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Books Inc
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1344 Park St(between Alameda Ave & Marti Rae Ct)
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 522-2226
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9 am - 10 pm
Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
56 reviews for Books Inc
Review Highlights
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"I co-hosted a fundraising event with Books Inc." In 21 reviews -
"...free trade products - they've got a great selection of them." In 3 reviews -
"...you rot your brain by going to Borders or Barnes&Noble." In 3 reviews
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56 reviews in English
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Review from frankie c.
Oakland, CA
4/10/2012
When they didn't have the book I was looking for, their awesome employee J. pulled an advance reader's copy (read: Free!) out of their magic back room. Amazing and totally unexpected customer service.
Staff reviews helped me find an adorable kid's book I would have never found on my own (Extra Yarn), and their sale section always has at least 1 or 2 books I would actually read, even at full price.
They've also special ordered a fancy-pants art book for me with no hassle.
Super glad to see an indie bookstore outlast some of the big box chain stores. They deserve all the good karma!
(and look for the coupons in the EB Express) -
Review from Stephen R.
Alameda, CA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cool book store in an age when book stores are becoming extinct. Not huge, but still an impressive selection.
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Review from Angelina R.
Alameda, CA
5/7/2011
I visited Books Inc. to get Tina Fey's book Bossypants. When I brought it to the counter the lady remarked that they had signed copies and she wondered if they had any more. She looked at every copy in the store but alas, they were all gone. Deflated, I went home and began to read it later that night. Wouldn't you know it? It WAS signed! On the inside, not the cover.
The fact that she searched was very nice of her and then the fact that I actually got a signed one was totally awesome.
When I would leave Borders pissed off I would always come here and become much happier. -
Review from Mariel F.
Alameda, CA
5/2/2011
I have been a customer for years.
Books Inc is the only Book Store that I go to in Alameda.
I enjoy their selection of Magazines, Books, and Cards.
Everything is organized and easy to find. -
Review from Eric B.
1/14/2011
Park Avenue Alameda is the closest thing to an economically vibrant Midwest downtown that I'm going to get in Northern California. Yes, there is also College Avenue (Berkeley or Oakland), Solano Avenue (starting in Albany), and even Burlingame. But none of these enjoyable streets matches the small town feel that is Alameda. And if you're willing to walk around, the nearby Victorian houses, nicely wooded streets, and other architectural attractions are well worth the exercise. Just don't drive into to town too quickly, as Alameda's Finest are ever vigilant.
This Books Inc. is the neighbourhood bookstore. When my son went to school near here, I would stop in before class let out, browse the stacks, and then maybe head across the street for an ice cream. After class, my son would skip the books and head straight towards the toy store. Nowadays, a film at the wonderful Art Deco movie house or maybe dinner (from a wealth of choices) invites a visit either before or after the show.
This Independent Bookstore is well lit, nicely arranged, and features a robust selection of magazines and books. Staff is friendly and helpful, and I always try to buy something when I'm here. I missed the Groupon, but I'll still happily pay the price to help keep folks like this in business. -
Review from Victor G.
1/14/2011
Books, Inc. had a groupon $10 buys $20 last week so i grabbed one. books, inc. is an indy bookstore with about 10 locations, most in s.f. this one is in alameda ,on park next to tomatina.
store is brightly lit with many sections of books set apart in bookcase-like selves. a representative was helpful in pointing me in the right direction to find the books i wanted.
random browsing:
-13 bankers-the wall street takeover and the next financial meltdown(15.95)
-the predator state-how conservatives abandoned the free market and why liberals should too, k. galbraith (15.95)
notes
-all titles full priced.
-buy 8 books, 9th book free (averaging prices)
-would rather pay full price here than at borders
-parking better in afternoon.
-no fifth star cuz books aren't discounted, understanbly why....
-groupon easy to use. coupon value deducted from total purchase price.Listed in: alameda…
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Review from Allen S.
