Walden Pond Books

Stopped in here while in town to help my daughter move for college, and I had a few hours to kill. I was happy they open at 10AM, since most other record shops in thr area didn’t open until noon. I really didn’t expect much from their vinyl selection given the smaller size of the shop and since they appeared to focus more on books than records. But I was super impressed by their great selection, from classic rock, to indie, to electronic, to blues, and jazz. They had new, sealed vinyl as well as some preowned options. I came away buying WAY more than I had expected, as I found a few hard to find titles from my wishlist, several of which were marked down, so the pricing on many were less than I’ve seen at other shops. I liked that their staff provided some of their recommendations on the shrinkwrap, many of which showed good taste in my opinion. Although it’s a lot smaller than the bigger Bay Area record shops, they’ve got some great options! Plus, they had a ton of book options throughout the store. The staff was also very pleasant. If you’re shopping during the week, make sure to pay for parking at the kiosks to avoid the ridiculous parking fines they give out! (I got one for $72 a block away!)

I just love independently owned book stores, especially that have used books. Lots of new and used records too. Great stickers, journals, etc. Seems like there is a big selection of sci fi/ fantasy, if that’s something you’re into. Not as much smut though (or maybe I was just too shy to ask). Altogether a great book store. Next time I will not be bringing my boyfriend so I can browse for longer :)

An Oakland institution since the '70s, Walden pond books includes tons of timely and topical books as well as new, rare first editions and a used section in the back. You will find a great selection of local books including Bay area and oakland-based authors and topics. Best of all for me, it's in an older building with wonderful vintage floors that creak when you walk on them, adding more to the atmosphere of a cozy place to enjoy your reading pursuits. Based off of Grand avenue, one of the primary shopping locations in Oakland. Tons of restaurants and other venues in walking distance, including the Saturday Farmers market and historic Grand lake theater.

This place is a LOST treasure chest in Oakland. The best part of this is every inch of this "lost book store" has something great for anyone! You can really spend a great amount of time inside as well as outside - the mobile book shelves have such amazing deals-all one must do is look through the titles. I ended up with five books from those highly discounted books!!! Make sure you utilize the front desk personnel since they are extremely helpful with anything and everything!

Absolutely the best book store. I enjoy browsing and eventually choosing a book (or two) to buy. One of my regrets of moving from Oakland to South County is not being in close proximity to Walden Pond Books. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful and very friendly.

I love bookstores and this one is worth the visit. I loved the music section.

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****

The sound of the floors adds to the charm of this place. The rare books are amazing.

I stumbled upon Walden Pond after snagging coffee nearby. It's a curious and unsuspecting store from afar with a TON of great reads. They have everything from volumes of comics, to coffee table reads, and likely genres you've never heard of. I had probably 10 books in my hand and had to settle for two. The staff is really helpful and the place is very organized and well kept. It's a super chill vibe just walking around. I'll likely visit regularly because there's just so much to parse through and explore. I'd recommend if you're bored and need some low cost fun to spend the weekend afternoon Loved it

I used to live near here and this Bookstore has been here a long time!! It seems like you never get to spend as much time in a bookstore like this as you want to, you want to make sure you don't miss anything. Besides books, they also sell greeting cards, games, puzzles, and records. This place has been here so long, the old wooden floors 'creak' when you walk on them. Lots of old books to choose from here, which is the appeal to me. Located on Grand Avenue in Oakland, a very popular bookstore!!

Who doesn't love a small business bookstore? They were friendly on the phone when I called to ask about a book and were also helpful in person when I came by to buy it.

This is my favorite local bookstore. I've gone here to buy books for all kinds of special occasions over the years. I especially like that they have bilingual books for kids. Unfortunately, with them closing at 7:00 p.m. it's been tough for me to get here after work. Today I showed up a couple minutes before closing but they had already locked up. What a bummer. Wish they were open later.

I'm all for supporting small, local businesses. However, I'm not wiling to pay literally x5 Amazon prices. Also, the snobby and patronizing owners/employees (?) don't make visiting their store an enjoyable experience. Don't recommend.

Favorite indie bookstore in Oakland! They have a great selection and diversity of authors. I was recommended to come here because they organize collections for LBTQIA and/or POC books. I even stumbled upon the stairs and caught the rare book room section while it was open. It has character and feels like an adventure as you browse, I really love bringing friends when we're near the lake!

