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BAY AREA
Books Inc.
booksinc.net
In business since 1851 and with 11 locations throughout the Bay Area, Books Inc. is a collection of independently owned and operated bookstores. The company employs over 100 knowledgeable booksellers “who are passionate about helping everyone find their perfect book, and dedicated to enriching the literary scene in their neighborhoods.”
NORTH BAY
Book Passage
CORTE MADERA
(415) 927-0960 • bookpassage.com
Billed as “The Bay Area’s Liveliest Bookstore,” Book Passage — a new Readers’ Choice winner this year — was founded by a former teacher and school principal more than 45 years ago. Its author events, which date back well over 30 years, once were held around the Bay Area, and now take place in two event spaces at the shop.
SAN FRANCISCO
Green Apple Books
(415) 387-2272 (RICHMOND)
(415) 742-5833 (SUNSET)
(415) 567-8027 (FILLMORE)
greenapplebooks.com
Celebrating 56 years in business, Green Apple Books has always taken part in the broader community. “We helped found the San Francisco Locally Owned Merchants Association; we served on the boards of the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association and the Clement Street Merchants Association.” The employees are represented by the UFCW, Local 5.
EAST BAY
Pegasus Books
510-525-6888 (ON SOLANO)
510-649-1320 (DOWNTOWN BERKELEY)
510-652-6259 (OAKLAND)
pegasusbookstore.com
A new Readers’ Choice winner this year, Pegasus Books started in 1970 as Pellucidar Fine Books and Pendragon, both carrying used books and newspapers. In 1995, Amy Thomas, a founding member of the local independent business alliance Buy Local Berkeley, bought the stores from founder Matt Wyse. Now the three shops share a name and serve the Bay Area and beyond.
SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA
Kepler’s Books & Magazines
MENLO PARK
(650) 324-4321 • keplers.com
“Known for its outstanding literary events, knowledgeable staff, and world-class selection,” Kepler’s considers itself “the intellectual and cultural hub of the community for over 65 years.” The shop operates the bookstore as well as a nonprofit organization that features rich educational and cultural programming.