Marcus Books

I finally made it out to this iconic bookstore and it did not disappoint! The selection is amazing and vast, and the staff are sweet and helpful. I left feeling inspired, motivated, and extremely proud of being a part of the community. It’s a must visit for anyone in Oakland!

I had a great first time experience at Marcus Books. I called last week to see if they had a book I was looking for, they ordered it for me and called me when it had arrived a week later. Friendly and helpful! They have a wonderful selection of books and a great atmosphere to explore their offerings. Will definitely be back!

I've been coming here for years since I was a little girl with my mom. I love the huge selection of books by and about the black diaspora. The books are a bit pricey but that's how it typically is when you're patronizing a small business. I'm glad this business is still here after all these years and I will continue to shop here for books.

Beautiful book store with such a wide array of books centered on black culture! I love the Afrocentric atmosphere and the owner was very helpful and friendly.

Love this store. Been bringing my daughter here monthly for years. Hope to continue this tradition until she’s old enough to come on her own

I met Blanch and she was very helpful in ordering me a book they were currently out of. I can’t wait to go back and find more books. 10/10 I love this place already and I’ve been there once

Very well stocked, clean, conveniently located, community bookshop. Specializing in books by, for and about Black people. Extensive collection of children's books. Some lifestyle, cookbooks, too. Very friendly helpful knowledgeable personnel. Shopping experience enhanced by soulful background music, mostly jazz.

I favorably recommend this Bookstore for Books, Black Culture, Greeting Cards, and other gifts. The amazing woman that helped me today. Made me so proud of our Rich History. I am so wonderfully happy that this store remains in Oakland. So, much has change but our history and knowledge is here at this little gem! One of Oakland's Gems! KEEP SUPPORTING OAKLAND'S GEM

Absolutely without a doubt the most amazing bookstore for a few reasons; Remember the old bookshops, that smell of paper, whose book displays of the most vivid eye-catching covers caught your eye? Lure you in? Invite you to linger over their contents for a bit? The shops in which you could look forward to familiar faces and be introduced to titles akin to your last purchase? Shops with bulletin boards, that hold book clubs and update Newsletter's...This is that. Without any reinventing Marcus has been the bookstore I've shopped at my entire life, my grandma first took me when I was 7 and I'm so happy to now purchase my son's favorite titles here. To get a healthy dose of nostalgia anytime I need. To support my community without even breaking a sweat.

Hello All, I am one who loves to leave reviews for others, because being kind does not cost a thing!!! And today I visited Marcus books, for the very first time, I know a lot of people talk about this black owned book store in the heart of Oakland. So today, I decided to go. As when I first walked in, there was a customer the two women were helping. I politely asked if I can bring my dog inside. A small Yorkie in which I carried. One of woman totally ignored me, the other woman very sweet said, " sure if you hold him".. that was no problem and I was thankful for this. However; they were helping an African American man who possibly had some challenges in his mental cognitive skills/abilities... and after he headed out, there were whispers about him... I immediately didn't like this, but I did not even put my head up, I continued to scroll and look for a nice book. A little afterwards, the nice kind woman who said I can hold my dog if I bring him in, had approached me and asked if I was looking for something in particular- I stated yes, and autobiography. She immediately started helping me look for a great one, I never got her name but she even asked the other lady , her mother in which.. for some suggestions... NOW THIS WOMAN; was very cold, rude, not helpful or pleasant at all. And this is who this review is mostly about. PLEASE BE KIND TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. It rubbed me the wrong way, I was so uncomfortable speaking to her. I was still very kind and appreciated on the little answers/suggestions she did give when her daughter the other woman asked her. But she was sooooooo cold and unpleasant!!! I went here to literally support a black owned business and got this unpleasant behavior from a woman who worked here and owned this place for 65 years, and now has passed it to her daughter I believe and still working there also. To the kind woman, THANK YOU FOR BEING KIND. I so apologize but I will NEVER go back here. I bought a great book today, I could have bought on Amazon for 11.50$ but bought it at your store for 18$... could have saved, but wanted to contribute to a black owned business and it bit me in the butt... this is why most of our people don't support our own people, bad business, bad attitude. I hope this helps others!!! Then after posting my review. I got harassed and disrespected by this woman. Again, DO NOT GO HERE. YELP, is a. Platform for us to utilize our customer service experience that's why it's here and to find great places to visit, with the help of others experiences... TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE- and to now be badgered with awful disturbing messages is TERRIBLE. * see messages below

Came here with my son for the first time. Not a big plane but they have a ton of books and other items. The kids section was great. The staff women were very nice and even came over and helped my son choose his own book.

