The fact that Marin residents, even in this economy, approved a $49 parcel tax this year to help fund our local libraries speaks volumes. (Pun definitely intended.) With 12 community libraries in Marin alone, and numerous thriving independent booksellers in the North Bay, there’s no doubt we love our books.

In Reason #51 we wrote about our innovative art house theaters. Also very innovative are two of our most popular booksellers: Book Passage and Copperfield’s.

 Book Passage, Corte Madera
Photo Credit: CWC Marin

Even with competition from two super-chains in Marin, Book Passage in Corte Madera (and also in the ferry building in SF) is the destination for many local bookworms. Started by Elaine Petrocelli in 1976 in a 900-square-foot retail location in Larkspur, Book Passage has expanded into a beloved community hub for readers, writers, and students alike: In addition to the wide variety of books they carry, there are immensely popular author events, writing and language classes, book clubs, and highly-respected annual conferences.

Farther north, Copperfield’s Books has an equally passionate following. Launched in downtown Sebastopol in 1981 by Barney Brown and Paul Jaffe, Copperfield’s now has eight locations in Sonoma and Napa Counties and offers a vast selection of new, used and even rare books. Locals enjoy the comfortable store surroundings, book clubs and many author events held each year.

Book Passage and Copperfield’s may have the big names, but we’re also spoiled with over a dozen other independent booksellers in the North Bay, each with its charm, warm personalized service and strong dedication to providing wonderful books to local readers of all ages.

Is it because we love books so much that we have such great independent booksellers in the North Bay? Or is it the great independent booksellers that make us love books? Either way, we all win.

North Bay Independent Booksellers

First Street Books 850 College Ave.,Kentfield

Book Passage 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera

Copperfield’s Books 1330 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga

Copperfield’s Books 2316 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa

Copperfield’s Books 104 Matheson St., Healdsburg

Copperfield’s Books 140 Kentucky St., Petaluma

Copperfield’s Books 3900-A Bel Aire Plaza, Napa

Copperfield’s Used and Rare Books 176 N. Main St.,

Copperfield’s Books 138 N. Main St., Sebastopol

Depot Bookstore & Cafe 87 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley

Flying Oliver Books 215 Caledonia St., Sausalito

Habitat Books 205 Second St., Sausalito

Levin & Co. 306 Center St., Healdsburg

North Light Books & Cafe 550 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati

Pages Books on the Green 920 McClelland Drive, Windsor

Point Reyes Books 11315 State Route 1, Point Reyes Station

Readers’ Books 130 E. Napa St., Sonoma

River House Books 1234 Adams St., St. Helena

River Reader 16355 Main St., Guerneville

Stinson Beach Books 3455 Shoreline Hwy., Stinson Beach

Treehorn Books 625 Fourth St., Santa Rosa

Whyte’s Booksmith 615 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo

Source: Northern California Independent Booksellers Association

Follow along as the full list unfolds – 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live

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Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors