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Alexander Book Company
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
50 2nd St(between Jessie St & Stevenson St)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 495-2992
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
84 reviews for Alexander Book Company
Review Highlights
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"Great selection of children's books as well." In 9 reviews -
"There are three floors of independent, amazing, intriguing..." In 8 reviews -
"The free gift wrap was a nice touch." In 3 reviews
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84 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle C.
Philadelphia, PA
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Sometimes I get feisty over paying full price for a book. But when I realize I'm helping to support a local business, I can feel good about it. That sentiment is no clearer than when you purchase a book from Alexander Books. The bag itself says: "Congratulations! You've unchained yourself today. Thank you for supporting this local independent bookseller." Warm and fuzzies!
But this store really is a gem. Within moments of walking in, I was already deciding between three or four reads. There is a big selection and there are little notecards and newspaper clippings everywhere with info about the books. Super cool store. -
Review from Young L.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
Alexander Book Company makes me glad that the big stores like borders and barnes nobles are no longer around in this area.
Wouldn't have found this place w/o Yelp even though it's really close to my place and I used to pass it all the time on my way to work. They have a great inventory of books and a staff that is friendly and very willing to help you. Last week, I came in 10 minutes after they closed and not only did the guy help me find the books I needed but he also helped me wrap the books in gift wrapping. Awesome sauce.
I haven't given in e-readers and maybe it's just a matter of time but for now, I will be buying all my books from here. -
Review from Sarah T.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
I found Picadilly notebooks here! on sale! for less than $5!
these are the notebooks that look and feel like moleskins but are much more affordable. the paper is thinner but i don't need very heavier paper. the construct is similar and i'm very happy with it - i bought about 5 of these during their holiday sale.
i bought a book as a xmas gift and they offered free wrapping + ribbon tying. how nice. bookstores are great. Bus 10 drops you off right in front of this store.
buy a book, take it next door to starbucks, and enjoy reading with a cup of joe. -
Review from Jessica O.
Kirkland, WA
5/20/2012
One other random afternoon, I visited Borderlands Books, Dog Eared Books and, later in the day, Alexander Book Company. I thought BB & DEB were a little pricey but they do need to earn a living and rents aren't cheap in SF. Unfortunately, DEB's sales folks were less than friendly on my visit; hopefully I caught them on an off day. BB was awesome if you're into Sci-Fi/Fantasy, plus they have some cool gifts (besides books) and a nice coffee shop. Forced to choose, though, ABC gets my money. They have a great selection of most genres. I always gravitate towards travel, current, local and/or indie lit and they have a terrific collection of each. Plus they have a knowledgeable staff, gift wrapping and (a couple) comfy chairs for lounging. Short of offering a coffee shop, what else could you want in a bookstore?
PS: Though I'm rarely in the market, they also have a sizeable collection of African-American and Children's literature. Great place for presents! -
Review from Jen L.
9/9/2011
Keep the indie spirit alive.
Between appointments, I remembered this little book store and kept thinking, "I'll go next time." That was three months ago.
Three stories high, this quiet little store reminds me of the long gone Stacy's Bookstore a stone's throw on Market Street, when books use to be all the rage and overflowed on streets like the rain. First floor seems to be mainly fiction and nonfiction with upper floor for children and the arts/leisure and the lower floor for humanities and such. I love it when bookstores have staff suggestions and will often buy books because of them.
Looking forward to finding more good reads here very soon. Bibliophiles, you know what to do. And hurray for Saturday hours! -
Review from Ed U.
"When you sell a man a book you don't sell just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life. Love and friendship and humour and ships at sea by night - there's all heaven and earth in a book, a real book." ~Christopher Morley
The demise of the super bookstore has not really led to the renaissance of the independent bookstore probably because we are all too busy staring at our Kindles. Still, how do you peruse a coffee table book on a Kindle, or share a children's book with any warmth with a Kindle? You can't. There is something sensory and tactile that only comes when reading an actual bound book. Alexander is one of the last bastions in SoMa that allow you this experience, and gratefully they have decided to open on Saturdays in the throes of the nearby Borders fatalities.
I am embarrassed to say I had never been inside this bookstore until Jamie W. said we should go on a recent Saturday. It feels about a third of the size of the dearly departed Stacey's but far bigger than overstuffed spaces like Browser or Bibliohead. There are three floors, and there is enough room to roam but relatively few seating options. That's probably just as well since it's not a library. Quite a bit of the focus on the main floor is on African-American literature, but pretty much everything else is here as well. They mentioned they have lunch-hour book readings which would be worth checking out if you work nearby. It's just good to know an old-fashioned bookstore can still survive.Listed in: Where the SoMa FiDi Lemmings…, Books Without Borders
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Review from Matty S.
