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Bookshop Santa Cruz
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1520 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0900
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 9 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
145 reviews for Bookshop Santa Cruz
Review Highlights
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"Great selection, excellent staff, and fun location." In 19 reviews -
"Unbelievable travel section." In 8 reviews -
"Lots of great magazines and a nice used book selection." In 24 reviews
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145 reviews in English
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Review from Leisel E.
Santa Cruz, CA
4/13/2012
Not the biggest shop, so sometimes I can't find what I want. I often order via their online service and wait for a book to come in, in order to buy from them and not a chain store, because I love the place that much.
The best thing about Bookshop is the staff. I have yet to meet someone who works there who is not helpful, friendly, and really passionate about books.
Also, it must be a major pain to have a public restroom on Pacific - I have heard stories about some of the things the staff has had to deal with in there. It is SO, SO appreciated! -
Review from Elise G.
5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cute bookstore on the main strip downtown. It seems like places such as this one are growing obsolete. It was refreshing walking around a store that was smaller and not franchised. They even had a used books section.
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Review from Kelly P.
San Jose, CA
4/6/2012
Finding an excellent independent bookstore is challenging these days; unlike larger chains, bookstores like Bookshop Santa Cruz offers charm, warmth and attention to customer's wants and needs. What makes this bookstore even more appealing, they support local authors; they have works from local authors that are receiving 5 star reviews.
Next time you are looking for a charming bookstore, stop by and shop at Bookstore Santa Cruz; they even offer online purchases for eBooks. And, check out the local author section; for those that are pet loves, there are excellent books to check out by these local authors. -
Review from Eli L.
Watsonville, CA
11/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
love this place!!
Used to come here alot ....then i turned 21 and forgot how to read !!
But now im over the bar scene so i am rediscovering this jewel -
Review from Isabella R.
Santa Cruz, CA
2/8/2012
I bought a book here. Trying to keep my shopping local. The staff was friendly and helpful. I think they should have a dress code. No shoes, no shirt, no service. There was a couple there that looked either homeless or hobos. They came up to me and asked for change. I gave them some but thought that this was not great business policies. The guy was not wearing shoes and they both were in desperate need of a shower. I guess this is typical Santa Cruz mentality but I felt a little grossed out.
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Review from Tyler H.
Santa Cruz, CA
10/5/2011
The way a book shop should be!
Great selection of books and magazines, nice atmosphere and (Big Bonus) you are supporting a local business to boot!
It's a shame that brick and mortar bookshops are disappearing, but at least we locals have this one. -
Review from Everett S.
Soquel, CA
1/21/2012
First of all- why shop at a bookstore anymore- especially when you can go down to the street to logos where the prices are way way better? The coupon nazi yelled at my girlfriend and homeless people sleep in there. They do have a bathroom though... Hard to find downtown....
I'll probably go back though... -
Review from Vicky T.
1/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Keep Santa Cruz weird!
I swear in 2006/7 i wrote a review for this place...
I could spend hours in here. I have purchased things from Zimmerman to 365 ways to cook with ramen (gag gift for co worker). This place always has tons of stationery, magazines and it is a good alternative to Borders. Authors also frequent this spot which is cool. Great place to get lost in with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate :-D -
Review from Ben H L.
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Another great independent bookstore that is the perfect mix of local meeting place and specialty book services. My usual comparison for a bookstore is Kepler's in Menlo Park and after coming here, I definitely felt that this place trumps Kepler's in terms of size and selection. One big perk is that their used books selection is HUGE. I made sure to browse those first as I wouldn't mind impulse buying a discounted used book if the subject matter was even a bit interesting.
The staff also was very helpful with questions when asked. They seemed to always know what they did have and what they didn't. Definitely would recommend a stop here for some peaceful meandering away from the bustling crowd. -
Review from H. R. S.
Santa Cruz, CA
8/31/2011
I love this place. They hung in through the rebuilding after the '89 earthquake, through Borders coming and going, through this recession. Alway warm and welcoming.
My daughter, our friends and I met here at midnight for the last 3 Harry Potter books. I remember smile on Neal Coonerty face that night. Proud, surprised and please that a book created the line around the block and the hundred plus kids up past midnight to get to read it.
