“I had a great experience at Easy Does It - Books & Gifts. I stopped in for Father's Day shopping and found exactly what I was looking for. I bought a beautiful bracelet for a special woman who fills both mother and father roles, and a deck of Big Book quote cards as a Father's Day gift. The prices were very reasonable, and I was happy with the quality of everything I purchased. What impressed me most was the variety and depth of what they carry. They have a wonderful selection of recovery literature, books, gifts, and unique items that go well beyond just AA materials. Whether you're looking for inspiration, spirituality, or a thoughtful gift, there's something for everyone. On Sundays, you're greeted by reggae music that creates a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere and adds to the positive energy of the store. A special shout-out to Kevin on the weekend staff. He's personable, funny, and made the visit even more enjoyable. Easy Does It is one of those places that feels welcoming the moment you walk in. I highly recommend stopping by and supporting this great local shop.”
“Rhapsody invited me in when I was at my worst. This is when my ex connected to my chakras and when I relapsed on meth and got kicked out to be homeless in the rain. She helped me with some uncrossing items and it really helped me uncover the truth. There is still much more to uncover but Rhapsody knows her shit. I know your business will sustain and you're so full of wisdom. Thank you!!”
“This is one of my favorite places in the whole city. If I ever get the urge to get out and go somewhere, this is one of the first places I think of. The shop owner is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable while giving you either space to browse or a lovely conversation. This place is so community minded and goes far past being a bookstore, hosting events and carrying flyers and papers for activism and action you can take in your community and world wide. There’s a fun additional room with discounted $1-$5 dollar vintage cards and books that’s always fun to browse, too. Even their kids section is diverse and full. It’s nestled in an awesome little area with great food, an excellent dispo, and the Cool Cat Collective so you could spend the whole day there.”
“Like a lot of used book stores, the shelves are crammed full and are not terribly well organized, but if you're willing to dig a little you'll probably find something interesting.”
“Such a great idea! A wide selection of books that you can take, donate to, and swap with. I was able to get a book I could take to the beach and immediately start reading. Thank you!”
“I recently visited New Life Christian Bookstore about two weeks ago while searching for a Bible for my wife. I had been looking online but couldn’t find anything that really stood out to me. When I searched for local options, I was surprised to find this bookstore less than a mile from my home, so I decided to stop by—and I’m so glad I did. From the moment I walked in, the environment felt peaceful and welcoming. It’s a smaller bookstore, but honestly, that’s part of what makes it special. I’d much rather support a local business that serves the community than just order something online. They had a great selection of Bibles, and I ended up choosing a beautiful purple one for my wife. What made it even more meaningful was the engraving—they were able to add her name to it. There is a small fee, which is completely expected, but the result was absolutely worth it. The engraving is done on Thursdays when Gloria is there, and she did an amazing job. My wife absolutely loves her new Bible. Her previous one had been damaged, so this meant a lot to her—and to me. Seeing her joy every time we go to church now makes the experience even more special. There’s something different about being able to walk into a place, hold the Bibles, flip through them, and truly connect with what you’re choosing, instead of just ordering online and hoping for the best. Overall, it was a beautiful experience. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re looking for a Bible or any Christian materials. Supporting a local business that honors our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ just makes it that much more meaningful. Amen.”
“Between great recommendations, meaningful nonfiction and wide fiction selection, Bel Canto is a Long Beach staple everyone should visit. If you don't see what you want on the shelves, talk to the friendly staff and they can order it for you. Community, advocacy and literacy all bundled into a cozy shop.”
“It has downsized dramatically, but the selections are the same. The staff is just as good too. Books, toys, games, movies, music, they have it. Even record players! It doesn't matter if you aren't a die-hard book person, there is something in a book there for you.”
“Awesome store that will help with purchase of products that are not in the store. You’re able to look at a wide selection of aviation products before you buy. One of the only remaining pilot shops in Southern California I’m little biased.”
“I was curious about this store after I saw that it was a book/vintage store. I went to check it out and met Pam the owner. She is friendly and we had a great conversation on streetwear etc. Nice selection of books (vintage 60s Rembrandt and Toulouse Lautrec) and vintage.”
“We recently visited Alabadle store, and were very impressed by the variety of books, CD's, gifts and other items so appropriate and beautiful for the home or gift giving. The customer service lady who was there at the time of our visit was very kind, friendly and helpful with our needs. The store is clean, ample and no one is rushing you to buy anything. We did buy a lovely item and will definitely go back soon, as Christmas is going to be here sooner than we expect, and the gift variety here is truly awesome. Hace poco visitamos mi esposo y yo esta librería y tienda de regalos, y realmente nos encanto la variedad de libros, CD's, regalos para la casa o para obsequiar. La señora que nos atendió es súper amable y nada que nos presionó para comprar algo. Realmente no es necesario pues la tienda es amplia, cómoda, limpia y con mucha variedad de todo. Si compramos un regalo precioso y vamos a regresar pues ahora que se acerca Navidad hay que comprar algunos regalos y aquí tiene unos muy lindos.”
“As a long distant student, I appreciate the support and time that the bookstore team has taken to support. A big shoutout to Zorya who answered my call and reassured my book shipping confirmation with east. Will be ordering again!”
“I always find something I was looking for here. I would give it less stars because every time I go in I spend way more money than I should be spending. That's the mark of a good record store I guess. Overall a fantastic record store with loads of fun finds. 10/10.”
“I'm so glad to see there's one more bookstore option in the community. It looks as new and modern as it should be. I expect a coffee shop, and even more seating, can be added there. But overall, I love it!”
“This. Place. Has. EVERYTHING!!! Incense, clothing, jewelry, books, sculptures, and so much more! Every time I thought I was finished, there was more to see. Definitely a one stop shop with MUCH temptation. Joshua is splendid, informed on so much of the products and history! I did not meet Renee but from how Joshua described her, you can tell she is extremely passionate about her business and truly has curated a beautiful atmosphere.”
“The staff was helpful and courteous. Gave me information about a book that was no longer in print. That my instructor fail mention. But they put me on the right path. Patient with my multiple trips to the counter. Everything sone with a smile and positive energy. I appreciated it”
Barnes & Noble is proving that physical bookstores aren't going anywhere. The retailer just opened three new locations across Texas and South Carolina, marking another step in its comeback story. Barnes & Noble opened 57 stores in 2024 alone - more than it had opened in the entire decade from 2009 to 2019. The company isn't slowing down either, with plans to open more than 60 new stores in 2025 and a goal of reaching over 1,000 stores nationwide in the coming years.
