- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Logos Books & Records
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1117 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 427-5100
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 10 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
91 reviews for Logos Books & Records
Review Highlights
-
"Great selection, used prices, and friendly staff." In 9 reviews -
"They sell and buy used books and music (CD & Vinyl." In 16 reviews -
"...also have a better vinyl jazz selection than Streetlight." In 11 reviews
Loading...
91 reviews in English
-
Review from Forrest P.
Richmond, CA
4/26/2012
My favorite used bookstore. The days I spent sipping a Santa Cruz Roasting Co. coffee while perusing the wide selection here are some of the best I had in downtown SC.
-
Review from Alec H.
East Bay, CA
3/5/2012
The closest thing I've yet to encounter in CA to NYC's Strand bookstore. Definitely not in size- though Logos isn't small- but in the scope of their stock, the good art/design section, and the "personalities" working there. In no way did I have a bad experience at all with the staff working there, in fact one of the guys engaged me in conversation about one of the records I was buying and it was clear he knew his stuff, but these people are... cut from a cloth. I wasn't too surprised to see one barking (Ruff! Ruff!) at another. Tells you a good amount right there.
The selection for music is pretty decent, record wise. I found quite a few things and didn't have to dig through tons and tons to find what I wanted. They had a few things I was really surprised to see in a shop like this. They have a few honest-to-goodness really rare records here, pinned up on the wall of course. Pricing ranges from very fair to inexplicably high- like those 2 (TWO!) $20 copies of This Note's For You. Take the hint, dudes. CDs seemed a bit higher than you'd think for used CDs in 2012, and I was pretty surprised to see a full rack of bootlegs right there front and center, ink jet covers and all.
As always, the measure of this kind of store is its' turnover, but I'll definitely be back to find out. So far so good! -
Review from Crysal V.
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh my gosh. This place was big, two levels, but sort of a disappointment. I know I am used to chains and not so much small stores, but this was sort of confusing because it was organized differently. Not so much organized by Genre, but alphabetically by authors. I just wanted to browse through some genres and I could not do it because they did not have signs telling me what section was what and where one ended and began.
Yes, there are tons of CDs, DVDs, books, and even sheet music, but I just felt it could have been organized better, and being OCD, this was sort of odd.. I cannot explain it. Of course they had "signs", meaning, printed on paper telling you what section was where but seriously??
Oh and if you plan on selling anything here, you have to make an appointment to have anyone look at them FYI. -
Review from Brian B.
12/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love and hate Logos at the same time. They have a huge selection of books, movies, and music to choose from. But, since a lot of its used, you never exactly know what they're going to have. Furthermore, it's near impossible to find anything in the large store that is sort of organized willy-nilly. So, in short: it's a great place to browse and stumble across something you might love, but not such a great place to specifically go in and grab that book you've been dying to read...
They also buy back everything they sell, so it's a good place to trade in the stuff you don't listen to or want for something you do. -
Review from Aidan B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/6/2011
My BF had meetings all day. So he left me in Santa Cruz to explore this small town while he conducted his meetings.
I found this amazing bookstore that resells books and also has new releases. I fell in love. Its vintage, it has personality, it has charm. I bought my sister a frida khalo book and i also bought 2 other books as gifts.
The prices were very reasonable. I will be back!! -
Review from Sue Ellen E.
Santa Clara, CA
Updated - 9/12/2011
One and a half stars. Only because the girl at the counter made change for me when that's supposedly against their policy. Otherwise, I was treated rather rudely and the staff did not seem happy.
Not only have they reorganized their sections so that I could no longer find the music section, no one offered to help. It was like a ghost town downstairs. What a waste of time.
Upstairs, it became apparent that the musical book section had been moved over to...the records! Very logical, and convenient, but I didn't buy any. It was really REALLY weird to leave Santa Cruz without even buying a musician biography at Logos. The prices are through the roof now.
I don't begrudge the store trying to make a buck, after all their rent must be outrageous, but we're talking USED books here. The price ought to reflect if they're used. If it's only a buck or so more to get it new from Amazon, I'm not going to pay close to new for a used book here just because they have to justify the high cost of doing business in Santa Cruz. I was insulted.
So ends a long-time tradition of always going back over the hill with my proud Logos finds...it is nice to see a store that still carries vinyl records, and I wish them well. If they don't improve their customer service and offer more reasonable prices though, they'll need more than luck to stay in business.