I've been coming here since I was a kid and used to love it. Now, it's OK. I do wish them well. The person working there was on the phone for the first 30 minutes of our visit and I noticed that my husband had books in hand for purchase. They do have books from other cultures which is good. But I've been in some places in LA and NYC and the greet and meet game is on point. So much so, that I will order books for delivery. We were finally welcomed and all was good until I mentioned my father, a former customer (he passed away) and the conversation stopped. I don't know if this person absolutely hated him. But usually, when mentioned, people will be at least kind. She was kinder when she didn't know the relation. The books are what they are. I was looking for something more metaphysical like I've seen in some of the other stores. But, here I can look up a book and find it at my library. I've wanted to come here for awhile because it's been ages, but one visit and I see why I was so distant. That being said, they do have the cutest bags and coffee cups with images of black women. There is a whole table of books for children which is cool. And the YA section is interesting, especially since that wasn't a thing when I was a kid. But, I have no reason to come by and get anything, so I probably won't do so. The value is good, as long as you are looking for that unique find. They have that in spades. And yes, like with most local places, you will pay a touch more, but that's not an issue when it comes to supporting Black American businesses. I just choose to go to places that are welcoming to the community in a way that feels less performative.

Soooooo thankful Marcus is still around! Please support so your kids and grandkids will know what it feels like to explore and discover books!

What a wonderful book store. I wanted to be in there for hours and just browse. They have books from all over and great subjects. Very organized and just a nice place these days to actually find books .

My favorite place to buy books. I spent many years buying and hanging out in the SF store until they closed. Now I buy my books from the Oakland location. Marcus books has such a warm atmosphere, great service, and an incredible selection of books by Black Authors. I love it!!!

Great place for culture Small business Owners are very friendly and helpful Great resource for black and brown people

Date: 6/19/2021 Time: 1:50 PM 79° Sunny & clear It has been quite a while since I have been to Marcus Books. I was there for a reading by Jacqueline Luckett, author of the book Searching for Tina Turner over 10 years ago. The event was in celebration of Black History Month. Why did I decide to visit today? Earlier this morning I received an email from Barnes and Noble to celebrate Juneteenth by stopping in to shop for books by black authors. The occasion to celebrate Juneteenth and its significance is showing my support of Marcus Books (small black business) and giving back to the black community. I deem that more appropriate. Not only did I browse but also shop for a few books for reading enjoyment. It also led me to do a little impulsive buying of three items - 2 face masks, a box of African American History Knowledge Cards and a Black Panther (movie) calendar. Though Marcus Books may not be as huge as chain bookstores, they specialize in selling books by African American authors. I couldn't stay long as I had elsewhere to go. Spending about $90 was well worth it. There will be returned visits in the future.

Thank you Yelp for listing this as a Black Owned Business to support. Also BIG shout out to each and every supporter who keeps this establishment alive! Such an honor to visit the Nation's oldest Black Owned independent bookstore, celebrating their 60th year! Ever so sweet Ms. Blanche, helped me find their last copy of Kamala's book, "The Truths We Hold." I also can't wait to dive into, "The Beautiful Ones," in remembrance of Prince. This gem has solid binding, heavy pages, profound photography, and yes, snapshots of his handwritten memoirs! Lisa found poems by Tupac! And her search for the perfect face mask was also fulfilled at Marcus :) Lots of great reads for all ages. You've got to check it out!

I had heard of this place time and time again annnd had added it to so many of my "when-I'm-back-home to do lists" but hadn't had a chance to go until I went and my goodness! There is something so very special about walking into a bookstore and seeing Black books everywhere. My friend and I walked the aisles reminiscing, sharing stories of our favorite plots, and overall just leaning into the glory of it all. I had also just watched the High on the Hog Netflix series and to be able to not just to see Jessica B. Harris' book on the shelf but also an entiiiiire section on Black cookbooks and the history of Black food, just so special. From the young Black girl that used to spend hours and hours in B&N looking for books with people like me on the cover and the one who sat in AP English classes reading everything but Toni Morrison and other Black greats, the one who just recently discovered Audre Lorde and Zora Neale Hurston.. thank you for this space!! I am so very thankful for treasures like this and will most definitely be back!

