For bookworms with a soft spot for the nostalgia of independent shops, the Bay Area delivers.
Though small, local bookstores seems to be going the way of dinosaurs, our region is still a bibliophile's mecca for indie purveyors, where the shelves are stocked with old leather-bound books as well as modern paperbacks, and community programming still includes author readings and signings—even during the Covid-19 pandemic, when book launches and author conversations have all gone virtual.
More than 600 small bookstores nationwide will be hosting in-store and online events for Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, August 29th. See which of your local shops have something special planned, or just celebrate all things literary by sending love to our favorite, quirkiest, and coziest book nooks in the North Bay.
Chandeliers dangle from the ceiling of this quirky bookshop, which changed hands in January 2017 to a pair of Green Apple Books alums—who got married a month later. The couple has preserved this beloved bookstore's community spirit while adding their own flair. You'll find a section in the front dedicated solely to local authors as well as a schedule of virtual events. // Open daily 10am to 5pm; 11315 CA-1 (Point Reyes), ptreyesbooks.com
With nine North Bay locations including a prime spot in the heart of downtown Petaluma and a new store on Napa's First Street, Copperfield's Books is easily the indie bookstore for literati north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Enticing window displays, cozy reading nooks, and handmade cards from local artists will fill anyone with warm bookshop vibes. // All locations are open 10am to 5pm daily for indoor and curbside service; copperfieldsbooks.com
The storefront may look narrow from the outside, but don't be fooled—upon entry, you'll feel like you've wandered off the beach and into Narnia. Besides a good variety of beach reads, this community-oriented bookshop stocks non-literary finds such as maps, trail guides, and even linens. // Open 10:30am to 5pm daily; 3455 Shoreline Highway (Stinson Beach), facebook.com
