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Books
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
855 El Camino RealSte 74
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 321-0600
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Books
Review Highlights
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"Books Inc is quiet and air conditioned." In 7 reviews -
"has a good selection and is very browsing friendly." In 4 reviews -
"Good quality bookstore located at the Stanford Mall." In 4 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Jaime L.
11/12/2010
This lovely shop is a gem to step into and get lost in. Lost in the books, not the shop since it's small. They have some interesting reads in nearly every category. If I'm searching for a specific book, I'll buy it online. If I'm in the mood to peruse for a good read that'll keep me entertained in my fort (under my sheets with a flashlight), I'll stop here.
Some added incentive: they have a punch card that gets you a discount. I don't recall the details, but it was something like "buy 'x' amount of books and your tenth is 40% off." -
Review from Cath M.
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came in here looking for some creative inspiration to browse and to buy... design magazines and design books ... BUT... they hardly had anything. They didn't even have the normal "Print" "How" and "Communication Arts" on their magazine racks. Their design book selection were non-existent.
Probably the least helpful "Books" location I've been to... -
Review from Audrey B.
10/1/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I love Books Inc. They have a diverse selection of books and always seem to have what I'm looking for. I like their favorites tables and staff suggestions, and they have a frequent buyer card that allows you to get a discounted book after you fill up the card. Great location, easy parking, friendly staff.
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Review from Cherryl D.
San Jose, CA
1/23/2011
My Ratings:
Quantity: 4 - They have what I wanted
Quality: 4 - great condition
Price: 4 - just right
Location: 4 - nice and clean
Parking: 3 - parking lot or street parking
Service: 4 - Friendly
Speed: 3 - just right!
Overall: Nice homey bookstore, excellent reading choices, friendly staff. Will definitely come back for more books.
My Opinion/Story:
I tried this place after getting a discount coupon. Purchased several books that I've been meaning to get and was very satisfied with it. I like the ambiance and the service. Since I got more discounted certificates, I plan to get more books. -
Review from Vicky b.
6/4/2008
I had a three second experience at Books, Inc. yesterday, but it was enough to make me want to write a review.
I went in to get a book on tattoos for a friend and was quickly approached by an employee who asked if I needed help. I asked her if they had anything on the topic and while she couldn't think of something off the top of her head, she went to go look it up in their computers. Another employee jumped in and let me know that they didn't have any books on tattoos. The first employee then recommended that I got to Rasputin Music and assured me they would have multiple book on tattoos.
What really struck me about this, is that when I go to Borders/Barnes the employees never point me to an alternative store. If they don't have a book, their response is that they can order the book for me and I'll have it in 4-6 weeks. I just thought the employees at Books, Inc. were so helpful and understood that I wanted the book now and not in 4-6 weeks.
I will definitely be back. -
Review from Jillian R.
Fremont, CA
5/26/2009
I went in not really looking for anything; just to see what it looks like inside. The environment is nice, comfortable, and really clean. I always like neat shelving, and this bookstore definitely offers that, making browsing easier and more comfortable.
As expected, they don't have much quantity of books in stock in their store, but nevertheless, this place offers ENOUGH and all with great quality. Plus, it's always nice to support local and smaller book sellers like this, so id definitely come back if im ever in the area.Listed in: for bookworms only.
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Review from Patricia V.
Mountain View, CA
11/4/2010
I stopped in here this afternoon during my lunch hour to browse. I stepped in the store and saw several racks with 2011 calendars, which happened to be a great selection with a lot of different types of calendars I usually don't see. I mainly notice wall calendars and desk calendars. I didn't stay too long.
On my way out I had to do a double take. There was a sign posted in the front window: Pets Welcome (with a picture of a cat and dog). Yeah pet friendly store! YES! -
Review from daisy d.
Palo Alto, CA
11/3/2010
I love the ambiance of a bookstore. Books Inc is quiet and air conditioned.
Yes, it's cheaper to buy books online, but it feels good to support your local bookstore. I generally pop into this location just to browse new titles. On the rare occasion I've been looking for something specific, I generally don't find it, as it's not a large store and the selection is much, much smaller than Borders or Barnes & Noble. -
Review from M O.
Palo Alto, CA
1/1/2009
Does not have the quantity that you might be used to, but so nice to be in a bookstore that doesn't feel like a chain. Kepler's, Books Inc., etc. We need smaller book sellers like this, not just the big box.
I stop in every time I am in Town and County just to browse if I am not buying. -
Review from Diana C.
Anaheim, CA
7/14/2011
Awesome selection with books that captivate. We couldn't leave the place. The sales table weren't the rejects. Perfect for finding "that gift" for someone you know really well. I'll definitely come back.
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Review from Xue H.
3/21/2010
Good selection of books, although they didn't have too many. Nice for browsing but not really any seating anywhere...
Nice to browse after having a meal around here :) but I'd recommend the Stanford bookstore over this due to selection amount. -
Review from Lulu B.