I don't know how much it does cost but I heard years ago that BSSC spends $10,000 a year to keep their bathrooms open to the public. THANK YOU! -
Review from janine a.
San Jose, CA
8/9/2011
I love bookstores and this bookshop does not disappoint. It's a very large shop with wonderful displays and aisles upon aisles of books.
I have young children and therefore always stop in a bookstore's children section as well as shop for myself. Sometimes the selections can be very commercial but I was happy to find many wonderful stories on display. Though the area was small, it was cozy and friendly with many stories that were new to me. Knowledgable staff was readily available to help you find the right book. I love seeing local authors displayed as well stories that relate to the area you are visiting. I found a field book about local insects that the kids were excited for. There was also a very nice second hand section, reasonably priced with very new looking books, where I found a nice book of poems by Jack Prelutsky for my son.
The location of the store was in a lovely downtown within walking distance of other eateries and stores and even an ice cream shop. -
Review from Peggy S.
2/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
If I could live off vitamins and truly enjoy the liberating feeling of not showering, I could probably spend the rest of my life here in this bookstore.
I love their selection of books, and the staff picks are very on point, very linear to what I enjoy reading. I think we are on the same wavelength, staff of Bookshop Santa Cruz!
The little note cards with book reviews attached to the bookshelves are very descriptive and helpful. And the little gift shop at the front of the store carries tons of interesting knickknacks that are suitable for any occasion that requires last minute gift shopping! -
Review from christina t.
San Jose, CA
3/22/2011
What would make this place over the top would be used offerings of all types.... BUT that would put logos out of business so nevermind.
The bookshop is awesome. Great kids section and just a TON of NOT barnes and nobles stuff. I love the set up, the selection, all of it. Great local book store. It is also awesome that they WILLINGLY supply one of the few public bathrooms on Pacific. Kudos my friends. -
Review from Charlotte C.
Manhattan, NY
1/24/2011
~* Bookshop Santa Cruz is close to my heart! *~
This is one of my guaranteed stops whenever I take a stroll down Pacific. It is my favorite bookstore in town. They have a very tasteful and diverse selection of books. I love the magazine section. They even have a mini-international magazine section, which if you speak several languages comes in handy.
They display nice books with staff reviews. Great gift ideas! Staff here is *very* friendly. They have a frequent shopper card.
What's nice about Bookshop Santa Cruz is that there is good ventilation with front and back store doors. It never gets stuffy or smelly in here. I appreciate that! The hours fly by.
Bookshop Santa Cruz hosts interesting author events and talks. I went to one a few years ago and it was a pleasant experience. Book signings guaranteed! -
Review from Bill S.
Aptos, CA
6/30/2011
Man... it's tough to review Bookshop. I have a totally schizoid love-hate relationship with this store.
I believe pretty strongly in buying local WHEN LOCAL BUSINESSES PROVIDE ADDED VALUE AND DON'T JUST REST ON THE LAURELS OF BEING LOCAL..
Bookshop really spends a bit too much time, money, and effort on harping on the "buy here because we're here" side, without emphasizing the "buy here because our service rocks" side, instead.
Not that their service -doesn't- rock.. it's just inconsistent. When they're on, they're on. They have a great, eclectic selection. As a technologist, they have an exceptional range of cool geekery to choose from, which adds points. They're pretty willing, but extremely slow, to order in anything you could ask for. They always have thought-provoking titles, some beautiful books from an aesthetic point of view, and lots of great conversation-starting material.
Unfortunately, there are some peeves that I have that I can't really get around. During the day, often, they'll sit a buyer and her guests -RIGHT NEXT TO- a bank of shelves, and she's got quite the chattery banter. If you like grating chattery banter when you're trying to look for books, I guess that's your bag.. but it's more my funeral. When their buyer isn't sitting there, people will camp out there with their laptops and watch movies, listen to music, sleep, ... lord knows what else. I'm all for "sit back and chill" in a bookstore, but the aisles are too tight, and it's too intrusive in some of the spaces in the building.
