The Book Place (1608Grant Ave, Novato)--a beloved nonprofit used-bookshop run entirely by volunteers, with all proceeds supporting the Marin County Free Library. Vast selection at great prices: Over 60 categories of donated books--fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, children's, history, collectibles--plus CDs, DVDs, sheet music, and puzzles. Hardcover novels run around $3, trade paperbacks $2, mass-market paperbacks about 75¢, and clearance titles as low as 25¢. We were here on July 1st and they had books on American history on sale. The Book Place in Novato offers a treasure trove of affordable used books in a friendly, community-centered environment. Every purchase or donation helps enrich Marin County's library offerings, so it's a great spot for both reading lovers and those wanting to give back. read more

The Book Place - Quotes - Libraries Near Me - Novato, California

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​This is the best used book store in Marin County! If I'm in the area on the days they are open (closed Sunday and Monday), I'll stop by to see what they have. This is a Friends of the Marin County Library store, which means that volunteers lovingly keep the place clean and organized. All of the shelves are clearly listed, with price lists adorning the walls. Some of the books are even discounted further (individually priced on the cover), with an entire back room marked as Clearance (along with the carts outside the front door). Clearance books are mostly $1.00, and most everything else is under $5.00. Community members frequently donate items so the shelves are refreshed regularly. Each time I come by, I always find at least one or two titles to take home (and usually more than that)! There is free street parking, as well as a parking lot in the back of the building. And they only take cash or checks. read more

This place is still amazing. The quality books they have yours. Excellent their sales are amazing and they carry DVDs I'm not sure about CDs or audio tapes they might. I'm not sure about books on tape, but I do know that they have a great selection of kids books and sometimes they carry magazines and jigsaw puzzles as well. My only complaint is that the store is not big enough, but that just means I get to go back more and more read more

***CASH OR CHECK ONLY**** WHAT TREASURES! LOOKING FOR USED BOOKS AT A KILLER PRICE, LOOK NO FURTHER. I stopped in here today on a total whim after a doctor's appt. I live north in Sonoma County and wish we had a charming used book store like this in our town. We just have a ridiculously over priced used book store in our town. So many positive qualities this place has. They are 100% donation based. They are 100% volunteer run. Annnnnnnd, they didn't charge sales tax. It was a flat rate out the door. Also, reading the business manager responses, they donate to jails and prison programs.  I mean, it just keeps getting better and better and better, doesn't it? I'd go out of my way to travel here just to come to this book store. The ladies in the shop were so cute with their little aprons and beyond helpful. As I was cruising through the cooking section, I heard many regulars come in like Cheers where everyone knows your name. The store is open, welcoming and organized. Not crammed, claustrophobic and disorganized. The price is right, I mean, killer prices I got 6 books for $16. I attached a pic of their current 2024 price list. I went to a used book store in Santa Rosa where I live and that particular used book store was price gouging patrons at $9-$20 (or more) for a used book. It was madness.  This store gets all of the stars in the galaxy from me. read more

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They have a surprisingly good selection and you simply can't beat their prices! I'm a repeat customer for sure!

I found 7 amazing books for 12$! Great pricing AND great service. I asked an employee if she knew where something was, and she lead me right to it. I had a great time read more

Parking on the street. Usually available and not too far from the store. (Update) there is a parking lot behind the store What a great bookstore. Inexpensive used books that are in great condition. I love their selection of books and could spend the whole day there. The people who work there are all so friendly and helpful. Always busy. They'll still answer any questions you may have. read more

You can't beat a Friends of Library store. Cheap books, and everything you pay goes to the library and community services! Volunteer run. The Book Place has a parking lot behind the building so parking is good too. :) read more

Excellent volunteer help! Excellent book selection and unbeatable and unbelievable prices!

I have long been a book lover so I am happy to travel far and wide to browse. I make it my business to drive from the East Bay to Novato to visit the Book Place every other month or so. As others have said, there is a great selection of books to look at and the atmosphere is comfortable, even homey. I always manage to find a gem (or two) to bring back with me, despite the lack of space in my house. I am grateful to the Friends of Marin for offering so many books, videos and cd's at such great prices. read more

How to replicate the experience of leisurely indie-bookstore browsing in a town that has no more bookstores, not to mention cool, indie bookstores? I suggest an afternoon on Grant Ave. Get a cup of Ritual Coffee to go from Rustic Bakery, just down the street, and then stroll up to The Book Place. A used bookstore run by Friends of the Library, this place is, like any used bookstore, full of hidden treasures. Organization and aesthetics are not the strong suit here. Be prepared to overlook dusty shelves and mixed genres. However, if you take the time, you can find some great books. Recent hardcovers for $2 or $3. Paperback classics for $0.50. I wish the staff would take the time to display the books a little more nicely, and perhaps display favorites, critical darlings and bestsellers in a way that would catch the eye. I'd love to see a "staff picks" shelf, perhaps rotating theme shelves. I get the impression that the staff here (primarily elderly and all volunteers) doesn't care enough to go there. They don't necessarily seem to be book-lovers. However, they've been friendly enough whenever I'm shopping there. Cash or check only. No credit cards. Come with some extra cash, because I guarantee that you'll end up leaving with more books than you expected. You can also donate books to The Book Place. I've done that on a number of occasions. Proceeds benefit our local libraries, so it's a good cause. read more

My favorite bookstore ever. They have so many books. The children's section is pretty good too. It is amazing that even with such low prices for books, they still have frequent sales. Why pay $25 for a new book when you get an almost new book for $2-3? I could spend hours in this place and go often. My family from out of town look forward to going to the Book Place too. read more

What a find! This book "place" - as indeed, it is not a traditional bookstore - is run by the Friends of Marin County Libraries (volunteers). The books are donated, and so all the money goes to a good cause, which does NOT help me not overspend! Speaking of which, when this place has a sale, it's amazing! In November, there was one where everything in the store was 1/2 off. The usual prices for books depends on the bindings. The children's books are the cheapest , at 50 cents, I believe. I think that mass-market books are 75 cents. Trade ("quality") paperbacks, which are the ones which are bigger, are 2 bucks. I believe hardbacks are 4 dollars. This is all true as of December 2009. Then there are various books around the store which are specially labeled, which may be a few dollars more, because they are unique or especially nice. I mentioned that this is not a traditional book shop, but that is both true and untrue. The store is divided into different sections, but the books are not usually in alphabetical order. However, in the hardback and trade paper fiction section, there are separate shelves for authors with last names starting with, "A-F," etc. Occasionally, there will even be some free books in a box outside the store! Regarding parking, there is the usual downtown Novato parking, but also a small lot behind the store; the store also has a back entrance. "Back in the day," the space housed "Novato Office Supply," if that helps give you an idea of where the store is... I don't find the sign for the store especially conspicuous. read more

Attention bibliophiles, you don't want to miss this hidden gem, and as much as I want to keep all the books for myself, alas, there are too many even for me... The actual name is The Book Place and it is run by volunteers (mostly seniors who are very friendly) from the Friends of the Marin County Free Library. It is, hands down, the cheapest place to buy books in Marin. You might find some lower prices at thrift stores, but not the vast selection (or organization or cool bookstore ambiance), and they even have a whole room just for children's books (complete with kiddie table, chairs, and friendly teddy bears). Books are $.25 (paperback) - $2 (hardback), and children's books are the cheapest, but there's also "better books" which cost more. CASH or CHECK only. The first Sunday of every month is Bargain Sunday, when they do a half off discount on a certain section (or sections). And every few months or so, they have a storewide 50% off weekend sale. I carted home two boxes of books (I'd say 75 or so) for $43 last week (mostly children's books). They also have their enormous sale at the armory one weekend every spring, which is amazing and everything goes dirt cheap during the last few hours (like $7 a box). After years of frequenting this store (and the teensy one they had before in Ignacio), I finally became a member (discounts and privvy to special preview sales). Though I've always been a supportive "friend of the library" (donating books to this store, paying overdue fines), I decided to make it official when I became a homeschooler, since now I actually spend more time here and at the library than I do with most of my actual friends! read more

AMAZING little find!!! If you like older paperbacks, many of them out of print that you couldn't find in a new bookstore if you tried, this is the place for you. I prefer old, used, editions of books for really cheap prices and this place is great for that. Bigger inside than I thought it would be from the street. Great lil' old ladies that help you with anything you might be looking for. 75 cents each for small paperbacks! read more

Indeed a used bookstore wonderland. Sure, it's nothing compared to a profit-making mega bookstore (or Powell's), but the books are nicely organized and you can walk out with a fat tower of books for under $20. Count me in. P.S. They accept book donations, as well as cassettes, CDs, VHS, DVDs and audiobooks. Easy peasy! read more

Having moved out here 11 months ago this is one of my favorite places to go to the find books to buy. They have a great selection and you never know what you're going to find so go with an open mind. Everyone is very helpful of the store is very clean and comfortable. Couple of chairs to sit down and to read and a staff that is very willing to help you. They also have CDs and DVDs and magazines at a fraction of the price. Who wants to pay $10 for a magazine anymore. The magazines here may be a month or two or three or four months old but they're only $.75. Thanks for being there. By the way they are directly linked with the Marin public library so if you have books to donate this is the place to bring them to. I can't say enough nice things about them. Stop in and look around. read more

The prices are the only reason I come here. Most hardcover books are a buck or two and the paperbacks are 50 cents or so. The drawback to this place is that the books are not catagorized except in a very broad general way, so it's not possible to find out if a book is in stock. You just have to take a bunch of time looking through the shelves. So, if you're not looking for a specific book, you'll be fine. read more

I love this place! The books are so inexpensive and it is wonderful to find new and recent books at such great deals! Love the sales too! And my daughter is a huge fan of the children's section! They take donations too - so be generous! read more

Great selection, run by volunteers, benefits the public library. Dogs are welcome and will be offered a treat! Prices are fantastic!

Just a quick comment. Many sections of the store are now more organized by author than 6 months ago. If you're looking for a specific title, it's a lot easier than it used to be. AND there will be a Half-Price Clearance Sale January 19-21 : Friday and Saturday, 10-4pm and Sunday 12-4. read more

Just left with a bag full of hardcover books and some history books for only $20. I brought in the boxed set of Beautiful Creatures to donate, then spent a happy half hour perusing the sci fi and California History section. Best way to clear then fill your bookshelves! read more

I felt I had to give this place a review! I can't believe no one has yet!! I must say I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to books, I absolutely love to read. Fortunately for me, this place has made my addiction a whole lot cheaper for me! The prices here are as low as 25 cents! They have every genre, and a lot of new titles! Really a must stop for book lovers! read more

This is such a great place. ave found almost any book I go in looking for plus more. The children section is great and I always find classics. The prices here can not be beat! Yes you have to do a little searching to find what you need. No real order with in sections but I'm ok with that. This is the only place I go for books now. read more

As a brat raised in the public libraries in marin county, it's hard to not love this store. I cant imagine a life with a Kindle. Dont you love holding a book in your hands? and dont you adore a used book store? the smell of inspiration? the mountain of stories ready to explore? So this store is an experience, a public service and a tremendous resource. Go here and spend lots of money. buy a gift certificate for someone. why buy new when you can buy something so lovingly used? read more

Assume the staff are volunteers but that doesn't mean that they have to be unfriendly, bordering on rude. Yet they are. Was actually told by a staff member: "I don't know anything about books or what we do with them."' Hello? Ultra low prices but the lay-out and arrangement of the store and the books themselves leaves a bit to be desired. Both are fairly haphazard and disorganized. Would hate to see a used book seller (any book seller!) go out of business just because they were disorganized. This store would be more successful with just a bit of order brought into play. Prepare to: 1.) not be looking for something specific, but just be prepared to see what you find; 2.) be ready to spend a lot of time doing it and 3.) not expect any greeting or offers of help, product knowledge or guidance from staff. read more

Ummm YESSSSS!!!! I spent a total of four hours over a two day period in this bookstore. I bought 37 novels ranging from contemporary to mysteries to literature to history for $45! They have a wonderful staff that volunteer b/c it is a non-profit organization. The only down fall is that most of the sections are not alphabetized but when the prices are as cheap as they are in this bookstore who cares. Not to mention, a lot of the books look like they have never been opened. If you are in the area I highly recommend this place to any book worm. read more

I live pretty far from this store, several hundred miles. But Every time I go up to northern California I make sure to stop by this little gem. The Prices are amazing and the selection is great, and the workers are beyond helpful. Every time I go, I walk away with at least 60 books. read more

Another great Novato treasure: The Book Place is quite simply one of the best used bookstores in the North Bay. It is a clean, well-lighted place ideal for browsing through the shelves where nonfiction books are expertly categorized by subject and fiction titles by genre. A shelf of almost-new bestselling titles will keep you current on the latest literary trends at a fraction of the cost. The expansive sections of history, cookbooks and gardening titles always have new titles every time I browse. Seasonal displays of themed collections are delightful and appropriate - a wintertime collection of crafting how-to titles was out when I last visited. Rare collectibles and art books turn up frequently which rewards the regular customer with new finds. The children's' section is well-stocked and inviting with seating and a few toys to entertain toddlers. Also of note is the magazine rack which features an excellent selection of curated publications - with an emphasis on great photography or historical significance. Allow yourself at least an afternoon for your first visit! read more

I always leave with as many or more books than I've stopped in to donate. And it's rare that I don't leave with at least one I've already read, but at these prices, no problem - it just becomes the firsr book in the new donation stack. Go when you have time to browse, finding hidden treasures is half the fun! read more

Great used book store with a large selection of paperbacks and hardcovers.. I found everything I was looking for. Four books for $6. My new favorite used books store. read more

My favorite place in Novato. Big, volunteer run book store, with most books priced fro 25 cents to $3. It's true that most sections are not alphabetized, but it's a great place to browse. Kids books from 25 cents to $1. Many of the volunteers know the stock, a few don't. Parking in back, behind store. read more

Love this book store. I stop in every Monday morning and Friday afternoon and if I have the time Saturday or Sunday. I usually leave with 5-10 books each time for about $3-$7.00.They are always re-stocking the shelves. Yes, they are not in alphabetical order but that is the fun of it, I end up finding new authors to read. All books are donated so some may be worn but I have also bought new books. The prices are great, anywhere from a box with free books out front, 25 cent rack, 75 cents for paperbacks to $4.00 for hardcover. When they have a sale be sure to take a box or bag and spend an hour or two, you won't be sorry. The staff are all volunteers and are very friendly. Please support the libraries while buying some good cheap books. read more