This place is simply legendary. One of the great Black bookstores you'll find anywhere. They'll drop knowledge on you and surprising doses about a wide range of subjects. Best of all the guide you to the books that will help you become knowledgeable too. Marcus will order books for you! So support, support, support! I used to love the original in San Francisco. RIP. Now I have this place in my neighborhood just five blocks from my house. I am incredibly lucky. I just don't go frequently enough and I should support the place more. Especially because I hate Amazon.

Historical! I saw Marcus Book Store on TV a few weeks ago at the barbershop, and I just fell in love all over again with Oakland and its history. As a black man, black educator, and growing bibliophile, I had to visit and feel the spirit of this historic bookstore. ALL BLACK EVERYTHING. Black arts. Black authorship. Black access (to knowledge). What more can I say? I must bring my friends and my students to this place, just so they can see BLACK intellect, BLACK love, and BLACK business.

A rare treasure of a bookstore, with a history of community service and a wealth of African American authors. It's the go-to bookstore for knowledge of authors you want to read and warmth of community. I love patronizing this place!

Great bookstore - an instant favorite! I read about Marcus Books found on the list of Black-owned Bookstores on the Yelp Blog recently and I thought it looked pretty cool. Since I was in the area, I made a point to stop by. It's on a quiet street in a rustic looking building. We parked a little ways down the street. It was late morning on a Saturday and there was one other customer browsing when we arrived. They turned some music on shortly after we came in. It's super well stocked and well curated. They've definitely made great use of the space. Right by the door there are rows of current events related books, popular memoirs, music biographies, and some books about activism. The till is at the back along with all the customer orders. In the left half of the store they have a couple of tables with selections and another two rows of books. There's lots of non-fiction and an ample fiction section. There's also a children's section which looked like it was well stocked with great titles, and a couple of history shelves. There's also some local art on the walls and some foliage which keep the place feeling lively. I could've stayed ages and absolutely wiped out my wallet, but since it was the first stop of the day I tried rein it in. I did pick up three titles though: two essay collections I'd seen around (The Unknown Americans, which was nominated for the Pulitzer, and Minor Feelings), and a novel. The lady who helped us check out was friendly. She gave me a few bookmarks and said she hoped to see us again. I certainly hope to be back!

This was so fun to venture to this third generation black owned bookstore in Oakland. I first read about it in the Diverse Spines Bibliophile all the way in San Diego and when visiting a friend we went. This place is a MUST. Filled with art, books and history.

There's a lot of history in this book store, and one piece of it is that it's one of the oldest black-owned book store that caters to the community. I ordered a few book from them online and through the phone and each person who picks up are another gentle voice after another either giving me a timeline of when the books I wanted will come in, or has come in, or ready for pick up. Each time I step through those doors, I felt welcomed (even if I am of a different skin tone). They always been helpful and never shied away from helping me. I highly recommend this place, not only because it's a local spot but because there's so much history to this place and that we can all learn a thing or two by picking up a few books from here.

This is a gem of a bookstore focusing on Black authors. They have a great selection of books. It really is a complete bookstore featuring BIPOC authors and themes. They have a good selection of children's books, cookbooks, fiction, non-fiction, etc. It has great lighting inside and you feel like you're walking into another world. It's so calm inside and has that great bookstore smell. The people that work there are so nice too. I love this place so much. I don't buy many books, but when I do I try to buy them here.

I love a bookstore in general. I miss having Marcus Books in SF still, but happy to browse and buy when I'm in the east bay. I go in for one book and always leave with something else unexpected and inspiring. Plus. Added bonus of supporting this historic local institution as well as supporting a small, local, black owned business instead of a giant corporation that supports its owner flying into outer space while underpaying its workers? Yeah. That too.

I've been a fan and supporter of Marcus Books for years! Outside of being able to buy a book from a local, independent and black-owned business, I've also attended great book readings/signings. In the past year, I've been to Walter Mosley's book signing -- twice! I've engaged in some great conversations with the owner and always feel right at home when I walk in the door. Will definitely continue to support Oakland's gem of a bookstore, and I hope others will as well.

I enJOYed perusing the shelves. They literally have all things Black book related. Marcus Books also has dope post cards and greeting cards. I could've easily spent $200 in that place. I'll always visit and find something. I accidentally left the books I purchased in my friend's car so no pics of those. ‍

First off, I must say what a lovely bookstore Marcus Book Stores is! There is a wide selection of books offered here including children's books, fiction, non-fiction, autobiographies, etc. The staff is super friendly and helpful, can't find what you're looking for they will!

Steeped in history and black excellence. A wonderful family owned business. It's very easy to end up walking out with a load of books! There's something for everyone in the family.

