Insider Pages Reviews for Green Apple Books

5 Stars: I want to move in! (by Karen B.)

Karen B. — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:20:00 GMT

I LOVE Green Apple! Its the best used/new bookstore EVER! I love all of the selection they have and it is all very well priced. I get some of the coolest books from there. I want to move in and never leave!

5 Stars: My Favorite Book Store in San Francisco (by Erica O.)

Erica O. — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:09:00 GMT

Green Apple is fabulous. With endless used and discounted books, it is always well within my budget and has become somewhat of an addiction.

Book stores can be overwhelming and fortunately the staff at Green Apple does an excellent job at recommendations. On only a very few occasions have I been unhappy with a featured novel.

Also, when having book-happy visitors in town, Green Apple is a great stop to show the benefits of San Francisco.

4 Stars: selection (by judy l.)

judy l. — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:42:00 GMT

green apple books currently have 3 locations. the bookstore, the annex (music, dvds, magazines and books) and the warehouse. the bookstore itself is good, always crowded. the annex has a nice selection of magazines and the warehouse is a warehouse (a bit overwhelming). all in all, nice places to hang out if you have a free afternoon.

4 Stars: Completely, Positively Lost (by Anne M.)

Anne M. — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:30:00 GMT

honestly, the only effort green apple books requires of their customers is that they walk through the door and after that, you're genuinely taken care of. i don't even mean by the physical body of a staff member, although they seem great. instead, you're guided by interestingly shelved books, broken into categories such as "books you would never see on oprah's list" and the more obvious "staff picks," but under many of these specifically chosen works, an impressively worded description of the book is taped to the shelf, complete with the who, when, and why we should read them. this store is hardly generic and completely fascinating. i was lost. hours could have gone by and i would have been perfectly content browsing and perusing pages of authors and works i think i would have never discovered if it weren't for this shop. you'll be lost, too.

2 Stars: This is probably my least favorite book store in SF (by Sam L.)

Sam L. — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 15:05:00 GMT

I used to live near by this location and would wonder in from time to time. The staff is not super helpful, so don't expect them to pay you much attention. The store is large, but not well laid out, so you may find yourself spending a great deal of time looking for something that you could have found else where quicker.

3 Stars: No Books. (by Rebecca H.)

Rebecca H. — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 23:37:00 GMT

Bad service and terrible selection of books. They are super rude and I will never go there looking for anything again. I was so frustrated when I left this place.

PROS: Nothing.
CONS: No Service.

3 Stars: Tons of books, but... (by ordulph o.)

ordulph o. — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 14:49:00 GMT

The selection is great, but their prices are a bit stiff compared to other SF used bookstores. I've also found a great variance in the staff, some are quite helpful, but most are rude and disinterested. I go here to find books, but I usually end up buying them elsewhere.

PROS: Great selection
CONS: Expensive, variable staff, no parking

5 Stars: Can I request to be banned? (by Marcus R.)

Marcus R. — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 14:09:00 GMT

I buy books way faster than I can read them. Great selection of both new and used books.
I love this store but I may request my own banning for my own good.
My favorite bookstore in San Francisco

5 Stars: Green Apple Books (by Ahlauren L.)

Ahlauren L. — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 22:37:00 GMT

My absolute favorite book store in san francisco. they have 2 stores with books and music new and used. I love this store because of the good prices and deals they have. I buy many of the books I need for school and just for enjoyment here. The used books are really inexpensive. The service is very friendly and they are always there to help you.

4 Stars: BOOKS! (by Alan Z.)

Alan Z. — Sun, 27 Nov 2005 16:30:00 GMT

All I could say is... WOW!! This place is wonderful. They have many, many books that you won't be able to find elsewhere. They have many used books and also many new books at prices that are lower that many other books stores! This place has been here a long time now and I haven't heard anything wrong about it yet.

4 Stars: Jammed back with books (by Andrea T.)

Andrea T. — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 10:55:00 GMT

Green Apple Books is one of my favorite bookstores that I could spend hours browsing, literally. This store is just filled to the brim with books and even overflows into the street with stacks of books right in front of the store. Prices are incredibly affordable. Its easy to spot with its green awning over the storefront. However, parking is a pain to find.

4 Stars: used books (by G W.)

G W. — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 14:00:00 GMT

Green Apple Books is one of my favorite stores in the city. They have thousands of used books in a variety of genres. I like to look through the cookbooks. I can spend hours here perusing the titles. They are cheaper than new books, but not as cheap as you may expect. Most are in very good condition.

5 Stars: Hidden treasure (by David H.)

David H. — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 11:09:00 GMT

I use to use this place relentlessly while going to school to save money on books. With their huge selection, I was able to find a number of titles that I couldn't find in more mainstream places and sometimes at half price. The store is jammed pack with books, so it's best to ask the employees for help and if you they don't have a title in stock, they are often able to acquire it for you on order with little hassle.

