Discover your new favorite bookstore near BART

Find your next read at Banter Bookshop in Fremont. Photo courtesy Banter Bookshop. 

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book. Luckily, there are hundreds of independent bookstores spread throughout the Bay Area, many of which are near BART. Whether you’re looking for a new or used book, a fiction or non-fiction story or a fantasy or a light rom-com, you’ll find your next literary escape at one of the BARTable Bay Area bookstores below. 

We're also excited to announce the relaunch of BART's Book Club, One Book One BART, so you can stay connected with fellow BART-riding book lovers. This year, the BART book club returns with a natural history-themed group read and three sold-out events for nature lovers of all ages and interests. The official selection is "Bay Area Wildlife: An Irreverent Guide,” a humorous, informative guide to local fauna by naturalist and conservationist. Show your Clipper card at any of our book club partners below to get a 20% discount BART's book club selection.

Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

One Book One BART book club partners

Visit Orinda Books in Contra Costa County. Photo courtesy of Orinda Books. 

Orinda Books | Orinda Station

Orinda Books is Contra Costa’s largest independent bookstore. Nestled inside Village Square since 1976, the shop offers over 16,000 books, making it very likely you’ll find what you’re looking for. Don’t miss the author readings, book signings and local artists' ceramics and paintings. Find books and beautiful art 0.6 miles from Orinda Station at 276 Village Square.

Let BART take you to the unique Bay Area bookstore Tally Ho! Books. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland. 

Tally Ho! Books | MacArthur

Oakland’s newest independent bookstore serves the North Oakland neighborhood. It’s the perfect setting to find the book you want, and maybe a few more you didn’t know you needed. Comfortable, friendly and full of new books, used books and gifts — Tally Ho! Books is a joyful space to relax and an exciting spot to turn the page on your next adventure. Take BART to MacArthur to find your new favorite book 0.8 miles away at 3941 Piedmont Ave.

Readers and music enthusiasts will love Bird & Beckett Books & Records in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Bird & Beckett Books & Records.

Bird & Beckett Books & Records | Glen Park

This Bay Area bookstore (and record shop) in San Francisco’s Glen Park neighborhood is best known for its live music events. Enjoy intimate jazz performances, vinyl gems and a wide selection of books ranging from new to used and spanning several genres. Find Bird & Beckett Books & Records just a quick 2-minute stroll from Glen Park at 653 Chenery St.

Find your next read at Books on B in Hayward. Photo courtesy of BARTable. 

Books on B | Hayward Station

Books on B grew from the roots of The Book Shop (1960–2017) and officially opened in 2017. Located in downtown Hayward, you’ll find new, used, and rare books, a warm welcome and a community vibe. Pick up your next story at this Bay Area bookstore 0.4 miles from Hayward Station at 1014 B St.

Banter Bookshop has books for all ages and a busy event calendar. Photo courtesy of Banter Bookshop. 

Banter Bookshop | Fremont Station

Head to downtown Fremont to visit this bright, airy, locally owned independent bookstore. Ideal for all ages, Banter Bookshop is a place you’ll love to peruse. Check out their complete list of calendar events, which includes storytime, book club, open mic poetry night and meet-and-greets with authors. Hop on BART to Fremont Station to find books and community 0.8 miles away at 3768 Capital Ave.

Hop on BART and head to Mrs. Dalloway's for your next book. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Dalloway's. 

Mrs. Dalloway’s | Ashby

Mrs. Dalloway’s is an independent bookstore in Berkeley’s historic Elmwood District, founded in 2004 by Marion Abbott and Ann Leyhe. Named after the first line of Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel (“Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself”), the shop offers a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, gardening, nature and children’s books. Mrs. Dalloway's more than 100 annual in-store author events showcase its strong sense of community. For families with little ones, check out the Little Library children’s book subscriptions. Find Mrs. Dalloway's 1.1 miles from Ashby at 2904 College Ave.

Find books, games and more at Spectator Books in Oakland. Photo courtesy of Spectator Books. 

Spectator Books | MacArthur

Check out the wide selection of new and used books at Spectator Books in the Piedmont neighborhood of Oakland. You’ll also find everything from mainstream titles to hidden gems. Plus, they have movies, puzzles, coloring books, journals, cards and stationery. Ride BART to MacArthur for great books in a cozy atmosphere 0.9 miles away at 4163 Piedmont Ave.

Where is your favorite Bay Area bookstore near BART?

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