Los Angeles, CA
3/6/2012
I have passed this place a million times and finally stopped and checked out the book carts out front. Found 2 great books I can't wait to read. Really nice store, but I would love to see a used book section as well.
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Review from Eric M.
8/31/2011
I love this place for the discount books they throw outside - I've been making a habit of buying one about every two weeks (typically about 5 bucks) when I'm in need of something to read.
With that being said, the guy who's always at the register is literally one of the most depressing dudes I've ever seen. No hellos, no thank yous......nothing. I've actually made it a goal to get him to smile just ONCE - to no avail so far.
I'll keep coming here for the cheap books obviously.......but a hint of friendliness would be cool -
Review from Eliot R.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2011
You'll never have to worry about this store going out of business. The Academy of Art University orders their textbooks via Alexander, and that school's student population grows nearly exponentially from year to year.
I love this bookstore. It's massive yet cozy, contemporary yet quaint, and full of a friendly staff who is always willing to answer questions. Bonnie in particular is fun to talk to.
A good word of advice would be to simply browse.
As an AAU alumnus and book nerd in general, I have literally spent thousands here, and I don't feel a penny of it was wasted. -
Review from Sarah B.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2011
Just stopped by here for the first time and had a wonderful experience! Very good selection of books, and they gift wrapped my purchases separately for free and with a smile even though they were fairly busy.
Although I have a Kindle and buy most of the books I read digitally I will definitely be a repeat customer for any books I want to buy in the future. Great selection of children's books as well. -
Review from Dara K.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
Pretty good selection and near my office. I like stopping in to pick up my latest obsession, whether it's the new Murakami hardcover or A Song Of Ice and Fire paperback. I like the vibe in here. And yay for local bookstores.
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Review from Anthony S.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Three floors .. lots of books
Organized well.
They had what I needed and service was friendly and quick.
Good times :) -
Review from Anna S.
El Cerrito, CA
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I just discovered this place, and the selection of books is pretty good. It is close to my morning job, which is dangerous for my wallet, but convenient when I'm on an hour break.
I do have to make a side comment that one of the employees here had a friend in the store, and they were talking/laughing/gasping for air so loud about their personal business that it was actually hard to pick up books and read the descriptions. Can't you take your break? Dude you work in a bookstore. Finally the friend left, and everything quited down, which is the only reason I made it past the front half of the store. I mean loud!
Anyway, I left with a couple history books, and I'm sure I'll be back since it's right off Market. -
Review from Erika D.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2011
Love this place! Today I made my second or third purchase from them, just now getting around to writing a review. They've got tons of books, no used books, though, you should know. Well, besides textbooks.
There's always one or two people at the main desk when you walk in. Very friendly and know where everything is. There's a desk upstairs, too, and the woman there, today anyways, was super friendly and told me where to find the baby books. You bet. I walked in with a mission. I was on the hunt for some super duper board books for a friends that are having their first baby! I bought 3 perfect books and picked out about 50 more that I want to get soon!! :D They have a HUGE selection of children's books, specifically a TON of board books.
Prices are relative to other book stores. One plus that I love about this store: tons of local authors, books, publishers.
They also offer a frequent buyer program and complimentary gift wrapping!! (I actually found out about the gift wrapping after buying the books and getting home. I called them, asked if I could bring the books in tomorrow, and they said sure! Cha Ching!!) -
Review from Cactus F.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2011
This place is nice and small. Very organized and colorful.
Out front they have these carts and all the books go for around $4 $5 dollars.. pretty nice when you are waiting for the bus to come.
They have a down stairs for Academy of Art or was it Art Insitute Textbooks and upstairs are for books that are to be sent back to publishers. Pretty neat-o place to browse n read =] -
Review from Alissa B.
Mountain View, CA
12/27/2010
I stumbled across this cute little bookstore while on my way to Borders. What a delight! The guy at the counter (maybe the owner?) was very friendly and knowledgeable about the books that I was looking for, and had some good recommendations. If you're in a rush, there's also a computer in the store that you can use to see if your book was in stock.
The free gift wrap was a nice touch. They did a much better gift wrapping job than I've ever managed to do myself :)
In short, I'm glad I found this before making it to Borders, and will be coming back here next time! -
Review from Sascha O.
