Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "The coffee is Seattle's Best and it is ok." In 5 reviews
  • user photo
    "...get all kinds of 30% and 40% off coupons at random times." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "The staff are awesome and very helpful." In 3 reviews
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37 reviews in English

  • Review from Ida H.

    Sacramento, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    I'm sorry to have lagged in writing a timely review of Borders Books & Music. This store in Elk Grove was my nearest location that is part of a large, busy and popular shopping center. Now that Borders is soon closing their doors for good, I thought I'd better get in gear to write a final farewell review.
    I have always enjoyed coming to this store because it was a fun place to browse. They usually had just about everything I was looking for. And if you couldn't find it, an employee was happy to help look it up for you and order it if possible. They also had computerized kiosks throughout the store to find information on their listed and available items with directions to where it was displayed in the store and on the shelf.
    They always had lots of discounted books on the sale tables as you first walk into the store. I always had to stop there first and sometimes found some great deals on something I was interested in. Regular merchandise of books, music and DVDs weren't that cheap, so I couldn't afford to splurge very often. But just walking through the store was nice to pass the time and get ideas for future purchases. We always shopped here during the holidays to buy Christmas presents and birthday gifts.
    I also enjoyed eating and having coffee at their café. It was such a relaxing place to sit, read or people watch. I never had a complaint about their food or beverages.
    My boyfriend and I stopped here recently to see what kind of deals we could pick up during the closing sale. But we were a little disappointed that things weren't as discounted as I would have hoped. There is still a lot of merchandise available. So maybe we will return again at the final closing and pick up some bargains and a last look around before they are gone forever..... Sorry to see you go Borders, this is a sad loss to our community.

  • Review from Tuyet N.

    Elk Grove, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Oh my Me! (Compliments of Will Ferrell in Superstar). How did I neglect to review a place that has been like my second home to me for the past * years I've been in school? Forgive me as I shall do this now!

    Borders bookstore as I have stated above has been like a home away from home to me. It's a place I automatically think of when I need to study. A place I go to when I'm looking for some bargain cook books. A place to spend time with the boyfriend as he searches through the nerdy sections and the magazine sections while I do the same. I'm super grateful we have a bookstore in Elk Grove. My only wish is that it would be bigger...To hold all of the folks who are there to study and not study.

    I love you Borders, so please keep it coming with those 40% off coupons you send me. I'll even settle for the 30%, because that's how much you mean to me. (On a serious-er note guys, do sign up for the rewards card to get great discounts and coupons!!!)

  • Review from Lindsay C.

    Sacramento, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/5/2011 7 Check-ins Here

    FYI, and I'm sure most people know this already, the store is closing. So far my visits haven't resulted in much buying. Even with store closing discounts, everything is still pricey. But the discounts will continue to increase. Be prepared that the air is either off or on minimally. It's hot in there. And there is often a line. But, you might find a little treasure.

    On another note, I am really sad to see Borders go. There aren't any books stores of its kind in the area now. Super big bummer. It's a bummer they couldn't figure out how to make it work... I will miss this and all other Border's bookstores.

  • Review from Mimi V.

    Elk Grove, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/18/2011 6 Check-ins Here

    Borders is probably the only book store i go to because it's close and convenient. It's a great place to study but the tables get taken quick. This place has a variety of books. It's definitely not as big as Barnes and Nobles, but it is a book store near by. I love to come here when im extra bored to read the magazines :) Coffee here is alright, not the best and definitely does not compare to Starbucks. All the staff here are really nice and approachable.

    Stars: 3

  • Review from Food S.

    • 10 friends
    • 177 reviews

    Davis, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/15/2011

    I went by last night and the store is closed for good.  I am going to miss this wonderful bookstore.

    RIP Borders.

  • Review from Lisa A.

    • 0 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/13/2011

    I am so sad to see borders close and leave the elk grove area!  This store, by far, has always been welcoming , and the employees have gone out of their way to assist you.  I wonder how all of us will deal with having no place to go and grab a coffee and sit in the cafe while we browse through a book we want or do homework, or just play on our phones and laptops courtesy the free wi-fy.  
    Borders, I will miss you!

