The Bookstore

Shop here, shop here, shop here. This is the kind of deep used bookstores with knowledgeable staff that is quickly disappearing. You can't browse and get inspired by scanning Amazon, but walking these shelves can open universes. Their prices are more than fair, the breadth of their collection is mind-boggling and the informed affirmations from staff as you pay are a great reminder of why we've always loved to spend time in establishments such as The Bookstore.

Probably the best bookstore on the planet. Many happy memories here. Not merely a great selection of all sorts of books, the owners are some of the nuttiest, kindest, brightest folks you'll ever meet. N.B. If memory serves, most “massage” books can be found near or in the adult section.

A very nice used book store. They have a nice selection of topics, but I personally don't stray far from the sci-fi section, which was surprisingly large. They had quite a few people in there for a Sunday afternoon. It looked like there was a gathering of typing aficionados in the room to the right. Quite the hang out location they have here.

Love the smell of used and old books. This is a haven for readers. As a Filipino, I stumbled upon a book that I used to read and study when I was in grade school and high school. It was written by a Filipino national hero, Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal. Read almost 20% of the book already. Will surely come back.

The BEST book store in Chico. Period. This place is a Chico classic and a treasure. A perfect example of a local bookstore done right. Amazing selection of books covering a Wide variety of genres and subject matter. So so many gems to be found here. The chill & friendly vibes here, along with its location in dt Chico make this arguably one of the best bookstores in the North State.

This shop provides a wide selection of books in a quaint atmosphere. Whether I'm looking for something specific or just want to browse, I'm never disappointed.

I like this bookstore. My only complaint is that you have to parallel park on the street, and you as a customer cannot use the parking lot next door to this bookstore!!

This place is amazingly cool. Good deals, good books.

The selection is great, and the prices are great, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Favorite bookstore in town!! Anytime someone comes to visit my silly little college town I take them here. They have a diverse range of books and I am sometimes able to find more niche titles too! Also, the workers are very friendly & fun to chat with so that's a plus :D

This place is hipster heaven. I feel like the most interesting people hang out here. Owners are super chill as well and always give me good value for trade ins. Best bookstore north of Sacramento!

Super Duper loved this place! One of the best organized used bookstores I've ever been too. Amazing selection for every genre. I found a lovely poetry book and a children's book for my nephews. Every book looked in perfect condition. Could easily spend an hour here every weekend if I was a Chico local. Would definitely go back ! Appreciate the masked staff and signs for all patrons to wear them too. We were greeted as we walked in. Very welcoming and chill atmosphere.

It's a nice place, and has tons of variety. However there have been multiple times where I found books for more than their retail price, which is a little weird since it's a mostly "used" bookstore. They do have some cool older books and versions however you'd probably find cheaper at a real thrift store or Amazon. Also a couple of the employees were so rude and stared at me the whole time like I was going to steal something. Not super welcoming...

Great service and i appreciate how well they are handling COVID restrictions. I've been here multiple times and I always leave with great books!!

We visited Chico for the 1st time this long weekend and passed by this bookstore after having breakfast at the Upper Crust bakery next door. It was the epitome and more, of what you'd expect in an old time community bookstore. The smell of actual books made me instantly love being there, as well as the Pulp Fiction type jazzy music playing, and the owner was really great and accommodating when I asked her for particular titles. Loved that she had handmade, illustrated books from locals (including her kids), next to the register, and little oddities around the store. Not to forget that the prices of the books are totally reasonable, and loved that there were vintage books too. Highly recommend this bookstore and we'll be sure to stop by again when we return to charming Chico.

I bought my copy of Anne Frank's diary here when I was a college student in 1992. All these years later, my kids and I will drive 1.5 hours from Sacramento just to hang out and stock up on books. I love the atmosphere, variety of books, and hanging out in the chairs to read.

Everything you would ever need to read all inexpensively priced and previously read. If there are multiple copies of something you are looking for check through the prices as some are usually lower priced than others.

