda book you'd possibly want to pore over...though, don't do it in the store. Help Gene out and buy the book, take it home and read it and then repeat the process with more books. Hell, Gene's Renaissance Books is an institution worth preserving in Riverside...there are so few of them these days. Live long and prosper, Gene! read more

So many great books, but sadly, they are overpriced. I wish prices were half of what they are labeled. It's too bad as I'd love to support this business. read more

My favorite bookstore, especially because the Bluray and DVD selection is rather impressive (some of my best finds have been at this location.) All my interactions with the owner have been extremely pleasant and and the store is well maintained. I always recommend this place to anyone in Riverside who wants to support a local bookseller. read more

Owner is nice and the prices are right. Good source for unique used books. Mass market paperback sci-fi is particularly good.

Bookstores, particularly used bookstores, have taken a heavy hit the last twenty-years or so. Many found it cheaper to sell online via home than operate a brick and mortar storefront. A little caveat: Browsing through often unwieldy collections means the look, feel, heft, and curiosity on the next rack are not possible. By now it is probably clear that entering what you think are specific keywords often does not take you directly to the desired item(s). That's where a loaded, clean and well organized shop, such as Renaissance Books comes into play. In books, there are a few types of shops, such as big retail (Barnes and Noble outlived Border's), online options typified by Amazon, discount (aka remainder) stores where 20-80% discounts on all books are offered as-is, and finally, used sellers specializing in out of print, collectable antiquarian items. In some cities the selection is a pell mell mess of uninteresting bestsellers, romance, self-help (people who read those buy and sell lots) and old tired textbooks. There are more but this list suffices. That's where I pivot towards the merits of this "clean well- lighted place" (Hemingway reference). Gene, the proprietor, is a native Riversidian, Libertarian and proud of dodging the draft during the Vietnam Conflict. I first visited his old, considerably smaller location in the early 90s on a visit and still have that rare book on Roman glass work (which resembles Murana glass thousands of years prior). At some point he wisely moved and now occupies a rather large, two-room space absolutely chock full of books. The store takes an interesting approach by mixing some new titles with used and aforementioned 'remainder' books to round out sections such as World War 2, Science and Math, and Fantasy to highlight a few. Additionally, there are CDs for sale, especially in the jazz and classical genres but also some rock and boxed sets. While it's easy for a used book seller to reach maximum capacity in a short while, this store, although full, isn't terribly cluttered. Prices are fair and sometimes you'll find stuff seen on Amazon for less. Support the local shops first. read more

See all

Great used bookstore that also sells some new books. I walked out with nine books on my one and only visit so far -- but I'll be back. The bookstore is definitely hit or miss, depending on your flavor of books. For me, it's nearly perfect, as Gene (the owner and, apparently, only worker) mainly shelves books on history -- Russia, China, Germany, France, Italy, the USA, major wars, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Byzantium, Hellenistic Period, the Dark Ages, etc. -- literary/cultural criticism, economics, politics/political science, philosophy, and fiction. There's other stuff, too, but I took mostly a cursory glance at it. (Is "cursory glance" redundant?) Of the nine books I bought, seven of them were as cheap or cheaper than the lowest prices offered on Amazon for similar quality, while two were a few bucks more than I could have gotten online. To me, that's about as good as it gets for a used bookstore. Talking to Gene, I learned of an author in a genre I like, and he had books that I had never seen before, which is part of the fun of rummaging through the shelves book by book. Gene will greet you when you walk in and let you know that he's there to help if needed, but then leaves you alone to browse. The store is clean, in a decent area of town, well lit, well organized, and parking is plentiful in the Goodwill lot across the street. As far as inventory, it's the best curated bookstore -- new or used -- I've found. read more

Good Selection of vintage clothes for all ages to choose from I recommend this one for all to choose