2/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
So this review is going to be short because I wasn't there looking for a book, but rather I was looking for a specific kind of Moleskine. My husband needed the medium sized sketch book from Moleskine, and he told me that he went over to Dick Blick but they were sold out of that kind. I figured the other places that might have Moleskine would be bookstores, and was thinking of which one I should go to, while I coincidentally passed by this small bookstore.
I decided to poke my head in and luckily found a tower of Moleskine. And, luckily, I found the sketchbook I was looking for. Knowing that their sketchbook is so popular, I swiped up two of them ; )
Happy to know that this is one place we can try the next time we run out of these sketchbooks. It is probably not the first place people will try when looking for Moleskine so chances are, they will have stock of what you are looking for. Good thing for people like us : ) -
Review from Jen A.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2011
After passing by Alexander Book Company so many times, without going in, when I used to work nearby, I decided to seek it out looking for specialized lapidury and metal-smithing magazines. No luck on the magazine front, but given my fondness for art books, ABC is a beauty of a find for me.
Due to their relation with the-art-school-which-shall-not-be-named, they have a great selection on art-related topics. I was thrilled when I found one by a local art instructor; this title has been sitting in my amazon wish-list for like 2 years now. Score!
And oh how I love moleskine books; they've got more than their fair share of them.
In addition to the above, they've got the biggest selection of Afro-American romance novels that I've seen outside of a specialized Afro-American bookstore. -
Review from Amanda F.
12/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is, without a doubt, my workday safe haven.
They have a decent selection of fiction, and always have some deeply discounted gems that they display outside and beneath the calendars and notebooks (I'm talking $3-5 books here, and some nice titles). I like the way that they organize the titles on the ground floor, along with some of the staff favorite descriptions.
Really nice selection from authors of color, and definitely a place to go if you're looking to find something a little different. Their nonfiction selection is a little less impressive, but their staff are super friendly and it's nice to step into a book store close to Fi-Di that's not a Borders.Listed in: Edification/Edumacation
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Review from Lauren H.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2011
So, the only reason I went into Alexander Book Company was to buy my school books for AAU. I thought it was odd, my school didn't have a bookstore-where I could just purchase the books. But hey, at least they sent me to a place that did.
When I walked in though and saw the vast assortments of books, I was very surprised and shocked! I thought this bookstore was going to be some stuffy, old boring place. Lol. But, it wasn't! I was SO surprised by the amout of African American books they had! Most, private owned bookstores back home, don't carry that many titles! And of course, the mystery/suspense books also had a nice amount of titles, as well! I can say, I will continue shopping here. Not for just school books, but for personal books as well.
SN: (To AAU students) When you sale your books back, they only give you half of what you paid per book or something like that. -
Review from kevin S.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2011
I like easy peasy. I walked in, and immediately got a "Hello!" "Hey, I need a travel book on Spain." "Upstairs and to your left."
Five minutes, boom, done. I'll check out the reading space on my next open lazy afternoon. -
Review from Ashley H.
Oakland, CA
11/8/2011
There aren't a lot of bookstores downtown anymore, with Stacey's, Cody's, and all Borders locations having closed just since I moved here 5 years ago. I never even knew about this place because it's hidden away on 2nd Street, but it's a gem. I just wish they were open later. A great place for shopping on your lunch break, and they have a frequent buyers club that you can join for free.
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Review from Vanessa Y.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2011
Great selection of books, knowledgeable/friendly staff, and conveniently located in the heart of downtown. ABC also sells magazines, cards, planners/diaries in addition to games for the kiddos.
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Review from Keane L.
4/8/2009
I helped an old lady who couldn't speak find the Russian embassy this morning...
In doing so, I realized I made three incorrect assumptions. First of all, I assumed the building of the intercom she was pointing at was the correct one. She showed me her directions (a MapQuest printout - talk about old school - with words scribbled on it) and I realized she had the wrong address.
We walked down half a block and rang the intercom for the building with the correct street number when I realized 1.) Everyone in Pac Heights has a fucking intercom, and 2.) We were on the wrong street. (My second incorrect assumption.)
Now, this is the part where I force my profound experience into a review: Likewise, one shouldn't assume Alexander Book Company lacks the charm of a neighborhood bookstore just because it's located downtown. The brick interior and hip staff give it as much flavor as any other place in SF "proper." It's cozy and quiet, like a vacation from the outside. And while I preferred the (now deceased) Stacey's for their selection and energy, I can easily appreciate the serene comfort that Alexander exudes. Also, it's a block closer to my workplace and I'm lazy.