The finest retailer in Chico and the most powerful for its citizens. You'd do well to make this a frequent stop whether for gifts to others or gifts for yourself. Treat your mind.

I love coming here with the kids to pick up cheap used books. They have a large kids section and I love that it's separated by reading level. Every time we go we get about 10 books for around 20 bucks. Great deal! I have yet to explore the adult sections but the place is pretty big. Good luck parking on the weekends. Street only. Ride your bike!

This place is a treasure! For a used bookstore its very large and has an incredible selection. I hardly ever buy new because I know that I can almost certainly find what I'm looking for there. Although, most of the time I'm not looking for something, and I just browse until I find something awesome or just stop to read for awhile... To the people feeling screwed on trade-ins, or complaining that prices aren't garage sale cheap... how do you expect them to make any money at all if they didn't have a profit margin on these types of things? Keeping in mind that they're a downtown business with an incredible selection, their prices are remarkably fair. I love the Bookstore, and I'll definitely keep going back.

Today I spent almost two hours at this bookstore going through over 100 different DragonLance books. This is the largest selection I've ever come across and I am very thankful there just happened to be a stool right there for me to sit on while going through the books. I've read some of the reviews on this place and I agree with the positive comments and disagree with the negative ones for the most part. The one exception was that while the prices weren't that bad, it would have been nice if they had some kind of book sale or promotion going on because I walked out with a rather large number of books and would have doubled the books I bought had I been able to save on a bulk purchase. I have enough of these books to last me half a year or longer now. I hope I get to make another trip back up this way before then to pick up another batch.

The Bookstore is the best used bookstore in Northern California. I have been shopping there since I went to Chico State. And now that I live in Southern CA, I ALWAYS stop buy when I'm visiting to scoop up a stack of used books! They have an amazing selection. Don't believe most of the people that complain about the prices. They're great because the books are almost always in great condition. With that said, the place is a disorganized mess. None of the books are organized and you won't get any help from the staff. In all the years I lived in Chico the employee behind the desk never helped me find a particular book I was looking for. In fact, I don't think I ever saw him re shelve any books. Overall, The Bookstore is the only game in town. They've lasted the test of time. And the owner of the store has a few other used shops in the bay area, so the stock at Chico store is constantly being replaced with great rare and hard to find books. It's a great treasure hunt!

I come to Chico once a year and this bookstore is my favorite spot. It has the best stocked children's section I have ever seen. As an elementary school teacher, I often have a hard time replacing books that are worn out in my classroom library. Bookstore has many series books and tons of early reader books. Their non-fiction selection is rivaled only by the San Leandro branch of Lakeshore Learning. The only drawback is that nothing is alphabetized and the staff do not have time to help you (or seem interested). So if you have lots of time on your hands, this place is a treasure trove.

Yes, It's still on my "must do" list but I must retract what I said about it being disorganized. Now the fellow at the desk can take you to the clearly labeled section and the books are alphabetical by author...wow. Please read my previous review, you gotta love those squeaky wooden floors. Get a pastry and coffee at the Upper Crust next door and you're ready for a great day.

Love this place. Let's face it, the paper-book trend is fading fast as more and more people opt for the fancy electronic books that can easily be accessed on one's phone, tablet, etc. This is a fact that I'll never be able to accept. I own a Kindle and have tried reading books on it, but it's just not the same. It just feels wrong. Don't get me wrong. I love technology, but I'll never be able to warm up to electronic books. I love paper books way too much and this is why I'm glad that we still have bookstores like this one. I love walking into this place and browsing through the aisles of shelves loaded with books. I pick up the books that interest me, leaf through them and decide whether or not I'll buy them. I often buy at least one book when I visit, which is usually once every two weeks since the inventory is constantly changing. I've never been disappointed with my purchases here and I often get a nice "Hello" or "Good morning" from the person at the counter upon walking in and then a "Have a nice day" before leaving. I know, these are the usual things you hear, but you won't experience this kind of stuff browsing through electronic books on Amazon. As long as this business stays open I'll be a happy man.

