DG Wills Books

I just moved to the neighborhood and have been really looking forward to checking this place out. As I was walking home from the store I decided to go in and take a look around. Immediately the owner or whoever was working told me I was not allowed to have my service dog with me. I told him I have paperwork and it is actually illegal to refuse a service dog. He claimed to have an entire folder on the ADA policies at which point I pulled out my certification and told him he was not allowed to ask me what service the dog provides. He was extremely rude and disrespectful to me, even saying that he was closing (an hour before listed hours). I love supporting local businesses, as I am also a small business owner… But sorry you will never have my business due to your poor attitude and illegal accusations. People with disabilities read too.

Used book stores are one of the places in the world I feel most at home, especially good ones, and this book store is no exception. The store itself is perfect, books from floor to ceiling, cozy, exactly the kind of place you could get lost for an afternoon if you’ve got a day to spare. The collection of books is interesting and different, and as a scientist I was blown away by the books taken from Dr. Francis Crick (discover of the structure of DNA)‘s personal library. If you love to nerd out about first editions or copies previously owned by famous or important people, I would suggest checking out DG Wills. Granted, you won’t necessarily find modern or recent books, but you can find the first edition copy of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, or an autographed copy from Dr. Francis Crick’s personal library, which to me is what used books are all about. If you get romantic about the idea of your own copy of a book deriving from a Nobel Laureate’s personal book shelf, then this is the place for you, but if you’re looking for a cheap used book store with crazy insane deals on current books, look elsewhere, from one book-​lover to the next…

This place is what Disneyland is to a small child. It captures all that is imaginable. You can feel yourself surrounded by the minds of the authors and the possibilities of knowledge still to be obtained. Treasure. Adventure. Quest. Dennis, the proprietor, is himself brilliant and his passion for books, ability to discuss intelligently everything from their font type, type of paper printed on, bindings, publisher — — and of course the authors that surround you with all the wonders of the world. If I could be anywhere, it would be here. It truly is the best place on earth. And there are a hell of a lot of good places on earth :-)

I found this bookstore completely by accident. I was trying a coffee place next door and saw the bookstore. The owner of the bookstore really has a passion for books. That’s probably why there are so many really interesting books here. He has books of all kinds of subjects that can be new or extremely old. I found an old copy of Darwin’s travels and studies.

Dropped in during a recent visit to San Diego. The place is wonderful for any book lover. Shelves teeming with titles, books stacked on the floor, even a little store room in the back with used books. The owner is very friendly and super-​helpful. I visited several bookstores in San Diego during my trip and this was one of the best. Will look forward to coming back when I’m next in town.

If you are lucky enough to live in San Diego and can go to this bookshop all the time, I envy you. It’s a treasure. I never really go in looking for anything in particular, but always come out with at least one book. I’ve found rare poetry books, gorgeous editions of classics, and the most beautiful art books. There’s also all kinds of neat knick-​knacks and old articles and photos on the walls. I don’t think we’re in Barnes and Noble anymore, Toto.
Dennis, the man who owns the place, is a great guy. He knows his merchandise, and is one of those people who can have a conversation with anyone about anything– a very interesting man.
Oh, and don’t miss their science section! It’s spectacular.

This is just like any ol’ bookstore, although I prefer the ones in Hillcrest just a bit more. I came in during the heat wave and the place only had two fans running, unfortunately. The owner was nice and greeted us, and apologized for the lack of cool air, which was nice of him.
I mainly disliked how the books were shelved. Due to the lack of space, the books were stacked in front of each other. I was looking for a particular author and couldn’t find him — turns out, the author was hidden behind the first layer of books on the shelf. The disorganization makes it hard to browse, the aisles were very narrow, and the prices were pretty steep.

Grabbed a Mark Twain book from the amazing collection of used books. So many books I wanted but are priced a little steep for me. The gentlemen cashing me out was friendly. I was able to grab coffee next door and book browse a few steps away at this rad book store. What else can you deduct stars for? La Jolla located with fairly decent parking options.

I had heard about this bookstore from City Lights in SF, and then again when my daughter and he boyfriend discovered it over the last two summers. Somewhere along the way I heard the owner was a bit like the Soup Nazi in the old Seinfeld episodes, so I avoided it. But it was a beautiful summer day, my friends from SF were visiting, snarking about San Diego’s lack of culture, so we stopped by. It was the highlight of our weekend! DG was personable, warm, relaxed and very helpful with astute recommendations. The ambiance in this place would have to be invented if it didn’t exist. The archetype of a book lovers haven. I will be back, and I feel as if I have discovered a real sense of community here. Thank you DG Wills!

I can’t believe the amount of antique books in this store. The hidden room behind the bookcase is pretty awesome too! The owner was so nice and helped us find anything we were looking for. Just a fun store to walk around in.