Anyway, as I ran off after she entered the embassy, I realized I made a third incorrect assumption. I had glossed over the scribbled notes on her directions and focused on the directions themselves. What I realized then was that the notes weren't written for her...
They were written for me. -
Review from Bill B.
3/26/2009
A wide variety of technical, trade, and special interest books fill the numerous shelves of this 3-level bookstore, and the staff only use the computer to CONFIRM whether they have a specific book in stock - they already have a 90% confidence off the top of their heads. If you're interested in any artistic medium, you'll be happy to know that Alexander Book Co. is the official bookstore of the Academy of Art University, so any art topic from Advertising to Zootropes can be found, either as a textbook or coffee-table book. A discount cart can always be found either on the sidewalk out front or just inside the door, and the staff are perfectly happy to order any book you want that they don't have in stock.
TRIVIA: The zootrope is among the earliest forms of animation, dating from 180 AD in China with the modern form arising in 1834. A drum with slits in it is spun quickly so that the sequential images inside appear to move, similar to a flip-book. -
Review from Ashley H.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2011
It saddens me to write this review on a company that I've been loyal to for years and have spent 100s at. I had one of the worst experiences today with an employee named Sandy at Alexander Book Company on 2nd and Market. I asked if I could see a book "Writing Fiction; 8th addition" for which I was going to purchase. I had some time to kill since I was on break so decided to take a seat and look through the book. I was sitting there no more than 3 minutes before she came up behind me and snatched the book out of my hand saying "this isn't a library it's a book store." Now I get that, but the manner in which she went about it was unbelievably rude. I told her that I was going to buy the book and she reluctantly gave it back. I was clearly appalled by attitude and customer service. She then followed me upstairs where I went to pick out another book that I wanted to purchase, and snatched the book out of my hand again. It's surprising they have any customers with this lady working there. At that point I was mortified, and surprisingly still thinking about buying my books there, but then came to my senses and walked out. They lost out on a $150 transaction today, and probably future purchases upwards of a $1000. What I thought would be a relaxing way to spend my money and break turned into an unforgettably rude and humiliating experience. Future book purchases will be http://Amazon.com (sorry local economy).
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Review from Autumn K.
11/11/2009
I know. Even I'm shocked to find out that I know how to read. Don't let this review fool you: it's picture books only for this little airhead :)
But for real, Aleaxander Books is awesome. I love the spaciousness of it. The selection is great if you're into the standards or you're an academy of art student (if you are, and you're barely legal, and you're around 6'2" and you're so hipster even hipsters won't talk to you, call me...I'll buy you some malt liquor and let you "paint" me naked). I digress.
The best part is the "Happy Table" upstairs, covered in books meant to remind us that suicide isn't the answer, that tomorrow will be a better hair day, that the fat on your ass will disappear if you just work hard enough, and that you are dead on right in your convictions that your colleagues, neighbors, and everyone in general sucks- except you). And the staff. They rock too.
Minus one star for having a grand total of 5 yoga texts, 4 of which were crap. And not a Pilates book to speak of. Blasted!
I'll be back. I saw some great ideas for Hannukah presents...save your rupies. This is no discounter. -
Review from Mike S.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2011
With Borders gone forever, this is now the largest bookstore in downtown San Francisco. The selection is fantastic and the staff is both friendly and knowledgeable.
There is just one BIG problem: the hours are atrocious. Although they have now decided to open on Saturdays now that Borders is gone, I would expect Alexander Book Company to respond with far better hours than before. Yet, it is still seems to only cater towards the downtown business crowd. Heck, even the much smaller Book Passage in the Ferry Building is open until 8 most nights and on Sunday as well.
My rating may be a bit harsh, but given the lack of bookstores in the downtown area now, I would expect Alexander Book Company to at least try extending their hours on weekdays and opening on both Saturdays and Sundays. -
Review from nicole c.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2005
MA ALWAYS SAID, don't judge a bookstore by it's cover.
Alexander's is 3 floors of published comfort. I can't believe I didn't venture in here earlier during those 9-5 corporate stress-out moments (example: if i see 1 more greeting card w/ a dog wearing a human smile & birthday hat...) well, everyone has their own i guess.
Alex has all the books an (art)skool gal could need. Prices are typical, sometimes they cut students a break w/ some coupons/discounts. If you spurt out a few letters & class numbers, the wizard-like staff can retrieve the book of your desire...i think they may even have psychic powers.
Check it out- It's a diamond in the rough Fi-Di/soma hood...Serio, though, watch that bus stop out front.Listed in: Book 'Em, Nic-O!
