Having recently moved and not having very much furniture I have been looking for a few bookshelves to store books and other junk I have no place for. The obvious less expensive locations (for me) to look have been craigslist and Ikea. While I’m not particularly picky, I still do appreciate a well built bookshelf as well as something that is aesthetically pleasing and will fit/go well in my new apartment.
Needless to say my search continues. Craigslist while having many options just didn’t have anything that suits my needs. And as for Ikea, I have enough cheap particle board in my life already. I considered typing “bookshelf” into yelp to see what would happen, but honestly, I can’t stand yelp. Yes, its somewhat bizarre but I think their business practices are phony and ruthless. What to do? When all else fails use Google. My first attempt led me to Books & Bookshelves, and just like that I had I found what I was looking for.
Books & Bookshelves, 99 Sanchez Street, SF
I have to say, it seems quite silly that their aren’t more similar stores out there. Other than coffee, what really goes better with books than bookshelves. Sure I could think of some other things but none as functional.
With address in hand I ventured to the store which is just off Duboce Park in San Francisco. I didn’t really have much to go on, just hopes of finding some nice bookshelves and perhaps even a book or two. I was a little concerned by the fact that the store is advertised as being “Usually Open 11-7″ but figured on a Saturday the chance of them being shut was unlikely. At first glance this story really doesn’t look like much. There isn’t much signage and unless you’re looking for it I don’t think it really has the appeal to just wander in. But, once your inside you are inundated with… bookshelves.
There are bookshelves of all shapes and sizes on the floor and for the most part they are unfinished. So that you can match your new bookcase with your other furnishings you can pick your own finish from a pretty wide variety of choices. The prices all seemed pretty reasonable, obviously more than craigslist or Ikea, but you’re also getting something that will last (not to mention doesn’t require those Ikea screw twisty things that never hold, case in point my dresser).
Books & Bookshelves, 99 Sanchez Street, SF
One of the more remarkable things is that they will custom build whatever it is you’re looking for. If they don’t have something on the floor that suits your needs just tell the nice gentleman there what you want and you’ll have it in a week or two just to your specifications. As for my own pursuits, I didn’t end up purchasing anything on my visit but that’s only because I’m indecisive. I’m sure another trip will be in order.
Now, let’s get on to the second part of this shop the “Books.” Take note that the books part of my review follows the bookshelves for a particular reason, it is clearly not the focus of the business. From what I could tell they had a lot of used books at really good prices (some for .99). Unfortunately most of the fiction and non-fiction stuff was obscured by the furniture they were also trying to sell which made it hard to find titles. In the back room, which is less cluttered with furniture is the majority of their books. Books, which for the most part are from local authors and local publishers. They also have an immense and very nice poetry section. As their website will tell you they try and stock those hard to find books that are not generally available and tend to stay away from mainstream and best seller titles. While filling a niche with their books I am fairly certain most if not all of their revenue comes from the furniture.
Books & Bookshelves, 99 Sanchez Street, SF
Alas, I found no books for me, although there were a few for .99 cents that I certainly contemplated picking up either for nostalgia or just to have. In the end, if you’re looking for a bookshelf or poetry this is a great place for you to shop, if you’re looking for a fiction title, I don’t think I can say the same.