Alameda, CA
1/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've been coming here for a long time, and I am happy the staff are actually friendly and knowledgeable. They go out of their way to find something.
Example: Today, I was in there with friends and my friend was looking for the book "A Week at the Airport" by author Alain de Botton. The staff member named LEO looked it up and saw that the system said there were 5 copies in the store. He walked us to where it should have been, and could not find it. He was frazzled, and was concerned.
He didn't just point us to where it "should" be, but he went and searched for it, and after about 5 minutes, he found the stack, I believe misplaced, but nevertheless found the stack of books, as he stated were hidden behind other books. We were all relieved and happy and I bought the book!
This shows that he believes in superiour customer service and helped us find a book. I know at Borders or Barnes & Nobles, it's hit or miss if you get a great staff member to help you like this, but at Books Inc., you will ALWAYS get this service.
So, if the managers/proprietors or Books Inc. see my Yelp review, please note that we appreciate your staff, and LEO should be given a Gold Star Sticker for great customer service!
Also, I like keeping it local when possible, so I hope you remain around.... and I'm also almost ready to redeem my FREQUENT READER CLUB card! :) -
Review from Jen S.
2/24/2009
Cute bookstore on the supercute Park Ave. of Alameda.
It's not at all overwhelming like a B&N or Borders. I really like the cards, "Staff Recommends" because it can help to sway my decision in what book(s) to purchase.
In the middle of the bookstore is a sale selection. I found a great book for my mom, the dog lover, which highlights places in the Bay Area to take your dog. I swear her dog, Carl, could be her third child but I digress. -
Review from Robin K.
Hayward, CA
8/11/2009
It was aight. The sales clerk was talking to everyone in an english accent, which I didn't quite get, because it would come and go. Neither funny, or cute, just kinda weird.
I found some cool, cheap, hardback covers, but other than that, this place was just a smaller overpriced Borders.Listed in: The Reading Rainbow
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Review from Jim D.
12/16/2009
This is a cool independent book store on Park St which is close to La Pinata, the movie theater and Yogafina. What more could a local ask for in terms of central location. At Books Inc. they handwrite information on the books that clearly defined what the book content is. Kinda like those Cliff Notes you used in high school.
If I closed my eyes I would sware I was in a bookstore on Telegraph Ave. on Berkeley, it has that same feeling. I like that they have a great selection of architecture and cooking books, my faves. Besides the great selection of books they have an awesome magazine section (better then Safeway wink!). Since it is Xmas season today's purchase of books and calenders had free wrapping offered...YaY!!! -
Review from Anna L.
2/23/2009
"Books Incorporated! B - O - O - K - S INCORPORATED!"
For those of you in your late 20s and 30s or older, you will probably get the reference if you can sing along in your head.
This was a fun little bookstore that my friend Jen S. and I stumbled upon this past Saturday. I found a wonderful book, filled with, as the book quotes on it's cover, "Over 100 Studs, Stallions, and Dreamboats from the 70s and 80s". Oh Yea, and it's called "God's Gift" with a picture of Tom Selleck on the cover. Dayam, he is one hairy man with his shirt half unbuttoned and gold chain hanging down his chest, waiting to get tangled in his chest fur.
To all you men out there, please, I repeat, please, never get a mustache like his. NOT CUTE!
Of course, there were likely studs, as well as unlikely candidates mingling within those pages. Can't have a book with studs from that era without a big ol'e cheesy pic of the HOFF (David Hasselhoff), Tom Cruise, Van Damme, and Erik Estrada. The less likely, were quite funny, with Barry White (the KING of love making music, but really? not a heart throb in my opinion), Mr.T, Telly Savalas, and our own Cali Terminating Governor, Arnold during his body building days.
Needless to say, you should check out the book. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, even if you don't know who they are.
As for the bookstore, I think I bought their last copy. Smart of them to put it on their funny book display. Plus, the staff were friendly as hell and funny. Ahh...Books Inc., thanks for the stroll back to the days when my life was much more simple.