Redwood City, CA
7/13/2011
Nothing chain-store about it! Just a mom and pop store filled with books. Great selection and set-up, fun little gift items and I love "old-school" feel. This store has a nice vibe. Good location too because you can go hang out in one of the restaurants in the shopping complex and read the latest best seller.
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Review from Raymond M.
San Jose, CA
4/4/2011
One of the few small ma & pa independent bookstores, Books, Inc. was a store you must visit often. My favorite section in bookstores was the bargain section. Books, Inc. bargain section was better than Barnes & Noble and Borders. The bookstore was turn back the clock for me going to true bookstores that was small and cozy.
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Review from Benjamin M.
Palo Alto, CA
1/1/2007
A nice little book shop in the heart of Stanford Shopping Center. I've never been too amazed by their selection, but they do have depth in some areas I don't normally look in. I always feel I should be buying something, but the large number of other people perusing the shelves gives me hope when I'm not looking for a book.
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Review from Rob M.
San Mateo, CA
7/1/2005
Good quality bookstore located at the Stanford Mall. Decent science, social science section in particular and a reasonable selection of magazines as well. I'm not driving too far out of my way to come here but if I'm at this mall it's a must place to stop in.
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Review from Leslie M.
Mountain View, CA
1/29/2011
Have been there before and I'm sure I will go again. Randomly stopped in today because I was driving by and had a book in mind I wanted to get. Then realized I had bought a Groupon, but had not printed it out. Asked the girl if there was a way for me to get it off my mobile phone. She led me to a computer in the back and let me print it out. I was so impressed with the service. I was fully expecting to have to pay full price and use my Groupon another day.
Also, worth mentioning all the books are in good condition. Whenever I go to Borders and find something I want to buy, it always seems to be the last copy and horribly beat up. -
Review from Cynthia H.
Los Angeles, CA
11/30/2010
I love coming here on a weekend morning and checking out their "Sale" table - I've gotten quite a few books there for $6 or $7. You can also get a "frequent reader" card, which is a buy-10-get-one-free. The staff are helpful and don't seem to mind if you hang around flipping through books, though there aren't really any places to sit.
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Review from Delaine Z.
Fresno, CA
8/3/2007
So far, I haven't found a book store I didn't like, and this one is certainly no exception. It is small, a little cramped, but lots of good stuff in that space. They also have a small assortment of some fabulous stuffed animals. If I was an elementary teacher, I could spend a small fortune buying the animals that go with the books. Very good selection of young readers books.
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Review from Nar A.
San Jose, CA
2/4/2008
As an independant bookstore, this place has a really good selection of materials, a wealthy supply of bargain books and helpful staff. I almost always wander into this store when I'm at Stanford Mall, and almost always leave with another book. This location is pretty small compared to the larger store in Mountain View on Castro St, but its in a good location and is usually pretty busy when I go in.
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Review from sarah p.
San Francisco, CA
6/9/2008
The staff here really knows their stuff, and I love that they have moved to the much more child friendly environment of Town & Country. Always a pleasure, and I always find more than I came in for!
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Review from greg d.
Palo Alto, CA
8/23/2008
This book store has 2 things going for it; 1. a well designed store that is inviting and comfortable to browse through and 2. a great staff whose recommondations have been spot-on for me.
I recently visited before a long trip and was nosing around on my own, when someone from the staff asked if I need help. (I rarely do ask for help because I assume their tastes are nowhere near mine) However, this time I told the woman from books, inc. that i was traveling soon and need something to read on a long trip. "I want a page turner", I said. "Oh, I just finished a new book that would be perfect", said the woman who worked there and proceeded to tell me about it. It sounded interesting so I went for it and I'm damn glad i did. It was a great book.
I am know telling all of my friends and family about the book. And the experience confirmed my commitment to local books store where this kind of relationship can still happen. -
Review from L A.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2011
Beautiful store, well-lit and organized. The magazine section could use an update--why are there no foreign magazine shops in the South Bay? The staff is generally super-nice but I'm subtracting two stars because I went in yesterday asking for The Catcher in the Rye and the staff member asked me if I knew the author. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but seriously? Doesn't everyone know the author? Am I being a snob about this? I'm still thinking about the three stars and I may amend later. I will of course continue to support the store because we have to support small book stores. Also, all the cool author events seem to be happening at the other stores so would love to get some of the "big" authors to visit this store.
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Review from Kimberly K.
Palo Alto, CA
8/19/2008
I love pretty much any bookstore, and especially independent bookstars, so I'm biased. Books Inc. has a good selection and is very browsing friendly. Generally a decent selection on their new & noteworthy display. I love that they have a "frequent reader" card where you get a free book after buying ten -- though if you buy more than ten at a go, they'll generally just give you 10% off the whole shebang without having to fuss with a card. The new location has ample parking, which for me makes it more convenient than going to Kepler's and not being able to park because everyone is at Borrone.
