- Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda, CA – 925-254-7606
- Pegasus Books, three locations: 2349 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA – 510-649-1320; 1855 Solano Avenue, Berkeley, CA – 510-525-6888; 5560 College Avenue, Oakland, CA – 510-652-6259
- Owl & Company Bookshop, 3941 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland CA – 510-788-5821
- Spectator Books, 4163 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA – 510-653-7500
- Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera, CA – 415-927-0960
- Railroad Book Depot, 650 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, CA – 925-427-2334 (will carry my books starting Saturday, June 15th at my book signing event)
I hope to add more stores to this list soon.
We need to support these bookstores in return for all they do for us. For all of you authors and wanna-be authors, it’s important to build relationships with the independent bookstores by becoming customers. Don’t just expect bookstores to support your book launch and signing events, be a partner by buying some books and attending events!
This was suggested by a bookstore owner who recently gave a talk at a California Writers Club meeting, and I wholeheartedly agree. I have bought books and attended events at the stores that are supporting me by carrying my book, and I plan to continue doing so. This doesn’t mean that I don’t also listen to audio books and read ebooks, because sometimes that is the only way I can read, depending on where I am and what I’m doing. But I still love the sight, smell, and feel of a printed book above all else.
I want these stores to stay in business! With the competition from Amazon, that is sometimes difficult for them to do. Some bookstore owners don’t get paid for months at a time and struggle to pay the rent. So go to your local bookstore, get to know the people there, and buy some books!
Heidi Eliason 
What a wonderful “plug” for our dear and precious independent book stores! They have been under attack for a long time by the big box bookstores, and now by Amazon. Many have been put out of business. For those that survive, it’s a tough way to make a living. So yes, let’s all get to know our independent bookstores. Visit one soon, and know that when you buy a book there, you’re helping the store, the owner, the staff, and the community.
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Thanks, Nancy. Yes, Amazon has been hard on our friends, the independent bookstores. I’m so glad they try so hard to stay in business, and I’ll definitely do my part to help them keep the doors open.
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I’ll do my part to keep our wonderful independent bookstores open, too. In the past, I’ve too often bought books through Amazon, but with just a little more effort, I can get the same books from my local independent bookstore. Then I’ll be helping the store, and helping the community, too. Thank you, Heidi, for encouraging us to do the right thing!
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We are fortunate there are any left. It is very hard for them to compete any more.
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We are lucky to have some left. I’m glad you enjoy them as much as I do. 🙂
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Great article Heidi and there is nothing like going into a book store. So much to learn and explore. I used to sit on the floor and look through books. We have lost the art of doing that since there are not many options left. Thank you for sharing this information!
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Thanks, Brenda! So glad you enjoy bookstores as much as I do.
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