Walden Pond Books on Postcard

"This surprisingly voluminous bookstore has thrived for more than 40 years. That's partly because the staff prides itself on really knowing its stock and being the original recommendation engine before Amazon ever existed. Located on Grand Avenue and surrounded by a variety of restaurants, you'll often find customers waiting for their tables browsing the aisles. The kid's section has a handmade feel and the rare book room is gorgeous and full of first editions and other treasures." - Huge

On the Grid : Walden Pond Books

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@onthegrid

"Wolfman Books is many things (in case the name didn’t tip you off). It’s a bookstore, art gallery, performance venue, and home to many independent publications/posters/zines and a residency program. Hard to believe this small space hosts so much, we know. But the shop teems with artistic passion, which makes it the ideal spot for creative (intimate) gatherings." - Pitch Interactive

On the Grid : E.M. Wolfman General Interest Small Bookstore

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@onthegrid

"Walden Pond Books, Grand Lake Lake Merritt by Huge. This surprisingly voluminous bookstore has thrived for more than 40 years. That's partly because the staff prides itself on really knowing its stock and being the original recommendation engine before Amazon ever existed. Located on Grand Avenue and surrounded by a variety of restaurants, you'll often find customers waiting for their tables browsing the aisles. The kid's section has a handmade feel and the rare book room is gorgeous and full of first editions and other treasures."

Oakland

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Lee M

Google

Great bookstore, had really great array of books, especially in the areas I was looking for. Also had a great collectives section as well, wish I had asked to see more but was way too shy to ask.I really could have spent hours there.

JoAnn SkyWatcher

Google

Cool bookstore that originated in the early 70s, and is Oakland’s largest independent bookstore. They buy and trade books. They also carry LP records, greeting cards, and they sell rare and collectible books on eBay. Ambiance***** There is a lot to explore. There's a large collection of masks high above the books on the west wall.They even have their Rare Book Room upstairs. Service***** Friendly staff Accessibility ***** Cost****

Sophia S

Google

Adorable bookstore with a pretty good selection of titles. You can call in to ask staff if they have a title available, or ask them to order titles for you for pick up. They also have lots of cute trinkets and stationary items. Def recommend stopping by if you’re in the area. Thank you :))

Nicole Otero

Google

Decent book selection. Terrible customer service. This store has a kids section but didn't feel welcome there with my kid and no she wasn't running, throwing etc. We read in the back and made a purchase. I used please and thank you, they didn't. Kids shift when standing in line, they look at things and when worker was walking by acted like this was unacceptable. Not patronizing here again.

Simone Anne

Google

This place is a gem! Favorite bookstore in the area with a great selection of new and used books. Their staff recommendations are great. They have an excellent fiction section, non fiction, and well stocked cookbook section. The shelves are nice and narrow, the floors a little creaky - it feels like a bookstore should feel. Nice selection of calendars as well. They buy your used books as well for store credit or cash and it's nice to pass books back and get a little discount on your next read in exchange.

JoAnn SkyWatcher

Google

Waldon Inbox J JOANN SKYWATCHER to me 3 minutes ago Details Waldron Ponds Books This is a very cool bookstore that originated in the early 70s, and is Oakland’s largest independent bookstore. They will be starting to buy and trade books again this September. Besides books they carry LP records, greeting cards, and They sell rare and collectible books on eBay. Ambiance ***** If you have never been in a bookstore, you owe it to yourself to drop in and check out their scene. I love how much there is to explore. There is a large collection of masks above the books on the west wall. The wooden floors actually creaked when I walked in reminding me of some really old libraries. If you’re into really old books, you might want to check out their Rare Book Room upstairs. Service***** They have a very friendly staff ready to locate what you need. Accessibility ***** Cost****

Scott Sweeney

Google

By far one of the best book stores in the Bay, great selection and the beautiful upstairs rare book section looking over the store was a unique literary experience. I buy my books from here monthly !

Deena H

Google

Loved this bookstore. They have a TON of options ranging from new releases to collectibles. Everything is very nicely organized so you can easily head to a specific genre that you’re looking for. The staff are super nice too, and they sell HOT DOG BOOKMARKS which was an amazing little find.

Lee M

Google

Great bookstore, had really great array of books, especially in the areas I was looking for. Also had a great collectives section as well, wish I had asked to see more but was way too shy to ask.I really could have spent hours there.

JoAnn SkyWatcher

Google

Cool bookstore that originated in the early 70s, and is Oakland’s largest independent bookstore. They buy and trade books. They also carry LP records, greeting cards, and they sell rare and collectible books on eBay. Ambiance***** There is a lot to explore. There's a large collection of masks high above the books on the west wall.They even have their Rare Book Room upstairs. Service***** Friendly staff Accessibility ***** Cost****

Sophia S

Google

Adorable bookstore with a pretty good selection of titles. You can call in to ask staff if they have a title available, or ask them to order titles for you for pick up. They also have lots of cute trinkets and stationary items. Def recommend stopping by if you’re in the area. Thank you :))

Nicole Otero

Google

Decent book selection. Terrible customer service. This store has a kids section but didn't feel welcome there with my kid and no she wasn't running, throwing etc. We read in the back and made a purchase. I used please and thank you, they didn't. Kids shift when standing in line, they look at things and when worker was walking by acted like this was unacceptable. Not patronizing here again.

Simone Anne

Google

This place is a gem! Favorite bookstore in the area with a great selection of new and used books. Their staff recommendations are great. They have an excellent fiction section, non fiction, and well stocked cookbook section. The shelves are nice and narrow, the floors a little creaky - it feels like a bookstore should feel. Nice selection of calendars as well. They buy your used books as well for store credit or cash and it's nice to pass books back and get a little discount on your next read in exchange.

JoAnn SkyWatcher

Google

Waldon Inbox J JOANN SKYWATCHER to me 3 minutes ago Details Waldron Ponds Books This is a very cool bookstore that originated in the early 70s, and is Oakland’s largest independent bookstore. They will be starting to buy and trade books again this September. Besides books they carry LP records, greeting cards, and They sell rare and collectible books on eBay. Ambiance ***** If you have never been in a bookstore, you owe it to yourself to drop in and check out their scene. I love how much there is to explore. There is a large collection of masks above the books on the west wall. The wooden floors actually creaked when I walked in reminding me of some really old libraries. If you’re into really old books, you might want to check out their Rare Book Room upstairs. Service***** They have a very friendly staff ready to locate what you need. Accessibility ***** Cost****

Scott Sweeney

Google

By far one of the best book stores in the Bay, great selection and the beautiful upstairs rare book section looking over the store was a unique literary experience. I buy my books from here monthly !

Deena H

Google

Loved this bookstore. They have a TON of options ranging from new releases to collectibles. Everything is very nicely organized so you can easily head to a specific genre that you’re looking for. The staff are super nice too, and they sell HOT DOG BOOKMARKS which was an amazing little find.

Walden Pond Books

Walden Pond Books

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