Also around layout and flow: They have wonderful events and people into the bookstore.. but the space is too small, and too cramped, and there's invariably a direct correspondence between the size of a guest author's following, and the probability that I'll be looking for a book in the sections that are clogged with people, spectators, and wellwishers. It's, frankly, uncanny.
These folks raving about "huge" used selection need to learn what "huge" means. It doesn't mean what they think it means. Used selection at bookshop is unexceptional.
Staff are either walking-on-clouds saintly awesome, or, deserving of being kept in the back office, where they can't harsh the vibe for actual customers. I'd contribute 20 bucks to a white noise machine fund to drown out the chatty buyer in the tech section any day of the week.
Overall, It's a solid three-star bookstore, and I like it, but it's not exceptional. +1 star for one of the only reasonable bathrooms downtown, and their looking the other way if you cut through the store to get to Pacific quickly from Front Street. -
Review from Andrew S.
1/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I absolutely love coming to this bookstore when I'm in Santa Cruz. Out of the 3 bookstores located on Pacific Avenue, this is my favorite of them all.
Whenever I come here, I love reading their staff picks. Throughout the bookstore, you'll find many staff notes, that make picking books to read useful as the reviews and notes are pretty descriptive enough to draw you in, making you want to read something you otherwise would not have read.
The bookstore does a great job highlighting both top sellers and best local independent sellers. They have a great selection of discounted coffee table books at great prices. They also have an extensive collection of magazines suitable for any and all interests.
Overall great place to peruse if you're looking for your next great read and need a good recommendation. You just may find your latest and greatest book purchase! -
Review from jasmine c.
San Jose, CA
5/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
How can you not love Bookshop?! Even if you are not a reader, just walking up and down the aisles can inspire you to pick up a book and flip through the pages just to get a whiff of that new (or used) book smell.
Still not a reader? At some point you will have to buy someone a gift, and their gift section is fantastic. Here you can pick up items by local artists or unique gifts that will only make the gift receiver love you more. -
Review from Lesley R.
1/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Been there too many times to count.
A great local bookstore. I like parking on the backside so I can actually find a spot, or in the free parking garage behind it.
Besides good new and used books....they have fun t-shirts, gifts, calendars, more. -
Review from Susan S.
6/24/2010
There are many reasons to patronize an independent bookstore over a chain, and, really, any local business over a chain. Here are just a few:
1) Local businesses give back more to the local community in terms of taxes and charitable donation.
2) Nationwide, local stores employ more people than large corporate retailers.
3) Local business offer greater variety and a more interesting selection. You can see that at Bookshop Santa Cruz--browsing books here is so much more fun than at the Borders down the street.
And
4) Bookshop Santa Cruz has a public bathroom.
That might not sound that exciting, but public restrooms are actually pretty hard to come by in this town. Whenever I'm in Santa Cruz, my top priority is to get a latte at Marini's Downtown. (It comes with a free piece of fudge--totally worth the trip!). As a result, I have looked for restrooms downtown every time I've been here. Santa Cruz might be hippie, vagrant, and surfer-friendly but it is not friendly to she of the full bladder. In fact, Borders has signs posted outside the entrance and all over inside announcing that there is no public restroom. Okay, then. Bookshop Santa Cruz not only lets you use their restroom, they even have a sign at the entrance welcoming you to do so.
So, come to Bookshop Santa Cruz, browse their excellent selection, and yes, use their bathroom. -
Review from Veronica V.
San Jose, CA
11/22/2008 ROTD 3/19/2009
I have a stack of books next to my bed on the top is a dust layer and, for the most part, these books have been untouched. They came from store to bag and went directly to stack.
Most writers will say in order to be a good writer one has to read. If that's the case then my bad reading habits can only lead to one end.
I read a some short pieces by Orhan Pamuk and VS Naipaul and was interested in who they are as people, as I read more I noticed the commonality was a distinct self interest. They write to know more about themselves and in turn entertain and resonate with others.
