Used Books In Oakland And Lamorinda

With the current state of the economy, used book stores should be thriving. After all, reading is a very cheap form of entertainment-- as compared to a dinner and movie, vacation, etc. Although used book stores can't compete with the big box stores in terms of selection, they do offer a more eclectic collection of books for cheap. Finally, those who are on a budget can sell their books for cash or for trade at the local used book store.

These are my favorite stores.

1. Spectator Books. 4163 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland.
Pros: Excellent collection, knowledgeable staff, they pay a lot for your used books, great location.
Cons: Hard to find parking, staff can be a bit "eccentric" and judgmental.


2. Lafayette Community Center book sale. 952 Moraga Road, Lafayette. 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month only.

Pros: Super cheap, lots of great books, super cheap.
Cons: Open only twice a month, has the atmosphere of a demented relative's musty attic.


3. Orinda Library Book Store. 26 Orinda Way. Check library for hours.
Pros: Nice books, cheap.
Cons: Tiny selection.


4. Lafayette Book Store. 3569 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.
Pros: One of the last great independent used book stores in Contra Costa, decent selection.
Cons: When you trade used books, you can only use the credit to get other used books (not new books).


5. Canetti's Bookshop. 39 Moraga Way, Orinda.
Pros: Run by Jeff the Book Buyer from the now defunct Bonanza Books, great small town book store.
Cons: Small-ish selection, although there seems to be something for everyone.


6. Walden Pond Books. 3316 Grand Avenue, Oakland.
Pros: Large and varied selection.
Cons: Impersonal atmosphere, may be too big.

CKY