Insider Pages Reviews for A Clean Well Lighted Place for Books

4 Stars: Great place to read a book, or hear a reading (by Sam L.)

Sam L. — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 16:02:00 GMT

I really like this book store. Over the years I've enjoyed many author readings and events here. They have a solid selection, neighborhood vibe, and helpful staff.

4 Stars: Good but a little Corporate (by ordulph o.)

ordulph o. — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 14:55:00 GMT

The Cookbook and Children's sections are worth a trip All in all, this is a great independent bookstore, but I find the atmosphere a little corporate and cold.

PROS:
CONS: Parking!

5 Stars: The nicest bookstore (by ida o.)

ida o. — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 22:53:00 GMT

I love a "A Clean Well Lighted Place for Books" for its books selections and a homey atmosphere. I buy most of my books there and choose to skip BN and Borders with their coupons just to go to A Clean Well Lighted Place for Books to find MY next book - or have the book find me

4 Stars: Independent bookstore at its finest. (by Kwok C.)

Kwok C. — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 12:02:00 GMT

One of the nicer independent bookstores in San Francisco. They offer a wide range of books, along with events where you may find your fav author to sign your book. They offer quite a unique blend of adult themed books, and books for the children. There selection of children books are quite delightful, and a joy to bring the kids to. There store isn't as open as say a major retailer such as Boarders, however it does the job, and there staff is quite knowledgeable.

4 Stars: Great Place for Book Lovers (by Lorraine M.)

Lorraine M. — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 13:21:00 GMT

I Love this book store. It has a great selection of books and an easy, user friendly layout. It has a great general feel to it. Has great special events like book signings, Harry Potter book release etc. It's prices are generally good, sometimes a little more pricey than some of the larger book stores.

5 Stars: Clean and Fun! (by Aaron K.)

Aaron K. — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 12:37:00 GMT

Travelled all the way from Sacramento for a "book signing" (was more of a concert). The place was packed, but still lots of fun. The store has a lot of books in a little amount of space. The staff is nice, and they'll help you if asked! They were really great at crowd control as well, and had a large number of people moving fairly quickly thorugh the book signing.

5 Stars: Unique Bookstore with a Nice Selection (by Victor L.)

Victor L. — Sun, 14 Aug 2005 09:37:00 GMT

For six years a bit over a decade ago, I passed by this bookstore five days a week on my way to my elementary school. I only entered it several times then, but I still remember what a wonderful selection of children's books they have.

Several weeks ago, I passed by this bookstore while on a errand, and decided to drop in it since I haven't been there for so long. This bookstore is quite small compared to the regular bookstores I visit, such as Borders and Barnes & Nobles, but A Clean Well Lighted Place For Books is in a league of its own. Everything about this place is unique, from its name (which I absolutely love) to the types of books it carries to the authors and speakers who show up at the store occasionally.

5 Stars: Great Bookstore! (by Roberta W.)

Roberta W. — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 14:39:00 GMT

Wow this is a great bookstore. They carry a lot of books by the not so known authors as well. They are always having book signings and the authors coming in to read. It is very clean and indeed well Lighted. Their children's section is wonderful and organized nicely for good book picking (for the appropriate age of the child). They are a must go to book store in San Francisco.

4 Stars: Best author appearance series in San Francisco (by Stephen M.)

Stephen M. — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 10:11:00 GMT

ACWLPB is where the authors I want to hear are most likely to appear in San Francisco. A few blocks north of the Opera House and Davies Symphony Hall, it is also a good place to browse between dinner and performances.

The staff are knowledgeable and eager to help (including many had-written recommendations of particular titles scattered through the large store).

The store is fairly large, but has fewer gay books and social science titles than the Union Square Borders store.

ACWLPFB has a frequent buyer program. Members receive a bimonthly listing of upcoming appearances that includes a 20%-off coupon. And after buying 20 (I think) titles, buyers receive a credit toward purchasing more equal to 20% of their total expenditures.

PROS: author appearances, dedicated staff
CONS: good but somewhat limited selection

4 Stars: Great Independent Bookstore (by kathleen l.)

kathleen l. — Mon, 20 Jun 2005 11:04:00 GMT

Not as wide of a selection as Green Aplle but consistently execellent in it's selection of current literature. A great place for browsing with an well versed non intrusive staff.

PROS: selection, location
CONS: parking

4 Stars: Great Readings (by V W.)

V W. — Sat, 07 May 2005 23:46:00 GMT

These guys have a great reading list with all kinds of authors showing up from Lemony Snicket to Ann Rice. You won't be disappointed in their book selection. Sales tables have great prices on surprising titles.

4 Stars: A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Booklovers (by N P.)

N P. — Mon, 02 May 2005 00:29:00 GMT

I always wanted to come here and finally did on my last trip. I'm really glad. There's a nice remainders and great magazine section. Kids loved it too! One wall is filled with cookbooks. They also have a good stock of books by local authors. It's well worth the stop.

PROS: Nice selection, very pleasant atmosphere
CONS: Parking