“Second hand books are wild books, homeless books; they have come together in vast flocks of variegated feather, and have a charm which the domesticated volumes of the library lack.” -Virginia Woolf
With the renewed popularity of reading in recent years, bookstores have become a popular destination. There’s nothing better than spending hours roaming a bookstore when the weather is chilly and the leaves are falling. Walking the aisles, bundled up in a warm sweater while you say “hello” to all the books you’ve read and welcome the new ones you plan to purchase.
Deep down you know your TBR is waiting for you at home and you really shouldn’t be buying more books but the smell of the pages in your hands are luring you closer and closer to the register. Not to worry though, the guilt is temporary, the stories are forever. With the change of seasons approaching, the best weather for reading nears. It’s time to share five Bay Area secondhand book stores, where you can take a break from studying, and experience a new kind of home this fall.
Nearly all of your favorite subjects and genres are available at Recycle Bookstore. You can simply go in and buy new additions for your book collection, or you can bring in your own to sell and trade, whether new or used. They always have books coming in and out of their maze-like shelves, meaning there will always be stories ready for you to dive into. This is the place to experience the cozy fall atmosphere, especially with their trio of cats, Ender, Emma, and Max that roam the shelves.
All three of them live at the store, and when they aren’t chilling in their usual favorite spots, you’ll probably run into them as they greet you on your book shopping adventure. Run, don’t walk to go support this amazing bookstore with so much to offer; their kind staff is ready to help you out and provide you with the best recommendations!
At Leigh’s, you don’t have to worry about running out of things to browse. They have a crazy assortment of 40,000 book titles, as well as cards, legos, puzzles, socks, games, and gift items. It’s also very affordable, making it the absolute, perfect place to stock up on fall themed books, as well as decor, and accessories! It’s the perfect friendly neighborhood bookstore; everyone should add this place to their fall activity schedule and enjoy some of Leigh’s Favorite Books.
City Light Booksellers is the ultimate autumn vibe. If you’re a Gilmore Girls or Harry Potter fan, this place is right up your alley. From the warm wooden shelves and wall posters to the warm staircases and brick walls that lead to the books on each floor, the warm ambience of the store is a book lover’s dream. City Lights is the United States’ first all-paperback bookstore.
Since earning that title, they have added titles in hard and soft cover from smaller specialty publishers to larger publishing houses; you can even find books from their own publications: “City Lights Publishers”. Their staff is also extremely knowledgeable and always ready to guide you to your next read. So grab a friend and some warm hot chocolate and prepare to spend hours strolling the aisles. Or attend one of their in-store events to connect with other readers, writers, and artists, activists, independent thinkers!
This bookstore looks like it’s straight out of London. The deep, green hut with books lining the building’s exterior immediately transport you to the feel of a small town bookstore. They have an amazing mix of used and new books in practically every genre; those books covering 85% of the store’s sales, this means they’ll always be good deals for you to catch.
In addition to their large stock of reads, they also carry magazines, journals, cards, gift items, and more! The handmade book recommendations on the shelves indicate that the staff genuinely cares about their customers and are passionate about books. Make sure to also check out their author events and panels, they’re a great way to immerse yourself in the reading community!
If the library gifted to Belle in the live action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is the first thing you think of when you hear Bells Books, you have the perfect idea. This bookstore radiates dark academic energy. Mostly known for their history, literature, and childrens classics, the shop has 500 subject categories of new, used, and even rare books. The antiques nestled into all of the nooks and crannies throughout the store only add to the warm experience you get when you enter. Bells Books has some of the best works out there, so get bundled up and enter your fall girl era with a trip to this beautiful bookstore.
Bookstores are safe havens for all. Supporting your local secondhand booksellers keeps these cozy, inviting spots alive. So as the colder months near, remember to keep these Bay Area bookshops in mind. Make time to experience the joy of discovering new books for amazing prices during the best time of the year. The books are waiting to welcome you home!
What is your favorite local bookstore? Let us know at @HerCampusSJSU!