I owe you one. -
Review from Herman N.
Mountain View, CA
4/30/2008
I went here for the first time last night and this place is now easily my favorite book store. The incredible, knowledgeable, friendly staff is the key to this great book store. I was able to tell the staff what kind of fiction I was in the mood for and they were instantly able to give me recommendations. What was super impressive was you could tell they were passionate about literature. When asked, they would give you their personal review and a quick 10 second elevator pitch on why you might like the book.
I am glad to have stumbled upon this place and will come here for my book needs from now on. -
Review from Susan M.
4/28/2010
I love that we still have a local chain bookstore here. Was worried after the Borders behemoth opened at South Shore.
I always find something fascinating or inspiring to read, and love the staff recommendations. Just walking through the store to read those is fun! The window displays are super charming and I like that the magazines are up front so you don't get that odd feeling of hanging out with the pervs in the back of the store, flipping pages.
The remainders and sale books are super bargains!
One niggle: I do wish the staff at this store would stop congregating in the check-out crib chatting with each other and start talking to actual customers. Have been ignored at the register while they finish regaling each other with stories on several occasions. Or they rush through ringing you up to get back to their buddies. This is why I ding 1 star. -
Review from Arwen O.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2005
Surprisingly good book store. A wide selection of books and magazine, with lots of yummy coffee-table books, including Taschen's divine new reprint of the world's first atlas from the 17th century, going for a cool $200. There were also a TON of employee-recommendation cards, which I think are the mark of a good bookstore, although they didn't always have the recommendation in stock.
Couldn't afford the atlas, so I got a few post-cards instead. -
Review from ophelia c.
Alameda, CA
4/7/2011
I love this bookstore - even more now that it is among the last of the new bookstores on the Island, since Borders is closing. I often prefer to search thrift and used bookstores for cheap & unexpected gems, (and since my birthday gift Kindle, browse Amazon like a fiend) but sometimes you have to get a real book and this place has 'em!
With events like my wedding to plan and research & 'Naked Girls' Reading' requiring monthly books combined with my own natural obsession with the printed word, I always have a reason to stop here and they never let me down.
The prices are reasonable, they can order practically any book you want and have it for you within a day or so and the staff is knowledgeable, polite & friendly. They also have a great selection of kids books, beautiful greeting cards and other book related gifts as well as a section devoted to local history and authors. They also have a great frequent shopper program, the last time I was there, I got my 4 books for $15!
I've even shopped with my dog in tow and they've had no problems with her being there, though I am not sure that they are officially dog-friendly; most shops down on Park street don't seem to mind as long as the dog is well behaved and clean.
Overall, Books, Inc is a great local asset and one more reason to love Alameda! -
Review from Rachel A.
Jackson Heights, Queens, NY
8/31/2008
Books Inc. is a great addition to Park Street. Bright lights, open late night, a bench to read magazines, all the best sellers, gift ideas, and McSweeney's. What more could you want in a bookstore? Oh yea, it's an indie chain.
Seriously, Books Inc. has it all. The sections may not be very big but they have a decent selection of every genre to offer. They even have a punch card so that every time you purchase a book, you are on your way to a free book.
I co-hosted a fundraising event with Books Inc. for a local school. The event was flawless and successful. Books Inc's dedication to the community is top notch and we couldn't have picked a better sponsor.
Thank you Books Inc. for moving in to the neighborhood. -
Review from Martine F.
Ventura, CA
11/7/2008
This was an impressive book store based on all the books. They had all types of books and great selection for a smaller and non-giant-book-store-chain.
My favorite find of the day was a cook book with recipes with items you can only find at Trader Joe's! That's so cool! They've also got a great selection of greetings cards and these aren't your regular type of cards!
The only down side came when I tried to make a purchase and no one was at the register, I looked around and waited and finally got fed up with waiting... I can't wait all day I have places to go, things to do, people to see and I had to be on my way without making any purchases... booooo -
Review from Alina C.