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    • 4.0 star rating
      6/2/2011

      Love the cafe! Especially the little dark haired girl and the African American girl that are there… Read more »

  • Review from Brian n.

    • 4 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/5/2011 30 Check-ins Here

    Very clean atmosphere with a coffee shack, coach, music. And one of the biggest anime selection ever. Some guy gave me the eyebrow when he skimmed thru one of my mature rated anime. Made him go get me another one cause he bent the pages. What type of person does this... There's better ways of starting a conversation at the checkout then judging you on the spot. Skimming thru your books staring at a drawn genitalia.

    New releases are out at the entrance with big 30 percent off stickers on them always for like two weeks. Business standards are great at this location.

  • Review from Yvonne N.

    Sacramento, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/9/2009 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    It's Labor Day and instead of drinking my stress away, I'm studying. -_-  Found a table at the cafe, ordered a drink, and studied for a few hours.  It was a nice studying environment, especially because there was no free wifi ;P  They have tmobile hotspot so you can access the internet if you have that.  During my study break, I just got up and grabbed some magazines to read, which is great that they let you just sit there and read anything in their store.

    What I like about the cafe here is that they serve Seattle's Best Coffee.  I ordered the White Chocolate Mocha and wasn't disappointed...I loved that it came sprinkled with actual white chocolate shavings!  My sister ordered the daily special; toffee something and loved it.

    The staff is really nice and the place is kept squeaky clean.  However, their bathrooms are horrible!!  I checked the clipboard where the workers sign off when they clean the bathroom and the last time was 4 days before! -_-

    I remember I used to walk to Borders in middle school to take advantage of their air conditioning and free music; they have headphones and selected CD albums for you to listen to, love it!!

  • Review from Dan C.

    • 3 friends
    • 32 reviews

    West Sacramento, CA

    1.0 star rating
    11/18/2009

    I'm going to be on a plane for 16 hours in less than 4 days.  Because my laptop and iPhone will only give me about 5 hours worth of entertainment, I thought I'd pick up a book.  I usually get my books online because it's cheaper, offers used books, and free shipping.  But because I leave in 4 days, I probably wouldn't get my order in time; thus a trip to Borders.  

    The particular book I was looking for wasn't on the front display desks.  I walked deeper in the store towards the nonfiction section.  I saw a hanging Customer Service sign with 3 computers underneath it.  No one was around and I thought the computers were self help kiosks.  As soon as I touched the mouse, an employee comes around the corner and said in the most pretentious voice "Excuse me, can I help you?"  I immediately stepped back and said "sorry, I thought these were for customers."  Then he replied in an even more pretentious attitude, "well, I'll be able to help you in a little bit."  I know that he really didn't want to help so I left and found the book on my own.  

    Why do people sit on the floor in the middle of aisles and read a book?  Why wouldn't they move when I'm clearly looking for a book on the shelves and they know I'm making my way down towards their end?  Did I really have to say "excuse me" before they acknowledged me?  Why couldn't they sit on the nice empty couches and chairs out of paying customers' way?  

    I got my book and stood in line to pay.  There were 6 people waiting with only two cashiers.  These cashiers couldn't have moved any slower.  Why couldn't the two staff who were straightening the same shelves help with the front counter?  One lady was paying for a couple of books and a t-shirt, which the cashier had to ask 5 different questions before finishing the transaction 1) do you have a reward's card? 2) Did you find everything you were looking for? 3) Are you using a gift card or coupon? 4) Would you like to make a donation to blahblah charity? 5) Would you like a bag?  It took 5+ minutes before my turn and got asked the same 5 questions - and yes, I wasn't asked how I was doing.  The cashier had no personality with a robotic voice.  

    I'll avoid this store at all cost.  Employees are rude, customer service is horrible, and other customers are either rude or ghetto.

  • Review from Rachel M.

    Sacramento, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/30/2010 3 Check-ins Here

    I came here to do some last-minute school supply shopping and was tickled pink by the cute selection that they offered.  Most people wouldn't think that Borders would have such a wide array of supplies, but they actually do.  However, don't expect to come here and find binder paper, pencil lead, etc.  If you want those kinds of things, you will have to go to either Staples or Office Max.

