Bookstores in San Jose
If you judge a town by its bookshops, San Jose, CA gives you 60 to judge by. That's 60 bookshops mapped around San Jose, each with its own shelves and specialties. The used sections are where the real bargains hide. Staff picks shelves are the fastest way to read a shop's personality.
This guide covers every bookstore we could verify in and around San Jose (within about 40 km), built from OpenStreetMap's community-maintained data. Names you'll run into include Oceanview Bookstore and Mission College Bookstore, plus Recycle Bookstore. If a bookshop's missing from San Jose's list, it probably just hasn't been mapped yet.
The San Jose bookstore lineup
60 mapped within about 40 km:
Oceanview Bookstore
Bookstore
Oceanview Bookstore — Bookstore.
Mission College Bookstore
Bookstore
Mission College Bookstore is Bookstore.
Recycle Bookstore
Used bookstore
Recycle Bookstore — Used bookstore, found on 275 East Campbell Avenue in Campbell. Also worth knowing about Recycle Bookstore: the map lists its hours as Mo-Su 11:00-21:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip.
275 East Campbell Avenue, Campbell
Hours: Mo-Su 11:00-21:00
Phone: +1 408-370-3514
East West
Bookstore
East West — Bookstore on 324 Castro Street. Also worth knowing about East West: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 11:00-22:00; Su 11:00-21:00.
324 Castro Street
Hours: Mo-Sa 11:00-22:00; Su 11:00-21:00
Christian Books
Bookstore
Christian Books — Bookstore, found on 1712 El Camino Real in Redwood City.
1712 El Camino Real, Redwood City, 94063
Christian Science Reading Room
Bookstore
Christian Science Reading Room is Bookstore on 459 South California Avenue, Palo Alto. Christian Science Reading Room also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 12:00-16:00; Su 09:00-13:00.
459 South California Avenue, Palo Alto, 94306
Hours: Mo-Sa 12:00-16:00; Su 09:00-13:00
Barnes & Noble
Bookstore
Barnes & Noble — Bookstore, found on 3600 Stevens Creek Boulevard in San Jose. Also worth knowing about Barnes & Noble: the map lists its hours as Mo-Su 09:00-22:00.
3600 Stevens Creek Boulevard, San Jose, 95117
Hours: Mo-Su 09:00-22:00
Books Inc
Bookstore
Books Inc — Bookstore.
Books, Inc.
Bookstore
Books, Inc. — Bookstore, found on 317 Castro Street in Mountain View. Also worth knowing about Books, Inc.: the map lists its hours as Mo-Tu,Su 10:00-21:00; We-Sa 10:00-22:00.
317 Castro Street, Mountain View
Hours: Mo-Tu,Su 10:00-21:00; We-Sa 10:00-22:00
Bookasaurus
Bookstore
Bookasaurus — Bookstore, found on 125 South Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale. Also worth knowing about Bookasaurus: the map lists its hours as Mo-Th 10:00-18:00; Su 11:00-19:00; Fr,Sa 10:00-20:00.
125 South Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale, 94086
Hours: Mo-Th 10:00-18:00; Su 11:00-19:00; Fr,Sa 10:00-20:00
Leigh's Favorite Books
Bookstore
Leigh's Favorite Books is Bookstore on 121 South Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale. Leigh's Favorite Books also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Th 10:00-18:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 11:00-19:00; it has a website with more detail.
121 South Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale, 94086
Hours: Mo-Th 10:00-18:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-19:00; Su 11:00-19:00
Bookstore
Bookstore
Bookstore is Bookstore.
De Anza College Bookstore
BookstoreRun by De Anza College
Run by De Anza College, De Anza College Bookstore is Bookstore.
Fantasy Books and Games
Bookstore
Fantasy Books and Games is Bookstore on 2247 First Street, Livermore. Fantasy Books and Games also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as We-Su 11:00-19:00;Mo, Tu 11:00-17:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip.