5 Stars: yea! (by Jutta M.)

Jutta M. — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 18:26:00 GMT

Great selection of unusual cookbooks. Not so cheap though. I man I think that you can buy a joy of cooking book jsut about any where fior some thng like five dollars. So it shoud be five dollars there too right? But non, it think that it is like twelve dollars or ten or eleven whick is way more then it should be for a boodl that is used, right?

5 Stars: If you've got the time, Green Apple has your book! (by d. nicole t.)

d. nicole t. — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 17:09:00 GMT

I was lucky to grow up with Green Apple Booksw in my neighbourhood. They don't just have the books I'm looking for, but they always seem to have something I didn't realise I was looking for! Wonderful selection of used obscura if you've got the time to look through their enormous selection. They also buy back good condition used books for store credit!

PROS:
CONS: The parking on Clement St. is horrid ALL the time...use alternatives

5 Stars: A+ (by Kevin L.)

Kevin L. — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 22:54:00 GMT

This books store is filled with a variety of books that are hard to come by. The workers are real nice and the location is great. There is always enough parking space in the area and they have whatever book i need.

4 Stars: Knowledgeable staff, and cheap to moderate prices. (by Kwok C.)

Kwok C. — Sat, 08 Oct 2005 04:14:00 GMT

Green Apple Books has been a fixture in San Francisco for some time. It's amazing how there still open in the face of such competition. They offer a tremendous range of books, and are very competitive in prices of there used books. Getting around is a bit difficult with the narrow paths, and if your not knowledgeable about the store, then it will be a long day trying to weed out all the books. Luckily, the staff at Green Apple books is very accommodating. Parking is pretty much non existent on Clement.

5 Stars: Excellent Bookstore (by Lisa Q.)

Lisa Q. — Mon, 26 Sep 2005 16:12:00 GMT

This is the best bokstore for you to buy and sell books. The store has so many old books for you to buy at cheap prices and they buy back your backs at reasonable prices. I would recommend this bookstore to EVERYONE i know

5 Stars: maybe the best book store in San Francisco (by LauraMarie T.)

LauraMarie T. — Wed, 21 Sep 2005 11:26:00 GMT

Green Apple Books is my favorite bookstore because their selection is awesome. They have all the books Im looking for. Their buyers must be geniuses. They have excellent remaindered books as well as used books and new books. The building itself is interesting, with its multiple levels. The workers are helpful and polite. They offer staff reviews that are helpful. Their selection of journals and blank books is superb. Green Apple is not the biggest bookstore in the world, but the books that are there perfectly match my tastes.

PROS: great selection
CONS: none

5 Stars: Book specials are always great here! (by ELAINE Y.)

ELAINE Y. — Fri, 09 Sep 2005 11:07:00 GMT

I love coming here for used books. They always have a couple of 'special' bins right outside the front of their stores that offer books for $1.00 to $4.00. I always seem to find something whenever I walk by and they also offer a buy back program of your books where you can get store credit for future purchases. This place has been a mainstay of the richmond district for as long as I remember and I love frequenting the store.

5 Stars: Great Bookstore (by Carol K.)

Carol K. — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 11:41:00 GMT

Green Apple Books is one of my favorite bokstores in san Francisco. They offer such a wide range of new and used books, CD's and magazines. I often sell old books back to them for very reasonable prics. their prices are very affordable and you can find some really great deals. the sales people there are really friendly and helpful. And if you can't find what you are looking for, which is rare, they will refer you to another store. Exellent bookstore!

5 Stars: Great Book Store to get lost in (by Lorraine M.)

Lorraine M. — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 11:03:00 GMT

I love this book store. It carries everything from the best sellers to the obscure and out of print. I managed to locate a first edition Roald Dahl book here as a gift, that I had problems finding online.

The staff are helpfull and really know what they are doing, and if they cannot find the book you are looking for they are quick to offer alternatives and offer personal reccomendations.

It's a candy store for book lovers

5 Stars: 5 stars!! (by Sandy H.)

Sandy H. — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 15:52:00 GMT

This is one of my all time favorite bookstores in san Francisco. You can find almost any book in this store, no matter how old. They are also great for buying used textbooks at more affordable prices than University bookstores. Also they buy back alot of used books for better values than some other places. I highly recommend this bookstore. Th eonly downfall is trying to find a parking spot

5 Stars: Green Apple (by L W.)

L W. — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 17:55:00 GMT

I can spend hours here. There are so many varieties of books. The workers are also very helpful. They have used and new books, so the prices may vary if you decide to purchase a book. You can also sell your old books here. Overall I give this bookstore 5 stars.

4 Stars: Best San Francisco used book store (by Stephen M.)

Stephen M. — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 09:49:00 GMT

Fiction, DVDs, and music are in a separate building with a separate entrance.

