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Category: Bookstores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Noe ValleyMon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
"I knew about this store before I ever even stepped foot in it. My sister is a DJ on the side, she used to live right behind Cha Cha Cha's…" read more »
It seems only appropriate that I write my 100th review for a place that has seen so much of me over the years. I've gone to Cover to Cover in all three of it's locations, spent countless hours holed up in a corner (or, when I was really little, in their playhouse) with whatever book I'm obsessed with at the moment. The staff is friendly and helpful and some of them have been with the store forever. They're happy to order a book for you if they don't have it (remember, this is not Borders), and they have great suggestions for new books to read.
Thank you Cover to Cover.
A small, neighborhood bookstore that does a good job trying to keep up with the big guys. Their supply in limited and often don't have what you're looking for, but always willing to put in an order. I hope that they're able to keep going, but because of how small their collection is I often find myself ancy and heading towards a bigger name...
This is a tiny bookstore. Keyword, tiny. They do have some of the latest publications but not a huge selection. There's a small selection of calendars, journals and greeting cards and wind-up plastic sushi toys which roll around & around and run across the table. The sale section is very limited and some of the books appear to be second hand or used (worn). It didn't say it was a Green Apple used bookstore, so I wasn't expecting to see used books at this neighborhood store. Must be very tough for neighborhood bookstores to compete with the big chains.
This place was perfect for my son and I. I found two train books, we read others, he sat in the playhouse, and we were able to relax. The older gentleman was so thoughtful; I'll definitely come back. I just didn't have time to look for anything for myself!
I love small neighborhood shops and this place fits the bill.
Any book that I have ever wanted to buy they can order and have within a few days. My son and I have gone in and he goes his way to the kids section and I go mine.
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS!!!!
Mark and Tracy, and their employees, are not only extremely knowledgeable about books and authors but they have impeccable taste and make superb recommendations. Their store carries a fine selection and ordering from them is easy. Browsing is a joy. Support your local book seller!
Five stars just for surviving. Must be just horrible trying to survive as an independent bookstore in an Amazon society.
These folks almost died a couple years back when they lost the lease on 24th Street, but lived to fight another day just around the corner.
New digs are a little cramped but the staff are uber friendly & book smart (duh) & can invariably point you in the right direction.
This place is a real gem. You know those friendly little bookstores you always see in the movies? This is one of those. Their selection is great, especially considering their square footage. They have an outstanding inventory of childrens' books and a little playhouse to entertain the youngest while you peruse. Best of all, they have a friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist you in your selection, whatever your interest. Another plus is FREE one hour parking in the lot next to the adjacent Walgreen's at Castro & Jersey. The discounts at the behemoth stores are offset by the gas needed to drive out to the mall anyway.
What a great place. Tracy and Mark are two of the nicest, funniest people I know. If the book isn't in stock, it'll be there in two or so days. There's really no good excuse not to support the small businesses in your neighborhood. Yeah, Borders has discounts and is cheaper, but look at who you're buying from. Check out who the owners of these big stores are and who they are supporting during election time. Very slimy.
The story of Cover to Cover warms my little independent-bookstore-loving heart. Their lease was up a couple of years ago and they were going to close their doors, but Noe Valley simply wouldn't let it happen. There was a "Save Cover to Cover" campaign and they were ultimately able to get a new, smaller space several blocks away. The only fault I can find is a slight "High Fidelity" vibe I get from the staff, like they might mock my literary taste after I leave. But this is more than made up for by the fabulous midnight milk-and-cookies p.j. parties they throw whenever a new Harry Potter book comes out. Damn, I wish I could go to those parties. I think there might be an age limit and a bouncer at the door.
I love browsing their books. They're very friendly and try to help you find something you'll like. It's a small place, compared to big chains like Borders, but I like that in a bookstore. The owners are really nice, with a great sense of humor. I'll return.
The perfect place to find something wonderful you didn't know you were looking for. The space is small, sure, but that just means the selection is more thoughtful. Tracy and Mark have both been incredibly helpful. Support your local independent! Support someone elses' local independent!
Growing up in Noe Valley as a bookworm-nerd of a child, I loved this shop. I'm a big believer in supporting small businesses (esp. in the shadow of Borders and Barnes & Noble) but they never have what I'm looking for. When I was in school and needed a novel for a class or bookreport, I would've loved to stroll down a few blocks to pick it up. But no. That would be too easy. I've currently taken on the daunting task of reading Modern Librarys "100 Best Books Ever Written." Needless to say, I have a Border's Frequent Buyer Card and used bookstores get a lot of my business. Sorry Cover-To-Cover.
I really like the staff at this store. Browsing is fun and not as overwhelming as some stores. They will also happily order books for you. Gotta love a neighborhood bookstore :)
I dropped by Cover to Cover from time to time, when I lived a short walk away. I always found the place a little small and they never seemed to carry anything I was interested in. I'm not a patient enough person to ask a bookstore to special order anything for me. I guess I'm a bit of an asshole for not supporting the neighborhood indie bookseller, the idea of which I fully endorse.
This store is just so awesome. Although small, they always have EVERYTHING. And if they don't have it, they'll order it for you, and it will arrive in a couple days. They are incredibly knowledgeable and always have good advice. I have given the greatest birthday gifts and other presents thanks to the amazing people who run this Noe Valley institution!
i love this place. the service is friendly and very helpful. i bought tons of postcards here for a good price. i always come back!
tracy and mark are the best -- bless their little cotton socks.
while they may not always have what i am looking for, they are always happy to special order it and the stuff comes fast. and they DO always have about a thousand things that i had no idea i wanted. Hello, "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death!" - "Russian Criminal Tattoos!" - a Frida Kahlo doll with velvet eyebrows! FABULOUS.
oh and they have cute, free wrapping. and you can park for free in walgreens next door. and storytime on wednesdays. yay c2c!
Neighborhood: Noe Valley
Category: Bookstores
Neighborhood: Noe Valley
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Category: Bookstores
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