Oh, to add insult to injury, I tried to buy a cup of cocoa from the lil' vendor in front of the store, and the seller was such an ass that I put my money away and walked on.Listed in: Best Place to Shop, Santa Cruz, City by the Beach
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/20/2009
When I see books on my shelf that I bought from Logos, I remember the wonderful store with warmth… Read more »
-
-
Review from Andy A.
Santa Cruz, CA
8/15/2011
Selling used items to a business is always a mixed bag. I like selling and buying used books so that my personal library gets refreshed, purged, & updated. Making sure that I'm not duped into giving items away- I don't enjoy so much. Like anywhere, I recommend making sure you are getting the value of your books, CD's etc.
As for the books & music selection: enjoy, soak it in. Santa Cruz has very few places left like this shop, & none to match its size in the "used" realm. -
Review from john-michael c.
Santa Clara, CA
1/21/2011
USED BOOKS!?!?!
So I'm sitting there across the street eating my breakfast burrito. And I look across the street to see a used book store. It looks familiar yet kind of closed but I figure... What the hell! I'm in!
I convince/drag the Mrs. through on coming traffic and step right on in. Apparently it only looks closed but the lights were on and the staff were present. Went around looking for the sci-fi section and was overwhelmed with their inventory. But to not be outdone by mere books.. I rolled up my sleeves and started from one side and went down the aisles. Perhaps I wasnt thorough as I would have liked. My quick search was probably due to the fingernails jammed into my back indicating that someone was more than ready to go.
But I'll be back. And your books shall be mine!
muahahahahahhahahahahahaha
;D -
Review from Tammie W.
Scotts Valley, CA
7/12/2011
I have a serious addiction to music books and recorded material. They pile up about my house like little towers of antiquity, comfortable spaces for my cats to lounge across until they are needed at any given time.
I blame Logos.
For a used book/music/DVD store they are the best in Santa Cruz. The selection is diverse and if you don't find the specific item you are looking for, chances are you will find something you really needed but didn't realize it yet. They have one of the best used Jazz cd collection I have ever encountered. And their prices are very, very reasonable.
They do take books and CDs on trade in, which I have benefited from when those piles get a bit too much for my better half to walk around. Or when you get that Sarah Palin book as a raffle gift and can't get it out of the house soon enough
The staff are knowledgeable and courteous. -
Review from Sukhraj B.
Lake Forest, CA
12/30/2010 2 Check-ins Here
My passion for books reignites here. Logo Books is located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz and it has an awesome geek punk rock vibe which is just so awesomely cool.
The staff is mellow and I'm pretty convinced they're all high which just adds to the flavor here. This is a total gem. You'll find new, used, rare, and autographed books and a very neat collection of old records, CDs, and some fantastic music.
Books are always on sale and they have a very cool basement area of even more books so explore at your hearts content. I have stopped here twice and without miss have spent countless hours just browsing each shelf and found something I've liked and wanted to add to my personal collection.
If you love books as much as I do, you do not want to miss this.Listed in: The Great North, Birthday Month 2010, Bookish
-
Review from Cole S.
Austin, TX
2/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you like your records beat up, kicked around, run through the dirt, and then tagged with the highest book value listed anywhere, you will love Logos!
I saw a lot of records I wanted which just made it even more frustrating that they were so over-priced.
Monterey is close. Spend the extra gas money and visit their two stores instead. -
Review from Katie C.
Soquel, CA
9/25/2011
WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!
This is why I stick to Santa Cruz Bookshop and Amazon.
Pregnant women ask for help picking up a box of books, very pregnant, and is told NO and was pointed to the dollie. You have 4 clerks standing behind the counter at 10am (when the store opened) doing nothing but mumbling to each other and finishing there breakfast/discussing their upset stomachs. RUDE and LAZY.
Turn around and walk out. Overpriced and snobby clerks.
WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!!!Comment from John L. of Logos Books & Records 9/26/2011
First, let me say that if something like this happened in… More » -
Review from J R.
Pacific Grove, CA
7/11/2011
A fun store in which to browse for books, CDs, records (new & used). Great source of remainder books (right up there with Bookshop Santa Cruz) for a small town. As far as the music, it would benefit greatly from listening stations like the ones at Streetlight. Some of the staff seem to have sticks shoved somewhere unpleasant, and the customer service is spotty.
-
Review from Robin K.
Hayward, CA
4/6/2010
books upstairs, books downstairs.
A nice assortment of books.
Funniest titled book sections. i.e. Miscellanous High Stuff
Great cookbook section.
$1-$5 books sales.
Large vinyl selection.Listed in: The Reading Rainbow
-
Review from Jennifer O.