Frankly they have an ass-kickin' selection of (barely) used books. It really is a wonder in today's era to wander through room and after room of second-hand books. It really takes me back. The books are sorted by style and you can often find multiple unused copies of books. It is nearly impossible not to find/buy something of interest. The prices are higher than I would suspect, but that might be my used Amazon calculations at work. The conditions of the books, though, are higher than you will get from an on-line dealer. Hell, the guy always rings your total up on an adding machine. A most stop for a book lover.

This shop is one I discovered with a friend as we explored Downtown Chico and I find myself coming back each time I'm in town. You could spend literally hours here and not get bored. There is much to see and it's organized and broken down into many different genres/categories. The employees are kind, helpful, and best of all they leave you to browse in peace without badgering. The Bookstore also hosts cultural events, poetry readings, and so much more. If you are a lover of books, the writing word, and knowledge you will feel right at home. This store has piles of books so some digging may be required, but honestly it's part of the fun.

I have been coming here for about six years now, since I started school in Chico. Overall I like this bookstore and would recommend visiting when you feel like perusing a used bookstore. The only other place I go in chico for books are the thrift shops. If they had a clearance section I would probably give it 5 stars. Some positives: -The customer service has always been good, they have even looked on the shelves for specific books for me over the phone -They have a considerable selection -Sometimes the books here are cheaper than amazon/ebay -They take into account condition, so you can find multiple copies of the same book at different prices, so check them all if you care to. -The organization seems to be getting better over time Some negatives: -I like it when used bookstores have a clearance section, and this bookstore never has. -sometimes the books here are more expensive than they would be on amazon, including shipping. It is rare that the books seem like a really good deal for used, instead they seem like "fair" prices. (but hey, it's nice to support them over amazon if the price difference is minimal)

I adore the bookstore, I've been going there my whole life! Great selection of used books and if they don't have it they can usually order it for you. A quiet space to browse and read, some local art throughout. It's a special Chico business, and downtown wouldn't be the same without it. I encourage you to check it out and to support them!

Update: Now the guy who really did run it all this time, does own it with his wife, because the of arc of history bends towards justice. The Bookstore just keeps getting better.

I love The Bookstore! A great selection of art books - many bestsellers for much less than new.

I sort of collect bookstores, and this one is pretty! It's pretty well curated, but the lady working there (I think there was only one) didn't seem super interested in any of the customers who were in the store. I wish I'd hand longer to peruse - I could probably stay in there for hours. Books are a little pricier than you typically see in a dingy sort of used bookstore, but not outrageous.

A bookstore now days is a dying thing. That is a shame. However, there are only a few bookstores that I have been in that would garner the support from their community if they were ever in need. The Bookstore in Chico is just such a store. No one wants to see it go because we all know that it is a gem for the community. They have a wonderful selection and great shirts too. Go there, buy books. They make great gifts. They are fun to read. Again, go there and buy books.

Super helpful. Spent six months tracking down a book, low and behold The Bookstore had it. Seeing as I was 2500 miles away in NY, they did everything in their power to make me a satisfied customer over the phone. Great customer service and the book that was shipped to me arrived in perfect condition.

This is a great shop. The store is packed full of amazing books and organized and clean. The old owner was a bit rude, but I hear he's retired and some new young people have taken over--more power to them! The prices are really not bad. Every time I have gone in, I've come out with a bunch of gems. Check this place out!

I have only been here 2 times but this place is a book lovers dream!!!! GREAT place and amazing selection. All of the books are reasonable priced and they even have a great selection for kids. I will definitely be back here in the near future. :)

Great selection, especially of kids books. Almost makes me wish I had kids so I could take them here... almost. Employees are friendly and knowledgeable.

Love this used book store! Prices are pretty inexpensive and they have a huge selection in many different genres. My husband can spend an hour in the history section lol. Always people shopping in here, today is my third time here.

