Marcus Book Stores

Such a sweet and lovely sanctuary.
Being the oldest African American bookstore in the country, this spot is filled with history, culture and amazing books for adults, preteens and kids.
My first time here was to see my favorite author Sister Souljah about one month ago, and since then have fallen in love with the atmosphere and book collection.
There are several selections but what I love most is that the entire store is filled with black authors versus a tiny designated «African American» shelf that’s in other stores.
Coming here is always super nostalgic and inspiring.
Other notes:
— Cards and calendars for sale.
— 2 hour street parking.
— Friendly & Knowledgeable staff.
— Great gifts for anyone.
— Lots of free signings & events.

A true gem. An institution. Incredible selection, super dedicated, helpful, knowledgeable staff… We are blessed to have Marcus books in our city. Truly truly blessed.

What a treasure! We found an old bookmark in one of my husband’s aunt’s old books. The bookmark is from the 25^th anniversary of Marcus books (that’s 1985)! This reminded us to supported this lovely, local, Black owned business more often. Our latest visit was to purchase a Kwanzaa gift for our son. Being an educator and an avid reader, it was sooo difficult for me to browse quickly and not choose everything. They have an excellent selection of children’s books, greeting cards, stationery, and all kinds of Black literature. It is a very affirming and loving space and all are welcome. We purchased a Shades of Black board book and a Black History calendar for our 1 year old son. We will be coming here more often for birthday and holiday gifts. Feel fortunate to have such a empowering store in Oakland.

There was a time when I really love this book store I felt so empowered every time I exit with my bag. On this particular visit the dismay has been engraved deep in my soul. I teach a class on african-​american parenting so I wanted to present my graduating class with black life matters wristbands, as I was speaking to one of the owners at the cash drawer her phone rang she proceeded to laugh chat and gossip on a personal phone call which was close to six minutes. after one or two concerned glances she hung up and proceeded to ring up my wristbands of 14 at $ 2 each I was charged $ 24 for the wristbands with $ 6 tax I asked her was she sure that the $ 6 tax was correct she asured me that everybody pays tax in a tone that was not customer friendly. really $ 6 tax on a $ 24 purchase really? supporting my community and his business it’s something I’ve been talked to do as a child but what happens when our businesses do not provide you would courteous or proper service? unfortunately Marcus bookstore is the only game in town but I feel I have to stick to my guns and now shop Amazon really hating that it came to this I feel so disenchanted and heartbroken but I refuse to be taken advantage of, especially by my own community.

If you are a conscious person or still lost and trying to find your way through the darkness, let Marcus Books be your beacon and guiding light!
They have every book from children’s books and cook books to revolutionary studies and books about TRUE history.
The store is extremely charming and staff are friendly and helpful!

I pass this place like once a month, and have never paid much attention, until I saw it on a list of places to visit in Oakland. So, I decided to take my niece and nephew by for a little education. The book selection was fantastic. They have a vast selection of biographies, fiction, manifestos, religious writings, poetry, etc. The place was beautifully decorated and made me feel comfortable and engaged. Where I was a bit disappointed was in the service I received.
I was hoping that the employees would see two young folks in the store, and give them a reason to want to be there (sometimes you have to motivate youth to be interested in subjects). I know that I was expecting too much from the workers (they work in a bookstore, not a magic shop), but at least a «Hey, have you kids ever been here before?», would have been a great start. I asked for recommendations on a couple of books, but the service worker wasn’t much help. But, then he jumped on the phone with another customer and waxed poetic about Egyptology or Kemetic philosophy or something. I guess everyone has their areas of expertise. I asked another employee about literature that might be of interest for someone between young adult lit and the wider store selection. Instead of giving me recommendations, she just shook her head, pointed to the young adult and children’s section, and said «that’s it». Well, I guess that’s it.

Love coming into Marcus Books and soaking up all the knowledge. This is my favorite store in the Bay Area; the one stop shop for anything african related when it comes to knowledge. Support black businesses like Marcus Bookstore!

This place is a true gem!

Marcus Bookstores are the West Coast’s oldest bookstores. Marcus in Oakland carries an eclectic assortment of literature that focus on African American, and African Diaspora authors, but is not exclusive to them. Friendly, family owned and operated, it features events with authors of all stripes, including luminaries such as Angela Davis and Toni Morrison.

I love the fact that they are willing to hold books for you when they are out of stock. In addition, there are so many books to choose from. And it is Black owned!!!

Marcus Books has been selling books about african amerians for well over 50 years. this probably isn’t their original location. they sell new books, no used ones. .
surprised to see them selling cookbooks, dvd’s, maps, postcards, et al. also
cool they have a discontinued book section. picked up a classic cheap.
buys: «tally’s corner: a study of Negro streetcorner men»
(Elliot Liebow) -$ 3
note:
–wouldn’t come here late in the afternoon or early evenings…

This is hands down one of the best books stores I’ve ever been in. They have EVERYTHING & if they don’t have it them they can order it for you. I love the fact that they carry Black Christmas cards which are very hard to find. I highly recommend Marcus Books Store to everyone.

Decent prices
Staff here are super helpful
Book selection is amazing:)
Recommend going here a d checking out their books!!!

YES! I grew up going to Marcus Bookstore. I’m glad to see they are still around. The selection of books is amazing. What more do you want to know? GO and check them out!

Years ago I grew tired of looking for books in the «African American Section» of Borders or B&N only to be inundated with trashy Black novels about a man who ain’t «no good» and the Sistah strong enought to love him.
I met Cornel West here. I know!
The staff are always helpful, passionate and knowledgeable about their literature. Plus, depending on what you’re there for, you can get into some great coffee shop conversations on current events, politics, or whatever white folks are up to these days. Always important.

Have you ever had a problem finding a book at the «popular big retail» bookstores? Especially a book written by an African American! Well if so you can call Marcus Book stores, and they probably have at the least the last copy!
It is a small little store, but very big inside with the wealth of different items they have in there!

I came here a couple years back and I need to go back!
I came when Eric Jerome Dickey was here to do a book reading on his latest book at the time. GENEVIEVE!
it’s a cool, down home local book store that has a lot of African American literature.
The staff is friendly and it sure beats Barnes & Nobles!

I love supporting Marcus Bookstore. Since I was in college, this placehas been a staple in my life. I can always find what I need, even when I walk in and don’t know exactly what that is. It’s also great for Afro-​centered gifts, cards, calendars and other things you can’t find anywhere else. It’s much more than your one row of «african American» at the chains. Marcus is responsible for more than half of my cherished book collection.
Support these folks!

My Top 5 Reasons to support Marcus Books (and to give the the highest rating possible)
5. They’re close to home.
4. They aren’t a big chain.
3. They don’t just sell books about revolutionary history: they have been a part of the making… and continue to impact change!
2. I enjoy going there.
1. As the principal of an Oakland school (and a career-​long teacher) Blanche Richardson and the Marcus Books family have supported my work, my school, and my students. I have brought students there on field trips, Blanche has come to us for a speaking engagement, and the store has been very generous recently in support of a family of a student from our school who was in a car accident. While we have patronized Marcus and brought them some business, they have given, not out of reciprocity, but out of a genuine commitment to the community.
I hope that everyone reading this will take the time to visit and patronize Marcus Books.

I miss y’all! I used to frequent this store almost every week a few years ago. They still have a good selection of fiction, non-​fiction, children’s books, calendars, cards, etc. by and about people of African descent.
Also, they can order any book for you if they don’t carry it. It’s a great way of supporting a local independent business rather than
.