An Amazon brick and mortar is coming to town, but readers who prefer supporting local booksellers already have worthy options in San Diego. And what better time to appreciate them than on Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday? Here are 10 shops to visit:
Verbatim Books is a recent addition near the vibrant University Avenue block in North Park. While shelves aren't exactly bursting with books just yet, the bright and airy store carries a few special edition titles and a selection of classics and contemporary books.
Where: 3793 30th St., North Park
This Normal Heights shop offers philosophy, history and religion books, as well fiction and children's literature. Bonus for cat lovers: Two feline booksellers roam about the store (and they're not camera shy).
Where: 3502 Adams Ave., Normal Heights
Spot the neon sign and you'll find Bluestocking Books in Hillcrest. Bring your old books and trade them for credit, or just browse the store's large selection of titles.
Where: 3817 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest
Mismatched chairs and pop culture decor make this homey Seaport Village bookstore a good place to read or people watch. Grab a beverage from the coffee shop in the middle of the shop before staking out a corner with a book.
Where: 835C W. Harbor Drive, Downtown San Diego
For all your Martians, (literary) murder, magic and mayhem needs, Mysterious Galaxy in Clairemont specializes in science fiction, fantasy, mystery and horror. The shop also hosts a number of author events every month. It will celebrate its 23rd year on May 7 with panels with young adult and mystery authors and of course, cake and a discussion about dragons.
Where: 5943 Balboa Ave., Suite #100, Clairemont
This Hillcrest bookstore has thousands of books in stock, "from $2 Vonnegut paperbacks to [a] signed T.S. Eliot."
Where: 3838 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest
Strewn all over this cozier Hillcrest shop are piles and piles of books. Come across a classic, riffle through an art book or unearth a first edition.
Where: 1627 University Ave., Hillcrest
Located near the entrance at the San Diego Central Library, this shop has a small but carefully curated selection of books among jewelry, clothing and other merchandise for the bookish crowd. This may not be the place if you're on a hunt for a specific title. But if you ever need a scented candle inspired by the spirit of Oscar Wilde, you're at the right spot. Proceeds support the library.
Where: 330 Park Blvd., Downtown San Diego
This La Jolla bookstore regularly hosts events with local and renowned authors alike (Hillary Clinton and David Sedaris have paid a visit, and Sen. Barbara Box will discuss her new book at an event organized by Warwick's at the Sherwood Auditorium). Besides books, the store also carries stationery and other gift items.
Where: 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla
Plenty of Bay Books patrons come from the nearby Navy base, so the shop maintains a big military history section. The store, which has been around for 25 years, carries a large selection of fiction and biographies as well, and there's a children's section at the back. Don't have a particular book in mind? Find staff recommendation cards on the shelves, or just ask the booksellers themselves. "We're all readers who want to share our love of books," Bay Books' David Joslin said.
Where: 1029 Orange Ave., Coronado
