Hello fellow tea lovers!
Sorry for the long absence.
You can expect a podcast to be posted during the weekend of December 19/20.
In the mean time, here is a list of some of the best bookstores in the Bay Area! From locally owned to thrift shops, we have complied a list of the best local/small business bookshops. Enjoy!
1. Books Inc. Multiple Locations
This place is a mecca for cute knick knacks and friendly service. Oh, and books too. Books Inc. is a small chain of bookstores solely on the West Coast that continues to exceed all expectations and stay afloat among the Borders and Barnes and Nobles' out there. While it doesn't have discounted prices or sales, they have a great rewards program and supporting local is always a good cause.
Best Feature: CUSTOMER SERVICE/AMBIANCE
2. Green Apple Books San Francisco, CA
I don't know much about this place but I stumbled upon it once when Geocaching in San Francisco. One amazing thing about this store, as I've come to read about, is it's deep history within San Francisco. Beloved by the neighborhood and beyond, it is said to be the best book store in San Francisco. Definitely a sight to see when visiting the city. I will be sure to go back myself. I never did find that Geocach, anyways.
Best Feature: SAN FRANCISCO TREAT
3. Recycle Bookstore San Jose & Campbell
A Silicon Valley treasure, this bookstore has 2 locations, and CATS! Yes, you read that right. They have cats roaming around in their stores. I have only had the pleasure of meeting Bob in the Campbell location but I hear there are two other cats living in the San Jose store. If the allure of cats alone doesn't entice you to want to go visit these store ASAP, then I dunno what will. Unless you're allergic.
Best Feature: CATS
4. Savers Multiple Locations
This thrift shop is a diamond in the rough. Granted I only come here to buy books, so I can only vouch for the book section; which is fantastic. I usually find my heaven in the Redwood City location, but I imagine all their book selections are top-notch. They also have a great deal for those who love to buy multiple books at once; buy 4 and get a 5th free! And the best part? Their books only ever cost as much at $2.99. WIN-WIN.
Best Feature: BEST DEAL
5. B Street Books San Mateo
I hate to say it but I am not familiar with this store. It's one of those stores I've walked by a thousand times in downtown San Mateo but never been inside. It's sort of tucked away; somewhere you could stumble upon by accident in the most fortunate of ways. Known for hosting a collection of rarities and obscure titles, it is not your typical bookstore but maybe that's it's appeal.
Best Feature: UNUSUAL/RARE BOOKS
6. Keplers Menlo Park
This book store is the kind of place where hard work, good people and miracles collide. Around since 1955, Kepler's was once in danger of closing permanently. In a miraculous and unprecedented event, the community rallied behind Kepler's to keep it open. This year they celebrated their 60th anniversary and you can tell by how abuzz the store is, just how truly happy they are to still be serving the community. Our podcast had the pleasure of attending a book signing at Kepler's a few months back featuring Cassandra Clare and Holly Black and it was truly incredible. We really got a sense of what made this store so special, and worth saving.
Best Feature: BOOK SIGNINGS/COMMUNITY EVENTS
7. Hicklebees San Jose
Semi-famous for having a wall full of signatures (including one from the Queen herself- JK Rowling), Hicklebee's is a total book-lovers tourist attraction in the quiet suburb of Willow Glen. Walking into the store, it has the ambiance of being a children's bookstore, but it has lots of little coves within the store to explore for all ages. Julienne and I went here together just to find JK Rowlings signature and we found it! (hint: Look for the sorting hat).
Best Feature: WALL OF FAME
I hope you enjoyed my compilation of my favorite bookstores. I hope you stumble upon a few of these Bay Area treasures. At least go visit Bob the Cat in Campbell.
Pinkies out, book lovers.
-Ashley
