Marcus Book Stores, located in Oakland, California, is a historic independent bookshop specializing in titles by and about black people. Established in the '60s, the family-owned business has been a staple in the Bay Area for 60 years. Marcus Book Stores offers a wide range of books focused on black culture, history, and literature, as well as an in-store shopping experience and pick-up service. The knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and a diverse selection of books for readers of all ages. Marcus Book Stores is identified as Black-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly, and women-owned, making it a welcoming space for all members of the community.
Reviews
When I entered Marcus Books (we went there immediately after I flight landed in SF), I felt like I'd arrived home. I approached the front counter and asked the lady behind the desk if she was the owner. Her response, "Yes, I'm one of them." When I told her that I LOVE the bookstore, she said, "It loves you back." What an amazing store, the selection is broad and comprehensive, featuring multiple genres by and about Black ppl. I limited myself to 3 books and nothing else, which was a deal I had to make with myself before entering!! LOL! The feeling of being in a bookshop that's been around since the 1960s is indescribable. I love, love, love it. Thanks for all you do, Marcus Books.
Beautiful book store with such a wide array of books centered on black culture! I love the Afrocentric atmosphere and the owner was very helpful and friendly.
Hands down the best bookstore in the Bay Area. The owner was nice and welcoming. They had a great selection of books. We can’t wait for a return visit. Peace & Blessings
Hands down the best family owned (for 60 years) bookstore in the Bay Area. Great customer service, great selection of books by black authors. I've purchased books from MB since 1986.
I haven't been here in years. Decades to be exact. It was nice to be back in an area dedicated to who I am as a woman of color in this world.
Very well stocked, clean, conveniently located, community bookshop. Specializing in books by, for and about Black people. Extensive collection of children's books. Some lifestyle, cookbooks, too. Very friendly helpful knowledgeable personnel. Shopping experience enhanced by soulful background music, mostly jazz.
They have a great selection of books, and I love the history of the store. I've been going to the store since I was a little girl. I love the wide selection of children's books too! Its so important for children to have a place to see themselves thrive and these books are wonderful.
Sadly I have to agree with the previous reviews, the customer service is terrible. I admit, the joy I feel entering the store is reversed as I make my way out because I simply feel ignored and unappreciated as a customer.
I brought some out of town friends in and it was embarrassing for them to witness the terrible customer service as well. I would love to continue to patronize Marcus books because I want to keep black owned bookstores in business but I have to also be fair to myself and not go into places that make me feel bad being there.
Good luck.
I favorably recommend this Bookstore for Books, Black Culture, Greeting Cards, and other gifts. The amazing woman that helped me today. Made me so proud of our Rich History. I am so wonderfully happy that this store remains in Oakland. So, much has change but our history and knowledge is here at this little gem! One of Oakland's Gems! KEEP SUPPORTING OAKLAND'S GEM
Location
3900 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609, United States
Hours
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Monday
10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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Tuesday
10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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Wednesday
10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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Thursday
10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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Friday
10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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Saturday
10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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Sunday
12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
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