Today was pretty historic for me, I've lived in Oakland my entire life and it's crazy because I've never heard of Marcus book store I know,I know, please don't crucify me. I recently developed a love for books again and I started searching local bookstores near me on yelp, that is were I stumbled across Marcus bookstore and I was completely satisfied by all the amazing reviews I just had to make time and stop by to see the historic bookstore within Oakland. I am so happy that I found this black owned bookstore that is local and has a lot of black authors, black books, and black comic that aren't normally found at other local bookstores. I will continue to support this local gem. Thank you again for staying in Oakland and giving us a piece of home while everything is changing so suddenly front of us. Until next time NYA!

My favorite and most treasured book store: Marcus Book Stores! I shop here on numerous occasions for my personal collection and for gifts for friends and each time, I leave feeling happier than when I arrived. Blanche is a gem and deserves her flowers. She's always helpful each time I shop in store and make special/pre-orders. They have many genres across all ages and it is guaranteed that you will not leave empty handed. They go above and beyond to order any book that is not in stock, so do yourself a favor and patronize the historical anchor that is MBS.

This bookstore quickly became a family favorite. Wonderful selection of books with an incredible children's section. We visited during the holiday season and was gifted children's books for our kids. This was such a thoughtful gesture. We forward to having our kids grow up and continue to explore in this bookstore.

This is a great place to find books that relate to African American history. I have always enjoyed visiting their site.

I was in town for business in Palo Alto. Since it was my first time in the area I decided to stay in downtown San Francisco. Before I left Atlanta, the Uber driver told me to make sure I made my way to Marcus Books in Oakland. As an author I can only dream to have my books in there some day. The ambiance took me to a place of black pride, heritage and prosperity. The other reviews had me reluctant to go because of them saying there was an unfriendly welcome. That was not my experience at all! This place has great books on OUR culture! This is truly a historical landmark.

I enjoy shopping at Marcus books and try to always prioritize shopping here for my books. They seem to always have what I'm looking for plus some. If I can't make it to the store, I'm glad I can order books via bookshop to support them. The lady here has always been very nice to me as well. I appreciate that they give you bookmarks with your purchase. Nice store and I would recommend it to anyone!

So beautiful to find a book store by Black people for Black people featuring books by and about Black people. I found a ton of books I've been having a difficult time finding anywhere else. They even had free "#BLACKLIVESMATTER" black/white wristbands when you check out! Will definitely be back here.

Marcus Books has been selling books about african amerians for well over 50 years. this probably isn't their original location. they sell new books, no used ones. . surprised to see them selling cookbooks, dvd's, maps, postcards, et al. also cool they have a discontinued book section. picked up a classic cheap. buys: "tally's corner: a study of Negro streetcorner men" (Elliot Liebow) -$3 note: -wouldn't come here late in the afternoon or early evenings......

I had been meaning to go to Marcus Books for quite some time. Finally got a chance today. Visiting a black bookstore is a heavy and immensely sad but also inspiring experience. I got the same feeling there that I always do when I read about our Shaheeds ("martyrs" in Sikh culture). This culture of justice, strength, intelligence, spirituality, and militarism is something I have always gravitated towards, even when I didn't quite understand why. Oh look I just made this about myself. What I really want to say: the struggle for truth and justice is universal, support small businesses of the historically disadvantaged, and when talking to the owner, don't tell her that you haven't read the Black Panther stuff by Ta-Nehisi Coates because you're not into comic books (they are called GRAPHIC NOVELS, OKAY?). Ok, so the place is amazing. The people are amazing. The content (books, posters, calendars, etc.) is amazing. 100/10.

Such a great book store! I went in for the first time to look for some books for a research essay and also get the Noname book club picks. The woman who helped me was very friendly and also recommended further reading to help with my project! They have a solid selection of authors across time periods, both fiction and nonfiction (and a kids section). I was able to get the two book club books, two books I had in mind for my essay, and a brand new title to me that will work super well with what I'm writing. The shop is well organized too!

I had a great experience with Marcus Books when I ordered online with them early this week and my books came much sooner than I expected! COVID is making me afraid to go into a store right now, that is why I can't rave enough about my online experience because I have never been to Marcus Books, but the Marcus Books' website was easy to navigate, I found my books in a blink and checked out quickly. Buy from Marcus even if you can't get to the store!

Amazing customer service!! Had a large list of titles my company wanted to order and they had all of them! Definitely recommend supporting Marcus Books, they are awesome!