I've been through enough small towns and cities to know that when one encounters a used bookstore, it is usually stuffed with used paperbacks. This isn't a bad thing, but how many Stephen King or Don Pendleton (LIVE LARGE!) books can one read before tiring of them? At some point you want to digest something with more substance. Thankfully, Renaissance Books is here to help. I will readily admit to having low expectations the first time I visited this place, but I was blown away by the selection. Paperbacks take a backseat to all the non-fiction packed into this bookstore. At some other larger used bookstores it has been hit or miss, but at this small place I always manage to find something to buy. In fact, I have to control the urge to buy all the books I want or else I'd quickly go broke. Case in point: on my last trip there I bought 4 books, but had to leave behind 3 others I also wanted. This place is feeds my addiction! (cue Devo's "Uncontrollable Urge") I cannot fathom how this place sprung up out here. My apologies to the locals, but come on, it's Riverside. I enjoy philosophy and history and this bookstore's selection actually rivals a place like Moe's in Berkeley and that place is a 4 story building. Yes, the selection at Renaissance is that good. If you are in need of finding good non-fiction that will get you to think, then do yourself a favor and go support this independent book seller. Here's a chance to hold a book in your hands and skim through it, along with countless others gems waiting to be discovered. read more

Great store, so many books, movies, & music. Great customer service, lots of stock, and a well run store. Check it out.

Wow! This place is amazing! My mom & I stumbled upon this bookstore while we were at the thrift store right next door. The store is filled to the brim with books, old and new. Prices were fair for new books and they had a great selection of political/historical/legal books to choose from. Will definitely be coming back! read more

See all

I meant to post this awhile back, but better late than never! The shop was very clean and organized. Everything was in great conditions. We enjoyed browsing around and wandering around the store. The store owner was very helpful and nice in answering our questions. I bought some books and hope to return soon. read more

There's more books than you could ever imagine here. Cheap prices, the owners super nice. An overall great experience and the only bookstore I'll be buying from from now on. read more

Today was my first visit to this wonderful store. Walking in was overwhelming, so many books!! It's a readers paradise. I bought 2 paperbacks, 3.95 and 4.95. They both look brand new, great deals. Gene, was very helpful with assisting me in finding exactly what I wanted and more. I also purchased some beautiful hard back novels for adding class and decor to my personal library in my home, 20.00, that was a bargain, these books look very pricey. I'm happy I found this store, and I look forward to visiting here regularly. I recommend this store highly:) read more

The shelves are overflowing with books of all genres. I was looking specifically for Animal Farm, and I felt a little overwhelmed by the amount of books, but the person at the front of the store knew exactly where it was and was extremely helpful. The book was reasonably priced and in very good quality. I'm sure you could find almost any book here. Amazing store and I'll definitely come again. read more

Books here are grossly overpriced and storekeeper is unfriendly. I was disappointed to see most books are double or triple the price you could find online on thrift books. read more

I went in looking for a book on geopolitics and international relations, specifically with regard to North Korea. I found what I was looking for and then some! The inventory of books is so robust I ended up waking out with six books and still there were some I had to leave for next time. Additionally, the manager was incredibly helpful. He offered documentaries I might be interested in based on what I was looking for, he helped me find all of the other subjects I then began looking for, and on top of it all he was extremely friendly and very interesting to talk to. If you are someone needing resources for a project or paper, or even just someone who enjoys books I would very highly recommend Renaissance! read more

This is my ideal used bookstore! Probably my favorite place in Riverside. The owner is very friendly and allows you to browse without interruption. There are shelves & shelves of used books. I used to drop by once a week when I worked in the area. Prices are very reasonable! read more

No cafe. No new CD's or DVD's. No delusional ego-trips from political vavasours shouting at you in overpriced hardcover; not air-conditioned. Just great literature at fair prices. A sizeable and diverse collection of American Fiction, Foreign-Language Literature and an impressive wall of Sci-Fi to keep one enraptured in alternate-universes for a lifetime. Virtually every other category of book (fiction or non) is well represented, crammed into the roughly 400 square feet of Renaissance. Language learning software, informational pamphlets and some used VHS/CD's round out the diverse and eclectic inventory. The knowledgeable, friendly and pleasantly quirky owner humbly fights the good fight. Probably the only place in the Inland Empire that will still buy books (worthy titles of course). This is truly an important institution to Riverside and beyond. I am compelled beyond reason (by reason?) to visit whenever I'm in the area. A landmark firmly resisting the tidal-wave of tidy corporate bookstore culture. Amen. read more

This is one of my favorite places in riverside. I come here every few months to find new books to read. The owner is one of the best parts of the experience, seems like a very nice man and always very helpful! Whenever I come here, I often find myself stressed, but when I leave this store I feel a sense of calm and pleasant. I hope this place is here to stay! read more

