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The Book Shop
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1007 B St(between Main St & Foothill Blvd)
Hayward, CA 94541
(510) 538-3943
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 6 pm
Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat 9 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
79 reviews for The Book Shop
Review Highlights
"They have a great selection and excellent prices."
(in 9 reviews)
"...with a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction used books."
(in 3 reviews)
"The staff is very nice and helpful too."
(in 3 reviews)
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79 reviews in English
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Review from Crystal L.
Granada Hills, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I agree with all the things stated in the other reviews. This place IS a gem, the selection IS amazing, and the staff is so friendly! They almost seem magical! Seriously, there's this lady... when I think of her my heart skips a beat. I don't even know her name, and I can't because I might fall in love with her, which will be bad news for my boyfriend. It's like, everything I love about books was cast into her and when she talks, the air becomes enchanted.
Basically, if you're on Yelp looking for a book store and you have yet to step foot into this wondrous place, do yourself a favor and just stop by. I live about 338 miles away and I'll be thinking about this shop quite often. It would make me extremely happy if this little review helped you find this place and spark your love for books again. Please, please go! Please, please! -
Review from plot t.
CA
11/6/2011
I've fallen in love with this bookstore. It is marvelous. By the time I left, I'd polished the floor of more than one aisle with the seat of my jeans.
Things not to miss:
The sparkling clean bathroom and associated sayings
Renee (thy name is Grace Under Pressure)
Well organized books
Excellent prices (take that, Alameda Used Books!)
Renee (who sings to regulars as they come in)
Negative: disgustingly puny gardening section. Seriously anemic. Come on, Haywardinians! Donate some decent green-thumbage! Not that this is TBS' fault, I was just all disappointed after blowing two hours in their SciFi/Fantasy section. Got my hopes up too high.
*sigh*
...guess this means I'll have to go back again, right? Right! Yeay! -
Review from Evelyn T.
Martinez, CA
10/15/2011
I LOOOOVE this bookstore! Best used bookshop I've visited and pretty much the only one I'll hit up. If they don't have what I need, I'll go on Amazon, but I really try to do most of my book shopping here to support local and small businesses.
In a day and age where more people are using e-book devices, I'm holding steadfast to the tradition of REAL books. There's just something about holding an actual book and turning actual pages that's just more comforting that a cold flat tablet.
I also believe that buying used is better for the environment since you're recycling, which is why I buy 90% of my books used and sell back old ones if I choose not to keep them. Another benefit of buying used is that you can stumble across gently-used gems that are less common, and older editions of the classics or barely-heard-of's that might not be offered at places like Barnes and Noble.
Anyways... More about The Book Shop and why I love THIS store in particular:
The staff here are the best I've encountered out of any bookstore, and some of the friendliest people I've come across in retail in general. They really take the time to personalize with you and make sure you have a great experience there.
They help you find what you're looking for, are very book-savvy and make great suggestions, and will even keep your book wish-list on file so that if your favorite author or title walks through the door, you will be the first customer to know and the book will be put on reserve until you can pick it up! You can even request particular books at the store and they will order them for you for your next visit in!
Also, did I mention they feature local authors and local artists?! And that it's at a great location with a cute little pub/bistro next door? I'd definitely recommend giving this place a visit on your next reading adventure. Since I discovered this place, I got into several new authors, book series, and book genres and probably go back for more every month or so.
5 stars all the way! -
Review from Irene S.
Castro Valley, CA
1/30/2012
I am very impressed with this bookstore and feel lucky to live in the general proximity. I am particularly thankful that they are helping me to donate the books that they cannot take! So few used bookstores do that, and for a mom of two under two this is a godsend. The folks that work here are also kindred spirits who understand how hard it is for a booklover to part with books.
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Review from wanda r.
Castro Valley, CA
1/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Awesome place for new and used books. If the book you looking for is not in stock, they will order it for you:) Very friendly and knowledgable people. Real gem in downtown Hayward;)
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Review from Roderic M.
San Lorenzo, CA
1/22/2012
Simply a wonderful place, so superior to most used/new bookstores we've been in, in that your chances of finding harder to locate out of print books here is very good, and the prices are very, very reasonable. The selection is very diverse, the books are in very good shape, special orders arrive very quickly, and they have a huge selections of calendars. The staff is extremely knowledgable, helpful, and personable, and the store has a very comfortable vibe with a sense of history, on this quaint and historic Hayward street. Even if you live on the other side of the bay, it would be well worth making a trip to the Book Shop, because I've lived on the Penninsula, and there's nothing quite like it there. This is one of Hayward's, and the Bay Area's real gems. There is a great coffee shop next door with outdoor seating to enjoy your book. This store has a personality all it's own, and whiling away the time in it's aisles is a pleasure. Do yourself a favor, and spend some time there.