    What I did find were some cute pencil case sets that came with a ruler, an eraser, a pencil sharpener, a pencil, and a pen.  I also found some cute tupperware to bring my lunches in (I'm one of the rare college students who will bring her own lunch on campus), a cute calculator, highlighters, some black gel pens, and a metal water bottle.  All with cute, girly designs on them.  I hate to admit it, but I am now semi-excited to be going back to school tomorrow.  Thanks to Borders and their cute school supplies.  

    Borders usually has a decent selection of whatever books I'm looking for.  I recently came here to find Coraline and was pleased to see that they offered both the hardback and paperback versions.  They also have handy computers around that you can use to search for a specific author, title, or genre and it will help point you in the right direction to locate it in the store.  I use these quite often.

    I also like the little cafe that they have towards the front of the store - I could see myself enjoying a new book or even doing some homework here while sipping a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.  It's usually pretty quiet around that area so I don't think I would have any problems concentrating.  

    The staff is always helpful and will do their best to help you locate whatever it is you're looking for.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      6/8/2010

      There are good and bad things about Borders.

      I like that they have a cafe section for those people… Read more »

  • Review from Stacy B.

    • 101 friends
    • 310 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/8/2008

    They provide a quiet atmosphere and comfy seating, so why not use this place as your own personal library?  I do!

    The bargain book racks are AWESOME when it comes to gift-giving...random cookie recipe book + bag of Toll House morsels = you looking like a rock star.

    Rather than spend $19.95 on "Farha on Omaha" I made two trips, sat back in a leather chair, and basked in the free air conditioning.

  • Review from Lindsay D.

    Sacramento, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/24/2009

    Okay...So I'm not going to lie, I abuse Border's Bookstore. I abuse their late night hours, their accommodating chairs, and their cafe corner ...there has been countless times where I would enjoy a couple of hours quietly tucked away in some hidden area of the store, listening to my ipod while secretly eating some Pirates Booty that I manged to sneak from my over sized purse...all the while reading a good book.

    But you know, there is some reciprocity. Like in any relationship, there has to be some give. Whenever I need a book or anything, I always run to Border's Bookstore first. So, when I found out that my older sister was taking a math placement test, I did what any other younger, loving sister would do- I went and bought her a math book to help her out. I mean, Algebra II for Dummies is a great book....it breaks everything down quite simply and well, it's pretty easy read.

    Long story short..she didn't find it quite humorous. Let's just say she and I have a difference in opinion. So, the next day I go back return the book. The gentleman at the counter wanted to know why I wanted to return the book. So I told him. Did I make up a lie like any other normal American would do whenever they have a guilty conscience when returning something? No, I simply told the truth. What did he do? He sized me up....HE SIZED ME UP! Looked me up and down to somehow use his x-ray vision to determine if I was telling the truth or not. He then proceeded to flip through the book back and forth about 8 times ( I counted)...then he gave me a lecture on how great the, For Dummies series are and how they can be informative.

    Duh! But try telling that to my sister! Since he was taking forever and their was a long line, they ended up calling for backup cashiers since he was still flipping through the book. Finally, I use my assertive skills and stated I wanted to speak to the manager. 10 minutes later, I got my refund but I wont be returning here again..at least not as a paying customer.

  • Review from Jared D.

    • 4 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2010

    Book Selection:  5 stars.  They have a very wide assortment of books.  The staff can order it for you if what you're looking for isn't in stock.

    Service: 3 stars.  I give the staff a solid 3 stars.  Some would rate 5 stars, others 1 or 2, depending on the day.  Working in a bookstore isn't for everyone (I did for a while when I was younger.)  Those deserving of a 5 are very helpful, knowledgeable, and leave it at that.  The 2 star staff look like the 5-stars, but they have a tendency to go overboard with trying to impress upon you their "bookstore acumen," and can be condescending.  The trait that makes them easiest to spot is their tendency to PUSH the latest *whatever* that management has told them to PUSH.  Finally, the 1 star employees are those poor souls who are having a bad day, are sad they actually have to work for a living, and have decided to exude resentment at your decision to enter their store.  Meh.

