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Books Inc
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
3515 California St(between Spruce St & Locust St)
San Francisco, CA 94118
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights
(415) 221-3666
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for Books Inc
Review Highlights
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"This is my favorite of the Books Inc." In 15 reviews -
"...too, and is happy to order anything for you that you might..." In 4 reviews -
"The staff has always been very nice and helpful to me there." In 3 reviews
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Julia G.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2012
I had a gift card and had not used it yet. I called in to see if they had a specific book i was looking for, and they did! As if that didn't make me happy enough, they put it on hold for me and when I came in to pick it up was quick and they were super nice.
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Review from Sophie F.
South San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
Normally I will never go to book inc but then Borders are gone and Border was my fave place to go to. They are kind of pricey here at Book Inc. They also don't or rarely have any sales . But I have to give it to them that thesales woman at the front is nice. Not the girls in the back register. The lovely woman will give me extra help every time I go in there. But if she isn't there I normally will tolerate these two other woman/ girl in the back. Oh and sometimes two guys.I hated the way they have this bored,librarian look on their faces. I know ,I know,HATE is such a strong word but I can't lie. So the three stars are for the nice lady up front and the selection of good magazines rack in the back. Sorry for the other negative two stars ?
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Review from Turi F.
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hooray for local bookstores that host readings! The space is quite small but it just makes the reading seem more intimate. They even let a well behaved dog snuggle on a lady's lap during the reading :). A nice selection of books. Definitely check it out before hitting up Amazon!
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Review from Cynthia L.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
So I called them to see if they had a book in stock. The sales associate was very nice over the phone stating they have my book but had trouble locating it, so she took down my name and number and said she'd call me back. She actually called me back rather quickly. Great phone service.
Now for the store service. When I went to the back of the store to retrieve my held book, I was greeted by a sales associate that didn't seem to happy. I get it. It probably wasn't her day. But when I asked for my book and I said I wanted to look at it beforehand, it seemed like an inconvenience. She ended up flopping my book on the counter as if it was a big hassle. Geez! Ok I get it. Wrong sales associate to get. (Older lady, slightly verging, glasses.) Now I see why she never smiles and seemed so cranky. I don't want to bother getting her again.
I've done customer service before so just pretend, I mean geez, we've all pretended like something you don't. -
Review from Gangsta B.
Davis, CA
1/19/2011
Super cute and cozy bookstore!
I killed some time here before my hair appointment, and I was not disappointed. I loved their little kids corner, and people can actually write their own little reviews/summaries that get posted underneath the books! -
Review from Nilu r.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2008
I love the selection of this book store but hate being inside it. It is like walking into a rowdy kindergarten class. Children, stroller, moms, pregnant women pushing strollers with a kid or two in tow, talking loudly on their cell phones...INSIDE a book store? Where does the sense of entitlement come from? It baffles me. The staff seems friendly but I wish they would control the unruly crowds of toddlers and their oblivious parents to allow a more tranquil book shopping experience.
This place makes me want to run home to my computer and log onto Amazon... -
Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2008
This place has a really homey feel. It would receive five stars if they had gotten back to me when I applied to work there, but that's another story.
I like their selection, and the people working there--excluding the manager--are very friendly and knowledgeable. They seemed afraid of the manager or whoever came out to receive my application. He seemed kind of surly, but that's probably a plus for someone who runs a bookstore. I even ended up buying a couple books even though I was only there to apply for a job, but then that's the kind of guy I am--always spending money when I don't have it, and especially when I do.Listed in: Within One Square Mile of Me
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Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2007 1 photo
Very fitting that these guys took over A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books, because that's exactly what this place is. Disclaimer: I never actually went to ACWLPFB, so forgive me for any unjust comparisons to said bookstore's legendary greatness. In fact I didn't even know Books Inc was a chain before now (enlightened by Yelp as usual).
Unlike the musty-attic charm of Green Apple, the polished, modern look here does an amazing job of imitating a Barnes and Noble (albeit far smaller). The little nook upstairs still has the rag-tag neighborhood-place vibe, though. I was quite impressed with the selection for such a small place, though I'm sure they're lacking a lot of the specialty books you can find buried in the corner at Green Apple. And yes, I keep getting fooled into thinking the stuffed dogs here are real.
Now I'll have to check out the more convenient (to me) Castro location. And dare I go review the former ACWLPFB location without the ability to compare it to the old days?Listed in: Lone Mountain & Laurel Heights
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Review from Liz S.
5/14/2007
This is my favorite of the Books Inc. locations.
Wide open spaces freak me out (have you been to the Borders at Stonestown with children running up and down the aisles? and people sleeping in the chairs? ahhhhhhhh!!!), so I love the size & coziness of this place.