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Review from Brian A.
Hayward, CA
1/17/2012
This place is like a palace for me as a student. With $3, I can find books that'd cost me $7 at other used book stores. The shop is very homely and well organized. (Nice ambient jazz music as well) I can find exactly what I need, and if not, there's always one of the lovely ladies there attending to aid me. I've yet to leave the store WITHOUT satisfaction. Highly recommended for someone looking for some good buys. The ladies there are SOOOOOO HOTTTT....just sayin...
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Review from Mel E.
Waialua, HI
11/26/2011
I head to the Bay Area at least once a year to visit family and I have to always make a stop here before I go back to Hawaii. The staff is so helpful and nice, its just the best little bookstore around!
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Review from Jose A.
San Lorenzo, CA
11/30/2011
My friend Danny suggested a long time ago that I should go to The Book Shop to purchase any books I may need. At that point in time he introduced me to a beautiful and heck of chill young lady working there named Renee. Ever since them I have purchased ever single book I own from them, Renee is always happy to see me and I get to meet any new workers that maybe there. Even if there's a book that I have wanted and is not there, they're always able to order it for me and no extra charge.
The books are well organized and the categories the books can be found in are on point. The store is always clean and everyone there knows where to find a book if needed. Also, I love the conversations that the workers bring up or the customers and how engaging it can be at time. -
Review from Jennifer D.
Hayward, CA
5/20/2011
Awesome Selection of books!!! Auper friendly and helpful staff!! What more can you ask from your book shop?
And they even feature local artists in the window!!! A wonderful gem in downtown Hayward!!! -
Review from Victor G.
Oakland, CA
3/27/2011
The Book Shop buys back books that it thinks it can sell and that they currently don't have. tis translates to 10% for cash and 25%' for trade in for used books. used books seem to sell for 50% of the original price
the section i looked at had many different titles. invariably there was only one of each.,
reads
-thomas friedman, "the lexus and the olive tree"(7.95)
saw another store later which sold this for 5.95
bookmarks:
-nice people
-nice store, has some new books also
-nice selection
-prices a little pricier than others, thus 4.5 stars.
.Listed in: my favorite bookies
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Review from Adam S.
Livermore, CA
2/3/2011
Got to support the local business! The staff here is very knowledgeable and friendly. With their advice, I found a couple of books that I enjoyed and now go to them whenever I want to start a new series or learn about a new author.
I also like that they have a wide selection of used books. And a wide range of older books and newer books. -
Review from Sarah H.
Clovis, CA
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hate to not give it a 5, but I have to be honest. There was nothing that would give it an extra bump. It's a nice place with a lot of selection. The people that work here are really nice and very helpful. It reminded me a lot of a place in Clovis where I grew up so it made me happy. I guess that's what knocks the 5th star off. The places I've been had better prices. The prices were decent but they weren't cheap. I got some really good books!
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Review from Shannon K.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011
After having to park farther away for our weekly jaunt to the Hayward Farmer's Market, my 6 year old daughter and I finally passed by The Book Shop and she was the one who said, "Let's go in, this place smells like reading." Of course we went in. The girl is fast becoming an avid reader and since I was quite book worm at her age, of course I have to encourage this!
We hit the kids' section looking for chapter books, because she doesn't want anymore baby books. I couldn't find any of her beloved "Rainbow Fairies," but I sated her with the "Magic Treehouse," "Judy Moody," and a few others. While we were there, she read _The Pigeon Finds A Hotdog_ to all the other shoppers. She has a special place in her heart for that Pigeon, I do to! I also love that she calls the duck a chickling, but I digress.
Yes, I have a Kindle and I wouldn't give it up for the world, but you can't beat a good bookstore like this one. The staff is lovely, and the place smells like home. We will be back! -
Review from Clarence C.
San Lorenzo, CA
3/11/2011
Calling all pulp-lovers: A high percentage of the books are genre fiction (mystery, sci fi, etc).
Prices are shockingly low --you can buy a paperback for $1--and the selection isn't too bad. You may find a book by browsing, but you can't count on a particular author being available if you make up your mind on the way to the store. I've struck out on Tolstoy and a couple of others. I haven't seen any literary biographies.
Not strong on art or nonfiction, although both are represented. Definitely not a store for book collectors.
