Green Apple Books

Category:	Book Store
Address:	506 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Phone:	+1 415-387-2272
Site:	greenapplebooks.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	10AM–10:30PM 10AM–10:30PM 10AM–10:30PM 10AM–10:30PM 10AM–11PM 10AM–11PM 10AM–10:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Marc Starvaggi

I always end up with something when I stop by large local bookstores and this was noexception. The selection is truly impressive. I bought a signed new copy of a picture book, a special edition illustrated hardcover of another, though both the regular and illustrated paperbacks were stocked, and a used foreign language novel from 1950. They had a good amount of French, German, and Spanish, a handful of Italian, and single books in a few other languages, one of which was Japanese. They had rare and/or very old books behind a glass case, and my partner bought one of them. The staff member designated to open and close the case and retrieve books for us was very rude. He was annoyed each time we asked him to open the case, as if we were interrupting him from simply standing there. At one point, he exclaimed "Jesus Christ" under his breath. This was the only unpleasant part of our experience. He was tall, thin, pasty, acne-ridden, had long brown hair and glasses, and spoke with some kind of Southern or Western accent I could not discern. I feel it unnecessary to dock the store a star for this interaction, as many other employees we encountered were helpful and friendly.

Thomas Chee

The secret to being unique in a city of creativity like San Francisco is surprise the reader. Green Apple Books is brilliant, creative, and eclectic for readers, and non-reader. I live in Las Vegas, but take people to San Francisco all the time, and when I do, Green Apple is on the tours menu because even non-readers feel inspired as they walk inside because the atmosphere is deriving with ideas, filled with a literary style, and has a book, documentary, artistic magazine, a taste from the childrens books upstairs to the broad diverse range of books with incredible sources of insight: Travel, essays, comedies, and the rows of wooden layers. Green Apple is open late, which is nice for walking at night, especially since so many of the restaurants surrounding Green Apple are open 24 hours each day. The selection of books is extensive. The community around Clement Street, even Geary Boulevard one block up, are incredibly lucky to have a center of knowledge, which is what Green Apple reminds us of as we think of San Francisco from Las Vegas, where we dont have many bookstores.

Victoria P.

With the demise of the chain stores, Im so happy to see independent book stores, like Green Apple, still surviving, and thriving! I went on a shopping spree after getting 2 Groupon deals. It was hard sticking to my wish list as they have a large selection. From comic books, music, magazines, and knick knacks, they have it all, new and used. And if youre just getting into reading, browse the staff favorites (both in store or online) and hopefully that will start you on your literary journey. Speaking of their website, I like how you can search their inventory, make a wish list, and purchase books and e-books. And the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I think I have enough books to last me to the end of the year, but I love coming back to browse, especially at night! I think its awesome that they close at 11:30pm on weekends. It brings an interesting crowd.

Chuck Lantz

Ive lived within a few blocks of Green Apple Books for over twenty years, and the magic of the place is the same now as it was the first time I visited this amazing store. The personnel are as varied as the books themselves, but all are knowledgeable and very helpful. It has survived the big box bookstore era as well as the interwebs stores era, all without changing much, if at all. Its an old saw, but it still applies perfectly; ... "If you cant find what you want at Green Apple Books, you probably didnt need it anyway." If youve never been there, do yourself a favor and give them a visit. Its one of the very few Real Book Stores left.

Steve G

A great selection of secondhand books, particularly literature and history, but also a large bit of everything. Excellent for remainders, too. I really want to give this place my love, but something stops me from embracing it wholeheartedly. Perhaps its because the parking in the neighborhood is insane, bordering on impossible, or maybe its because the staff always seems to be just a bit brusque in their manner. Really, folks, theres no need for attitude in a bookstore - the books have more than enough themselves. Still, a bookstore is all about the books, and Green Apple has a great and large quantity of those.

Dorothy Santos

As a lifelong student, Im a huge book lover. While Im fully meshed with digital age and have an eReader, theres nothing like a good book in my hands. If I want a book, I make it a point to support the brick-and-mortar spots in the city. Green Apple Books has been one of my favorite book shops in the city since I first started driving and could get myself over to the Richmond. The wooden floors and handwritten signs for the designated genres and areas of the book shop give it an even warmer feel. Oh, and the people that work there...they actually read the books. Phenomenal spot for books, gifts, and browsing.

A Private User

I live down the street and teach English so I go a couple times a month. The stores chaos is charming and the staff is very personable. My big problem with them is every time, every single time, I go there for a specific book it isnt there. Im talking about standard texts: Frankenstein, Jekyll and Hyde, 100 Years of Solitude, I could go on. However, their recommendations have become some of my favorite books and have turned me on to authors I wouldnt have known about. So, go to discover a book, but if you know what you want just sell your soul and order it or go to Borders.

Hannah Meeker

They have a fantastic selection of new and used books (and music). I love going there whenever I can to browse what theyve added. Their music and graphic novels are located in the annex which is a couple doors down from their main entrance. While they dont always have everything I want, I always find new treasures to fall in love with. Not only do they have awesome selection of books, but they will also buy books if you are trying to clear your collection. They wont accept everything, but you can get money or store credits for the things they do.

A Private User

Of course i appreciate having a locally owned independent bookstore nearby. But Ive found that bringing in books to sell is typically not worth the effort. My opinion, it really depends on the person whos looking at what you have to sell. Some seem to just do a cursory look without checking the books database and then not buy back anything. Just an fyi before you load up a box full of books you paid hundreds for, pay for parking a few blocks away, and haul your books over there - dont be surprised if they dont take anything back!

dashuai pi

Whenever my family visits a city, whether in this country or abroad, we visit its bookstores. Weve been to many countries over the world. Its sad and happy at the same time, that there is no bookstores like Green Apple. I am glad that there is a Green Apple in our hometown San Francisco. Once my daughter bought a used cookbook by Alice Waters for under $20. When she brought it home and opened it and found that, to her delight, it was signed by the author!