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Review from Teej T.
Urbana, IL
8/7/2007
I come to visit San Francisco and its awesome denizens about 4-5 times a year. Every time, I make sure to stop at Alexander Book Co. There are three floors of independent, amazing, intriguing books, and the chatty customer staff, always make the day even better. I love the book selection in Alexander, and I've always managed to find somethign to pique my interest--and most of the time, I find a fascinating spin on American or world history to present to my high school students when I make it back down to San Diego.
Yes, I know Citylights is THE bookstore for the SF hipster elite, but my heart is really attached to Alexander. Rock on.Listed in: The City By the Bay from a…
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Review from meg w.
Chicago, IL
5/19/2006
I never go here because:
1) I'm never interested in the books they display in their window
2) it's just not worth tripping over the homeless and bus patrons sprawled in front of the entrance.
3) due to the pee smell (see #2), I try to walk on the other side of 2nd Street. -
Review from James G.
Oakland, CA
10/28/2010
I love this bookstore! Surprisingly there aren't many (at least that I know of) near the financial district. I had no idea that it would span three floors, and have a pretty great selection. The staff, namely Bernard are awesome and personable. Bernard is a genuinely friendly person you can count on for a laugh.
The only thing I wish is that they had more of a selection when it comes to magazines. Other than that, awesome books, awesome staff. -
Review from Mel G.
6/19/2011
What a great local bookstore. The layout is really aesthetically pleasing, and they have a pretty big section of discounted books, cards, journals, everything. They also have a couple of chairs for patrons to check out some books. A nice haven in bustling downtown.
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Review from Sari G.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2006
Great bookstore. Came here looking for a set of notecards but all they had were individual ones at 3.50 each but I bought them anyway, because they were beautiful works by an Ugandan artist.
I appreciate their book reccomendations. And they featured a magazine (really a book) of local writers with art called "McSweeney's" which was nice - I bought it out of curiousity and the intention to join san francisco's culture.
I didn't go downstairs they were closing, but they do have textbooks for the art university which sounds like a great bunch to explore. -
Review from Christina T.
Oakland, CA
9/21/2010
What a great find!
Great collection of new books. I was surprised to see the full catalog of Roberto Bolano, lots of McSweeny stuff, great display of just released books and plenty of carts of discounted books. Alexander also has tons of stationery cards and notebooks, etc. Friendly staff and always a great experience here! -
Review from Olivia H.
Oakland, CA
4/16/2009
Hi, my name is Olivia and I am a book addict.
I love to read. I've tried using the public library but I'm too much of a germaphone. You don't know what the person before you did with that book. Maybe they were a lick-finger-to turn page-person. Yuck. So yes, I have way too many books. They are slowly taking over my apartment. Although I am a Barnes & Noble member, I try to support independent bookstores as much as possible. I was so sad when Stacey's Bookstore closed. I was so used to going there that I didn't even know that Alexander Book Company existed! I've now been there a couple of times and love it's cramped somewhat disorderly feel to it. It is 3 floors and has a great selection. So far I haven't had problems finding a book I want. -
Review from Cath M.
10/17/2008
I've passed this bookstore for about 1.5 years now and it was only until yesterday that I got myself to go in...courtesy of my boss.
They have 3 floors and the art/design books are downstairs. GOOD STUFF! They even have used design books that aren't that old and they had good selections. Same price as Borders...but the selection are better. -
Review from Mildred A.
Bay Area
6/26/2009
Love this bookstore. Surprisingly huge inside, it's like stepping into a vacation from the city. The atmosphere is so serene and peaceful.
Note to self: new hiding place from boss.
It has 2 stories and the second one is full of books on sale. And there are a lot of them so come when you have some free time and you can browse all the shelves. -
Review from Lisa M.
Larkspur, CA
10/1/2010
5* all the way for Alexander Book Company. So happy I stumbled across this store on 2nd Street.
Three levels of books. Sale books too! Very helpful staff.
AND....free gift wrap. Nice selection of greeting cards. Love it! -
Review from Stacy J.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2009
GASP! I had no idea this bookstore was so large! I had been discouraged from ever visiting this store because it seemed so tiny from the sidewalk. Like, maybe it had some token NYT Bestsellers and the foremost collection of Pre-Columbian sculpture pop-up books or some other obscurities I have no interest in.
To the contrary, Alexander Book Co. has a broad collection of general interest books on three floors. A suitable replacement to Stacey's for FiDi lunch hour book browsing.