The staff has always been very nice and helpful to me there. I like the magazine section and the "recommendations" on the shelves.
Recently, I bought my brother's birthday gift here - a coffee table book on famed surf-spot Mavericks - and they wrapped it oh-so-nicely.
One thing, and this applies to all Books Inc. stores, those life-sized stuffed Yellow Labradors freak me out. I swear their eyes are following me and if one nips at my ankles, I am going to shriek like a banshee.
Other than that, great store!Listed in: Read Me
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Review from J E.
San Francisco, CA
7/17/2010
Before I got into Amazon's Kindle, I came here quite often to get books. My feelings of this place are mixed. There is a good selection of magazines and quite a good collection of new non-fiction books (my primary reading genre after architecture/travel books). Often, however, the store has poor ventilation and the place is very hot and stuffy, which makes it uncomfortable to be in there for extended periods of time.
Some additional points:
1) Organization is somewhat random-when you have a specific book in mind talk to staff
2) Staff is hit-and-miss. Some very apathetic, some overly-enthusiastic and some just "out there"
3) Most books sell at list price, if you can wait get it on Amazon
4) With the "book club" you buy 10 books and get the average of those 10 off for your 11th purchase. (This is especially rewarding for me since I buy mainly hardcover)
5) Space is small-when kids are in their kids section and being noisy and irritating it tends to reverberate in the entire space. -
Review from Court L.
San Francisco, CA
2/15/2009
The first perk I notice upon walking into Laurel's Books Inc is: WOW. So much bigger than the Castro location. (= more books!)
Wonderful selection towards the rear of the store, especially with the local flavor, children's books, and graphic novels (they have Drawn & Quarterly!).
Magazine rack does not contain too much variety.
But, as there is a second floor... full of more books than I can ever dream of.
Quite a few comfy chairs up there to sit and read the random books propped up on the shelf adjacent the chairs.
Be sure to read the bulletin board. (on the second floor) -
Review from Megan L.
San Francisco, CA
8/27/2007
I love the Internet. A LOT. Some may even say that I am addicted to it. I buy just about everything and anything I can think of online. Everything, that is, except for books. I'm a voracious reader and a lifetime lover of books. It may sound weird but I really enjoy shopping for books. I like the whole experience of cracking open a new hardback for the first time, reading the inside jacket, checking out the cover art and ultimately picking out a few new friends to take home. You simply can't replicate this on the Internet.
Here's a perfect weekend morning for me - down to Laurel Village for a cup of Joe's from Pete's, then a stroll into Books. I can literally spend an hour here sipping my coffee and browsing the new books and magazines. The staff reviews are helpful, just like the staff themselves. There is a wide selection of books, magazines and gifts. Its also a good feeling to support a local bookstore - all of which are in danger of becoming obsolete these days. -
Review from Ashley C.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2011
I really like to wander around this neighborhood bookshop. It has a special touch that you don't find at the big box retailers. There are tons of little notes all over the place with plot synopses and recommendations that are written by the staff. I like to wander around to reminisce about past books that I've read and loved as well as new books that I want to read. I believe that they also have a number of different books clubs: one for mysteries, fiction, etc. so that you can discuss books with others who like a particular genre. There aren't tons of bookstores around anymore, so I appreciate having this great option so close by!
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Review from Christina S.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2007
I may be wrong, but this Books Inc. location seems smaller than most. It'll seem even smaller when you're looking for something in particular and they don't keep it in stock. It's a much better idea to stop by when you're in that between-dinner-and-coffee, who-knows-what-we'll-find browsing mode.
These four stars are mostly for the children's books and the cooking section. I could (and do) spend hours poking around in the back room, looking for the perfect addition to my niece's bookshelf. And they have an undeniably good selection of cookbooks.
Bonus: There are always quite a few Jewish interest books in the bargain section. Score! -
Review from Heila D.
San Francisco, CA
2/16/2009
I just love this neighborhood bookstore. Been shopping there over the years - going on 30 years now. They are helpful, friendly and will order any book for you and have it in 1 or 2 days. Love them.
The mothers and kids MUST behave themselves though!! Really!! Its like an indoor playground in there!!!! Come-on staff - control them!! -
Review from Mrs F.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2009
Good, solid store for what you need. We've gotten travel books, fiction, and also once I needed a book for a five year old boy and the staff showed me some very good choices.
I haven't been upstairs cuz I have a stroller, but I will soon. Also carry cards, notebooks, etc. They have a book club which entitles you to 15% off some selections.
