Bell's Books

Bell’s Books is an absolute gem in Palo Alto, and the owners have done such a phenomenal job keeping this store both welcoming and wonderfully curated. We ended up spending quite a bit of time browsing through the shelves and, of course, walked out with a handful of books, it's almost impossible not to. The store is beautifully maintained and has that classic, inviting bookstore charm that instantly pulls you in. The layout is thoughtful, the selection is diverse, and every section feels like it has been curated with genuine care. Whether you're into new releases, rare finds, or unique editions, there’s always something that grabs your attention. What really makes Bell’s Books special is the warm atmosphere. The interior has this calming, almost nostalgic appeal, cozy, organized, and visually pleasing without feeling crowded. It's the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time in the best way possible. Faith deserves special credit for creating such a lovely space. You can tell how much heart and effort goes into running this bookstore, and it shows in every detail. If you’re in Palo Alto and love books, Bell’s Books is a must-visit. A charming, well-kept, and truly memorable local bookstore. We’ll definitely be back!

Absolutely marvelous, this independent bookstore in Palo Alto has a neat little history to it mentioned on their website, which piqued my interest to visit this place. While they aren’t a huge store, they pack a solid collection in the space that they have. They also have first signed editions of classics, and other books too. Those books aren’t exactly cheap, and understandably so. Coming to the bookstore design, they’re spread out across two floors, the second floor accessible via a small set of stairs. They’ve the check-out counter right at the entrance, and the staff manning those counters are quite friendly and well-read. They’ve new arrivals and recommendations in the front section of the first floor. Race is something I think everything should be reading about, so I was glad to see tables dedicated to books on race. On the side walls in the front section of the first floor, they’ve classics, best sellers, children’s books, among other things such as cups and other literary items. They also have long ladders which are propped against the side walls to reach the higher sections of those walls. Quite old school, I liked it! At the back of the store on the first floor, they’ve fiction on one side and science and sports on the other. Their fiction collection is also quite amazing, carefully curated for fiction fans like me. On the second floor, at the back they’ve an entire section dedicated to history—Western Europe, Northern Europe, Asia, ancient Egypt, just some of the regions and the history books associated with them. There are quite a few books on other areas such as philosophy, religion, mystery, literary biographies, science fiction, translated fiction, mountaineering, animals, antiques and local interest on this floor as well. The view from the second floor is also worth checking out. Independent bookstores like these keep me coming back to bookstores, to get a feel for what it means to be among books and helpful people, a close-knit community where everyone is welcome. Support your independent bookstores, go visit Bell’s. I got a cup with a typewriter and a Margaret Atwood quote on it about all of us becoming stories in the end, quite a find! The bookstore is located in downtown Palo Alto and is quite conspicuous. In case you’re looking for parking, there’s a parking lot with free parking(for 2-3 hours) right in front of the bookstore. I’ll be back here soon. Thank you to the staff!

Really nice bookstore with a reasonably priced selection of new and used books. I enjoyed the wide variety of history books. The employee were very friendly, too. The only downside was parking was hard to find. I recommend the parking garage under the police station (about 2 blocks and a 5 minute walk). Apple Pay is accepted here.

A stupendous little bookstore in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Right across from a parking lot so that was super-convenient. The bookshop is two floors and dates clear back to 1935! It'd be a positively perfect afternoon to get lost in a quaint, idyllic bookshop such as this one. Really feels like the kind of locale that'd be featured in a blockbuster movie adapted from a best-selling children's book. If you're in the area and have a moment, definitely check this place out! You won't be disappointed!

Very nice bookstore with old and new books of different genre. I am giving a 4 star because the people at the cashier were not attentive to the customers; they were talking and laughing with themselves while we were trying to pay; I found it quite rude.

Bell's Book's rings my bell! Amazing and historic place to go in Downtown Palo Alto. Very helpful staff and you will find yourself wandering the stacks. Good place to find books on nearly any subject.