I've been in love with the selection of record, books, and really well curated card selection for my 15+ years of patronage. The only caveat to this is the staff. It always feels like I'm interrupting a private meeting when I have a question, other customers are usually left standing while being ignored at the counter, and there is a general sense of disinterest helping people find things. Also, please start wrapping purchases as gifts. This place has saved my life so many times by having exactly the book I want to gift, but all they have in the way of gift accessories is oversized bags and expensive tissue.

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 want. Accessibility ***** Cost****

Really bad service. Poor collection and not inclusive business. The location is great but the experience was a disappointment.

I had such a great time browsing around here. They had such a wide variety of selection that I haven't encountered in many bookstores. I really enjoyed looking through all their queer literature. Besides their books there was also a fun selections of greeting cards and journals. I really enjoyed the atmosphere here as well. I could've spent so much money here with all the great books I wanted to buy. Highly recommend for book lovers!

Wonderful local bookstore that has such a great variety of books, and such a great institution in the Oakland community! I try to buy books here whenever I can versus Amazon to support them. The staff are lovely and really nice. And I love just browsing as well. There are magazines and recommended books.

Dogs welcomed! I love this book store. It's brings back memories for a place like this to still be here. The creek floor boards, the thump, clip and clop from footsteps and the smell of printed books. That unique smell of books that reminds you of walking into a library. Every book lover's heaven. I walk in here to walk in even if I don't have a book In mind. You can scroll through the aisle and look at books that might interest you. They have a huge selection of books and a staff with a wise variety and interests to display or recommend. You can trade in books, buy new or used books or staff can even find some books you thought were gone. I highly recommend you check out this place the next time you look to order a book.

Go. See. Read. It is inspiring and worth the visit. You may even meet an amazing author working the store. We had a great time and can't wait to return.

This bookstore has amazing everything. Great staff, wonderful staff book recommendations, and a wonderful atmosphere. I love being in here, love browsing, and love feeling like a part of the community when I buy my books here. They also carry lots of local interest and local authors, which I love. I've also sold old books here and am always happy with the trade in option they've offered. In short, this place is a total local gem and worth every book penny you have to spend.

Okay wait, I just got a text from WPB saying my book is in. WHAT! It's like getting a hott message from your crush! I'm coming over babe! I may have to wait one extra day to get my book instead of getting it over at RELENTLESS.com but I'm efforting to keep my money away from them. Thanks book bae! Can't wait to see ya

Really wonderful bookstore with very knowledgeable staff. However, my only gripe is there somewhat disconcerting LOVE of masking. Yes they have an older crowd I am sure but the gleeful compliance has become creepy, almost puritanical.

This is my current local bookstore and I've been trying to get everything there. Sure, online is a bit cheaper, but going in to browse is always so much more fun. And if you like it too, you gotta show it with your business. I've also had them order books for me and I'm always a little surprised at how quickly they come in.

Why would a bookstore close 15 minutes early when there are two people at the store? Bizarre.

Books on books upon books in here! As with any good find, I was just strolling past down the strip when these books caught my eye. They have a nice selection lined up outside their store that you can peer at. And eventually, go inside the store for even more! For so many books, they're pretty well organized with them. There's quick descriptions of top books on the shelves and featured ones at the beginnings of the rows. Solid recommendations for sure! I ended up buying a New Yorker issue and Junot Diaz's 'This Is How You Lose Her'. They popped in a free paper bookmark too once you purchase. I could spend hours in here if I had the time. Great bookstore, chill vibe, highly recommend!

I don't anticipate ever going back after the last time i was there to sell books. The workers were so incredibly unpleasant and made an offensively low offer on two boxes of rare and valuable books. I regret having accepted their offer, feeling on the spot in the moment with a line behind me. I left feeling insulted and utterly ripped off. What a horrible way to run a business. DO NOT SELL YOUR BOOKS HERE, you'll feel much better just donating them than wasting your time here.

Great selection of discounted used books outside the store. And once you're inside, very well organized, and we loved all the descriptions of the recommended books. Pretty solid recs too :) Will return next time we're in the area. Walked away with five books today!

Review here for selling books for cash or store credit: they are picky about what they buy. I had a few nice 1st edition hard-cover books, they didn't want them. They only offer a few dollars per book in perfect condition. or a few dollars more in store credit. I'm guessing that they look up the book on amazon and if the market is flooded with second hand versions at a dollar or two, they won't want to buy it. Next time, I will donate to the public library or a better place. It's too bad used books are almost worthless now.