    Prices: 4 stars.  I've only found better prices when shopping online.  However, Borders has that also.

    WiFi: 5 stars.  It's free.  Their store is air-conditioned in the summer heat and heated in the winter cold.  This is much more comfortable than my office cubicle.  Just don't expect to hold a conference call over the sounds of people talking and the whine of blenders.

    Restrooms: 1 star.    To be gentle, let me just say that I've seen cleaner facilities at gas stations and truck stops.  Gentlemen, bring your galoshes and a bucket of Purell!

  • Review from Maitre D.

    • 13 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Portland, OR

    3.0 star rating
    4/26/2007

    Eh. I still remember that large chains are "a bad thing." See, what Borders has in selection of books and music, it lacks in a little thing called ambiance, or character, or personality - you get the idea. And as convenient as having a Borders might be, it *is* the reason why independent bookstores are hard to find these days.
     Go to Fool's Cap Books in Eugene (R.I.P.) or The Literary Guillotine in Santa Cruz or Moe's in Berkeley or Powell's in Portland and tell me how freakin' great Borders is.
     On the plus side, you can steal from Borders without feeling guilty about taking money from a small business owner, there-by liberating knowledge and information from the priveleged chains of capitalism.
     Which is why this place gets three stars instead of two...

  • Review from Estel G.

    • 45 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Clarksburg, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/9/2009

    I absolutely love this place.  In fact it could be my favorite place because I can't spend 10 hours at atime there haha).
    So, the first cool thing is the selection.  For a brick & mortar bookstore they have a ton of books.  Plenty of stuff for you to look through.  You can actually hang out there and read too (they have a lot of really comfortable sofa type chairs) so that is like a major bonus.

    If you are looking for something specific, this place is a snap.  The staff are awesome and very helpful.  If you look even the slight bit lost they come up and see how you are doing.  And in the event that the staff are all busy you can go ahead and use the computer search system (unlike other places that make you wait in line at an information desk).  w00t!

    The coolest thing about the DVD section is that they have quite a few foreign DVD's - way more than one would ever expect at this type of store.  I was able to purchase some really cool DVD's from these guys.

    The rewards program here is awesome as well.  Instead of paying for membership, they give it to you free and then give you a gift card type coupon when you spend so much at the store.  Plus the members get all kinds of 30% and 40% off coupons at random times.  So I like it better than B&N's reward program as I think it is a better overall value.

    And now the best part of the whole place - the cafe.  The coffee is Seattle's Best and it is ok.  The younger staff working at the cafe are usually very helpful.  The older staff members seem to be a bit lost at times and they can come off as rude when they get confused.  The drinks are decent, but the best of all is the teapot service.  They hook you up with a full pot of tea for like $2.50 and you can hang out there and drink it.  The cookies and muffins are top notch - moist and chewy with plenty of flavor (I am addicted to the Orange Cranberry Oatmeal Raisin Cookie).

    The other plus to the cafe is that they have tables there with plugs running along the walls so you can plug your laptop in while you enjoy your beverage/food.

    I spend at least one day a week here either hanging out, reading, working, whatever....this place is really the coolest imo.

  • Review from Jennifer T.

    • 3 friends
    • 127 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/25/2010

    They have a large book selection.  It's easy to come here on a boring, lazy Sunday afternoon and spend a good couple of hours browsing and entertaining yourself with the selection of books, music, and dvds that they have.  

    The service can be slightly better, but if you're in the store to just browse and blow some extra time, the service doesn't matter.  On occasion, depending on the day and the time that you go in to shop at this location, the wait time in line can be horribly long and frustrating when there is only one or two people working at the registers and it seems as if they don't call anyone up to help ring up customers until a customer in line requests for more people to come up to help ring up customers.  If I could, I would dock just half a star for the service.

    Also convenient, is that they serve coffee.

  • Review from Candace Y.

    Elk Grove, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/18/2006

    I remember when the large chain bookstores were "a bad thing."  The old B. Dalton's and Pickwick's often did not staff using bookophiles, and everyone longed for the old independent bookstores.

    Then, times changed, and the large bookstores got much better at meeting the needs of the reading public.  There's an in-house coffee/hot beverage bar, cafe tables, and good customer service.