Loved the current window display. Super helpful staff.. and man !! What a collection. Sound something that totally spoke to me.. loved my experience!

Cute little bookstore in downtown Palo Alto with full bookshelves all the way to the second story. Great selection of old and new books.

I first found Bell's when waiting around town several days to bring our preemie daughter home from the hospital. The now-adult daughter visits it whenever she's at home for a few days. The staff has never been anything other than helpful and interested. They offered me a discount once when they realized I (the chaplain) was getting some titles for our county jail, but I had an inmate welfare fund and so declined. l I always got something there--twice, a title I had sought for years and years was suddenly just staring me in the face in some narrow corner of Bell's. (Quiller-Couch Cambridge Lectures and then Boswell's London Journal, if you must know). I think every item is fairly priced. There are a small number of interesting small gift items here and there on the first floor. I'm sure it's been a slog in some of these troubled times and I give you joy on your ninetieth birthday. Thank you.

Bell's Book Store is one of those places that just holds so much character and charm that I hope it never closes. The amount of selection in this place is beyond anything that I've seen from an independent bookstore. I love the corner that contains the multiple languages of Harry Potter and the large posters in the back on the second floor. Within these walls might be found the perfect distraction to just put your little phone screen down for the next 10 minutes or the next 10 years lol. This high quality place powered by even higher quality humans does not disappoint :)

I was wandering around downtown Palo Alto with my sister when we came across Bell's Bookstore. I didn't know anything about it, but was captivated the moment I walked in. They offer new, used, vintage, and rare books in a charming atmosphere. I enjoyed wandering the aisles without really looking for anything special, just checking out whatever grabbed my attention. Among the books that caught my eye were two used hardcover books on the Beatles that had lots of great photos and stories, but they were too heavy to carry around downtown until dinner. I'd like to go back and get them. I ended up buying a small book of Rumi poems and a dragon journal for my niece for Christmas. My sister bought two vintage pulp fiction books with awesome covers. This is such a special book store. I highly encourage you to check it out.

Bells is magical!! Happy 90th birthday!!! The selection is curated between classics and contemporary. The children's section was perfectly balanced! The passageways, staircases, and stacks upon stacks make the shop truly magical. The staff is always ready to help! Even with tough questions like: An 8yr olds introduction to Shakespeare!

Bell's Book Store is unlike other bookstores and that is what makes it so fun to peruse! They have a great selection of books. I'm sure they are actually structured very logically and orderly but I personally like to wander off and let the books decide for me. This store is perfect for that. One moment you find yourself leafing through a book stalled out in the front, the next you're all the way in the back section where the aisle is narrow and the books stacked high. No matter what you pick out, you always feel like you discovered something new. Choose your own book adventure. - Can you buy the same books cheaper elsewhere? Yeah probably, but you're supporting local and the creativity and soul of book store gems like these. - Can I find any books here that I can't find elsewhere? Honestly not sure, but I've definitely picked up some books here I'm not sure would have been on my radar otherwise. I have a lot of book apps and their algorithms do tend to push the same recommendations my way. - Will it meet your needs, those of your kids, your partner, your friend, your dog and your neighbor? Weirdly yes, they have books on everything. - Will you find dusty, collector item books here? Also yes, they seem to have quite a bit of old and valuable books you can buy. - Will I buy too many books here? Probably. I've definitely had moment where when the final tally came, reality came as well but what a nice problem to have.

Selections are fine. Service is meh. For the space there are a lot of great books, but I just don't feel welcomed or appreciated here. I prefer Keplers down the way or Books Inc. Id even go over to Recycle on the Alameda, or Banter in Fremont. But I'm sure some may find value in the offerings here, for me, it just misses the mark.

What a dream!!! This bookstore feels like it belongs in a hidden nook in NYC or in Europe somewhere, but it's in Palo Alto. It took me a minute to figure out the layout of the genres, but wow. It is truly a bibliophile's dream. We had some time to kill before a dinner reservation nearby, and taking me into any bookstore is dangerous, because I want all the books. My partner reminded me I had to carry these books on this rainy evening and put them somewhere during dinner (we Ubered from SF), so I didn't indulge, but I will be back. The first editions, the rare prints, and the knowledge of the staff were mind blowing. I'm certain that you can find what you're looking for here, and if not they will get it for you. What a treat just to even peruse.