When I come home from work I usually watch TV or eat something or go to the gym and then eat and then either shower or go to sleep. In my mind there is not much excess time for things like contemplation or heavy reading. I have watched back to back episodes of whiny Bridezillas and the inane dialogue between realtor and first time home buyers just to watch time pass. Or have drank too many free drinks with strangers only to tell myself never again that I am wasting my time. I then come into my bedroom and set my water glass down on the side table that is nearly completely covered in books turn the light of immediately and pass out. Books that I bought with good intention. Half of the time I feel guilty.
I have weird dreams of distant things, places and people who are combination personalities of extended family members and me at different stages of my life. I wonder if my subconscious is trying to tell a story that I have yet to. Remind me that there is an entire world out there. Trying to tell me I am suffocating myself with absurd fragments of simulated humanity, false items, scripted people, bad TV, and yes, awful Wikipedia.
If I can ever just be; give time to the things I value most and leave the Fitness magazines and House Hunters behind honoring all the lives and stories in my stack I think that would be the goal.Listed in: Anecdotes, My ROTDs, Bibliophiles Rejoice
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Review from Eric B.
7/5/2008
They pulled the plug on Cody's last month and Black Oaks Books seems to have recently escaped the grim reaper with a change in ownership. Kepler's has also had its close brushes with death. I don't know how Bookshop Santa Cruz has done it, but what a relief and pleasure it was to walk into this fine independent bookstore within this "stick to the man" culture.
My son and I had previously bid goodbye to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and we were in the mood for office supplies (very Dilbertish) and books and/or magazines. After shopping for the former at Palace Art and Office, across the street we went to browse and shmooze.
This place has an extensive magazine collection and book selection. I particularly fond of the comfortable nook and crannie feel of this place. It's easy to to stake out that special place and settle in for a good read (and later purchase of course).Listed in: Independent Book Stores
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Review from May T.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2009
Sincerely good locally owned bookstore with both used and new books, and has some obscure items.
I bought a Japanese cookbook, a reference manual on spices and a used soft copy of "Clan of the Cave Bear" for my boyfriend to digest since he's an old UCSC Anthro major who has never read Jean M. Auel.
I could spend days in here. -
Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
10/26/2006
Hooray for this independent bookstore!!
Great selection of books....dangerously appealing to our entire family.
WARNING: You will not walk out of here without buying a
book or wanting to buy a dozen or more.
5 STARS and snaps for:
Public bathrooms (i have a thing for them too)
Nice, helpful staff who genuinely seem glad you are there!
Excellent kids and teen section
Unbelievable travel section
Wonderful everything else
Slug tee shirts from UC Santa Cruz
AND.....they're located a half block from the SockShop -
Review from Sue Ellen E.
Santa Clara, CA
4/5/2009
Bookshop Santa Cruz is a great store with lots of selection. If they don't have what you're looking for, ask them to special order it for you. I did that once.
It's a very different vibe than a Borders or Barnes & Noble, although I don't dislike those stores. It's a nice change. Highly recommended if you're into books and in downtown Santa Cruz! Don't forget to check out Logos, too. They're not at all similar but both awesome.
I REALLY appreciate their clean restroom. Thank you, Bookshop Santa Cruz, for allowing me to make so many...um...deliveries...over the years!!Listed in: Best Service, Best Place to Shop, Santa Cruz, City by the Beach
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Review from Erika W.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2007
I fantasize about being locked in Bookshop Santa Cruz overnight...
...seriously. -
Review from Brian W.
Santa Cruz, CA
7/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
In downtown Santa Cruz and need to pee? This is your place. They've got some books too.
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Review from Ravena F.
7/20/2007
This store has a generous policy of welcoming people plopping down on the floor or in a chair to sit & read, even when aforementioned ploppers are clearly poor college students who, 9 times out of 10, aren't going to purchase anything.
I would also like to thank this bookstore (specifically, it's comprehensive travel section) for helping to convince me to drop out of college & travel the world a bit before returning to college with a clearer perspective & understanding of why I even wanted to be in college in the first place. -
Review from Caroline C.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2007
Great local bookstore (we cautiously avoided the Borders that was disguised to LOOK like a local bookstore. We weren't fooled!)
Great selection, wonderful staff recommendations and book displays. My husband and I spent a Saturday morning, browsing the books and magazines. Great magazine selection by the way.