Oakland, CA
12/5/2011
my new fave!! i looooove small book stores and this is the one for me. everytime i go in the staff is very friendly!! i went in there on wednesday november 30th and they didnt have the book i wanted...but to my luck an older lady helped me and ordered the book for me at no additional cost!!!!! and on top of everything it came fast, the book was in by friday!!!! wow just 3 days!!!! i picked up the book on saturday and the gentleman at the counter that helped informed me that there was a coupon for i believe it was 30% off the book and i didnt of course know about it but he had a stack of coupons by the registar and gave me the discount!! wow i love me some coupons!!! i will most def be returning to this store for my further book needs!! i looove looooove loved it!!!
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Review from shara m.
Oakland, CA
12/14/2007
I don't understand how they do it. When I go to Borders or whatever, I can search up and down aisles and aisles of books and never find anything that grabs me.
Even though Books Inc is only about 1/8 the size of one of those leviathan pulp slingers, I always walk out with some new literary jewel (or nine) that I can't wait to sink my teeth into. They also have this knack for stocking whichever editions have the coolest covers.
If you get pleasure out of reading, you'll definitely get this place. -
Review from Kenny J.
6/1/2008
A very cool bookstore, small and quaint. Low-key and laid back staff didn't bother me as I browsed around to kill some time while waiting for a table at Burma SuperStar across the street. Plus, my friends were late.
I love how they have so many staff picks and staff reviews of the books. Very cool. I have so many books in my queue though, otherwise I would have bought one.
They had various plush animals under the new fiction table. Some look very real!! :O -
Review from matthew r.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2007
The staff here is helpful, and they actually love reading themselves; Staff recommendations are posted throughout the store.
The store itself is spacious, inviting, and well organized.
The only thing I'd change would be the nonfiction. I look through the new arrivals periodically there never seems to be much that grabs me. It would be nice to see fewer shlocky write-by-number political exposes in favor of more substantial stuff. This is pretty minor though.Listed in: Alameda
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Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
9/22/2009
A really cute bookstore. The type of store where you have to curate what you stock because you aren't located in a strip mall with 40,000 square feet in which to stock books, a cafe and a music section. I wandered around here for a while killing time till the movie, browsing through the staff picks, a collection of Bay Area books and the latest fiction and non fiction.
I would have probably walked out with 7 new books, 2 journals and 3 magazines to add to my growing pile of *things to read* had I not exerted self control and remembered my resolution. "No new books until the old ones are read."
And aside from books and magazines, also a great place to pick up gifts as they carry a great assortment of moleskin journals and fun books that would get lost at a mega book store. -
Review from Cath M.
11/16/2008 1 Check-in Here
I've been meaning to write about this place and I finally have the time. The boy and I went here last week and I forgot how nice it was. It's just a cute addition to the Park St. stores and their decor is very homey and inviting. I got caught up looking at their X-Mas/Holiday cards (they were really nice, "green" printed, and some were from the printing press!) The boy browsed through current books...I browsed the cards and came away with one boxed card!
It's worth a walk-by around but really...I like this place! -
Review from Bethany P.
Alameda, CA
6/22/2010
I love this bookstore. I love independent bookstores, and while I know Books Inc. is a chain, it's an itty bitty chain of 6 or so stores (sorry, I'm lazing in bed so shoot me for being imprecise) and a chain of 6 or so stores is small enough in my book (no pun intended).
Granted, I will buy books from Amazon, and on occasion from a Borders or other chain (although I steer clear of Barnes and Noble- I'm still bitter with them for running Oxford Books out of business in Atlanta, many years ago). But when I spend my hard-earned dough on the written word (which is often) I tend to try to throw those dollars towards a bookstore that I like, since so many stuggle, especially now with the advent of Kindle and other electronic readers.
Books Inc. draws me in with their great displays. My first stop is usually their New Non-Fiction table, to the right just inside the door, then the New Fiction table, followed by kids books (if the kids are with us), followed by Sale Books. If I STILL haven't found anything interesting, I'll head to Fiction- and I LOVE fiction- so it's a great store that keeps me engaged and away from my favorite section with so many other things to check out.