Heavenly place for readers. The best place for meaningful gifts. The staff is so knowledgable! Find vintage books, new books and lots of joy! They even gift wrap books for free which is too generous!

I think this is the nicest bookstore I have visited in the Bay Area. It feels like something from Hogwarts. Twenty-foot high shelves are filled to the ceiling with beautiful volumes. Antique cabinets display rare editions. Bell's has been a popular bookstore for Stanford students for the last 90 years. Service is friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are good. The location in lively downtown Palo Alto is lovely. Highly recommended.

Bell's Books is a beautifully curated cultural treasure, the selection ranges from rare old volumes, to imaginative children's books, gorgeous gift books, and limited edition local history. The pricing is quite reasonable for the quality.

Employees are incredibly dismissive and conceited. We've come multiple times to give them chances but each time seems to be getting worse. I witnessed an employee chat with what seemed to be a regular customer for the entirety of my visit, the employee rang up multiple customers and didn't seem to give them really any attention so he could continue the conversation with the woman. They then proceeded to have an extremely loud conversation about politics and a couple out of pocket unprofessional exchanges relating to world politics and such. Really would prefer to be able to look at the nice outdated books without hearing about politics. Do better and be welcoming to your customers.

One of the greatest Book Stores in the Cosmos. Seriously homey. Nice folks work there. Always friendly. It's a bit like being in the Hogwarts Library but slightly less quiet. Just FYI: Holly J. is clearly full of beans... the tasteless kind... and obviously of a certain Political Persuasion that feels uncomfortable around actual "Learning." That is the only kind of person who wouldn't LOVE Bell's.

Everyone was friendly and helpful. The interior designer was delightful and I look forward to going back

Really disappointing how things have changed, Bells used to feel like a welcome and warm place to learn about books, authors, and literatures, and now feels like a stuffy place where the owners are SO obsessed with people potentially stealing their books that they don't realize their behavior comes off as racist and off-putting. From the moment I walked in, I felt scrutinized and unwelcome. Being made to feel like I was stupid for asking questions. The owners suspicious attitude made browsing extremely uncomfortable, as if she was expecting me to do something wrong. After all that, being asked to leave my very small bag downstairs when I had important medical supplies and rescue medications in it that I can't be separated from is insane. You can't expect disabled people to leave supplies on a separate floor from them. It's clear that this bookstore is not a safe or inclusive environment. There are plenty of other bookstores that are more welcoming and respectful to all customers.

I was here looking for books and found interesting story books for children. The service is great, if you have any questions on specific types of books, they help you. I paid and the receipt was sent to my email.

What a happy find! We were walking around and found this shop and ended up getting some gifts for co workers and treat yo self moment. Very cool first editions, carefully curated series for sale and awesome tote bags. We spent about forty minutes pursuing each section before people in our group walked away with pocket editions of books, children's book for a co worker. Definitely worth a look inside support local bookstores!

Always love Bell's Books! Something to discover each time. Friendly vibe, bookish atmosphere. Browsing fun. Unique books old and new.

Smaller local bookstore full of older and used books. They have some collectibles for a lot of money too. I like bookstores and this one has a great variety and some newer books too.

Most lovely book store I've been to in a while! Beautiful, great selection and you can tell the owner and employees genuinely care about the books and those who read them. Please take the time to visit this real life "Shop Around the Corner!"

