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April 2024 by Mohan K.
This is my favorite local bookstore. I've gone here to buy books for all kinds of special occasions over the years. I especially like that they have bilingual books for kids. Unfortunately, with them closing at 7:00 p.m. it's been tough for me to get here after work. Today I showed up a couple minutes before closing but they had already locked up. What a bummer. Wish they were open later.
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November 2023 by Aaron S.
Really bad service. Poor collection and not inclusive business. The location is great but the experience was a disappointment.
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November 2023 by Shepoklyak S.
I'm all for supporting small, local businesses. However, I'm not wiling to pay literally x5 Amazon prices. Also, the snobby and patronizing owners/employees (?) don't make visiting their store an enjoyable experience. Don't recommend.
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October 2023 by Loella D.
Favorite indie bookstore in Oakland! They have a great selection and diversity of authors. I was recommended to come here because they organize collections for LBTQIA and/or POC books. I even stumbled upon the stairs and caught the rare book room section while it was open. It has character and feels like an adventure as you browse, I really love bringing friends when we're near the lake!
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August 2023 by Scott Sweeney
By far one of the best book stores in the Bay, great selection and the beautiful upstairs rare book section looking over the store was a unique literary experience. I buy my books from here monthly !
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August 2023 by Betty M.
Wonderful local bookstore that has such a great variety of books, and such a great institution in the Oakland community! I try to buy books here whenever I can versus Amazon to support them. The staff are lovely and really nice. And I love just browsing as well. There are magazines and recommended books.
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August 2023 by Zachary C.
I've been in love with the selection of record, books, and really well curated card selection for my 15+ years of patronage. The only caveat to this is the staff. It always feels like I'm interrupting a private meeting when I have a question, other customers are usually left standing while being ignored at the counter, and there is a general sense of disinterest helping people find things. Also, please start wrapping purchases as gifts. This place has saved my life so many times by having exactly the book I want to gift, but all they have in the way of gift accessories is oversized bags and expensive tissue.
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August 2023 by Vanessa C.
I stumbled upon Walden Pond after snagging coffee nearby. It's a curious and unsuspecting store from afar with a TON of great reads. They have everything from volumes of comics, to coffee table reads, and likely genres you've never heard of. I had probably 10 books in my hand and had to settle for two. The staff is really helpful and the place is very organized and well kept. It's a super chill vibe just walking around. I'll likely visit regularly because there's just so much to parse through and explore. I'd recommend if you're bored and need some low cost fun to spend the weekend afternoon Loved it
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August 2023 by Cyril Manning
Fantastic local bookstore. Trying hard to go here instead of downloading from you-know-who.
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June 2023 by Bartholomew Roland
I stopped by recently for some birthday gifts and was pleasantly surprised with the fun collection of books, games, and cards. The store staff are friendly and helpful, and I appreciate many of the small cards on the book shelves annotating staff picks and recommendations. This is solid local bookstore.
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May 2023 by Flying Swordzman
What a great store. Had tons of fun looking around. Not one person offered to help us, though. Three employees were having personal conversations and didn't seem to notice anyone but themselves, honestly.
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April 2023 by Justin Huber
Make sure not to miss the used section in the back! Has a great selection of new and used books. I always find something I’ve been looking for in the used section. Records aren’t too bad either!
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April 2023 by Chief O.
Really wonderful bookstore with very knowledgeable staff. However, my only gripe is there somewhat disconcerting LOVE of masking. Yes they have an older crowd I am sure but the gleeful compliance has become creepy, almost puritanical.
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April 2023 by Julia V.
I had such a great time browsing around here. They had such a wide variety of selection that I haven't encountered in many bookstores. I really enjoyed looking through all their queer literature. Besides their books there was also a fun selections of greeting cards and journals. I really enjoyed the atmosphere here as well. I could've spent so much money here with all the great books I wanted to buy. Highly recommend for book lovers!
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March 2023 by Veronica Hernandez
I had a wonderful time in just one aisle. I may need a lifetime to browse all the shelves, and a lifetime I shall take!