They have a rare book room! Forget everything else. When you make your way to the back there are rickety stairs leading to what feels like the Restricted Section in Harry Potter. Here you will find some OG classics and some creeeepy black magic type sh*t. Everything up here is expensive, but the fact that it exists is what I'm trying to highlight here. I've been to many bookstores, and I've never come across a magic room such as this. And of course, they sell some vinyl records and new reads. Outside, there are racks of books under $2. Parking near this bookstore is all street that requires payment.

As a person who is currently getting ghosted (for the second time, just so you can accurately judge me) by someone she's convinced is her perfect match, I've decided to reevaluate the small inventory of items I've purchased from Walden Pond Books (about 20 books) as I've only actually read ONE of those twenty from cover to cover... and even that is basically a lie because I think there's still like technically 20ish pages left in that one book but a lot them seem to be just wrap up bullshit. Aaaaanyway... turns out, getting ghosted suuuuuucks. And now that I know how all my dusty books feel, I've decided to offer myself an opportunity at redemption by actually putting the bookies on a shelf and going through one by one to actively tend to my literacy. BUT, of course, not before I buy like 2 more books from here to make sure I'm really in deep and challenged when overcoming this feat. I can't always find a specific book I'm looking for right off the bat here but labeling things and putting them in boxes is so last century so now I give myself like 7 minutes to shop around and find the book before I ultimately end up going to the front and just asking. In that 7 minutes, I usually find at least 2 other books that I think will inspire my new enlightened self that I'll also take home. They carry a really interesting selection here and I love their staff picks, also. Based on my purchases, I'm guessing someone that works here has made some very similar reading and lifestyle choices... although I'm sure they actually followed through and read the whole book. And good for them. I'm not there yet. Maybe one day. There's not really any seating to get comfy, which is prob a good thing because I'm lazy and would totally oaf there all day. There's some stools in back in the kids section that's super multicultural and fun. There's also records and fun gift-y novelty books. Even just looking in their bookshop windows you can tell this place is liberalAF and probably cooler than you. But don't worry, the staff are chill and don't act holier than thou.

Local, family owned bookstore. RIGHT THERE, THAT ALONE SHOULD MAKE YOU RUN TO THEM! Now that we are on day 999 of the Covid plague and there is nothing left to watch on Netflix./ Go to their website, read their newsletter with their hot picks of new lit- grab the phone and place your order. If like me, you need to add some brain candy chick lit-ask for whatever you want, it will be there in 2 days. Drive up and boom they hand you books. AMAZING.

Fantastic selection of books, including used and new children's books in foreign languages. Great place for gifts for just about anyone.

Stopped in to browse while waiting for takeout from a neighboring restaurant. I should have known something was weird when everyone inside was white, despite being in an otherwise very racially diverse neighborhood. One of the featured new release books on display (chosen by staff) was an extremely transphobic book about how trans women aren't women and the idea that there are more than two genders is completely false. Their banner outside says to support their store of 45 years because it's real people selling books - well, if your "real people" are choosing to push this type of book, I am not interested. It's one thing to stock a wide range of perspectives, but another to put it as one of the featured books on display in the front area, making sure you can't miss it. The two white guys working behind the counter also kept staring at me as I was browsing. So no thanks. I will not be returning here ever again and I'd advise any LGBTQ and POC folks to avoid it as well.

I want to give a shout out to one of my favorite local bookstores during this pandemic. The brick and mortar is currently closed, but you can still call and place an order for delivery. They have a great selection of books and records, and they sell some used books on the cheap. Throw them your dollars so they can weather this storm!

The booksellers here really seem to have a passion for reading and are incredibly helpful and friendly. The selection is vast and so much fun to browse just because you never know what you'll discover. I highly recommend this place for whatever your book needs are.

Okay, so it turns out, my favorite bookstore has a real cool rare book room. It's kinda hidden. But WOW! Definitely check it out if you're looking for something unique. Many impressive gift opportunities up there. Pulp fiction, art books, a Chaucer set, comics, first editions. This place is such a treasure. 90% of the inventory is used. So, obviously, it's a Grand Avenue gem. Also I was recently able to preorder a new book through them. Stop using that evil faceless online book company and buy local instead! And when I sold books to them, I was amazed at how well the buyer knew even pretty obscure great stuff. Very impressive. Plenty of kids books, too.