This is a nice local family owned bookstore in downtown Palo Alto. There are two levels of books, and there are a lot of books! Some of the shelves in the back are quite narrow - barely big enough to fit one person per row, but it's kind of fun being back there browsing all these volumes. The book selection is interesting. They have an assortment of new, used, and rare books. I think that if the book looks new and there is no yellow store sticker on it, it is considered new and the price is the market price. If it's a used book, the price is generally written in pencil on the first page on the upper right hand corner. They had a nice selection of fiction and sci-fi books (the two areas I'm probably most interested in). I bought a used copy of The History of Love for $7 The customer in front of me bought like $120+ worth of books which was great! The staff was helping the customer in front of me select a bunch of stuff the whole time I was in the store.

Such a cute mom and pop shop in the middle of downtown Palo Alto! I loved the home-y vibes, narrow aisles, and the tall shelves stacked with books. This bookstore has a lot of personality and it's nice if you're browsing! They have a large variety of genres, but popular current novels may be sold out. For example, I was looking for Crying at H-Mart and they only had 1 copy left. I didn't buy anything, but I still enjoyed my visit and hope to come back again one day!

Visited here three months ago, I got my vintage book under $10 and it is in great condition. The bookstore has a wide selection for classic books, so if you like older books you would like to visit here. They also have limited editions, autographed books. The staff was very helpful and caring for my book search. Lastly, the tote bag I got from the book store is just beyond gorgeous!

Bell's Books is a lovely family-owned bookstore in Downtown Palo Alto. They have a wide variety of new, used, and rare books. The store is very quaint and cozy with many nooks and crannies. The staff here are very friendly and knowledgeable. This is great place to stop by to find new books to read!

I had to leave before I bought too many books. There are so many collectibles to look at. The layout resembles a cross between a library and a used bookstore, situated on multiple levels with charming nooks to explore. I already had in mind what I was looking for, otherwise I could have browsed for hours. A great find!

Bell's Book Store is a fun, quirky independently owned book store replete with rare hard back and paper back 1st editions stemming back to the midcentury. It's one of those bookstores you'll wanna get lost in. Just slowly meander through the aisles until you find some hidden gems.

Lovely bookstore. This book store have limited editions and 1st editions books stored in glass cabinets which is interesting to glimpse at. Large variety of books, statues and figurines at every eye turn. Definitely a must visit if your nearby.

Why aren't you browsing and buying from this local independent book shop RIGHT NOW? While I always loved poking around the old layout (reminded me of a fun, eccentric's attic, filled with treasures!) it has been recently updated with even more attractive displays and clear aisles for easier selection and shopping. Yay! They have vintage books and children's books and cookbooks and signed-by-the-author books and curiosities like a set of Tin Tin books in English and French. Tons of new releases and they will happily order stuff for you with a smile. I urge you to shop and buy here and check out the ever-changing, cool window displays too. A great way to round out your day trip to downtown PA - grab an ice cream before or after your trip to this straight-out-of-a classic-movie book shop with the friendliest and nicest staff. They give you space but ready to help when you need them. (Don't forget your mask if you visit during the pandemic.)

This is a beautiful bookstore with great variety of new and old books. Everyone who works there is incredibly kind! I would definitely recommend visiting. You won't regret it!

We love quaint book shops and they don't come more quaint than this. Just off the main shopping street in Palo Alto, Nells is two floors of wooden book cases with older and unusual Books and collectors editions. There are lovely nooks to sit and browse. The air is heady with old books aroma. A very good local and California collection. I found a number of unique PG Wodehouse books as well as a first edition hardcover copy of The Mikado. Shakespeare and Elizabethan dramatists are well represented as are Westerns. They were happy to ship me a carton of books i didn't wish to carry. These arrived in wxcellnet condition. There are some Nice cards and gifts. Excellent and knowledgeable service

I've been living in the Bay Area my entire life and I have never stepped foot in Bell's Book Store until a little over a week ago. Based on other reviews, I can see why people like Bell's for its unique selection and its amount of rare titles. Their used selection of contemporary books is few and far between, but most of their rare and unique books are definitely used. I love the old, vintage feel of Bell's and how open the space is!

Plethora selection of books and even some that are hard to find -- new and used. What's not to like? I love to come here even just to browse. Very friendly staff that are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Support your local bookstore!