When I say for the culture!!! Mom and I went down to the bookstore, the avid readers we are, and instantly fell in love. The attendant was nice and didn't hover, she was available for questions and knew what books we were looking for before we could finish our sentence. At some places that would be annoying but I love an efficient bookstore clerk. This store has been in Oakland for decades and I'm so upset that I've just started to come. I have cancelled my B&N membership, sad to go, and will be shopping here exclusively!

I love this little spot in Oakland. I came by middle of a day as I was passing by on a run and I'm so glad I did as they had a great selection of books. Given all the events of 2020 books on antiracism are in high demand and Marcus Books has a great selection of those among other things packed into their small shop. There was just one lady behind the counter and she was available and friendly but left me to browse at my own leisure.

I grew up in Oakland, born and raised. I guess with the new Oakland only white customers get greeted. Stopped in when I was in town and the woman was overly and extra friendly to a white customer in the store. Even after that customer left she didn't say a word to me. Can't pretend you didn't see me since I have to squeeze by in the small space. Came back another time and I believe there was a guy working, he didn't say a word either after looking me dead in my eyes. Marcus books will never get a penny from me.

A few weeks ago, I was in search of Bettina Love's We Want to Do More Than Survive, which is sold out everywhere and has a 2-3 month wait at the least. They told me the expected to get it in soon, and actually called me about 4 days before the estimated date they gave me. They somehow found it when other stores didn't even have inventory!! I do a lot of racial justice work and will definitely be purchasing from them again.

Such a sweet and lovely sanctuary. Being the oldest African American bookstore in the country, this spot is filled with history, culture and amazing books for adults, preteens and kids. My first time here was to see my favorite author Sister Souljah about one month ago, and since then have fallen in love with the atmosphere and book collection. There are several selections but what I love most is that the entire store is filled with black authors versus a tiny designated "African American" shelf that's in other stores. Coming here is always super nostalgic and inspiring. Other notes: - Cards and calendars for sale. - 2 hour street parking. - Friendly & Knowledgeable staff. - Great gifts for anyone. - Lots of free signings & events.

Why have I not come here before?!? I caught myself writing down so many titles I didn't know about so I can add to my literary wish list. Great children's selection as well. Black owned and amazing. Must visit this historical Oakland gem! I highly recommend visiting and supporting this wonderful book store!

Shout out to Marcus bookstore. The staff is great, Especially now with the influx of business I only assume they are getting. It is well deserved. We have to not only preserve our black owned businesses but push them to the forefront of their industry. After reading Vanishing Half, I went and grabbed a few other good reads to get me thru Covid. It wasn't my first visit nor will it be my last.

Can you believe this was the first time I ever came here to the Oakland location ever? When they were in San Francisco on Fillmore St, (the first Marcus bookstore) I'd go occassionally. I was so hurt when they closed but moving on, I recently reignited my passion for reading & I came here today delighted. It was like a field trip lol My love got two books & I got two books. I found everything I was looking for & he did as well. It was a quiet Saturday, we were the only ones in there at the time but it was worth driving to Oakland from San Francisco to get these books. I would usually order books on Amazon. Marcus Bookstore, the nation's oldest black bookstore. I love it! And will be back.

I let my mind March right into this Oakland Gem. I supported this business. Try it, go there with an open mind and a will to learn. They have books from Ancestral, Cultural, Learning, Comedy and even Pimp books! Buy a gift or help a child read. Drop that knowledge!

Really incredible Black owned family bookstore, thank you for serving your community all these years. Educate yourselves, support Black owned business' goddamnit!

Sooooooo many great titles. I love this bookstore, and it's so important to uplift and center black voices and support black businesses.

Bookstores are rare in the age of Amazon. A Black owned bookstore is even more rare. This Oakland gem is full of literature, cookbooks, poetry, non-fiction, posters, and tons of children's and young adult books by authors of color. Teachers and parents will love this store in assisting culturally responsive teaching. I personally spent hundreds of dollars here building a classroom library that reflects my students experience. One of the owners (mother & daughter) are always on site. They are both well read. Extremely down to Earth and can discuss and recommend books for days. I love this place. I see to it that I honor its legacy and contribution by spending my dollar there often.

The most wonderful bookstore and black-owned -- lovely lovely folks. Get ALL your books here and stop supporting @&$*^%# Amazon!!

A great beacon of light in today's world. Black history. Gems upon gems upon gems. This type of treasure trove of books on blackness simply doesn't exist anymore. Visit and visit often. This place must remain.