- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Book Zoo
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
14 Glen Ave(between Piedmont Ave & Panama Ct)
Oakland, CA 94611
Neighborhood: North Oakland
(510) 654-2665
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 pm - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Fred v. said: "This is a fantastic local merchant that focuses on wooden furniture, particularly shelving. This is the real thing, not particleboard, beautifully made. I've bought both custom made items, as well as off the floor, and the prices are…" read more »
33 reviews for Book Zoo
Review Highlights
-
"...poke around in any corner and find something interesting." In 2 reviews -
"...shop to have a great *selection*, but large enough to have..." In 3 reviews -
"As it was, it made my browsing all the more productive." In 4 reviews
Loading...
32 reviews in English
-
Review from Kristine K.
North Oakland, Oakland, CA
1/18/2012
My new favorite used book store!!! Great little corner to find treasures of all kinds for extremely reasonable prices! Check out the $1 cart outside, can't walk by without being tempted.
-
Review from Michael H.
Hayward, CA
2/11/2012
It's very surprising that a place like Book Zoo is still around. The more book stores the better.
Book Zoo is located right next to the magazine store Issues. I had just come out of Issues so why not take a gander. Book Zoo is pretty much the opposite of Issues. Instead of current magazines, they have old books. Instead of meticulous organization, they have a jumble of books casually arranged with label maker stickered shelves. Instead of go self serve service, they have a friendly voice.
The guy who worked the counter, who I assume is non other than the owner, asked me if I was looking for anything in particular. He instructed me on the layout of the bookstore and if he could be of any help. This bookstore seems more akin to academics and bibliophiles.
The selection of art books is outdated and poorly categorized. They have a shelf labeled "Type" but there was maybe one book on the subject. There are lot of old bizarre books that you would expect to find at flea markets. I wouldn't let your kids roam around this store unsupervised. I was looking at the photography shelf and was surprised to pull out a strange sexual fetish book with many pictures of girls with latex outfits. WTF.
Oddly enough I found a photography book and purchased it. I found it somewhat rude that when I went to purchase the book the owner decided to say "Let's see what we treasure we have uncovered", then flipped through my book. Where is the privacy? I wouldn't mind if he had asked me but it was strange that he just took the liberty of doing so.
This might seem a bit anal but a customer before me had bought a bunch of sex-related books. I overheard, "Let's see what you have found. 'Aphrodisiac Reicpes'..." Then opens the book, "...WHOA. I should have put these books in the adult section." I felt embarrassed for the elderly customer.
____
Helpful owner but he's kinda creepy. The organization and selection could be better. Not bad if you want to look through some odd books. There is a locked glass cabinet of collectible paperbacks. I'm not sure who would steal these since they look like they were kept in your dirty uncle's attic. -
Review from Emily M.
9/12/2011
What a great little bookstore. I had never been to this part of Oakland, until a friend performed her songs here. It's a lovely old-school place that is obviously run by culture nerds, and especially literally nerds. As another reviewer said, it's clearly "curated".
I appreciated the love and welcome they showed my friend during her performance. If it was closer to me, I'd visit more often! -
Review from Kristen B.
Oakland, CA
11/10/2011
Any business that is as helpful as Book Zoo deserves 5 stars. After asking for a specific book, the person checked quickly and let me know they didn't have what I was looking for BUT, then he suggested 3 other places, the first of which had what I needed. What a place, I'll go there again one of these days.
-
Review from ms c.
Washington, DC
12/9/2011
Love, love, Book Zoo. The owner is a great and wacky guy. He has a great selection of used books that are sold very cheap. I come here often to pick up new reads and peruse the quirky book like a girl scout's guide written in the 1950s.
-
Review from Mary F.
Berkeley, CA
7/2/2007
This is the second installment in a series entitled "Best Berkeley Day Ever" (currently underway)
You know that episode of "The Simpson's" when Homer runs into Ron Howard on his way to the special celebrity zoo? ("Daddy, we're missing the fantastipotamus. She only sings twice a day.")
Well, The Book Zoo is officially my equivalent to a magical zoo. I was high on life and Gregoire's potato puffs when I passed the book zoo. Something told me to stop and have a look. It was almost 8pm so I knew I would be shit out of luck, but it was my "Best Berkeley Day" ever, so screw you logic. I agree with a previous reviewer, the owner reminded me or Ira Glass. Really nice. And the store was perfect. The bookstore of my dreams (yes, little square girls dream of bookstores). He told me to take my time, he would close whenever he felt. For a smaller sized store, the selection is top shelf (and their shelves happen to be very high) Not a lot (if any) of crap "filler books" and surprisingly, a lot of older bound books from children's books from the 40's to obscure medical guides.