1/12/2009
I am completely partial to Logo's, since I grew up in Santa Cruz. In my mind, the only other used bookstore that even comes CLOSE is the fantastic Powell's in Portland.
The upstairs portion of Logo's totally draws you in, with the art books- my best friend bought an incredible Andy Warhol piece here, that weighed about 20 pounds!
The lower floor can be an afternoon in itself. The children's book selection is amazing- they even have a very well priced array of first editions.
Logo's, I love you.Listed in: Day away in Santa Cruz
-
Review from Sunny B.
San Jose, CA
10/30/2011
Excellent selection of books, but the staff needs a lesson in customer service
-
Review from Walter P.
7/22/2007 3 photos
USED VINYL? I'm so there! I LOVE SHOPPING FOR USED VINYL! Its a DJ thing!
This was one of those "found by accident" places! All it took was the sign on the glass door: USED VINYL. I was in there like:
- a kid in a candy store
- an unhappy married man at the titty bar
- paris hilton at LV
- you get the picture!
Here's a sample of what I grabbed for $3.00 each:
- Kurtis Blow's America album
- Wicked Mix (about 10 of them)
- Chicken scratch & beats (about 7 of them)
- Grandmaster Flash 12" singles (about 4 of them)
- Run Dmc 12" singles (about 6 of them)
It seems that some retired DJ just gave up his record collection. Another man's trash, another man's treasure! He / she must have turned their vinyl collection into MP3's and sold their collection. Big mistake. Never let go of the original copies!
I didn't have much time to search through all the vinyl selection. I was jumping from bin to bin. First it started with 20 records, then 40... then the "too much to carry". After a good hour, I racked about $120.00 worth of old school vinyl. I have no intension to resell my finds! This is all mine!
No 10% discount on used vinyl if you're paying by debit or credit. It only applies to cash payment - so one loss star there. I have to go back for another round. If the second trip is as good as the first, they get the other star. I know.. its like fishing. You may never know what you'll get on the next trip. -
Review from Tracey W.
Santa Cruz, CA
8/25/2006 1 photo
I like to check this place out every now and again because they have a great used book selection. The lighting is horrendous though and they don't have magazines, which is a huge part of a bookstore draw for me. They DO have bathrooms, you just have to ask for a key from the cashier.
I wanted to amend this review a bit. I returned some books for trade and I felt like the guy was really condescending. I have really good books. I ended up gettng $18 dollars in trade for four books, so I don't have crap. You have to make an appointment to sell which is annoying too. I feel like I should have been offerered cash or trade like they do at bookshop Santa Cruz. I would have taken $10 in cash over $18 dollars in trade. I work in a library and I have a used book inventory of almost 2000 books so I really needed the money more but I wasn't given the option -
Review from Sophie Y.
Austin, TX
9/20/2008
Back when I lived in Santa Cruz, I'd take a couple of bags of books to Logos and get an offer for $50. Now that we live in Austin, I take a couple of bags of books to Half Price Books and I'm lucky to get an offer for $15. It just feels like such a rip off.
I miss you, Logos! -
Review from Stephen M.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2008
One of my favorite bookstores. For new books I'll usually head somewhere else, but they have a gigantic used book selection.
What's especially great are the row after row of vintage SF books by authors you've never heard of, lovingly preserved in little plastic bags.
They also have a nice music selection, whether it's CD or vinyl. They even have sheet music for sale! It's hard to ask for more from a used book store, except for a cafe.
Oh wait, they have a coffee cart outside, with seating.
No reason not to go, if you like books, or music, or coffee, or all three at once.Listed in: Used Bookstores
-
Review from Lin V.
Santa Cruz, CA
9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Organized
-
Review from Heather J.
Bay Area
9/28/2010
Logos is the best! I love their used paperback book section downstairs. You can get wonderful books for a dollar each! Where else can you find a place with an amazing book selection and reasonable prices? It's almost unheard of.
And the staff is super helpful and willing to help you look for the books you want.
Also, this place has a book on every subject. And it's very organized. Much appreciated!
They also have a pretty good music selection as well.
The next time you need a good book in Santa Cruz, check it out! -
Review from LaSha G.
Oakland, CA
2/19/2007
I read all of the reviews on Yelp, and I'm not really sure what the big deal is about this place? I was definitely expecting something more. It had a pretty good selection of left-leaning new books, although i went there to find used books. The used books section left a little something to be desired. The record collection seemed to be medium size to extensive but I don't have a record player so I didn't really browse that section. And used CD selections were limited.