Their sale book section is great- I WILL pay full price for books, no problem, but in my guilt about buying (there IS a library just a few blocks away) I head to the sales- and I've found some of my now favorite books there (then in my guilt of having not paid full price, I'll sometimes buy multiple copies of the sale books I've loved to give to friends).
And the staff here is great. Everyone is friendly. If I'm stuck, I can ALWAYS get a good recommendation. And the kids section- well, if they don't have something you want, they will order it, no problem (I understand that they can't keep everything in stock that might appeal to a young reader). They got our house hooked on the Percy Jackson series (The Lightning Thief and others).
Anyway, I'm rambling. Gonna finish up and go read my latest Books Inc purchase (Alan Bradley's "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie"). -
Review from Sa Y.
New York, NY
1/4/2009
So Community! So Fun!
I love Books Inc. because of the friendly staff, great selection of books, non-book giftables, and the other customers (Very Neighborhoody). I can't lie though...my number one reason for loving this store is because it is SUPER Pet-Friendly. They keep dog treats behind the counter for their canine customers :) They are also open til 10! -
Review from edna m.
Alameda, CA
5/22/2008
Alameda is lucky to have such a terrific independent bookstore! I should have wrote my yelp sooner but now is as good a time as any (esp. since Border's moved in to town!).
First of all, as a customer, I've found them very helpful. They keep their shelves well-stocked and offer a lot of choices--unlike the big chains. I love supportng independent book stores--especially this one.
As an author/illustrator, I had my book launch here in Dec 2006. I had A LOT of people turn out for it and the staff at Books, Inc. was incredible. The staff had to prep for a school holiday fundraiser that evening which was pretty stressful for them. But they handled everything like pros. -
Review from Amanda S.
Alameda, CA
7/10/2008
Wonderful bookstore with a great inventory, story times and a great location right on Park Street.
The staff has always been courteous, knowledgable and kind to my 2 year old who frequently jerks books off the shelves. Oops! -
Review from Erika W.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2011
I came over here while waiting to eat at Burma Superstar and thought it was a great store. The employee recommendations/reviews were insightful and funny in most cases and thanks to them I found a book that I really enjoyed. The staff was very pleasant and busy helping people. It made me happy to see this store busy- they deserve it.
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Review from Willow C.
Alameda, CA
6/25/2011
I like this bookstore very much--with the tables of books (besides what's on the shelves) it's great for browsing. Every time I've asked about a book, the clerk has taken me directly to it. all the clerks I've dealt with have been very friendly and helpful. Also, the store is very attractive.
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Review from James G.
Alameda, CA
6/12/2008
A great addition to Park Street. Eclectic collection, nice atmosphere and friendly staff.
And, yes, those cool stuffed animals too! -
Review from Liz H.
San Francisco Bay Area
6/2/2010
I want to give a full five stars. And if I come back and they've improved their children's section, I will!
But for now, I'm just bummed that the kids' area is underfull. Why are they sporting rows of Captain Underpants and Star Wars books, but precious little Robert McCloskey, and no Emily Rodda at all that I could find? (just for example)
Here's what's great:
* local independent bookstore. Why would you rot your brain by going to Borders or Barnes&Noble?
* great location
* nice big sunny space
* knowledgeable staff. Ask them what they'd recommend! They know their stuff.
So please, Books Inc in Alameda, beef up the quality in the kids' section! -
Review from Rob B.
Alameda, CA
8/7/2008
Awesomenesst bookstore within close proximity to Alameda. The new Borders or Barnes & Noble, one in the same really, over at "Towne Center" (South Shore in my mind) has recently opened up. It's more overpriced CDs, kids toys and crap then books really. Can't take my kids there without them begging for friggin' toys. I mean really, legos at a bookstore?