If you have children's books you no longer need, they accept donations. -
Review from Sarah H.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2008
The best thing about Book Inc at this location is ..the location. There's parking, there's coffee, there's all kinds of food places, hardware, shoe's,
even bank ATMs. The store is cute, friendly and reasonable and has a lot
of choices considering the size. I consider it a real treat to have the time to shop there. My biggest purchases and excitement has been picking up my HP books and attending the party with the excited younger set. I was there two years of the HP books, one time in the freezing cold waiting outside. It was..magical. -
Review from Mod S.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2007
I walked here with wet hair eating a grapefruit thinking of nohting else but the bees that were abundant in the air.
The cute old lady gave me a frequent buyers cards. i bought harry potter. -
Review from Andy C.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2009
Gotta love a nice neighborhood book store.
The place is clean, the staff is helpful and attentive, and they have a nice customer retention program (free books after a certain number of purchases).
Since this is a smaller book store, their selection is more limited than a B&N or Borders, but still sufficient for most buyers. The staff is ready to help, too, and is happy to order anything for you that you might be interested in.
My only ding on Books, Inc. is a minor critique on their selection. And sadly, it seems to be indicative of most book resellers in our fair city. I guess we do it to ourselves as SFers, but for all of the standard categories of books they do have and label (fiction, mystery, biography, children, self-help, humor), there is a noticeable gap of spiritual/religious books. And while I realize how politically motivated our city is and what an implied statement it could be to carry a book on Judaism or a book by Pope JP2 or CS Lewis, they continue to be bestselling books the world over that there's a market for. And I hate to have to go elsewhere (B&N, etc.) when I'm looking for something like this.
Beyond that, this is a great spot. As is the Chestnut branch which was recently renovated and is open late. -
Review from Beth T.
6/25/2008
I admit, I'm usually one buys books on the cheap. http://Amazon.com, Target, used bookshops....I love to read but hate paying full price when I know I can find books that are heavily discounted, or even free if I head to the library. But today I didn't want to wait for shipping from http://Amazon.com and I didn't want to waste gas driving to Target or another megaplex, so I walked over to Laurel Village. Not only did Books Inc. have what I needed, they gift wrapped it - FOR FREE!!! I didn't think anyone offered that anymore. My hatred of expensive gift wrap counteracts my need for cheap books. I'll come back to Books Inc., and even if it's a book I'm buying myself, I'll ask them to wrap it up with nice paper, a shiny ribbon and a pretty gold sticker - just cuz!
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Review from Autumn K.
12/22/2006
In between being a social worker, a student, and a nanny, I have a WHOLE lot going on. And sometimes, by the end of a 13 hour day, I am B-E-A-T. Sometimes, even though I'm beat, I'm still a nanny. And sometimes, as a nanny, I am forced to bribe children to do things. Things like turning off tv so we can go ANYWHERE they want for dinner (parents' orders). Yeah- there are actually people (albeit miniature people) who need bribing to be taken out to a nice meal of their choice...ah, the struggle!
In Laurel Village, the cheapest way to bribe a kid is to promise them a new bedtime story book and then steer them towards the "wall of wonders" as I like to call it: the sale shelves at Books Inc. I LOVE this store. It's much larger than you'd think at first glance and their sales are out of this world. I just this very evening purchased $70 worth of children's books (for my entire itsy-bitsy entourage) for $30!!! They also have a lot of great books for grown-ups (please tell me what grown-up books are like. I haven't read anything but Thomas The Train and Mental Health notes in forever...). Great selection of cookbooks and design books.
The shop is warm, cozy, and inviting. The open set up makes it easy to find things and keep an eye on little movers and shakers while you peruse your respective sections. My 5 year old friends give it two thumbs up and they have pretty distinguished taste! -
Review from Dorothy S.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2007
So, it's not the biggest book shop but it serves the neighborhood well. The selection is good and the bargains books are a wide array of amazing coffee table books of Matisse, Diebenkorn and other Taschen and Phaidon Press/Publishing books. The shop staff is very friendly and willing to help you when you are in need of some assistance. They strategically have gift shelves, which are filled with actually great books to give as a gift to a loved one or yourself. There are so many nooks and crannies to the shop that you will have fun just walking around the space. Another really nice aspect of the store worth noting would be the staff recommendations. They are actually well thought out suggestions for new things to read and discover. Worth a visit!
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Review from Kiesha R.
4/4/2009
I really enjoy this bookstore. It is small, but I always find what I'm looking for - they pack it in there very effectively! The staff is also very friendly. Free gift wrapping and a loyalty program are nice extras as well.
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Review from jodes l.
Portland, OR
7/22/2006
small selection but some of the best service around. Well-informed staff, even happy to refer you to another spot that may have what you're looking for.
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Review from Kevin S.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2006
This was my go-to place to pick up a paper or a magazine or a book I had been eyeing when i would wait to pick up IQ after work. This was back when I was unemployed. I am pretty sure I wore a path between this small but tidy Books Inc. and Peet's down the block. The people in front were always friendly but in the back they always seemed a little harried and frazzled. Why is that?