Maybe this is an awesome, historical place, for the small city of Santa Cruz but my yardstick for this type of store (unfair as it may be) is Amoeba for music in SF and City Lights for books in SF. Amoeba has machines where you can listed to various CDs (which has become essential nowadays) and the selection is more than impressive.
Oh well...maybe I should lower my expectations. For now, the 3 star rating will have to do. -
Review from Edward B.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2007
2 levels of books... ack... I think I just threw up in my mouth a LOT...
It's OK... If you're into supporting non-corporate America...
I personally take my non-hippie business to Borders across the street where I can sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee while meandering through the store...
I will say this though... It's a nice place to play 'Hide and go seek!!!!' -
Review from Andrew B.
Fairbanks, AK
12/8/2005
This is my all time favorite store in Santa Cruz. So many books. So much music. So much time spent digging through it all. And there really are some gems to be found in the bins and on the shelves. Like my flawless hardbound copy of The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles from the 50s or 60s, my old "Little Lenin" commie handbooks that have disclaimer stamps from the US government inside. Oh and lets not forget the cheap 'not for resale' promo CDs that they are reselling. They're worth the 3 or 4 bucks, dont worry.
Oh, and they dont have a bathroom so you have to either use the disgusting porti potty in the back parking lot or go upstairs to Planned Parenthood. I prefer the latter because you can pick up some free condoms while you're up there. -
Review from Shanna K.
7/30/2006
Good place to go treasure hunting for hours and hours... I particularly love to go through their cookbook section and have found some real bargains. I hate the lighting in there though.. it's kind of a dim flourescence that makes me feel like I'm in a morgue.
Never tried selling to them so I can't comment on that. -
Review from Lauren S.
3/19/2007
Great for selling back your old books for store credit, and cute coffee stand right outside. I used to be the SC County Jail Librarian, so I got to know the book counter pretty well. Whatever books you drop off to sell and don't pick-up, they donate, which is great.
At first, the employees are really emo, aloof, and apathetic (to put it nicely), but if you give them some patience and don't ask 'stupid qusetions' you'll be alright.
Its a really HUGE store, super indie/hipster magnet, with a great selection of used records and CDs, and children's books. I got my first two decks of tarot cards (used) here, and love them.
I find the downstairs REALLY hard to navigate and pretty unorganized- I always have to ask someone for help finding what I'm looking for which is a definite downside. -
Review from Amelia R.
6/26/2007
They buy practically everything I've ever brought to sell. I feel validated.
The books are hit or miss, depending on what you're looking for. For instance, superb Architecture and Jewish studies sections, but the collectibles section is rather thin.
I've occasionally found music (or DVDs) I've wanted there. -
Review from daniel m.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2006
Whenever I am in Santa Cruz this is just about the first place I go to. This bookstore is nice and big and is filled with used & new books. I more or less just go through the carts with the new used, but still, I've always found SOMETHING.
I also like that they have records. I did more record shopping here than at Streetlight down the street! Go figure.
Too bad all my friends moved out of Santa Cruz. -
Review from Patricia M.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2011
Find new and used books and vinyl in this tidy indie bookstore. You can get lost in the myriad of great books and music, if you don't watch out! they have a great collection of books, including literature, childrens (go downstairs for children and non-fiction. This place is huger than it looks off the street!)They have good sales (there was a corner of $5 cookbooks that one night) and the prices are good, although Majid S. found their collection of music overpriced for what it was. Nonetheless-- a must visit establishment for fans of music and books. Support your local bookstores!
-
Review from Valerie S.
Campbell, CA
4/1/2008
For book and music junkies, this place is heaven. I've scored lots of great reads and tunes for reasonable prices here. The store is well organized and sells both new and used items. There's a wide variety of types of books here as well. We've also found gaming books and manga too.
I once brought in 3 boxes of books to trade and they only took a very small amount of them. Sci Fi seems to sell very well here, but most of my other fiction they turned down. Plus, you have to make an appointment beforehand to sell. Now, I just list my books on http://paperbackswap.com and it's working out better for feeding my book addiction ;) -
Review from krystinne m.
Santa Cruz, CA
3/7/2008
I can really appreciate Logos because I love to read and if I can find a book at half price or less, it's been a good day.
They have a very varied selection of books, ranging from self help books and cookbooks to children's books and fantasy novels. They even have a section dedicated to art and drugs-they're that interesting. There's a ton of copies to chose from, some very badly used to some that almost look like new. It's almost like a mini Amazon store, only better because it's local.
