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January 2024 by Cecilia M.
Was in the neighbourhood for dinner with friends, and had some time to kill. We saw this near where we parked our car, and popped in for a quick visit. The bookstore was larger than expected! Had all genres of books and some gift products up front. I love the books with staff recommendation cards with them -- always great to learn about new stories! We were greeted by two friendly staff members. As my friend made a purchase, she was asked if she'd like to round up the purchase with a donation to books for local students in the Bay Area. What a great initiative! My friend said yes, and the two staffers gave a delightful cheer. I love shops that support the local community and clearly this was one such place! They also had a bulletin board for local events. Pricing is average but you can find some books for sale!
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December 2023 by Toby G.
An okay bookstore, the sections are quite small, although there are some great new books offered. I strolled over after meeting friends at a coffee shop, thinking it would be great to make a purchase from a local bookstore. To my surprise and dismay, there wasn't one chair in the store for a customer to sit in. I saw an elderly man seated on the stage in the children's area, perusing books. It was the only place a person could sit down. Just behind him was a doorway and a section with huge stacks of folding chairs!! Interesting, they seem prepared for author visits and autograph signings, but no accommodation . It's ironic that there is so much publicity around supporting independent and local businesses, while another part of the equation is making the stores customer friendly. The sales person was nice, showed me to the area I was interested in, but there are too many other stores offering more volumes and a welcoming atmosphere to customers.
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November 2023 by Jennifer G.
Sad to give this store one star. I've purchased here in the past and received excellent service, but today's service was abysmal and subpar. This rating is specifically for the cashier with short red curly hair who should not be working here. She is apathetic. A bookstore should be a place of peace and did not feel it here. Service training is very much needed. I wouldn't hire her. On a separate note, the other sales attendant was helpful, but it doesn't make up for the cashier.
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September 2023 by Erik Schmitt
Super knowledgeable staff. Once I mentioned I loved Cormac McCarthy and they went back and found me a signed first edition of his latest book. Amazing!
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September 2023 by Just Di
I love Books Inc! I buy almost all of my Books from here.
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June 2023 by Jocelyn Pou
Great place to look for books and gifts
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May 2023 by Michelle Archer (Moosh Pants)
I love this place! Love the selection and the ambiance! Met one of my favorite poets here, Atticus.
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March 2023 by Spirit Teacher
Excellent bookshop. Great collection of books at good prices. Many genres represented. Cute stationary and nik-nacks. Always lots of sale items. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable about books and always eager to help. Nice book events.
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February 2023 by James Parrish
Great store. Decent selection
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February 2023 by Ritchey H.
Although I live in Arizona, I always get my Berkeley grandsons Birthday gifts at Books Inc. They love having their own gift card to shop as they like. The staff is always wonderful.
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December 2022 by Bruce W.
Staff is helpful, but not intrusive. Lots of good recommendations, as others have noted. I could do with a smaller kids/YA books section, but that's just me and, given the neighborhood, I think they know who their best customers are. Good sales books as well. For its size (its not a large store), it does have an impressive selection.
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September 2022 by Heather H
Beautiful location for this awesome spot. Always a pleasant experience to visit and see what books they're featuring.
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April 2022 by Myles N.
I am absolutely bonkers for books and I consider myself very lucky that I have Books Inc for my friendly neighborhood independent bookseller. They have so many great selections, and every time I want a title, I phone them up and, instead of using the online giant retailer, I have them order the book for me, and it's usually there in just a few days! Great selections of cards and games here too, and great cozy areas to read books to the kids. I always end up with something I want, and they hold books for me until I'm ready to come and pick them up. This bookstore is exactly what I want when I'm shopping for books, you should give them your business and then go next door and get the matzoh ball soup at Saul's Deli.
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January 2022 by Meredith Jaeger
A fantastic independent book store with friendly staff.
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January 2022 by L.C. Tang
A bright and welcoming shop. Easy to navigate and helpful staff. A must visit when in Berkeley. ?