Some of the paperbacks are in pretty rough shape, but they're obviously going to be reading copies, so it probably doesn't matter. (And they only cost a buck.)
If you prefer new books, the front half of the store is mostly new stuff. Including bestsellers, some very local tourism and history books and some chap books by Hayward-area writers.
Still one of my favorite bookstores, because I discovered it in college. I was glad to see that it was still there when I recently returned to the Bay Area. -
Review from Lanie T.
Hayward, CA
12/17/2010
Love this place!
It is so refreshing to have staff who know and love their business.
First New Year's resolution of 2011: to visit the Book Shop more often, and forgo the Big Boxers altogether! -
Review from Michelle H.
Oakland, CA
1/14/2011
I love this place! I recently moved to Hayward from Oakland and thought I had to say goodbye to my independent bookstore obsession. But then I found The Book Shop, right by a Farmer's Market! I am in love!
I email them throughout the week and if they do not have the book that I am looking for, they will order it for me and email me once it comes in. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and can be pretty funny. I try to go every weekend because...who can have enough books? -
Review from Meesha R.
5/22/2011
I'm in love! AGAIN! With a book shop! THE book shop! After a sad breakup with borders and barnes in my area I have stumbled back into the safe and loving arms of a book store that is still open!
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Review from Terrie L.
Castro Valley, CA
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this bookstore. Staff are friendly and helpful. If you can't find in their eclectic collection they will gladly order it. Think Hayward's answer to Moe's in Berkeley
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Review from Kari M.
Hayward, CA
6/1/2011
So yea, you can probably get it cheaper on Amazon. But you won't get the friendly faces, with great suggestions and input (they seem to have read most of the books) and you won't get that warm feeling that comes with keeping something wonderful alive and well. And the thousands of new and used titles can keep you browsing for days. Hometown bookstores are getting harder to find. Big box book stores will soon be almost impossible to find. Let's support our local bookstores and keep a part of Americana alive. They also have gift certificates for those special occassions.
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Review from Kevin J.
San Leandro, CA
7/14/2010
I love this place although I have to be honest: I don't go in here nearly as often as I should. That being said, I think I'll stop by this Saturday!
I pass by here EVERY Saturday morning on my way to the Hayward farmer's market. They have a very nice selection of both new and used books. They have many of the classics at unbelievable prices. A real "old-school" bookstore, and I mean that in the best possible sense.
A lot of independent book stores have been closing left and right. If we want to preserve them we really need to continue to patronize. Stop on by, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from John M.
San Leandro, CA
3/30/2010
I love this store; it reminds me of what bookshops used to be like before the boom of online bookstores. Ah, what fond memories! The smell of old books, the thrill of rediscovering an old gem among the serried titles.
The people are nice and know their stuff, the books are good, and the prices are keen. Come in and give them your business. -
Review from Michelle A.
Benson, NE
5/5/2010
Just found out that Hank passed away recently. You were truly one of a kind. Thanks for all the years of reassuring words in my awkward adolescence and the invaluable amount of support you gave to every artist you ever met.
I knew when I left CA I wouldn't see you again. -
Review from Robin K.
Hayward, CA
5/18/2009
I don't write many 5 star reviews, so here's a 5 star breakdown. Not that you care anyway. :)
First Star - The book shop smell. I walked in and was completely intoxicated with the overwhelming aroma of old books. Oh sweet nectar.
Second Star - Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume One for 5 dollars!!! What, What, What!?! I've been searching high and low for a used copy, and I finally got it for 5 dollars. Hell yes!
Third Star - The selection. From fiction to non-fiction to romantic novels to travel books to cook books, they have a section for just about everything. We also found Judy Blume, and the Baby Sitters Club.
Fourth Star - The Book Shop Lady. She was so friendly and helpful. She knew the authors of the most random books. We also bonded on our mutual distaste for "Julie & Julia". And I here she gives a discount for Yelpers.
Fifth Star - The history. The Book Shop has been in operation since 1961. On the day I went in, the owner told us that yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the day he purchased the Book Shop.
It's right down the street from over trendy Bijou, which yelpers consistently refer to as a "gem in Hayward". In my opinion, the Book shop is the REAL gem in Hayward.Listed in: The Reading Rainbow, Feelin' Nerdy?
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Review from Jeffrey S.
San Leandro, CA
4/9/2011
My wife & I stumbled upon the Book Shop after checking out the Hayward Farmers' Market. I was pleasantly surprised by the size and selection the books offered here. There weren't too many new books, but several aisles of used books. If you like fiction, there are tons of paperback books, but a nice selection of non-fiction books, too. With many booksellers closing shop, it's nice to find a local bookstore nearby. I haven't sold any books here yet, but will do so the next time I go through my shelves.
