Cozy up with a book at these BARTable bookstores

Photo courtesy of Orinda Books. 

At BART, we’re obviously big on transit, and books – just like our trains – have the power to transport you far from your everyday reality.

There are hundreds of independent bookstores in the Bay Area, whose wares range from used books to new books, children’s books to anarchist books, and everything in between. Many of these stores are easily accessible by BART. So, hop on the train and grab a new read from one of the below bookshops.

Can’t make it to a bookstore before your BART commute? Stop by one of BART’s four Short Story Dispensers, located at Richmond, Balboa Park, Fruitvale, and Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre stations, for a quick, free read.

Photo courtesy of Dog Eared Books

Dog Eared Books

A compact bookstore that packs a punch, Dog Eared Books on San Francisco’s Valencia Street carries books of the old and new variety. You’ll be able to recognize it from the street – the walls are painted a bright turquoise and the windows are often filled with socially conscious artwork.

Orinda Books

Perched in Orinda’s Village Square since 1976, Orinda Books is the largest independent bookstore in Contra Costa County. With more than 16,000 books on offer, you’re sure to discover something that tickles your reading fancy. On your way out, check out the ceramics by Orinda artist Gerry Wallace, who has a permanent display in the store.

Moe’s Books

Opened on the legendary Telegraph Ave in 1959 by Moe Moskowitz, Moe’s Books has established itself as a go-to for UC Berkeley students and book lovers alike. With a bountiful collection of used, new and rare books, there’s something for everyone in this multi-level shop. Curiously, Moe’s was one of the first bookstores to sell its wares online.

Eastwind Books of Berkeley

Eastwind Books of Berkeley has been an essential source of Asian and Asian American literature and culture since 1982. The store, located just a short walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART station, has a wide selection of books on ethnic studies, language learning, traditional Chinese medicine, and martial arts. Many of the books on offer are written bilingually.

Alexander Book Company

Alexander Book Company is a three-level haven for book lovers. With more than 50,000 titles – and located just half-a-block from Montgomery St station – the bookstore is a must-visit for anyone seeking new titles, local reads, and books about California and San Francisco.

East Bay Booksellers

Formally Diesel, A Bookstore, East Bay Booksellers has been a cultural mainstay in the East Bay for nearly three decades. At East Bay Booksellers, you’ll find books on a variety of subjects, as well as a plentiful supply of stationary, notebooks, and planners.

Books on B

Located in Downtown Hayward and surrounded by restaurants and shops, Books on B carries everything from contemporary fiction to manga and anime. Be sure to ask the longtime owner, Renee, for a recommendation.

Reasonable Books

A quick walk from the Lafayette BART station, Reasonable Books is an independent bookstore with new and used books, as well as children and young adult literature. Don’t forget to check out the “Local Authors” shelf on your way out.

Bird & Beckett Books & Records

A bookstore-meets-record shop in the heart of San Francisco’s Glen Park neighborhood, Bird & Beckett is perhaps best-known for its hopping live music events. Come for the music and records and stay for the lively performances.  

Let's talk about it.  

What are your favorite Bay Area bookstores? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable (virtual) events, places to eat (grab take out from) and have fun (outside) around the Bay.