    Independent bookstores are harder to find, these days.  

    it's not so bad having a Border's bookstore in the neighborhood.

  • Review from Shiva S.

    Santa Clara, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/1/2008

    Was here on Christmas eve to help a friend with last minute Christmas shopping.

    Staff was extremely helpful and spent close to 10 minutes trying to help us find a young adult fiction title which we could only identify by the picture on the cover lol.

    I like their section of cook books. They have a bigger selection then the barnes and nobles close to where I live.

    They had free gift wrapping at this location on Christmas eve.

    Taking away one star because the girl at the information desk had a bit of an attitude.

  • Review from Nas E.

    • 93 friends
    • 77 reviews

    Oakland, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    I love to browse at Borders.  They have a wide selection of books, magazines, cd's, and dvd's.  I like that they have a good selection of kids books also.  Every time I go to Borders, they're busy.  Their service isn't all that great but if you do have any questions to see if the book you need is available then you can go to the computer to check what they have in stock.  It would be nice if someone can actually help me out.

  • Review from Kim T.

    Elk Grove, CA

    3.0 star rating
    5/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    I'd save myself some serious bucks by purchasing my books on Amazon. But if I really want the book right away, every now and then Borders have a 40% coupon floating around the net; do a google search before heading to Borders.

  • Review from Mark G.

    • 32 friends
    • 381 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/13/2008

    OK---I guess. I've been to much larger Borders stores with better selection of books and music, but what other options are there for book and cd shopping in good 'ole EG? I absolutely HATE buying CD's, or even worse, books, from Target or Walmart or some other general merchandise store. So that's it.

    That's why I get most of my music online.

  • Review from bruce b.

    • 8 friends
    • 233 reviews

    Walnut Grove, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This store stays.  Some of the other stores are being liquidated in court action, real shame, as they have a great format.  My only complaint is that management does not watch the young kids in the store yelling and running around, very distracting if you are trying to concentrate.  Great coffee bar in store.

  • Review from J M A.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Roseville, CA

    1.0 star rating
    6/21/2011

    I love books, and have been to a few Borders and B & N, and I have to say this Borders experience was the worst I have had at a bookstore.  While I live in Roseville, and like that location, we were coming back from Lodi, and opted to stop to peruse the bookstore.  Merchandise was fine, really liked their selection of audio books.  Check out service horrendous.

    I joined Borders membership, basic program, because it was free.  In this economy, I opted not to renew my Barnes & Noble $25 annual fee, though I made up for the price with discounts I received, especially Starbucks discount at cafe.  But I digress.

    I wish I could remember name of male store employee who was checking me out.  As I expected, I heard the "Would I like to upgrade membership and receive an additional percentage off?"  I politely said no, but heard a pitch at least 4 more times, even though i told the guy that I was unemployed at the time and didn't want to pay for a membership.

    I know Borders is in financial trouble, but really trying to get employees to bully a customer to pay for something they don't want.  Really bad form, and I won't return to that location, if it is a store that hasn't yet been shut down.

  • Review from Kwoksum C.

    • 6 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/28/2009

    Selection here is okay.  If it were not for the coupon deals, I probably wouldn't even go.

    The older employees are nice and very accommodating.  Would always walk me toward the correct section and help me find a book I am looking for.  Never gave me grief on my kids either, and would sometimes stop to say "hi" to them.  

    On the other hand, the younger ones can be a little rude.  They would rather point to where you can find a book, rather than show you.  Then there was this time where one of them scared the crap out of my 4-year old because she thought my kid was stealing candy.  When it turned out that she was wrong, she offered a lame apology and ran off.  Wasn't quick enough to get her name, or else I'd be complaining to the manager!

  • Review from Claudine D.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/2/2011

    The staff is very helpful and I usually leave with something I like. I wish there was more seating throughout the store. There is some in the Seattle's Best cafe area but those tend to fill up quickly.

  • Review from Grace B.

    Sacramento, CA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/24/2010 1 Check-in Here

    I come into the cafe when I need to pass the time away. No outlets to plug in my laptop. Thats all. Pretty much a good place to hang out.