Huh... How did I get the idea this was a 'used' book store?? My mistake. None the less, I was excited to finally check this place out, I know it's been around Riverside a loooong time. First of all, it does not open until noon. Yilkes, had to waste a lot of time in the near by junk err I mean "antique shops" first. I had no idea though, it was also primarily a history and politics books store. Yikes! Some sci fi along the sides, math and physics in the back, I think. I really really REALLY want to like places like this. I really want to support small businesses, I do! But there was no where to sit down, it was kinda of hot inside, I thought it was a traditional used book store with many titles AND used book prices, but alas, few books I checked out (I *think* were new.. Not all books looked new to me) I knew I could get for pennies used on Amazon from other small businesses/private sellers. Arg, I'm sorry, but I cannot justify spending $23 on a book I can get for $2 + $4 s/h on Amazon, I'm sorry! Had they been used books at used book prices, then YES! I'd have bought as many as I could find to read. Know this review is a individual personal experience, clearly, others love this place. Just know what it is and I tip my hat to the guy running the place, it cannot be easy. Oh and he kinda snubbed me when I asked if he had a particular kind of book ... He said he wouldn't buy them anyways because he didn't think they'd sell, yet I buy these online and they sell for a LOT AND they are history type books so... *shrug*. lol. Oh well, can't win them all. :) read more

I came here on the recommendation of a friend, and I'm glad I made the drive out to Riverside to visit this bookstore. This place is full of books - from front to back! You could spend hours browsing. The stores looks very nice and organized. I don't know how the books are catalogued, but books are relatively easy-to-find if you know what you're looking for. A bookstore like Renaissance is (unfortunately) hard to find nowadays, but I'm glad they're still out there. I'm glad that there are people that are still passionate about literature. Since bookstores are such a rarity (I'm not including places like UBE - yuck), you know there has to be someone interesting behind it. The owner, Gene (who was at the register when I visited), is just as interesting as the books that line the shelves of his bookstore. Just browsing and overhearing his conversation with customers is enlightening - he's very knowledgeable about the books he sells, libertarianism, and guessing from his conversations - he's a bit of a Francophile. The books are not cheap, but they're also not expensive. Not only do I support local businesses, but I support GOOD local businesses, especially anything to do with art, literature, music, and/or film. Knowing that this place is there for other people to discover and experience is worth paying the extra money. I know these brick-and-mortar stores are fading, but I hope that people can keep them going, and Renaissance is one those places. FYI, this is a new, wonderful location for the business. I had only heard about it from my Riverside friend, but never visited, but this new location seems more convenient. Support it! read more

This is a great book store, and will be supporting this businesses. I went in hoping to find my brother a Christmas gift, and I managed to find him, my sister and myself books. The gentleman behind the counter greets you and then leaves you the hell alone (as it should be) and let's you browse peacefully. Lots in stock, and the a lot of the fun is in the hunt for those treasure books. All in all, I'm happy to support this family owned business and I hope it's around for many more years. read more

This independent book store has a huge selection of used books. The store is well organized and the owner is always happy to help with questions. I like that you can browse in peace without a ton of noise or employees bugging you. If you can't find what your looking for they will special order for you to come back and pick up later. read more

Loaded with both New and Used books. Used books are a little expensive, but great quality.

By far Riverside's best bookstore. I always make it a point to stop by here when I come visit my alma mater. Both new and used books with selections from both the East and the West, as well as DVDs at reasonable prices, huge sci-fi and fantasy selection, as well as philosophy and the arts. The owner is extremely cool and always willing to order books if he doesn't have it. He's also very knowledgeable about the areas of study of the books that he carries which is wonderful. read more

The Science Fiction section is unbelievable. Great selection of authors like Clarke, Niven, Herbert, Asimov, Pratchett, Dick. Such a big selection that I can usually find a specific book or something great I've never heard of. Organized by series and author. Unlike other used book stores, there is an intentional science fiction section that is organized. Great atmosphere and the owner is always willing to talk to me about books for much longer than he should. read more

I've been to a lot of used bookstores and wanna-be used bookstores. This is the real deal for sci-fi, fantasy and weird fiction collectors. The owner was very friendly; store was clean; selection was great. I can't wait to make a second trip. The only complaint is that the store isn't open on Sundays, which would be nice for those of us who have to come from LA County. read more

I love coming here to find great books and was surprised at first at the wide selection and quantity of books. The store owner is the best part of the store, he is very friendly, knowledgeable about books and knows how to run his business. His help and attitude makes this whole store worth going to. I highly recommend coming here if you'd like to find some great reads. read more