Green Apple has a lot of books, more than Acorn (though Acorn is more likely to have forgotten 1950s and 60s harcover volumes). Green Apple's inventory is especially strong for books about history (arranged by geographic area).

The staff is professional and I enjoy the collection of tribal masks from around the world high on the walls of the store housing nonfiction (the original one), which also houses remaindered books.

Prices are comparable to Moe's, the venerable champion of Berkeley used book stores.

PROS: many books and many masks
CONS: not particularly cheap

5 Stars: The best bookstore in the city! (by Gavin W.)

Gavin W. — Fri, 08 Jul 2005 09:48:00 GMT

Green Apple Books is hands down the best bookstore in the city of San Francisco. It has a huge selection of new books, and there is an entire annex to buy and sell used books, CDs and DVDs. The staff picks are always phenomenal interesting reads that you'd never see in the massive chains like Barnes and Noble. Check out the new fiction and non-fiction downstairs, and then head upstairs to see books on religion, history, art, ANYTHING you possibly could want to learn about. Definitely check this place out.

4 Stars: Tons of books! Tons I Tell you! (by Ned M.)

Ned M. — Mon, 20 Jun 2005 23:14:00 GMT

This is my favorite book store in the city. It's huge. They had to open a second store next door called the "Green Apple Annex" to stock the fiction. It's good for endless browsing, particularly in the non-fiction section. I've found some very hard to find academic journals here. They also have constant sales on overstock titles, so you can usually find something interesting for pretty cheap.

PROS: tons of books. cheap. good for browsing.
CONS:

5 Stars: Readers Paradise (by kathleen l.)

kathleen l. — Mon, 20 Jun 2005 10:35:00 GMT

Green Apple is a truly a paradise found for book lovers. Located on busy Clement at 6th, parking is terrible and make sure to feed the meters or park on surrounding streets so as to not disturb your adventure. Used and new books of all varieties make this favorite SF bookseller an adventure for all. Spend a few moments or the afternoon browsing the stacks- not to be missed

4 Stars: Book Store (by Tony N.)

Tony N. — Mon, 09 May 2005 20:01:00 GMT

This is a very good place if you want to sell your old books and if you want to buy a book. Good customer service. They can help you with want you need.

5 Stars: Incredible (by V W.)

V W. — Sat, 07 May 2005 23:49:00 GMT

You could climb around this place for hours, getting lost in all the back rooms and tiny side closets packed from floor to ceiling with used and new books all slammed in together. Best place to spend a rainy day.

4 Stars: Treasure mine (by N P.)

N P. — Mon, 02 May 2005 00:22:00 GMT

This is a fantastic used book store! They have treasures I've not seen anywhere else. I found a newly released music CD here that for only $8.99. There is a good graphic novel section and childrens area. The prices are reasonable, clerks are great, and selection is unbeatable. A few doors down, they sell new/used CDs and used/new DVDs. Good magazine rack there too.

4 Stars: Green Apple (by M W.)

M W. — Fri, 22 Apr 2005 17:28:00 GMT

I like this bookstore. It's a small, old book store in a great area. You can buy, sell, and trade there. They have a huge selection of books, dvd, and cds. Everytime I go there I have to buy something. They have great finds if you take the time and look. Great pricing, too. The employees are pretty easy going.

4 Stars: used books (by Sasha N.)

Sasha N. — Sun, 16 Jan 2005 11:14:00 GMT

This is a pretty cool used bookstore although very popular and mainstream. One of the bigger, better used bookstores in this part of San Francisco. They have a large selection of both new and used books, and then another room off to the side of used records, tapes and CD's. The prices are pretty reasonable although a bit on the high side, and the staff is helpful although a bit young and annoying. All and all a good place to browse for used books and music if you don't have the time to go all the way to Berkeley.

5 Stars: (by Jenna L.)

Jenna L. — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 19:22:00 GMT

Incredible new and used bookstore. You can sell your books and receive cash or trade credit. They also have a small store a couple of doors down where they sell new and used CD and DVDs. Both stores have a very comfortable feel to them that encouragesyou to leisurely stroll through the store and browse at the thousands of books.

2 Stars: (by Adrienne J.)

Adrienne J. — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 11:10:00 GMT

Green Apple Books falls drastically short of its reputation. A crowded and confusing scheme of stacked books and yellowed magazines which, although supposedly exuding bohemianism, just lends itself to a hassling purchase. I came in a few weeks ago with a printed list of classics, both fiction and non-fiction, I needed for a college class. Finally, I found an extremely unhelpful clerk who led me to the Psychology section only to find Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents unavailable. In the Science section, Darwin's Origin of Species was only available in one copy -- a Penguin paperback whose $4.95 original sale price was listed on the back cover sold USED for $7.95. I definitely would not recommend Green Apple Books for any serious book needs.