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    • 4.0 star rating
      8/16/2010

      Today was a good time to kick back at BORDERS and hang out at the Seattle's Best Cafe section. It… Read more »

  • Review from Amber M.

    • 2 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Borders is a great place to study or just pass the time. The coffee bar has great tasting drinks, tons of tables and comfy chairs. The giant cookies are delicious especially when you have them warmed. Great atmosphere, and friendly staff!

  • Review from Eduardo C.

    Sacramento, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/21/2010

    I bought Super Sad True Love Story at this Borders when I was on my quest to buy new fiction.  I wanted to buy from a small bookstore but those were killed off by these chain bookstores just as Amazon is now starting to kill off the brick-and-mortar bookstores like Borders.

    I would have purchased my book from Amazon, which I often did when I lived in a small college-town in the middle-of-nowhere Appalachian Virginia.  However, after reading a series of articles in a few of the rapidly declining daily national newspapers and magazines on how Amazon is destroying brick-and-mortar bookstores and publishing houses, I moved away from Amazon.  Amazon is eviscerating the publishing industry with all the book price cuts that deprive the publishing houses of the revenue needed to sustain a proper team of editors.  Publishing houses add value by editing and helping develop zeitgeists to be chiseled into the metanarrative of history.  They are the vanguard against cultural decay.  Publishing houses may only be sustainable with brick-and-mortar bookstores.  Imagine the day when Borders becomes the front line for the bookstore.  I hope editing doesn't go the way of the dinosaurs.  This is why I went to Borders.

    In Super Sad True Love Story the post-literate age figured prominently in the narrative.  Respect must be paid.

  • Review from Obadiah L.

    • 26 friends
    • 4 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/16/2010 1 Check-in Here

    When you have a coupon here, shop here... Borders is insanely expensive and I'm not tooo sure how they stay in business.  As i looked around at magazines, books, comics, DVD's, the prices were ridiculous! Mind you, if you have a 50% off coupon, it only helps products to be comparable to http://Amazon.com, even then I'd say things on Amazon are even cheaper!

    Customer service is cool, there are always people walking around that you can ask questions, when you need help you can get it.  PLUS: there's a coffee shop inside and one of the baristas was walking around hooking us up with donuts and cakes and all that for free... i think they were the day olds, cuz he THANKED US for eating them... but any time there's free it's nice..

    It's a bookstore... expensive and over priced if what you're looking for isn't on clearance.  I say shop online...

  • Review from Justin K.

    • 128 friends
    • 429 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/12/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    I absolutely love bookstores and this Borders holds it's own. Great selection and a friendly helpful staff make this a great place to hunt for new literature or just chill and browse with a cup of Seattle's Best. There are always special deals and the information desk is always staffed with helpful people that will guide you straight to the book you are looking for! Don't forget the free WiFi too!

  • Review from robot m.

    • 0 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    2.0 star rating
    1/12/2008

    If you want a book store that doesn't have most of what you want, than this is the place! At least you can look up their inventory online before you drive over there. I'm not sure if their staff actually read books, but they are eager to help. However, they just use the same computer search engine that you can use at one of the many (hopefully functioning) kiosks. They are good for locating a section in the store, which is especially important now that they squeezed out much of the book space for their overpriced CD's and other unnecessary crap (stationary and made in China gifts).

    I recommend getting a rewards card and signing up for the e-mail list, as you can get coupons so hopefully you can get an okay deal on something they might have in stock. Oh, and if you can find it. Some of the sections are woefully unorganized. The history section seems to always be tidy, perhaps because people don't read...about history.

    They did earn the second star for the bargain section. It's usually full of of dumb coffee table books about funny things the cat did, but you can find some of the Taschen stuff cheap.

    The coffee part...eh. Saturday nights they have live music...can you say Don 'No Soul' Simmons?

  • Review from Eric W.

    • 37 friends
    • 52 reviews

    Roseville, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/31/2010 23 Check-ins Here

    Not enough seating to study here.

  • Review from Lainey H.

    • 118 friends
    • 774 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    5/1/2008

    They have a huge variety of books here, but it's pretty expensive I might say. My friend bought me a book on reviewing colleges, and it was freaking $60+ wow. Just wow. But I guess sometimes books are the same price everywhere, unless ordered online or at a second hand/discounted book store.