There's the most enchanting little kids area complete with a little Christmas twinkle light filled play house. Just I was wondering why it was there I heard the most adorable little giggle. The wife and daughter of the owner walked it, and holy shit, she was a walking fertility ad. Cutest kid ever. She strolled right up to me, a perfect stranger, and invited me into her little house speaking the alien gibberish that only curly haired, perfect 2 year olds do. My heart was on the brink of utter collapse. OK, enough about the kid....
I walked out with 6 books (6!) from Gabriel Garcia Marquez, to Neruda for $21. Moses! He even tried to give me a dollar back because I was "such a nice customer". A shopkeeper, giving money back... shit God, I know it's a good day, but this is bordering ridiculous.
Part III: Nomad CafeListed in: I will Mary Poppins your ass
-
Review from Paul E.
Oakland, CA
12/10/2010
Somehow I had never been to any previous location, and I had thought that the one off Piedmont I just now walked into on a whim was brand new!
It's only a new location, but that's ok with me. This is a store I couldn't be happier having in existence.
I can see my future late 30's self working here, doling out friendly advice, perhaps talking to customers a little too enthusiastically about stories I love or books I recommend. Creaky floors and an amazingly well picked used books are all that a book store needs. And, thankfully, that's what this store IS. -
Review from Paul H.
Grass Valley, CA
12/9/2007
I have been going to the Book Zoo since DAY ONE! When they opened up their tiny hole-in-the-wall shop on Telegraph in Berkeley...I WAS THERE MAN!
Anyway, Book Zoo is now located in Oakland, but still on Telegraph Avenue. The latest incarnation is bigger and badder than before, with even more space for Erik & Nick's selection of hand-picked used books. Inside this store you can find a book on pretty much any weird subject you could dream up. Every time I step into the B.Z. Erik will thrust a book in my direction claiming it to be the latest most awesome weird find in the collection (yesterday it was book about old prisons, complete with floor plans and histories).
Book Zoo has a great selection of children's books as well, and I think that Erik's 2-year-old daughter probably does all the beta testing. There is even a hand-built playhouse in the children's book section...how awesome is that?!
In addition to the stellar selection of books, there are often interesting events going on at the Book Zoo. Sometimes there will be a poetry/novel reading, other times you might happen across music show or art event. Next Friday, December 14th, the Book Zoo turns 4 years old...so stop by if you can and check out the books and the merryment.
Get to the Book Zoo ASAP. -
Review from Alan G.
Oakland, CA
10/1/2011
I wandered into this bookstore randomly and found myself in a bohemian wonderland. It's the kind of bookstore that looks as though someone shook all the arcane corners of Berkeley and North Oakland upside-down, then sorted through to find the finest, the weirdest, the obscurest books possible.
A great way to spend as many hours and as much money as you can on some great finds, whether that's 15 minutes and $10, or two hours and $500. -
Review from Dan S.
Oakland, CA
7/16/2009
My favorite used bookstore of all time.
Book Zoo is that quirky friend you had in college: Raving about a great old book they discovered in the stacks before rushing off to class. Later that day you run into each other on the quad. They were 45 minutes late to class, but it was canceled anyway, and hey, you wanna split a pint of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough?
You get home that night (with a stomachache) and, when you reach into your Jansport for your Critical Theory anthology, you pull out that great old book instead. It's amazing! It's also three weeks overdue. But one more night won't hurt...
For an idiosyncratic but satisfying selection of fiction, non-fiction, and Aquarian studies (fantasy in the guise of New Age studies), go to the Book Zoo. And bring a pint of Ben and Jerry's.Listed in: Best Bookstores Ever
-
Review from Viv C.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2007
Owner of this bookstore reminds me of "This American Life's" Ira Glass. He's friendly, soft-spoken and very knowledgeable. And definitely quirky to have opened a bookstore where 90% of the selection is at least a decade or more old.
It's like a treasure hunt in here... You might not find the new best seller that just came out but you'll stumble across an old book about "kitsch" or "iguanas."
There's also a couple boxes full of vintage pamphlet's perfect for collectors, set designers, or anyone needing a laugh. They also have a bunch of "Chick Tracts" which I find ironically hilarious.
If you're lucky, Ramona will be there. She's "Ira Glass's" daughter who will probably strike up a toddler conversation with you. I don't know what she was trying to say to me but it's freakin' cute. -
Review from Justus P.