Sold quite a few older books for a fair price. Call ahead to find out if you need an appointment (likely don't if it's a small quantity, but they can confirm and tell you the days a buyer is guaranteed to be there (currently Tues and Thurs). Friendly staff.

I have mixed feelings about this store. It has a gorgeous layout, but the actual organization of it leaves a lot to be desired. The selection appears to be completely random: some classics, some current hits, and a few untranslated works. The whole store feels like a maze. Contemporary works are split between two different areas on the first floor, children's books are surrounded by books on political affairs, and glass cabinets containing rare books don't always have subject matter that matches the section they're in. Bell's doesn't mark down the prices of their books like most used bookstores. I was able to find a book I liked, but I was disappointed that it was the same price as a copy at Barnes & Noble. I did enjoy how quiet the store was. No one spoke above a whisper. The building is soundproofed so well you won't hear the outside world unless a window is cracked. I didn't regret going to this store, but I'd only come back if I was bored and had nothing else to do.

A perfect place for book-lovers with helpful, friendly staff. Their collections make for great gifts.

My husband and I get all our literary presents here. I feel like I've stepped back in time. They do have new/popular reads, but also a good helping of vintage/classic. The workers are very knowledgeable and helpful. If I'm not sure what book I'd like to buy, I can count on a Bell's Book Store pro to lead me in the right direction. If I'm having a leisurely look for myself, I can relax because no one is breathing down my neck. I was thrilled to find a book called Los Pollitos Dicen. It's a bilingual book based on a childhood rhyme my parents used to sing to me. Now, it's one of my baby's favorites! This is a really special place. They also have beautiful gift wrapping for FREE!

I looooove this book store. I love the sweet and funny staff. I love the books and the energy. The have the most amazing selection of books. The staff treated me with compassion. They are ready to help with any question. I can't wait to go back.

So adorable! Love that masks are still enforced since it's such a small/high touch space. A great mix of new and used/collectible books. Didn't end up purchasing this time but will be back!

Community bookstore with a wide selection of new and used books, stationary, and book bags scattered around the store. Staff was very friendly and asked if one of my purchases was a gift - she gladly wrapped it for me in store! Recommend coming here and supporting this small business!

Bookstores have a special place in my HEART! I love reading different kind of books and honestly i feel as though I've escaped from my world and into the world of the book I am reading. If there was a yelp dedicated to books I'd be the first one to sign up. This is a cute bookstore and It has so many different kind of genres. The owners are very sweet and I have to say it's very rare to come across bookstores like this one because it's so old fashioned.

I'm a bibliophile and this place is amazing. A family owned business, Bell's book store has been selling books since 1935. This place has history. I came here hoping to find a particular book. Although they didn't have it, I found other unexpected titles for pretty good prices. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. They are strict with their backpack policy which is completely understandable. I hope I can visit this place this place again soon and find the books I was searching for.

This is a really cool old world bookstore, that has been in business since 1935. Bell's grabs you immediately with their pleasing window displays and sucks you in as you walk in the door and see books from floor to ceiling. There is also an extensive selection on the mezzanine and a nice comfy stuffed chair in one corner. I also enjoyed some added touches including little gift offerings strategically placed throughout the shelves, the classy antique glass book cases, and the printing press display. The books themselves are mostly recycled (including previous private collections) which are loved and cherished by the people who work and shop here. The prices for these treasures also seem fair. My only concern is the almost overpowering temptation to enter one of the forbidden "employees only" back rooms and see for myself what other literary treasures await....

I was filled with such joy to find that such a bookstore still existed today!! haha Bell's Book Store is without a question, a local gem. It's not the type of place you would go to looking for 50 Shades of Gray or teen fiction books. It is the definition of a bookstore with the classical richness and historical atmosphere you'd expect, as if you're exploring someone's personal accumulation of books- I loved the personal and intimate feel to it :) They have a great selection on classic literature and also theological and intellectual books upstairs on philosophy, law, history, etc. My inner nerd was geeking out so hard and I was surprised to see that they possessed original copies and limited edition books too! The shelves are literally from the floor to the ceiling and I absolutely love the creaky wood floors and the reading ladders.