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Review from Eric V.
Hayward, CA
5/1/2008 1 photo
Bibliophiles Rejoice!
There is always a spot in my heart for the used bookstore and The Book Shop is no exception. I've been in quite a few times and have had a great experience every time. Rarely do I enter with a title in mind- usually just a topic. Sometimes I wonder around and see what I can find other times I just ask Renee and she'll let me know if they have that subject, or a similar one. (I know that she mentally files away my requests so she can point them out on my next visit.)
In used, they have a good selection of Fiction and Sci-Fi, and what's in that back room? I never seem to make it that far. Another trip is in order.
What have I walked out with my last few visits?
Backyard Ballistics
The Dangerous Book for Boys
(Yes, these were for me)
And a complete OED with slipcase and the magnifying glass! Wow!
Besides the books, the staff has a library of knowledge that they are more then ready to share.
Oh, Hank has always been welcoming and helpful . :) -
Review from Molly G.
Oakland, CA
8/5/2007 5 Check-ins Here
This is the kind of locally owned, community conscious business I'd like to see more of in Hayward. The first time I went in, a few months ago, the first thing I noticed was the amazing selection of books on display. They even had a book from one of my UCSB professors ("Is Wal-Mart Good For America", by Applebuam) in prominent view!
When I couldn't find the book I was looking for, I inquired at the counter for it ("The Unbearable Lightness of Being", by Kundera) and Renee produced it in 5 seconds. It seems the owner had just finished reading it! It felt like fate! The also had a copy of "The Last Unicorn" behind the counter!
With a sweet, literate, and helpful staff, I have no complaints about this business. They also buy your books back for a fair price.
One of my best friends worked here when we were in high school but I've only recently went. Don't make the same mistake I did, go visit them know! -
Review from Michael H.
Hayward, CA
Updated - 10/23/2008
I suppose if I leave with a book every time then they must be doing something right. Whether it be in the used or new section I can easily find something to suit my fancy.
The lady who helped at the cashier me spoke lyrically, "And a ($)20 he said to the ($)16.29. Responding with a ($)3.71."
She pulled out a plastic bag to put the book in.
I respond with, "Thank you, but I"ll just take it as it is."
"Oh, then take it, naked."
I chuckled as soon as I left the store.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/23/2008
This is like the only mom and pop bookstore in downtown Hayward that I know of. The majority of… Read more »
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Review from Ash P.
Hayward, CA
10/26/2009
I used to come here all the time when I needed a book for class. The man who owns the store is really nice and he knows all the books kids need for their school reading lists so it's a great place to go shopping. The store front makes the shop look small, but it really has a lot and a good assortment of books on just about every subject.
Also, he buys used books and allows you to use your used book $$ toward the purchase of a new book. I brought in a bunch of old books and he let me use my trade-in money toward the book my husband wanted. I was sooo happy because I didn't have to spend too much out of my pocket and my husband loved the book. -
Review from Kathryn F.
Castro Valley, CA
Updated - 2/28/2009
I love this little book shop. This is a great book store! They have New and Used books. I called to see if they had a book and they had it in used and held it for us. She also offered to order a new one if I would rather have it new.
They have a great selection of adult and kids books. The staff is very nice and helpful too! They spent time talking to my son about what books he liked too!
This place is definitely on my top 5 best used books store list!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/24/2009
I love this little book shop. They have a great selection of adult and kids books. The staff is… Read more »
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Review from Laurie S.
Castro Valley, CA
1/31/2010
Based on all the excellent reviews this place got, I had to head over and check it out. I was very impressed with their large selection of used books and how neatly they were all kept! Everyone was super friendly here. While I didn't get to spend as much time here as I would have liked (2 little ones under 2 in tow), I was pretty impressed!
I'm a fan and I will head back to check out the Children's used books, but I only gave it 4 stars, because I wasn't overly impressed with their new book selection. I did find a couple of new books that I think I'll enjoy though. :D
In general, I love, love, love small independent book shops that carry both new and used books. I love how they tend to spotlight books that if you were at your large book chain you might never have come across.
Seriously enjoyed this book store and think it deserves a visit. -
Review from Walter J.
Oakland, CA
2/12/2010
This place is a hidden gem of the East Bay, tucked away as it is in what is otherwise one of the worst towns the region has to offer. (No offense Haywardians, but I'm not exactly telling any tales out of school here.)