I recently moved to La Jolla to join the faculty at a nearby university. As a lifelong bibliophile, I was excited to learn of DG Wills and today made an attempt to shop there. I brought along my wife and two children ages 10 and 7 as we all enjoy shopping for books together. I discovered DG Wills Books is not the place to try this.
After stopping at the coffee shop next door (Pannikin — absolutely 5 star service) for drinks and a quick game of chess on their giant board, we headed next door to DG Wills. As we mounted the step and crossed the threshold into the store, a middle-​aged male ran toward us from behind the counter, arms outstretched, crying «No, no, no!» In the face of this startling introduction we retreated to the sidewalk to regroup. I noticed a sign on the step that asked that drinks be left at the front counter, so I assumed this person was attempting to refuse entrance to people with drinks. We disposed of our paper cups and again tried to enter the store. This time we were met with a pronouncement that the «Children’s Area» of the bookstore was limited to two 30-​inch shelves directly next to the entrance and that the rest of the bookstore was the «Adult Section.» Applying the principle of charity I assumed he meant that this was the only area with books for children, but on asking for clarification, he confirmed my fear that the rest of his store is actually off-​limits to children. I decided that perhaps we had enough books at home for now, and I would look for a different bookseller that might allow for families to explore together.
Our family had several thoughts about this encounter. First, I have never entered a business to be charged by the clerk trying to bar my entrance. For a lover of books, this person seemed remarkably bereft of words. Second, essentially banning children from a bookstore seems particularly despicable in an age when so many other entertainments compete for their attention. Third, even if this bookseller has temporarily developed a successful business model of selling solely to the elderly and childless, this does not seem to be a sustainable business model once his current customer base expires.
As we sadly walked away from this strange encounter, my quiet, reflective seven year old said «That man made me feel like a bug.»

This place is all about the types of books stocked and the owner, DG. DG is interested in books that scholars, students, and the well read will find remarkably interesting. If you want a classic, he will likely have it. If you like reading, you will find it difficult to get out of DG’s little oasis. Have fun!

Great place to get a special book for that book lover you know… Or for yourself!
Best selection on rare, out of print and subject books like art, architecture, design, cars, existentialism, poetry, foreign, you name it. A La Jolla gem. You won’t find these unique books at Warwicks!

This is a fantastic gem of a book store in a great location. They have a tremendous selection of fiction and non fiction and a very friendly staff. Any book that you probably want they probably have. If they do not, they can help you find it.
This is a great spot for book lovers.

The owner’s response was a good attempt to overshadow my review which by the way was nothing but the truth. Of course his perception is apparently different from several reviews below that find him rude, too. His character is clearly exposed when he mocks customers like myself for not being familiar with a certain book. Perhaps that is why people write bad reviews… don’t you think? Not good business to mean, grumpy and mock customers.

A very impressive selection. Though most of the books are at cover price, they do have a good amount of used books tucked in the back.

Being able to name one independent book store you shop at is very cool. This is a very unique home that mixes new, used and antiquarian books together. Looks like a 19^th-​century book and hardware store that you might see in an old western. The little indi draws in a crowd by offering in-​store events, author signings and lectures with an impressive list of celebrity appearances, those crowned with a laurel wreath, and Pulitzer Prize winners. I certainly enjoyed being part of this story.

I grew up visiting book stores in Normal Heights. My Mom was a huge book lover and we went to Adams Avenue books every week to satisfy her book Jones, one I shared with her as soon as I realized that between the covers of many books was an adventure that would transport me to wonderful places.
Later she owned a used book store in La Mesa. A lovely Mecca of dusty antique reads and fun odds and ends. I miss both places as they both felt like home.
In the 80’s I had a friend named Sally that was an antique book collector and she always
raved about DG Wills, but I never made it there, and today I discovered, that she was spot on.
My son and I both agreed that we felt overwhelmed with the amazing collection of old books and amazing articles on the walls. It was like a book museum. I enjoyed reading the articles on the walls and got totally sucked into a great book about Edith Piaf.
I am looking forward to going back and enjoying many hours in such a lovely independent book store.

My idea of heaven is a room full of hot naked women willing to please me in any and every way, or this book store.
That’s right, I loved this bookstore THAT much.
The selection of books is AWESOME. Used or new, paperback or hard cover, any way you want it.
In fact, this place has the best selection of art books I have seen.
Lots of beautiful rare books too!
The atmosphere was excellent. The shop is clean, well organized and decorated with a soothing, academic vibe. Also some nice classical music was playing.
I met the owner of the shop. This guy is great. He was chilling with his pals in front of the store with some red wine. Apart from being a laid back guy, he was very helpful, friendly, and it was evident to me that he has lots of knowledge.
I simply adore this shop and will be back to buy more books.

When I told him, «I’ll be back,» I sincerely meant it.
God, this place is like a heaven for bookworms – it’s got everything going for it. the ceiling high bookshelves, the dark rooms, the piles of books on the ground, it’s hidden treasures, the price tag… I could spend a day just looking around with the anticipation of stumbling across something really good.
Honestly, come here by yourself or with a friend who’s just as crazy about this kind of stuff. You need HOURS of time on your hand to give this place a proper perusing.
The owner, from what I heard him say to customers who asked him questions, seems extremely helpful and interesting, though I had no need to ask questions myself. But I’m glad he’s not the type to breathe over your neck while you’re standing there just taking it all in.
Apparently he has all kinds of speakers from Nobel Laureates to professors to artists… I wish I had known about this when I first got down here in San Diego!
Found myself an art book for my sister and a first trade edition for pretty decent prices! Then spent the rest of the day at Pannikin next door sipping coffee and reading my newly bought books. What a day.
Bottom line? GET YOURSELF HERE. You won’t be disappointed.