Houston, TX
7/26/2008
I absolutely love this place and its my favorite bookshop out of the hundreds I've visited (try to go to every one that I can wherever I go). I found it when it was tucked away in a little corner next to a fondue place when it first opened and moved out of town before they moved to their current location, but I make a point of visiting it every time I go back to the Bay Area and say hello to the owners.
In short a small enough shop to have a great *selection*, but large enough to have consistent turnover and new interesting stuff every visit. -
Review from Rebecca P.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 8/23/2011
They are no longer in my neighborhood. So long, Book Zoo. Hope you enjoy all the Piedmont yuppies :(
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/3/2007
It's the nearest bookstore to me that doesn't only sell bibles and religious literature. This alone… Read more »
-
-
Review from Josh K.
CA
2/17/2007
The Book Zoo is one of my favorite bookstores in the Bay Area. It's even better with their new, larger space. It's one of the friendliest, most genuine places I've been.
This is the kind of place you go to on a lazy Saturday afternoon to spend a good while browsing all the curiosities on their shelves. You're not going to find mass market fiction, or mass market anything for that matter. Rather, you'll find an extraordinary hand-picked selection that reflects the interests and whims of the proprieters (who, by the way, are excellent people and always willing to chat). I've bought books about Rasputin, outdated medical texts, a german book on kickboxing and a few pulp science fiction novels dating back to the 50's and 60's. Need a memorable gift for the loveable bookworm in your life? Go here.
Also, they have a children's book section that offers some excellent deals on used kids books. Just ask Ramona, the toddler daughter of one of the owners who is often crawling around the store.
This is a bookstore that creates a community, and that's something that's rare these days. It's the kind of place that will give you a story to tell. Also one of the few places that regularly gives you $2 bills as change. -
Review from Sasha R.
3/13/2007
Yeah Book Zoo!
This is the coolest place to find a book and know they are right near Ethiopian food lane so you can grab a bite and go hang. I love the owner, he's mellow and he really wants you to read a good book, and it is clear that he loves what he does.
Isn't it always better to buy something from someone like that?
The selection is eclectic, but I am sure you will find something if you head it, I have gotten some lovely vintage sheet music that I framed and adore. There really is something for everyone there. -
Review from Christy T.
Mission, San Francisco, CA
4/21/2008
I just visited for the first time the other day and was quite pleasantly surprised. Cute little bookstore that packs a lot into its space. I had a great time browsing. Usually bookstores like these are poorly organized. Not Book Zoo! Had I been looking for something in particular, it would have been easy to find. As it was, it made my browsing all the more productive.
I have heard great things about the buying/store credit program and will have to look deeper into that. They will also let you know if/when that something specific you seek comes in.
Very friendly, not intimidating, but very knowledgeable. Fun place to while away a few hours pouring over books. And great political/enviro selection. I'll be back just for that! -
Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/10/2010
I had the good fortune of playing a show at the Book Zoo in Oakland a year or two ago and it was a very cozy and intimate night filled with nice people and very great bookstore owners. I fell in love right when I walked in. A nice small independent shop filled with newish and old used goodies-- keep your eyes peeled for those rare editions and out of print masterpieces and get them at very fair prices, too! A wonderful selection and an awesome little spot for the children, too. Probably my favorite bookstore in the Oakland/Berkley area.
Listed in: Bookworms Unite!
-
Review from Emma A.
Los Angeles, CA
6/29/2011
My favorite bookstore in the East Bay. Beautiful old books, kid's books, and just a crazy wonderful unique collection--clearly owned by someone who loves and cherishes books. Yay! BOOKS!
Last time I was there, I found an old copy of the Berkeley Poetry Review with a poem of mine in it! Another time we found a beautiful edition of Anna Karenina in Russian for my Dad. Every time I go there, I find something special! -
Review from Donovan C.
Oakland, CA
3/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Many bookshops aren't curated as carefully as this one seems to be. I can poke around in any corner and find something interesting. Even the outdated books seem to have a certain cultural or historical significance.
-
Review from marc h.
4/20/2008
I followed the five star rating to check out this small, but 'well edited' bookshop....sorry to say I didn't quite see the 5 stars in the selection...
So, I will admit that I have specialty tastes - I'm mainly an art book buyer, or graphic novels, or architecture...and of course fiction (some mainstream, but moreso wierd/outsider/gothic stuff) - so, I'm afraid, nice as this shop is, the selection in those areas was...meh...
If you're political and or environmental or academic...then this seems like the place for you... -
Review from Mallory L.
