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Creasy Spines

“Every crease is a story.”

United States

Bookshops in San Francisco

The Atlas lists 59 independent bookshops in San Francisco, 7 of them selling secondhand books. The densest cluster offers 6 possible stops over an estimated 3.9 km; actual walking routes may be longer.

Unfolding the map…

New & secondhand · 1740 Haight Street, San Francisco 94117 · since 2015

A science-fiction, fantasy and horror bookshop funded in part by its customers through a sponsorship scheme.

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Independent bookshop · 261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133

Co-founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti; the Beat-era publisher-bookshop is now a designated city landmark.

New & secondhand · since 1992

A Mission District corner shop selling new, used and remaindered books since 1992. It leans toward the Beat, the off-beat, small presses and local writers, and its window displays are a neighbourhood conversation piece.

Small pressBeat literatureGraphic novels

Independent bookshop · 1727 Haight Street, San Francisco

A Haight Street independent since 1976 with a strong author-events programme.

Step-free access

Independent bookshop · 650 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA 94122

ComicsStep-free access

Independent bookshop · 786 Sutter Street, San Francisco

Step-free access

Independent bookshop · 3515 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

Independent bookshop · 601 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102

Independent bookshop · 2195 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

Step-free access

Independent bookshop · 305 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

ComicsStep-free access

Independent bookshop · 489 Castro Street, San Francisco 94114

Independent bookshop · 1748 Buchanan Street, San Francisco CA

Independent bookshop · 814 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

Step-free access

Independent bookshop · 548 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

Independent bookshop · 3790 Mission Street, San Francisco

Children's books

Independent bookshop · 374 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco

Bookshop questions: San Francisco

How many bookshops are listed in San Francisco?

The Atlas currently lists 59 active bookshops in San Francisco. This is the number in our directory, not a claim that every shop in the area has been recorded.

Can I find secondhand bookshops in San Francisco?

7 listed shops are categorised as selling secondhand books. Stock changes frequently; ask a shop directly if you need a particular book.

Are the opening hours and accessibility details checked?

The Atlas displays available source information. A listing without opening hours or access details is incomplete, not necessarily closed or inaccessible. Check each shop's website and confirm anything essential before travelling.

Can I plan a bookshop walk in San Francisco?

Use the map and the crawl planner to choose stops close together. Displayed route distances are estimates, not turn-by-turn walking directions. Check crossings, hills, opening times and the actual walking route before setting off.

Plan a bookshop crawl
Can I add a shop or correct a listing?

Yes. Send the shop's name, location and a reliable website or other source. Suggestions and corrections are reviewed before changing the Atlas.

Suggest a shop

Shop data © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database Licence, with descriptions of featured shops by Creasy Spines. Opening hours change — check before a long journey. Suggest an edit