They also have some used CDs, DVDs and records for sale- it doesn't rival Streetlight, but they do have a great selection of jazz music. I love logos and I try to go there and get my books that I know will have used copies. -
Review from Anna R. G.
San Francisco, CA
12/9/2008
I like the lower floor's used psych, poetry, and science fiction selections.
Street level literature section is pretty expansive, although I never seem to find enough beat writers' works there.
I've gotten a lot of great gifts for friends and myself, some really neat photo-art books that were used but hardly showed it.
I have yet to sell back some books here, but once I do that, I guess I'll update on that experience. -
Review from Aaron L.
Santa Cruz, CA
1/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great selection, used prices, and friendly staff. My first place when I'm looking for a book in Santa Cruz. Streetlight is better for music, but that is really a side show here, and they do carry an impressive selection.
I have a hell of a time finding things on my own here; no hanging signs like in borders, and most of the books are in the basement. Luckily, the staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly. The basement can be a bit claustrophobic at times, but hey, who doesn't want to be buried in a bookalanche? -
Review from christina t.
San Jose, CA
3/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Logos has great prices and a huge assortment of cds, vinyl, books, and lots of other great brainy stuff. I love the smell of it, like an old library. The people are nice enough and helpful. I haven't bought any vinyl here but I've heard it is hit or miss.... THe books though, man, great condition and great prices!!!!! give them a shot
-
Review from Emma B.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2009
So I was visiting my parents in Watsonville a couple of weeks ago and found boxes of old books. I decided to weed through them, and take a few to Logo's to see what I could get for them. Although they were very busy, they still took my books without an appointment. Yeah.
While I was waiting, I wandered through the store and I dunno, I found it hard to find certain books I wanted that are not obscure. Yes, they have multiple copies of A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, but they have not less popular titles. And their poetry section seemed to be the opposite, and I couldn't find a lot of titles I was looking. But being the type of store it is, not all trips are successful. Logos is also a rare breed.
But the brainwaves and nostalgia from successful past excursions, will always draw me back here. -
Review from maggie l.
Oakland, CA
2/13/2009
A magical dream-world of happiness-making. Two levels of CHEAP, AWESOME books. THREE ROWS of science books. AN ENTIRE WALL of history books. Books in every foreign language imaginable. And DVDs! CHEAP DVDs!!! I once went in at around 4pm when I got off work and got kicked out when they closed at 11pm. Seriously, seven hours I was in there. Seven.
BTW, It's funny reading in the reviews below that people like the cheap prices but don't like that they don't pay a whole lot for your stuff when you sell it to them... huh doy, that's how they keep the prices low? Or maybe you should consider that if you don't want the stuff you're getting rid of, no one else does either? They've always bought tons of my books and DVDs at much better prices than Bookshop or Streetlight, and the buyers are super cool folks. As long as you call ahead and don't act like a jerk when you get there, you'll get great service and a great deal at the buy counter. People get this "the customer is always right" attitude, but in this situation THEY are the customer, get it? So be nice and bring them chocolates and good stuff to buy and you'll leave happy. -
Review from Queenie C.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2011
I heart all bookstores but what I really like about Logos is that it's gigantic and very well organized. The book prices have a pretty wide range, with some being a little pricier than I'd like but the books are also in very good "gently used" condition. I can't speak much for the records section and I actually haven't made my way down to the basement yet because I get so engrossed in the sections upstairs. I will venture down one day though and I will probably emerge with a ridiculous stack of books to purchase. The only complaint that I have is that their comics and graphic novel section can be beefed up a bit.
-
Review from Will C.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2007
Decent place to shop for used books. Their selection is on-and-off at times though; sometimes I find a lot of good stuff, other times it feels like they have absolute jack. Still, they offer more stuff than even Bookshop Santa Cruz, and they have a lot of things you won't find in other stores. Not to mention their prices are actually incredibly cheap, especially for used items.
Can't say much for their music section, though I've never bothered to look at the records. Personally I think Streetlight is better for that end.
It's an interesting little shop to check out if you have some time to kill and like browsing. Otherwise, you're better off shopping at other places.
UPDATE (07.15.08):
Oh god, they sell DVDs now! Surprisingly, Logos' selection of movies is pretty good. Being a fan of foreign films I love how they have a ton of Criterion movies at a decent price. And given it's summer - and therefore most students have sold back their books - they have a good selection of stuff at the moment. -
Review from Vicky T.
11/14/2010 6 Check-ins Here
Support used books and local businesses!! Since I can remember SUPER LOVE this place.. I can spend hours here sitting on the floor or wandering through their political science/ history section...
