Books Inc. Berkeley
The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller, Since 1851
02/05/2025
Berkeley, this is our last week. Our store closes this Sunday, Feb. 9, and everything is now 40% off.
From the bottom of our book-loving hearts, thank you for making our time on Shattuck Ave. unforgettable. We’ve loved every recommendation swap, every passionate book chat, and every friendly face that walked through the door. Let’s make this last week count—come by, stock up, and give our Berkeley chapter a proper send-off.
Though this location is closing, east bay folks can still find us in Alameda and San Leandro , and the best way to support us through our Chapter 11 reorganization is to shop with us—in store or online. Every purchase makes a HUGE difference!
01/21/2025
An Important Update:
After 174 years proudly serving Bay Area readers, we have filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
This was not an easy decision, but it's a necessary step to ensure we can continue as your neighborhood bookstore for years to come.
Along with this, we are also closing our Berkeley store. To all the people who have shopped with us there: Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. You made working and book-slinging on Shattuck Ave. a real joy.
While we work toward a stronger, more sustainable future, here's what you need to know:
•Our remaining 8 neighborhood stores and website are open.
•Gift cards and our Frequent Reader Program will continue as normal.
•The best way you can support us is by buying books in-store or online!
•Make sure to visit our Berkeley store before we close on Sunday, February 9, to bid the store a fond farewell.
During this time, your support means everything.
This isn't goodbye; it's an invite to see you soon! If you've been meaning to stop by, now is the time.
If you'd like another way to make an impact, check out thereadingbridge.org, our nonprofit helping kid's access diverse books.
For more information, please see our full statement on our website:
https://booksinc.net/our-statement-regarding-filing-voluntary-chapter-11-reorganization
12/27/2024
New Year, New Books, New Deals! 💫
Visit us today for 15% off hardcover books and 60% off all holiday books and items!
Plus, shop on our website for 15% off hardcover books site-wide! No coupon code needed, just fill up your cart and admire your savings.
Finish out 2024 with a fresh stack of new books! 📚
It's a great way to welcome in the new year.
12/25/2024
For all those who celebrate, a very Merry Christmas from our homes to yours! 💫
May this ever-festive day be filled with the cozy warmth of companionship, and a hefty stack of shiny new books to explore.
We’ll see you tomorrow bright & early!
12/24/2024
Happy Jólabókaflód!
Before you curl up in front of a blazing fireplace or a cozy armchair with a new book or two, and mug of hot chocolate, our shop is open until 5:30 tonight for all of your bookish gifting needs!
A nifty new book tote? A set of colorful writing pencils for the stocking? A much-desired Books Inc. gift card to tuck away in a gift envelope? We can help you find something magical for everyone in the family!
12/20/2024
The final weekend of book shopping begins, and we cannot wait to help you pick out every book & author on your list, no matter what genre you’re looking for!
If you need a nudge in the right direction for that perfect new story, might we recommend a hefty catalog of our bookseller team’s favorite titles of the year?
https://booksinc.net/catalog/favorite-books-2024
Our well-crafted catalog features lovingly reviewed titles for all ages, in every genre, along with an accompanying audiobook playlist on Libro.fm, too!
https://libro.fm/playlists/8158?bookstore=booksinc
Swipe through to read a few reviews from each of our Books Inc. store managers!
12/17/2024
2024 is almost all wrapped up!
This year, we celebrated:
📚808 hours of bookclubs, storytimes & events
🌁1,750 books provided to kids via
(kinda like Santa, but cooler)
🏆Bestsellers that ruled!
Can't wait to finish out the year with all you readers!
2025 here we come!
12/14/2024
Two final weekends to work through that bookish wishlist? Our shelves are bursting with dazzling new titles, along with their accompanying audiobooks on Libro.fm!
Swipe through to see a few reviews from our bookseller teams, and pop on over to our store page on Libro.fm to browse through over a dozen bookseller created audiobook albums, too!
https://libro.fm/picks/booksinc
12/10/2024
The countdown is on for what is bound to be a stacked holiday season of dazzling new books!
Our children’s booksellers have carefully compiled this delightful list of their favorite titles of the year, generously infused with humor, friendship, culture, and adventure.
🔎The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys
🎒The New Girl: A Graphic Novel by Cassandra Calin
🌺The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejia by Alexandra Alessandri
🐻Molly and the Bear: An Unlikely Pair by Bob Scott
🐉Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
👣Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay
🏹The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones
💫Star Splitter by Matthew Kirby
🧭The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien by Hendrix
Swipe through to see a few featured 5 star reviews, and head on by the shop to fill up a book bag or two with a wild assortment of bookseller-approved titles!
12/09/2024
Place your online orders now for Menorah lighting, Christmas morning, and Kwanza’s first day! 💫
For timely delivery, Media Mail orders must be placed by Wednesday, December 11, Ground Shipping by December 15, and Express Shipping by December 18. ⏰
How's your holiday shopping going? Are you a last-minute scramble shopper or already ahead of the game?
12/08/2024
Less than 3 weeks before the Christmas holiday, you say?
We’ve got you covered with this year’s fantastic CALIBA holiday catalog filled with the best this year has to offer! This small but mighty catalog features book ideas for every age of reader, in every genre, perfect for a gift in the stocking, under the tree, or stacked up next to a menorah.
You can browse through each page both in-store, or on our website, too!
https://booksinc.net/catalog/2024-caliba-holiday-catalog
12/05/2024
Local Author Gift Picks! 🎁
Our Holiday Gift Guide features seven amazing Bay Area authors sharing their favorite gift-worthy books— full of timeless classics, fresh releases, and everything in between!
Check out the full list on our website, and find our Libro.fm playlist of all recommended titles at the link below, too!
https://booksinc.net/author-gift-picks
https://libro.fm/playlists/8168?bookstore=booksinc
Got a favorite book you love to gift? Share it in the comments below!
Support local, give some gifts that speak volumes, and celebrate a year well read!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Telephone
Website
Address
1491 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA
94709
Opening Hours
| Monday | 10am - 8pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 8pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 8pm |
| Friday | 10am - 8pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 8pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 7pm |