San Francisco's Best Used Bookstore 2008

The store for bookworms who prefer their secondhand tomes in virtually perfect condition.

Tips: Bibliophiles know that treasures are where they find them, so browse the clearance table for bargains. Also, storewide sales are held irregularly, once or twice a year.

Forest Books

A fabulous, book-strewn urban oasis that’s been a Bay Area reader’s refuge for 30 years.

Reviews:

• “Not your average bookstore”
• “Join The Chorus”
• “Endless Stacks”
• “Best Ever”

Tips: Looking to unload some of your own books for cold, hard cash (or trade)? Staff buys books and music daily. Call for hours.

Green Apple Books & Music

You never know what offbeat title you’ll find at this eclectic, affordable bookshop.

Reviews:

• “Great books, informed staff”

Tips: All the wall art and murals were painted by current and former employees.

Dog Eared Books

Reviews:

• “Aaaardvark Books”
• “Good Selection for Its Size”
• “Nice and Cozy”

Aardvark Books

This roomy grassroots bookstore is the antithesis to the big chains.

Tips: Sculptors and jewelry designers can rent space in the store’s display cases for a monthly fee.

Valencia Street Books

If you’ve ever clutched a dog-eared book by one of the Beat writers, you probably know this place well.

Reviews:

• “The worst customer service in all of San Francisco. SAD.”
• “Everything under the sun!”
• “North Beach Landmark”

Tips: Finding a spot in the neighborhood can be tough, so leave room for exploring.

City Lights Bookstore

Books and CDs are reborn at this neighborhood mind-trough for liberal and intellectual locals.

Tips: A decent books-on-tape selection offers the option to rent. For the quick listener, 50 cents a day may do it, or go for the $2.50 weekly rate.

Phoenix Books & Records

A Fillmore Street favorite for book browsing and buying since the mid ’70s.

Tips: No cash refunds—books may be exchanged for store credit within 30 days of purchase.

Browser Books

Elegant, dark-themed bookstore with a warm, friendly atmosphere to scare away the monsters.

Tips: Check out the inexpensive selections of gothic jewelry in the front counter, everything you need to creep out your folks.

Borderlands Books

Abandoned Planet