I used to go to Barnes N' Nobel every weekend, now I come here. And now I'll take a second to explain why you should come here instead of whatever book store you're going to now. 1. It's local 2. The staff are *knowledgeable* 3. They have a good selection of books 4. Great for gifts 5. They have board games, puzzles, and records too 6. They have creaky floor boards. I know that sounds like that should be a down side of something, but it's oddly homey 7. Maze of books it's fun to lose yourself in 8. You feel like you traveled to Narnia when you step in, but with less danger and snow and more books 9. Fair prices 10. And most importantly, they have adorable dogs lounging around the store. That alone should enough to convince anyone. For those of you afraid of dogs, two there are the most fluffy cuddle monsters ever, while the other is an incredibly tiny dog who might bark from time to time but wouldn't hurt you. So. Cute. So, come one, come all, to the famous book store for all!

Pros: -Great selection (fiction/nonfiction, new/used, mainstream/niche, etc) -Well organized -Reasonable prices (although not the cheapest in Oakland, used graphic novels are pretty expensive here) Cons: -Don't bother selling books here. One time I got $7.75 in store credit for 3 or 4 books in good condition (seriously couldn't even round up to $8?) -Iffy customer service. Staff aren't super friendly to begin with, and when they do actually interact with you, they can be pretty pretentious. I've been going here since I was a kid (and buying stuff) and they don't really care to cater to non ~literary~ tastes.

What a wonderful bookstore in the Lake Merritt neighborhood of Oakland! My friend and I strolled the streets of the main business corridor of the Lake Merritt area and this bookstore had the typical sidewalk sale for used books outside, selling for two bucks! As if that wasn't already enough of a reason to check Walden Pond Bookstore out. We went inside and I could've easily spent a couple hours browsing. The store is straightforward, as the different sections are clearly labeled, so it's easy to find specific books. But the best part of this bookstore is the extensive collection! There is something for everyone here, whether you like non-fiction or folk poetry or rare edition classics, they have it all here, down to all the nitty gritty details. Also, if you are trying to find a specific book - the staff is very knowledgeable about the books, as they quickly directed you to where it would be without having to look at a computer/database. I also overheard them make recommendations for others, which is a HUGE deal at bookstores these days. I can't stand those bookstores where the employees have no idea what to recommend, as if they have no interest in books in general. Small bookstores like Walden Pond has the character and collection of what we need now more than ever in an increasingly-technological world. Shop here - shop local! There's really so many used and affordable books here, as well as new books and small gifts. Plus, the owner's dog by the register will make you smile.

I wandered in here after arriving for a brunch date early, and was completely blown away,. This is the kind of bookstore I could spend hours in perusing every shelf. I love how it's laid out, I was thrilled to find new and used books, and I like the way they have great suggestions from the staff and highlight award winning books to make choices easier. I left $100 poorer but far richer in impending knowledge and I can't wait ot go back. Parking outside was easy peasy on Sunday morning too, which is always a plus.The staff was approachable and friendly without hovering.

This is the last brick and mortar bookstore in America. Once local bookstores covered the landscape, shedding light, knowledge, and a bit of humor into the darkness of our otherwise bleak lives. Now our brains are fused to cell phones that keep us interconnected to the collective evil of consumerism and dullness, boring us with pointless reviews of a time long past ...

O Facebook, my Facebook, my dread journey yet begun; My physical friends so long been gone, my will for talking done; My fingers fast than e'er before, three screens the fourth is loading; It's quantity I seek, more friends more friends! elixir masks forboding; But O heart! heart! heart! O fading love, of dread, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold, unplugged and dead. When you feel the Mayan prophecy pressing down on your small self, come to Walden. When all this reaching ends with empty hands, come to Walden. When it seems your anchor has loosed for good, when no purchase on the sandy bottom appears sure for days ... Come to Walden Pond. Stacks on stacks of what's more important than this. Promises of a fire and a curled cat, of questions, answers, exercise and exorcise. Come - you've forgotten to read the old fashioned way.

A well organized old style bookstore with lanes and lanes of books. There is a book for everyone and anyone you need to get a gift for. Helpful staff. lots of used books. Especially great to bring young ones - they need to fall in love with the smell of books and a loved book store.

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; That is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." ---Henry David Thoreau, "Walden" My life is a series of castles in the air. Actually that's the title of one of my favorite Don McLean songs. But I digress. This indie bookstore is a urban renewal survivor that's named after Thoreau's favorite nesting place, Walden Pond. Hey, I've been there. But I digress again. I used to live above Grand Avenue many, many years ago, and one of my regular spots for lingering and loitering was Walden Pond Bookstore. After a hearty breakfast yesterday at Lynn and Lu's across the street, I came in to find that little if anything has changed since those days of Dynasty-style shoulder pads and moussed-up hair. Not that I looked like that...at least there is no photographic evidence...that I know of. It still has that hippy-dippy vibe, but it also has a vast inventory of used books of all kinds. Just the history and politics sections would take days to browse through. I also like the airiness here versus its SF brethren like Browser or Bibliohead where the cramped quarters eventually do get to you. I just read it's been open since 1973, which pleases me to no end that a super-chain has not swallowed it with its commercial treachery. Stop by, contemplate Thoreau, or at least hum some Don McLean.