Great selection, great prices, excellent staff.
How good are the prices? Most bookstores charge $4 or more for mass market paperbacks that aren't in the discount bin. Here, you can browse the shelves and find paperbacks -- good ones! -- for a buck. Even their new books are cheap: instead of ordering Deluxe Penguin Classics, they stock mostly Signet Classics which retail at about $5-8. (And just in case you'd rather have a more expensive version, they can order just about anything for you that's still in print.) -
Review from Rev. Julian B.
Hayward, CA
Updated - 11/20/2010
Being a former resident of New England, I'm an enthusiastic fan of H.P. Lovecraft's writings. I decided to have the Book Shop obtain for me a three volume set from Arkham House containing all his stories and novellas. Took only a week and a half ad they were in my hands, dust jackets and all, and at a price that pleasantly surprised me. Laura is always a pleasure to deal with, bless her! Every time I go to The Book Shop, I come out loving the place more! What, you have't visited yet? Do it and I promise to say one for you!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/7/2010
This is a shop after my crusty old heart! i dropped in for the first time today and it was as if… Read more »
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Review from Ian G.
Castro Valley, CA
3/13/2010
This is a wonderful find on the re-generated B Street section of downtown Hayward. It's a great bookstore with a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction used books. The staff are obviously book lovers and always have time to discuss books and make suggestions.
They'll buy your books back for cash or store credit. -
Review from Matt B.
Hayward, CA
9/17/2009
So there I was, searching far and wide for a book titled 'The Discovery and Conquest of Mexico' by Bernal Diaz del Castillo. I must of tried 7 different bookstores [Borders, Barnes & Nobles, Walden] and they all apologized and then promptly hung up on me. I decided to make one final call, this time to The Book Shop.
SHAKA-KAHN! The guy said I was in luck and found a used copy in great condition for $6.38. I was like, beast! When I went inside, there were was a great debate over books but I didn't really pay attention. The guy at the counter was cool like an Eskimo and I was on my way.
It is on B-Street so I would try to find parking in the CVS lot because there rarely are open spots. Looking for a book that no one has? Go here! -
Review from Trish T.
Oakland, CA
8/5/2009
The store is in the quaint - and newly renovated down-town section of hayward. There is always plenty of parking here. They also have great hours - client hours, not grumpy store-clerk hours. Their prices are also very reasonable, even for new books (which I rarely buy anywhere). They cram a huge selection into a very small space, but it never seems crowded. And every title is easily searchable (and reachable) by subject and author.
The staff here really KNOW books, and they are always friendly and eager to help. I don't live near this store any more, so I usually call ahead to make sure that they have the book before I make the drive, and the staff is always willing to check and make sure they carry the selection I need. No grumblings what-so-ever. They are also willing to offer ideas and suggestions if I can't decide what to read next. They are always happy to take in my used books, and they give you great trade-in value too.
This is my all time favorite book store. -
Review from Sam S.
Hayward, CA
1/12/2011
I've only been to this place once, but I'll definitely go back. I was looking for a copy of Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential, and every other place I'd looked in the area didn't have a copy, so I decided to give this place a call. The person on the other end was friendly and asked me what I was looking for. When I told them, they put me on hold for a few minutes and went and looked for the book. They soon came back and told me they had a copy and that they would put it on hold for me. When I arrived at the store the book was waiting for me up front, and I quickly paid and was on my way.
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Review from Farah S.
9/29/2008
Renee is a rock star! Throw a title at her and BOOM! she'll have an opinion for you, or at least some cool information about it. She's quite wealthy in her literary knowledge and keeps up with all the trends. The rest of the staff is friendly also.
The shop has a nice selection of old and new, literary and not. Cheaper prices compared to used bookstores in OAK/BERK/SFO. If they don't have what you're looking for, you can have them order it for you. They also a small selection of calendars and giftcards. For booklovers, it's a fun place to linger after shopping at the Saturday Farmers Market. -
Review from Lori L.
Alameda, CA
4/23/2009
I'm always thinking about coming back here.
My BF and I love bookstores - specially used ones.
Nice staff, incredible prices, and tons of books! -
Review from mary M.
San Lorenzo, CA
8/17/2006
This is a wonderful place. As others have noted, there's a cranky but decent owner, but I've only encountered friendly and helpful staff members who have done whatever they've been able to for us.
Their stock of new books isn't huge, but they order, and they have plenty of used books. My only request of them (and I should make it) is that the shelves are poorly labelled, and I'd prefer clearer labels.