This is a great bookstore!! I loved walking down the aisles to seek out a hidden treasure. My son found 3 graphic novels and I found a book by a favorite author. The staff was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this bookstore for browsing and buying a great book.

I have been going to The Bookstore for many many years and there is nothing like it! I love this place. They always have what I'm looking for and their customer service is excellent. They're the best bookstore in Chico.

The Bookstore has the the best selection of any other local used bookstore. The new owner is worlds better than the previous one-he actually cares about the customers in the store. This is a great browsing store. The only down side is some sections are rather disorganized.

The books are overpriced, and we saw the owner, today, purchasing a TON of books from one of the local Salvation Army stores for the store. It really makes me sad that we saved the business so that he could buy books on sale and jack up the prices to his customers. It used to be a decent place to find used books; now, I won't go in there.

This is a fantastic, used bookstore. I have spent many hours plundering the shelves for rare gems. Two huge rooms stuffed with shelves and lots of fun titles. Antique wood floors and tables piled high with all sorts of stories, lend a surreal taste.The ownership just changed (for the better, in my opinion) and the shelves are becoming more organized and easier to look though. If you are a local, or just passing through Chico you should make a stop into this shop for a taste of what our town has to offer.

One of my favorite places (not just bookstores) in all of Chico. Used to walk by it everyday on my way home from work and couldn't help but stop. I love the musty, used book store smell and the creaky wooden floors. Their kid's section is huge. My four year old always has the hardest time deciding which book/s he wants with so many options but that's fine by me as it allows me more time to browse the labyrinth of shelves throughout the store. I don't go there as often as I used to but still make a point of going at least once a month. I would recommend others do the same. Especially parents.

Chico's own local used bookstore that carries a surprising variety of subjects and titles for its size. The owners and staff are delightful people. Not only do they sell books, yes, but they also host cultural art events at the store as well including modern dance, fashion, readings, etc. What a gem.

I have to say it's a very cool bookstore, but I'm pretty bummed out with there service. I am a local college student and was looking to buy an art book, I was 1 dollar short. I asked if they did a college discount or could help work with me because that's all the money I had, and they told me no they don't do that. Was trying to support local but guess I'll just turn to amazon where it's cheaper anyways...

Liked the selection of books. When my partner asked the person working if they had a particular bestseller the response was to make fun of the book and scoff at it's content. Not nice. Hurt feelings. I don't want to feel judged about my book selections in a book store.

The stacks upon stacks of books when you enter the store, shelves crammed in to the max, the creaking sounds on the floor boards as you walk around...this is a book store everyone should check out. True there really isn't much of a listing of what books are in there, it's hunt and peck as you wander around looking, bu when you find something it's a great bargain! From novels, to cooking, Do It Yourself/Fix it, humor, graphic novels and trade paperback collections of US/UK/Japanese comicbooks, hundreds of sci-fi paperbacks to keep a Trekkie or StarWars fan occupied, new age/occult, a laughably huge amount of those Time-Life book of the month club Ghosts/Wizards/War books, even books on tape...the list goes on and on. Got a rainy day with nothing to do? You could spend a day in there looking around for some deals, but be forewarned there are only a couple chairs in there if you want to find a place to sit.

This place is great! I was looking for some hiking books I saw at Barnes and Noble. I thought they probably won't have such books here, but I checked anyways, and they did. In fact, they had a lot of the same books Barnes and Noble has for way cheaper. Wish the travel section was a bit bigger, but I bought a hiking book and fat atlas of France for just $17.00. Only recommendation, I wish they would put a price sticker on the outside. I saw the original $20.00 price tag on the atlas, and thought it cost $20.00, so I was surprised when the girl only charged $17.00 for everything. I didn't notice until afterwards, that the store's price was written on the inside. They should write it somewhere where it's more visible. Other than that, I have no complaints. I will probably come back to this place a few more times to see if they have anything else I like. I should've asked them if they BUY books.