This is a hidden gem in a busy area in Oakland with lots of restaurants and cute shop. I stumbled upon this place and found some great books! So many used and affordable books! Most of the books are in really good condition too! You barely can tell it was used! I was browsing through the sale section where books range from $1-5. Most of the selection was only $2! Going inside the shop, you can get lost in here for hours. They have a variety of books, greeting cards, comics, and random items like mugs and pins. There is something for everyone here.

Great little neighborhood bookstore. Always friendly, actually answer the phone and usually have what I want. During lockdown it's nice to have a reliable source of books since I've been going through them faster than ever before.

So I had just driven from Oakland Airport and looking for a nice cafe to have lunch & relax a bit. It was raining pretty hard so I thought a good book and a hot cup of coffee would be great. I happen to find a parking spot right in front of this bookstore so I'm like, man, my lucky day?! Of course, I had to go inside the bookstore now. 1st impression: well lit, neat, orderly, friendly greeting from the clerk, soothing harp music (a turn-off), easy to understand layout & uncluttered walkways. Impulse control has always been a challenge for me, especially when I'm in a bookstore because I want to buy books that I know I'll probably not have time to read. A good number of the books here seem to be 2nd hand but in very good condition. They seem to have a very good selection of popular best sellers too. The prices are competitive with the used books going for less, of course. I found a few books I wanted to buy, 1 of which is called "stuff white people like." Curious, aren't you? Me too.....

i was already in oakland so i decided to go to this book store to take a look. They have a a lot of clearance books in the front so make sure to check that out(: i looked in their YA section but unfortunately majority of their YA were new and full priced. they did have some used YA books but there wasn't a lot. They do have a wide range of fiction but i didn't find anything i liked. Parking was really easy and i did find a $1 deal(: the staff were super friendly and nice. everything was too expensive for me but i think you should definitely check it out when your around the area!

Customer service 1,000%. I walked in looking for a specific book. Within seconds, the manager asked me if he could help me find something. He walked me to the children's section and found exactly the book I was looking for. In peak holiday shopping season, I was in and out in 6 minutes total. Looking forward to going back when I have time to browse.

My favorite used book store in Oakland- great size with a huge selection. Everything is really well organized, so it's easy to find what you're looking for if they happen to have it. It's the kind of place you could easily spend hours, so make sure you have enough time set aside if you're a book lover :)

Love this store. Always willing to help me find my boOks or order them quite quickly. They also have rad records and calendars/cards. Feel very lucky to live near this spot.

I love this bookstore. I took off one star because they don't carry American Dirt (our book club selection for next month). I am aware of the controversy surrounding this book, but that should NOT prevent a bookstore from carrying it. Annoyed.

#24 I LOVE WALDEN POND!!! This is such a great book store. Every time I walk into this place I leave with so much reading material at a really fair price. The aisles are easy to negotiate and the place is uber organized. I am a book store geek and this really is one of my favorites. The staff is helpful and friendly and will help locate items they may not have in the store somewhere else for you. The store front widow is always decorated wonderfully, and they have sidewalk book sales almost everyday. I am working on my dissertation and Walden Pond Book Store has been a serious asset to my studies and advancement. Thank you Walden Pond Book Store for being my neighborhood book store location! Stephani Smiles for Walden Pond Book Store ;)

Love love love this bookstore. Thanks for being there for many years, got the latest books and takes used books.

Every time I'm in the area I make sure to stop by. I love reading, and this bookstore makes me appreciate books even more. I have found so many unique books here, new and used. The staff is super friendly and I can spend hours here just looking through all the unique books I find! In general, they have such a wide variety of books. Their political pins are also super cool, and they have awesome stationary products! I'm in love with the books I found here last time I came!

Bookworms of East Bay, renowned for your keen discernment and creative gifts, I'm talkin to you: this is your place. You will recognize immediately the scent of intoxicating imagination as you walk in the door. Hours will pass as minutes. Old friends and new await you on the shelves, with friendly handy hints provided by your devoted friends at Walden Pond. It won't cost you an arm and a leg, either. For free thrills, a browse at this place ranks right up there with a downhill ride at sunset in a '65 GTO with the top down on a mountain road headed west.