Insider Pages Reviews for Walden Pond Bookstore

4 Stars: One of the many Grand Avenue delights (by Marcus H.)

Marcus H. — Sun, 19 Jun 2005 05:50:00 GMT

Whenever I'm in the Bay Area, I'm always tempted to do nothing but hang out in used bookstores. Walden Pond near Lake Merritt is one of several that has a random assortment of very good books staffed by knowledgable, colorful people. If you're looking for a spontaneous gift for an intellectual friend, check Walden Pond out--there's probably a cheap but interesting volume with your friend's name on it.

4 Stars: Charming bookseller. (by Ned M.)

Ned M. — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 03:57:00 GMT

Walden Pond books is a charming, well known oakland establishment. They have a good selection of new books, but the real gems are located in the used section. It is a little pricey, but there is a large collection of offerdable trade paperbacks. The intellectual atmosphere is perfect for browsing.

4 Stars: Grand Ave Bookstore. (by Sasha N.)

Sasha N. — Tue, 08 Mar 2005 04:58:00 GMT

Walden Pond Bookstore is a cool used bookstore on grand Avenue near Lake Merritt. It's a great place to go during the weekend to browse for a book and sit in one of the many sidewalk coffee shops in the area, or take a walk around the lake. They have a pretty good selection of used books and offer some new books too. The prices range from resonable to expensive. I like the paperback pocket book section, which is pretty cheap, and I have gotten some really good and eclectic books in the doller book, sale carts which they always have outside the store.

4 Stars: I rarely turn down a chance to visit this place. (by Lai-san S.)

Lai-san S. — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 00:40:00 GMT

It's located on Grand Avenue in Oakland, just down the block from the Grand Lake Theater and quite near Lake Merritt. This is a lefty bookstore, and they carry a good number of books on history, the criminal justice system, and social and political thought.

Over 50% of the stock is used (which adds a bit of randomness to what ends up appearing on the shelves), and the store isn't very large, so you might not always find what you're looking for, but that's okay. The sales staff is friendly, warm, and several members have worked for the store for years, and their love for the place is obvious. They'll offer to order things for you. In addtion, Walden Pond is often the place to find books on Oakland's history and neighborhoods.

They also have a deep magazine selection especially if you're looking for that one particular socialist journal that looks just so many of the other socialist journals, but is really completely different.

Don't forget to ask about their 10% discount program.

PROS: Homey & great for browsing
CONS: No graphic novels

4 Stars: Good for browsing and buying (by Camille P.)

Camille P. — Tue, 02 Aug 2005 19:53:00 GMT

Walden Pond is one of the reasons living in the Lake Merritt area is so nice. Compared to many of the used/new bookstores in the area, it is rather large and they have a nice depth of selection. They staff is smart and very helpful, often steering you toward cheaper used items over list-price new items. The used selection is especially impressive, featuring a number of interesting and random books. Sometimes the store can be a bit difficult to navigate, especially distinguishing new from used, but you can always ask for help. Frequent buyer plan available.
AC Transit lines #57, 12, and NL Transbay.

PROS: Knowledgeable staff
CONS: Metered parking