The store itself can be a little overwhelming though. So much to choose from, so little time. I contemplated buying "Eat, Pray, Love" about a woman in her early 30's who sort of has a life crisis and decides to take the year off and travel through Italy, India and Indonesia. But then I kind of resented the book, because I felt like I should have thought of that idea first! Hahaha! Don't worry, I'll get over it, and most likely read it...I did pick up a nice little Jill Bliss journal though.
Definitely a must visit place in downtown Santa Cruz if you love books, magazines, local spots, knick-knacks, etc. Looks like they also had a great children's book selection too!Listed in: Our weekend getaway!
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Review from Danielle K.
Santa Cruz, CA
3/11/2009
I love bookshop SC. I've come here since I was just a knee high to a pigs eye (this is an actual quote from a movie).
I recently found a used book on Chinese herbal remedies for $6. Such a steal! They have a good selection of books, especially used ones.
I have found every book I have needed except, recently I tried looking for this book called Toxic Food Syndrome. I was disappointed to say they did not have it.. hence the minus 1 star.
Overall this is one of my favorite places to come to get books. Plus you're helping out by shopping here and not Borders. -
Review from Sophie Y.
Austin, TX
9/20/2008
I miss you Bookshop Santa Cruz. I miss your used books and magazine sections. I miss your book club and the resulting discount. I miss your yearly sales.
Sure, Austin has Book People, another cool, independent bookseller, but they don't buy/sell used books and their magazine section has gotten really bad in the last couple of years. Half Priced Books seems to be the best option for selling used books and they are never as generous as you were. -
Review from Lauren B.
Santa Cruz, CA
11/6/2008
I would give this place 4 stars except I honestly hate the setup of this bookstore - for more than one reason.
1. Its a popular place, so it gets very crowded and the setup is not spread out enough for this at ALL
2. There isn't much special/unique about this place that is appealing or makes it stand out to me among other indie bookstores - granted, the focus is BOOKS :)
3. This is a BIG one and why it loses my business to the big BORDERS (yup, I just said that) - Being in Santa Cruz and with such a DIVERSE crowd, they failed to appeal to one very large crowd - those with disabilities.
This store is not AT ALL wheelchair friendly - the aisles are way to narrow, the shelves are deep and at an angle making it impossible for a person sitting to reach any book, and I always feel like I'm in the way, cause I am, with the small spaces they have created.
LOVE the selection but it can be ordered or found elsewhere until this is fixed... and yes it been addressed and I also don't expect them to fix it just for me, but, many people have brought this issue up -
Review from Jennifer O.
1/14/2009
I am a huge book worm. I could easily dump an entire year's salary at Bookshop Santa Cruz. The variety on pretty much any topic under the sun is jaw dropping. I can spend two to three hours just checking out the new release and staff picks area.
I am also a total stationary freak. The selection of cool paper here is orgasmic for anyone that likes to honor the old craft of letter writing.
Also, if you like to read magazines from other countries (insert: England), this is your spot to pick them up. They have EVERYTHING.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. If anyone needed ANOTHER reason to never shop another Borders or chain again, Bookshop Santa Cruz is a testament to the greatness of the indie spirit.Listed in: Day away in Santa Cruz
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Review from becky f.
San Jose, CA
2/24/2007
AMAZING multi-cultural childrens selections. AMAZING. no where else can you find such concentrated quality. oh, and try to avoid the clearance boxes near the back cash register so there's more for me!
and buy me their gift certificates, please! -
Review from Megan S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/21/2007
Bookshop Santa Cruz is very... well... Santa Cruz. More Santa Cruz than bookshop, though. If you're looking for books on Santa Cruz or by Santa Cruz authors, they have probably the best variety. They have an excellent travel selection and Vegetarian/Vegan cooking selection, and lots of books on "green" home improvement. Very Santa Cruz-y. If you're looking for something not so typically Santa Cruz-y, like your basic literature, you may find yourself out of luck. Books on art and history are extremely sparse and tend more toward a Pop variety.
