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March 2024 by Danny A.
A rare treasure of a bookstore, with a history of community service and a wealth of African American authors. It's the go-to bookstore for knowledge of authors you want to read and warmth of community. I love patronizing this place!
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December 2023 by Tara M.
My favorite place to buy books. I spent many years buying and hanging out in the SF store until they closed. Now I buy my books from the Oakland location. Marcus books has such a warm atmosphere, great service, and an incredible selection of books by Black Authors. I love it!!!
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October 2023 by Mweupe Nguni
Oldest Black bookstore at least West of the Mississippi and probably in the US. A treat for readers of all ages. One love!
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September 2023 by Lisa Rice
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.
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September 2023 by A Kelly Paschal
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.
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August 2023 by Mz Maxey
Have loved this ? store since I was a kid.
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August 2023 by Amy M.
This was so fun to venture to this third generation black owned bookstore in Oakland. I first read about it in the Diverse Spines Bibliophile all the way in San Diego and when visiting a friend we went. This place is a MUST. Filled with art, books and history.
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May 2023 by Christopher “Deacon Frazier” Frazier
I love Marcus Bookstore. I love the owner Sister Blanche. Marcus Bookstore provides books on all aspects of the Black experience, from history to biographies to spirituality. Marcus Bookstore has it all!
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May 2023 by Tinisha Derrico
Attended a Book Reading and Signing with Dr. Daniel Black on May 21, 2023 . Such a wonderful experience.
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April 2023 by Stacy McLloyd
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.
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April 2023 by M G.
This bookstore quickly became a family favorite. Wonderful selection of books with an incredible children's section. We visited during the holiday season and was gifted children's books for our kids. This was such a thoughtful gesture. We forward to having our kids grow up and continue to explore in this bookstore.
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March 2023 by S Blair P.
I love a bookstore in general. I miss having Marcus Books in SF still, but happy to browse and buy when I'm in the east bay. I go in for one book and always leave with something else unexpected and inspiring. Plus. Added bonus of supporting this historic local institution as well as supporting a small, local, black owned business instead of a giant corporation that supports its owner flying into outer space while underpaying its workers? Yeah. That too.
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March 2023 by Obray V.
This is a great place to find books that relate to African American history. I have always enjoyed visiting their site.
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February 2023 by Jack F.
I was in town for business in Palo Alto. Since it was my first time in the area I decided to stay in downtown San Francisco. Before I left Atlanta, the Uber driver told me to make sure I made my way to Marcus Books in Oakland. As an author I can only dream to have my books in there some day. The ambiance took me to a place of black pride, heritage and prosperity. The other reviews had me reluctant to go because of them saying there was an unfriendly welcome. That was not my experience at all! This place has great books on OUR culture! This is truly a historical landmark.
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January 2023 by veronica Kincaid
Best book store!! They have a wonderful collection of books and journals. They can also order what is not in stock or available in store. Great service a jewel not to pass up! They even have books by John Henry Clarke!