2247 First Street, Livermore
Hours: We-Su 11:00-19:00;Mo, Tu 11:00-17:00
Phone: +1-925-449-5233
Linden Tree Books
Bookstore
Linden Tree Books — Bookstore on 265. Also worth knowing about Linden Tree Books: a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
265
Phone: +1-650-949-3390
Kepler's Books
Bookstore
Kepler's Books is Bookstore on 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Kepler's Books also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 09:00-22:00; Su 09:00-19:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 94025
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-22:00; Su 09:00-19:00
Phone: +1-650-324-4321
Land of Medicine Buddha
Bookstore
Land of Medicine Buddha — Bookstore.
Los Olivos
Bookstore
Los Olivos — Bookstore on 3203. Also worth knowing about Los Olivos: a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip.
3203
Phone: +1-650-839-1550
Seoul Books & Leeoh Gallery
Bookstore
Seoul Books & Leeoh Gallery is Bookstore on 1082 East El Camino Real.
1082 East El Camino Real
Half Price Books
Used bookstoreRun by Half Price Books
Run by Half Price Books, Half Price Books is Used bookstore, found on 39152 in Fremont. Also worth knowing about Half Price Books: the map lists its hours as Mo-Su 10:00-20:00; it has a website with more detail.
39152, Fremont
Hours: Mo-Su 10:00-20:00
Towne Center Books
Bookstore
Towne Center Books — Bookstore.
BookSmart
Bookstore
BookSmart is Bookstore.
Anime 101
Bookstore
Anime 101 — Bookstore.
Heroes & Champions
Used bookstore
Heroes & Champions — Used bookstore, found on 574 East El Camino Real in Sunnyvale. Also worth knowing about Heroes & Champions: the map lists its hours as Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00, Su 11:00-18:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip.
574 East El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 94087
Hours: Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00, Su 11:00-18:00
Phone: +1 408 732 8775
Authors
Bookstore
Authors is Bookstore.
Hijinx Comics
Bookstore
Hijinx Comics is Bookstore on 2050 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose.
2050 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, 95125
Pauline Books & Media
Bookstore
Pauline Books & Media — Bookstore.
The Art Boutiki
Bookstore
The Art Boutiki — Bookstore.
Stanford Medical Store
Bookstore
Stanford Medical Store — Bookstore. Also worth knowing about Stanford Medical Store: the map lists its hours as Mo-Fr 09:00-15:00.
Hours: Mo-Fr 09:00-15:00
SJSU Book Store
Bookstore
SJSU Book Store is Bookstore.
The Reading Bug
Bookstore
The Reading Bug is Bookstore on 785 Laurel Street, San Carlos.
785 Laurel Street, San Carlos, 94070
Christian Science Reading Room
BookstoreRun by First Church of Christ Scientist
Christian Science Reading Room is Bookstore run by First Church of Christ Scientist on 221 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View.
221 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, 94040
Black Cat Comics
Bookstore
Black Cat Comics — Bookstore, found on 176 South Main Street in Milpitas.
176 South Main Street, Milpitas, 95035
Lobby Shop
BookstoreRun by Friends of the Mountain View Library
Lobby Shop is Bookstore run by Friends of the Mountain View Library on 585 Franklin Street, Mountain View. Lobby Shop also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Su 10:00-21:00; it has a website with more detail.
585 Franklin Street, Mountain View, 94043
Hours: Mo-Su 10:00-21:00
Foothill Cafe Dining Room
Bookstore
Foothill Cafe Dining Room is Bookstore.
Santa Clara Valley Al-Anon Intergroup Office and Bookstore
Bookstore
Santa Clara Valley Al-Anon Intergroup Office and Bookstore — Bookstore, found on 1 West Campbell Avenue in Campbell. Also worth knowing about Santa Clara Valley Al-Anon Intergroup Office and Bookstore: it has a website with more detail.