And, yes, it is true that this is one of the few places downtown with public restrooms. The typical Santa Cruz street crowd is to be found among the comfy chairs at the end of aisles. If you're from out of town, definitely check this place out for a Santa Cruz experience, you can buy one of the "Keep Santa Cruz Weird" shirts while you're at it.
I don't mean to sound particularly negative about Bookshop Santa Cruz, the place isn't all bad. I would much rather shop here than Borders. Bookshop Santa Cruz definitely has its place on Pacific, it's just not necessarily the best place to find books. -
Review from Hunter R.
San Diego, CA
3/27/2010
One of the thing that strikes you about Bookshop Santa Cruz is the sense of community character. BSS has long been a fixture that contributes so much to the community and to independent bookstores as a model of success.
BSS offers more than just author readings and great selection, but a unique traits of speaking with a progressive voice. Who can forget the sale of Rush Limbaugh books for the cost of a pound of bologna or the bag of just plane nuts with the purchase Sarah Palin's ghost written biography.
BSS was an important part of the healing process during recovery from the Loma Prieta Earthquake and so many other timeline events. They continue to provide a warm place to bring the entire family to browse through the shelves for an afternoon.
If they don't have what you require, they can get it quickly. I've been a long time fan of BSS and the Coonerty family. -
Review from Lizzie V.
6/18/2009
This has to be one of my favorite bookstores, if not my favorite. They lay the books out in a way that invites you to read them. There are recommended books by the staff that give little summaries from a real person's perspective. What I mean by real person, is that you know they're standing right behind the counter and if you want to clarify something you can ask.
They actually have places to sit. Fun places to sit. Being from Portland, we have our beloved Powell's, but there is almost a discouragement from sitting and reading for an extended period of time. Which is understandable because they're trying to SELL the books.
And last but certainly not least, is the interesting people you get to watch in between reading. -
Review from Lindsey D.
Santa Cruz, CA
2/26/2010
I am so glad that Bookshop SC still remains unchanged and unique after all these years. It is not only a SC landmark, but is also a breath of fresh air compared to the sterile atmosphere of Borders/B&N.
I've been coming to Bookshop Santa Cruz since I was a little girl with my grandma. She got me into my bookworminess, and I still think of her whenever I'm in the shop.
They have both used and new books, with tons of staff recommendations and unique items. There are also big comfy chairs and some benches. I also love getting birthday and other greeting cards here. They have a good selection, and lots of stuff with just pictures so you can avoid the corny messages. I also recently discovered that they have a DIY gift wrap that is free of charge with a purchase. Definitely going to try to buy more gifts here because of this serivce.
Bookshop SC has always been friendly and welcoming to all the people of Santa Cruz, which can have its negatives, but I think is a great example of being tolerant of all the people in our community (i.e. homeless/mentally ill). They also maintain a free bathroom for anyone downtown to use, which is great considering the lack of bathrooms available downtown.Listed in: Hometown Delights
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Review from Lauren S.
5/24/2007
BOYCOTT CORPORTATE BOOKSTORES! Shop bookshop Santa Cruz!
It's the best place to get lost in downtown Santa Cruz-- Comfy couches, cosy, yet-well-lit atmousphere, and chairs on each aisle to chill out on. They have a great travel book section, kid's books, and always great sales on books.
They also buy-back used books for store credit or Cash-- but check the days/hours so you don't go home full-handed. -
Review from Mike B.
12/30/2007
Bookshop Santa Cruz is the originator of the Keep Santa Cruz Weird slogan that has been co-opted and modified by Berkeley and other liberal bastions.
And someone died at the original BSSC location during The Earthquake when a pile of brick work came crashing down.
Likes: helpful employees with strong knowledge of their trade and efficient use of their database. They can order just about anything they don't have. Pretty easy parking off of River St. Handy cafe.
Dislikes: dang crowded and hard to commander a comfortable chair. Relatively small square footage, means tight aisles and lots of "excuse me's," -
Review from Ashleigh B.
Monterey, CA
7/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My favorite bookstore in town. They have a huge selection of new and used books. I could get into some serious trouble in this store. Plus they have a section with all kinds of gifts and cards.