Anyway, this is about Book's Inc. They got toys in their shop as well, but it's mainly the Melissa and Doug brand, which are awesome kids toys. They've got a great selection of kids books and usually a well stocked discount or bargain wall that I'll let the kids choose books from while I pick out the more expensive ones, with their help of course. As for the rest of the selection? Not so good as it's a rather small shop. However, the staff is awesomely awesome and will help you find anything and they be very smarts and knowledgable on acquiring even the most random books (with words and/or pictures!).
Books are of course a little more expensive than Amazon. But hey, you get it "now" instead of paying shipping and you can actually talk to real life breathing humans, some of which are pretty dam cute too. -
Review from Jen S.
Alameda, CA
3/6/2011
I love this store! The staff are always helpful when I can't remember an exact title or author. The children's books section is excellent, so I always find the perfect gifts there. They have a good selection of greeting cards, including hilarious The New Yorker cartoons. They also wrap your gifts for free. What more could you ask for in a local bookstore?
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Review from Natasha M.
CA
10/30/2007
Staff- incredible, knowledgeable, friendly. Selection- Great, and can get anything in stock if you order. Events- so much fun! I was there for the last Harry Potter release as well for the Judy Blume reading. It was PACKED and so much fun!
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Review from Delilah P.
Oakland, CA
12/30/2008
I like shopping here. I always find stuff, the staff is super helpful, and they have a frequent buyer club that really pays off (free, and no personal information spy-tracking requirement - simply a little card that they stamp with every purchase). They gift wrap during the holidays and they also have very informative staff reviews. All-in-all, a relaxing book-shopping experience.
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Review from Nathan R.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great staff and solid picks/reviews. Rarely crowded. But selection is a bit small, though they will order for you.
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Review from Matthew C.
Fremont, CA
12/30/2006
Good small bookstore. I really enjoyed finding "Staff Reviews" taped to shelves all around the store. It felt good to walk into the place, but bad that I didn't leave with a book! A generally meets-expectations inventory with books that to me looked newer than they do at Barnes and Borders. Maybe because they aren't handled by as many people. No place to read a few excerpts, but overall a pleasant around-the-corner bookstore. -Matt
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Review from christine l.
Marin County, CA
6/14/2010
I am extremely grateful for this bookstore and its wonderful staff, particularly Sue, and the children's book buyer (sorry I cannot remember your name). Sue is my go-to person when I don't know what I want...she can pull almost anything out of her bookseller hat, and she hasn't missed yet. One series of books in particular I became so addicted to so fast I was almost mad at her. But more special to me is that both Sue and the children's book buyer have both been able to help me choose books for the small child in my life. There are many holes in my children's book mental library, and the staff have helped educate me. Recently she was jokingly appalled that I had never heard of "Goodnight Gorilla" and sat down and read it cover to cover for my little guy. He listened to her mesmerized...and so of course I bought it. On the meandering walk home down Park Street were stopped not once, but twice by other parents/kids who pointed to our new book and proclaimed it as a must have.
Chain stores have their appeal I know, this is not a sermon on the evils of chain stores. But really, pretend there isn't a Borders a few blocks down the street, and take care of all your reading needs here. The staff, all of them, are educated and friendly, and that in my opinion makes or breaks a bookstore. -
Review from Marie L.
Alameda, CA
11/8/2006
This book store is great. The employees are always helpful, friendly, and approachable. Their prices are reasonable, the store is neat, and if you need to special order something it only takes 3 days (and they don't even force you to buy it). They also have a frequent buyer card. Everytime you buy something, they write it on your card. When the card is filled up, they average the amount of money you spent, and that's how much you save on your next purchase. Truely amazing.
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Review from Kristen L.
Alameda, CA
3/28/2008
Great new bookstore. Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful staff. They have rec.s and summaries all over the place. They will order anything you don't find on the shelves, and have it in within a few days. Lot's of great writers come through and give talks here. They have a great newsletter too. Just one more reason to love Alameda!
Listed in: Born to Shop