Sacramento, CA
2/25/2010
I drove by the Book Zoo many times when I lived in Berkeley but never stopped in. Last weekend I was near there on a trip to the Ethiopian restaurant up the street 1/2 a block and finally made the trip inside. What a gem! The owner was so excited to help customers and even knocked a bit off the price of my purchase. The shelves are organized in a fun way with labels like "bathroom reading." What a fun shop and a great experience for book lovers.
-
Review from emma s.
Oakland, CA
1/11/2011
I love it! Check out Jim Morrison , pictures and poetry, and a whole lot more. Come artists come book lovers, it is here to discover!
-
Review from Jessica T.
Oakland, CA
5/7/2008
Whenever I have spare cash, I walk over to Book Zoo. I never go in looking for anything particular and I am always happy with my arms full when I leave. Last time, I picked up a really great history of the IRA. It was marked 20, but they gave it to me for 17. I really enjoy browsing here and I find they have several topics that I would like to read more about-- gender issues, unions, american history. I'm really glad to have them in the neighborhood.
-
Review from Olga S.
Oakland, CA
7/16/2007
Book Zoo is a beautiful mess. The owner & his fellow counterman are sweet, knowledgeable weirdos. You could come here looking for something specific, but you will probably leave with something different. I love this place.
-
Review from mary M.
San Lorenzo, CA
10/26/2008
I love this little place. It is not tidy. It's mostly tidy, but there are still heaps of books here and there. Sometimes things are mis-filed, "The Secret Garden" was in Gardening today, but "Invisible Man" was properly shelved instead of in SF, where many bookstores put it. It can be a bit dusty. And often, when I go in looking for one particular book, it's not there. But something else ALWAYS is, something good, and cheap. Today, I got a century-old history of the Romans in Paris for four dollars. It's a magical place for folks who just want something really and truly interesting to read, with nice people attached.
-
Review from Irene S.
9/24/2007
it's really a shame that i don't go out with that one dude who lived around the corner from this place anymore, or wait, it's NOT a shame, but still, it would have been nice.
i remember when this bookstore used to live further up telegraph & i used to live further up telegraph, too. i used to come in & peruse & always be so excited, because then, like now, it was a trove of hidden treasures. only now, it's a much bigger & better trove.
the owner is neat, his wife is neat, his daughter is neat, the kids section in the back is neat and sometimes my friend sydney works here, which is also really neat, but i might be biased.
they have a wonderful selection of books all over, and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful, so if you're looking for something specific, they can help you find it. but even better is pawing through the books yourself. not knowing what you're going to find makes finding it even better, if you ask me, and this is the perfect sort of place for not knowing what you're going to find. -
Review from Dan M.
Pittsburgh, PA
4/20/2007
There are plenty of treasures in this cozy little shop. It has just the right atmosphere for a used bookstore: aged wooden shelves, quirky signs, and good folk music. The owner is very friendly; I got in a car accident outside his shop, and he was most helpful and courteous. Hocking used books is a difficult business, so go support the Book Zoo!
-
Review from Bob G.
Oakland, CA
4/24/2011
My five year old daughter led me here because the Dad of a classmate owns it. It is the kind of book store that we've been told doesn't exist anymore: warm, comfortable, nice creaky wood floors, loads of interesting used books, good vibe, in short a browsers dream. It makes you remember why you love books so much, makes you wish you could work less and just read for 2-3 hours every day, and makes the case for why real books will never be completely replaced by electronica. There's something about browsing for books by picking them up in your hand and looking them over and anticipating a really good read, and feeling the hum of others doing the same. I never made it inside when it was on Telegraph, just drove by on the way to church. This location has the additional benefit of having a Pete's nearly next door. Czech it out.
-
Review from Mark T.
Oakland, CA
1/26/2011
Book Zoo is one of the raddest little bookstores around. With artfully curated shelves, this place is a gallery of the wierd, beautiful, and all things out-of-print.
-
Review from brooke a.
Oakland, CA
5/18/2008
this place is kind of magical. they have an odd assortment of some supercool finds. i like it, i'm happy to have stumbled in..... and stumbled out with some treasures.
-
Review from nadines d.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2009
Stumbled into this place, what a happy surprise! Genuinely great book selection, especially of art books and graphic novels. It's very comfortable going in, like stumbling into a familiar college professor's living room.
-
Review from ben c.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/30/2009
great local book store. i like the special nights held in here. look in their calendar too see, and when there is one bring your own beer or wine, browse through the shelves while someone plays a sweet melody. great book collections too.
Read more reviews for this business:
French (1)