First time visitor this Friday night and I think I fell in love with a bookstore. I love how they close at 9pm so you have the whole night to browse the books. It's really the experience of a physical brick and mortar store that's priceless. I continue to support independent bookstores. This one is so charming. They have old books (first editions!) and new books too. The employees are friendly and don't mind you browsing. There is so much to explore and look at. When you realize you're almost done with a bookshelf, there are more! There's two floors of books. The books are displayed so artfully too. I will be coming back here!

Thinking about all of you during this crazy time. I hope that you are all well. You guys were among the first family owned business that came to mind during this shutdown. Your shop is where I go when I am at odds with the world. I send you all health and peace...just know that you are appreciated and valued

I had some business in Palo Alto yesterday, and I'd looked beforehand - as is my habit - for any possible bookstores in the area. Some of the reviews on the customer service here had me worried, but honestly, I got treated very courteously by all three employees I encountered there. Upon entering the store I was greeted with a smile at the door by an older gentleman on the front desk. I browsed the selection for maybe some 40 minutes before noticing a placard asking customers to leave any bigger purses at the counter, so I stopped an older lady (owner?) walking by to apologise for not complying, but she assured me that there was no problem and offered to take my purse with her to the front desk so that I could continue browsing the bookshelves without disruption. After some two hours of browsing and five books in my arms, I went to the counter and had a nice little chat with the two ladies there. When I told them I was from out of town, I was even given some nice tips on where to go and what to see in Palo Alto. The bookstore is in a great location, has a very wide selection, and has a comfortable and cutely nostalgic decor. They have new and used books, and the prices vary, but in general I found them to be very reasonable. The only downside I could mention is that they didn't seem to have much literature in foreign languages. Then again, the bookshelves reached the ceiling and were very full, so I may have missed things. Summa summarum: I love, love, LOVE this store! It's a rare gem, and I sincerely hope they keep up the great work for years and years to come. I will definitely drop by again.

Decent selection, although I wish they had a wider variety of children's books in foreign languages.

My very elderly neighbor could no longer stay in her home and confessed she was running out of funds, and that is why she needed to sell as much of her personal contents. I had her contact a professional appraiser and see what the contents of the house were really worth. Being raised from the turn of the century she had a lot of books. The appraiser listed some of the early sets as being worth at least $250 to $300 as they were complete and in good order. I called Bell's Books and a gentleman answered the phone and put me in touch with Faith. When I described the titles and the shape they were in I could tell by their follow up questions they were really interested in purchasing them as they were rare collectible titles. I took the boxes of books to the store and Faith met me with a hand cart to get the books form the parking lot across the street and to the store. Everything was fine until she started to rife through them finding any little fault she could and I could tell this was not going to go well right away. I told her the appraised value, but she low balled me and gave me the attitude that she was doing me a favor I did not have to lug the all the way back to my car. In the mean time it was amusing to see how they deal with prospective customers. I explained it was for an old neighbor and Faith went on about caring for her mother. I took what she offered as she said it was her best and final. I know books are not the rage in the ipad world, but I thought she could have at least worked with me on some kind of equable price. So sellers beware if you plan on selling rare and collectable books to Bell's Books. I think I got MY Bell rung. Hope they enjoy the marked up profits from the proceeds!

This place just feels so right. Exactly what a bookstore should be. The lovely ladies who run this place are so helpful and knowledgeable. They'll find anything for you. They've got a great little kids section, not loaded with trash like Borders and the other huge book retailers. I pop into Bell's every time I'm in Palo Alto. I wish it were closer to me here in Boston, but then it wouldn't be the same. It belongs exactly where it is, the same place it's been for over 70 years.

A very cool used bookstore... no junk... all cool and/old books... a fun place to visit... they know their books...