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Review from myrtle m.
San Francisco, CA
11/7/2010
I think this is a great little neighborhood bookstore! The staff is always friendly and helpful and they have a rewards program which i like. The only downside to this bookstore is the fact that it's so small that the selection isn't the same as a big chain bookstore like borders, but they are happy to place an order for any book you want.
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Review from Mel P.
3/31/2009
Cute little book store. The staff are extremely friendly and although it's not like the normal chain bookstore, it makes it better that way because you can just get lost in this little store and find a place to sit and relax with a good book especially if you walk up the stairs to the upper level...nice little secret.
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Review from darla s.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2008
This is my least favorite of the three Books Inc.s that I frequent (Chestnut, Van Ness, and California). While I like the smaller size, it just doesn't lend itself to lengthy browsing. It is well situated if I want to look at the Recommended by Staff end-cap or other displays. As with any bookstore, it's easy to tempt me. Also, parking in the lot at Laurel Village when school lets out (c. 3 p.m.) is an absolute nightmare.
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Review from Sarah R.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2006
I really love Books Inc. Super helpful employees, great book reviews posted throughout the shelving, great displays of new recommended books - a true booklovers' book store. Great to support an independent versus a huge conglomerate. May not have the biggest selection but lots of finds you might not discover at a Big Boy. Plus they've got a great system where every so many books you get one free!
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Review from Trish P.
South San Francisco, CA
1/16/2006
Books Inc is one of the best independent book stores in the Bay Area. The prices are as competative to Borders or Barnes and Noble. Whenever I need to find a children's book for my niece and nephew, the salespeople are so helpful in making suggestions and knowledgeable!
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Review from Alan T.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2008
Great place to catch up with magazines and other readings! Shhh....There's a great reading spot upstairs.....
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Review from Marcus M.
San Francisco, CA
11/23/2009
This is a nice, solid bookstore for its size. I've never had any problems with service here. Due to store size, every section is limited; if you want a huge selection, try a big chain store (and yes, they are happy to order anything). As for those who complain about moms and strollers, I would say that you have to take the neighborhood with its own quirks.
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Review from Cindi L.
San Francisco, CA
7/3/2010
This store is in my neighborhood so one star is for convenience. My highest praise, though, is for much they've helped me pick kids' and young adult books over the years for my distant nieces and nephews. The Books, Inc.staff has always able to help, whether I give them fairly detailed information about preferences or whether I just say, "um, he's eight, and he's a boy." The have a pretty good selection of books for all ages and will order anything you request, and it usually arrives in just a couple of days.
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Review from Katrina M.
El Cerrito, CA
8/15/2008
"Read in order to live".
-- Gustave Flaubert
Books, Inc. welcomes readers...it is a place to browse or buy; to pass some pleasant hours in book-land. What I love about Books, Inc.:
-- Friendly staff (they are readers and good at recommendations!)
-- Willingness and ability to search for any book for you - it usually will arrive in the store within 2-3 days!
-- An interesting and thorough book selection that runs from standards to eclectic (and they will order anything not in stock!)
-- A great kids book selection!
-- Many interesting sale books - fabulous value!
-- A very good magazine selection.
-- A really great discount card system, in which every book you purchase gets tabulated and turned into a percentage discount when your card is full (unlike Barnes & Noble's smarmy "pay $25 up front" system).
Enjoy! -
Review from Buttonwillow M.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2008
Very good selection. One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is walk over to Laurel Heights, get a cup of coffee, and go buy some books at Books Inc. Sometimes I vary the routine by going to the Van Ness location instead. I know, I'm a thrill a minute. However, I always leave with at least two books. Right now I'm learning all about the Theodore Roosevelt family, something I never would have imagined taking an interest in, via "The River of Doubt" (highly recommended) and Stacey Cordery's "Alice" (I fear that Ms. Cordery does not do Ms. Roosevelt justice - either that or Alice was a big honking brat). I appreciate the frequent buyer cards, and the staff has been nothing but polite. This store could only be improved by additional size.
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Review from Michael K.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2010
Cozy place to buy a romance novel. I usually buy magazines here. I wish they carried "Worth" Magazine. Friendly staff. The next closest bookstore is on Fillmore and Sacramento. I'm glad there's a bookstore in Laurel Heights.
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Review from Kate M.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2008
This is my favorite, favorite bookstore. The staff is so knowledable and helpful. I love the fact that I can think of a book I want, call them, and they'll either hold it for me or order it for me - they provide such wonderful service, which in this day and age is often rare. Sometimes the unruly children and their overindulgent parents are a bit much, but the staff, store, and service are worth the momentary headache. If I see too many strollers, just throw in your earbuds and crank up your ipod, you won't be dissapointed.