  • Review from Bakari C.

    • 4 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/9/2009 1 Check-in Here

    While the book selections at Borders is not that great, they do have a very friendly staff and good prices for their books. If you are a frequent buyer books, I strongly suggest that you join their membership program, because they send out 20-40% off coupons almost every other week. There are a few bookstores left the Sacramento, so I hope the Borders remains open.

  • Review from Ray B.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    1.0 star rating
    4/2/2010

    You know, when this biz came to my neighborhood years ago, as an avid reader, I was really enthusiastic.  I have come to understand why this chain is flirting with bankruptcy.

    Today was my first visit in a year or so, armed with my wife's 30% off coupon for her repeat visits.  Found two paperbacks to take along on a trip, then got in an endless cashier's line (one cashier with 20-25 folks waiting.)  Got up front finally, forked over the coupon, and then got the pitch for buying a hospitalized kid a donation book.  Hey what the heck -- I figured it was 30% off, right?  Foolishly I hastily paid the tab with the throng waiting behind me.  Got outside and realized several things: (1) they never took a penny off the list price - no discount (2) they make their usual profit on all the "charity books" their patrons donate -- how generous of them! (3) and on the sales receipt it boldly announces that is saved $4.20!   In what universe did I save even a dime?

    Yeah - I know I should have gone back in to straighten it out -- yeah, and waited through that endless line again, you bet.  I've got a better solution --- never going back EVER again.  As for spending $40 for two paperbacks that I could've snapped up from Amazon for about half that ---- to quote the Who, "won't get fooled again."

  • Review from CJ C.

    • 2 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    1.0 star rating
    3/29/2009

    I have decided not to ever shop at Borders again.  I had the worst experience yesterday and I won't tolerate attitude from staff who work at the registers or the info desk.  Selection usually is not good.  
    Yesterday they had a sale with buy 2 bargain books the third is free.  I purchased 6 books all bargain books.  when I got to the register, I also had two other items.  I remember having an email in my inbox from my border's rewards program.  I could not remember the discount.  The lady at the register said "guess".  So I guessed 10% for no reason.  I had no idea that if I had guessed "correctly" then I would have gotten that percentage off my books.  I said, "I should have guessed 40%" just because it would have been higher and she was not going to give me the discount anyway.  She said "if you had, you would have been right".  Implying that I would have been able to use the discount.  I was furious!  When she saw how mad I was, she said, "it wouldn't have counted toward the bargain books anyway".   I completed my purchase and then left.  I got halfway out of the door and realized that I don't need to be treated like a child when purchasing books. I went back in line and returned them all.  While waiting in line, I told the lady behind me that if she had a rewards card to tell them she wanted 40% off.  I listened to the conversation at her register and that clerk gave her all kinds of nonsense for not having her card with her, for not bringing in the coupon, for a millon other things.  It seems as though they should at least be consistent when screwing people.

  • Review from Viv C.

    • 16 friends
    • 138 reviews

    Elk Grove, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/27/2009 3 Check-ins Here

    I stopped by here tonight b/c i got something in an email about teachers and whatnot, so i printed up the weekly coupons (which weren't that great this week) and headed over to check it out. This time i remembered to look at their name tags. The lady in the children's dept. is Donna. From all my experiences, she is the most friendly and helpful one., especially since I usually need help with what's popular these days with kids. Who can keep track of the trends?! Anyway, again she was letting me know about the teacher's corner (small) and how they want it to grow. I guess that's the direction they're headed towards now. I also met the manager, Doug. Filled out an interest survey... just b/c I do want this place to be another useful place that teachers can go to. (the teacher store down the street closed shop.) I wasn't really expecting anything in return, but moments after I turned in that survey, Donna hunted me down to give me a reusable bag with some freebies i could use in the classroom. Now that's what teachers really need. :) Oh, also, the discount for school purchases have been increased to 25% off. that's really nice... although, prices are still a bit higher for certain items. Also, they'll be having their teacher's appreciation week end of september. We'll see how things go; they just might earn another star...

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      8/6/2009

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