Bookshop Santa Cruz is Central California's best independent bookstore. Join their Readers' Club and if you buy 20 items in a year in-store or online,you receive a store credit for a free purchase. If you are tired of Barnes & Noble and Borders,switch to Bookshop Santa Cruz or shop online. Try the Greek Salad in the store's cafe. The biography section is big on musicians:They have an especially large selection of books about The Beach Boys. Don't forget about their psychology section,as well as their special events. Be sure to look for books like "Goodnight Bush"and other political satire. Just be prepared that if you go into the men's restroom,the mirrors have been vandalized.

I was surprised they let this store in.lthey are so fussy I like this store plus they have other items besides books in case you are looking for a gift I feel comfortable browsing in there and usually always leave with some fun item to read

This place has local flavor! And a very ecclectic selection of new and used books. Don't worry, they have lots of mainstreamy stuff too. They will also buy back books for store credit, which is a great deal.

They managed to withstand the Goliath of Super Crown, and they continue to fight off their corporate competitors thanks to community loyalty and that penguin cartoon guy. Great place to buy books, pick up the free weeklies and have a cup of coffee.