1 West Campbell Avenue, Campbell, 95008
世界生活館
Bookstore
世界生活館 is Bookstore on 10601 South De Anza Boulevard, Cupertino. 世界生活館 also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Tu 12:00-17:00, We 12:00-18:00, Sa 12:00-17:00.
10601 South De Anza Boulevard, Cupertino, 95014-4451
Hours: Tu 12:00-17:00, We 12:00-18:00, Sa 12:00-17:00
Feldman's Books
Used bookstore
Feldman's Books is Used bookstore on 1075 Curtis Street, Menlo Park. Feldman's Books also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Sa-Th 12:00-17:00; Fr 12:00-20:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
1075 Curtis Street, Menlo Park
Hours: Sa-Th 12:00-17:00; Fr 12:00-20:00
Phone: +1-650-326-5300
The Comic Shop
Bookstore
The Comic Shop is Bookstore on 124 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose.
124 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, 95112
Christian Science Reading Room
Bookstore
Christian Science Reading Room is Bookstore on 1127 Chestnut Street.
1127 Chestnut Street
Books Inc.
Bookstore
Books Inc. is Bookstore on 1875 South Bascom Avenue, Campbell. Books Inc. also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr 11:00-22:00; Sa 10:00-22:00; Su 10:00-20:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
1875 South Bascom Avenue, Campbell, 95008
Hours: Mo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr 11:00-22:00; Sa 10:00-22:00; Su 10:00-20:00
Phone: +1-408-378-2726
Books
Bookstore
Books is Bookstore on 306 Barber Court, Milpitas.
306 Barber Court, Milpitas, 95035
Legends Comics & Games
Bookstore
Legends Comics & Games is Bookstore. Legends Comics & Games also notes on the map: a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip.
Phone: +1 408-253-2643
Fireside Books & More
Bookstore
Fireside Books & More is Bookstore on 2421 Broadway. Fireside Books & More also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Tu-Sa 10:00-20:00; Su 10:00-18:00; it has a website with more detail.
2421 Broadway
Hours: Tu-Sa 10:00-20:00; Su 10:00-18:00
Banter Bookshop
Bookstore
Banter Bookshop is Bookstore on 3768 F Capitol Avenue. Banter Bookshop also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Th 10:00-18:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-20:00; Su 11:00-17:00; it has a website with more detail.
3768 F Capitol Avenue
Hours: Mo-Th 10:00-18:00; Fr-Sa 10:00-20:00; Su 11:00-17:00
Towne Center Books
Bookstore
Towne Center Books — Bookstore.
Comics Conspiracy
Bookstore
Comics Conspiracy is Bookstore on 913 West El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. Comics Conspiracy also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Su-Tu 11:00-18:00; We-Th 11:00-20:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-19:00; Dec 25 off; Jan 1 off; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
913 West El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 94087
Hours: Su-Tu 11:00-18:00; We-Th 11:00-20:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-19:00; Dec 25 off; Jan 1 off
Phone: +1 408-245-6275
Book-Go-Round
Bookstore
Book-Go-Round is Bookstore on 14410 Oak Street, Saratoga. Book-Go-Round also notes on the map: it has a website with more detail.
14410 Oak Street, Saratoga
Rumi Bookstore
Bookstore
Rumi Bookstore — Bookstore.
Pioneer Bookstore
Bookstore
Pioneer Bookstore is Bookstore.
Bell's Books
Bookstore
Bell's Books — Bookstore on 536 Emerson Street. Also worth knowing about Bell's Books: the map lists its hours as Sa-Th 11:00-17:00; Fr 11:00-20:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
536 Emerson Street
Hours: Sa-Th 11:00-17:00; Fr 11:00-20:00
Phone: +1-650-323-7822
Bronco Corner Bookstore
BookstoreRun by Santa Clara University
Run by Santa Clara University, Bronco Corner Bookstore is Bookstore, found on 500 El Camino Real in Santa Clara. Also worth knowing about Bronco Corner Bookstore: it has a website with more detail.
500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 95053
Recycle Bookstore
Bookstore
Recycle Bookstore — Bookstore on 1066 The Alameda. Also worth knowing about Recycle Bookstore: the map lists its hours as Mo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-19:00; Su 12:00-19:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
1066 The Alameda, 95126
Hours: Mo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-19:00; Su 12:00-19:00
Phone: +1-408-286-6275
Stanford Bookstore
Bookstore
Stanford Bookstore — Bookstore, found on 519 Lasuen Mall in Stanford. Also worth knowing about Stanford Bookstore: it has a website with more detail.
519 Lasuen Mall, Stanford
Hicklebee's Books
Bookstore
Hicklebee's Books — Bookstore, found on 1378 Lincoln Avenue in San Jose.
1378 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, 95125
Friends' Book Sale
Bookstore
Friends' Book Sale — Bookstore.
Christian Science Reading Room
Bookstore
Christian Science Reading Room is Bookstore.
Books Kinokuniya
Bookstore
Books Kinokuniya is Bookstore on 675 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose. Books Kinokuniya also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Su 11:00-19:00; a phone number is listed — worth a call before a special trip; it has a website with more detail.
675 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, 95129
Hours: Mo-Su 11:00-19:00
Phone: +1 408 2521300
Hudson Booksellers
Bookstore
Hudson Booksellers is Bookstore. Hudson Booksellers also notes on the map: the map lists its hours as Mo-Su 05:00-20:30.
Hours: Mo-Su 05:00-20:30
Friends of the Library Bookstore
Bookstore
Friends of the Library Bookstore is Bookstore.
What the map tells us about bookstores in San Jose
23 of the 60 list their opening hours on the map, which is genuinely useful — bookshops keep civilised hours, so the listed ones are usually reliable.
17 have websites listed. Worth a look for events — readings and signings get announced there first.
4 of the shops are tagged as selling used books — the second-hand shelves are where out-of-print gems and first editions turn up for pocket change.
The San Jose bookstore crawl
Making a day of it in San Jose? Work this order: Oceanview Bookstore, Mission College Bookstore, Recycle Bookstore on 275 East Campbell Avenue, East West on 324 Castro Street, Christian Books on 1712 El Camino Real, Christian Science Reading Room on 459 South California Avenue, Barnes & Noble on 3600 Stevens Creek Boulevard, and Books Inc. That's the bookstore crawl in one sensible loop, no backtracking. 52 more are listed below.
Bookstore tips for San Jose
The regulars' playbook for San Jose's bookshops:
- Check the sale shelf rhythm at Oceanview Bookstore. Shops clear shelves on cycles. Ask when the next cull happens — that's when the bargains land.
- Learn the remainders table at Mission College Bookstore. Publisher overstocks sold cheap. Great for gift buying — new books at used prices.
- Check the cookbook section. Cookbooks are the most browsed and least bought section, which means the used shelf is full of barely-touched gems.
- Kids' sections are goldmines. Even without kids. The picture-book art alone is worth the browse, and the middle-grade shelves hold genuine classics.
Good to know
We searched about 40 km around San Jose — that covers the town itself plus the surrounding communities you'd reasonably drive to. Listings come from OpenStreetMap, mapped by local volunteers, so a brand-new bookstore in San Jose can take a while to appear. If you spot one of the 60 that's closed, or a great bookstore we missed, the fix is to update the map itself — that's where this guide reads from.
We don't list prices — they change constantly and vary by edition. What we list is the where: real shops, verified by real mappers, in alphabetical order with no favourites.
If you run one of the 60 listed here and something's wrong — a closure, a move, new hours — the fix is the same: update the shop on OpenStreetMap and the correction flows through to this page on the next daily refresh.
Bookstore listings for San Jose: 60 mapped from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Photos from Wikimedia Commons contributors; individual photo credits appear in captions. Listing data was last refreshed automatically — verify hours before visiting.