Best Bookstores in Marin County
There's something special about browsing a local bookstore, discovering a new favorite author, or picking out a book to read with your kids. Luckily, Marin County is home to some wonderful independent bookstores, from cozy neighborhood shops and waterfront bookstores to family-friendly bookshops offering children's storytimes, author events, and affordable used books.
Whether you're shopping for picture books for little ones, young adult novels, the latest bestsellers, or a thoughtful gift, these local bookstores in Marin County are worth a visit!
Independent Bookstores in Marin County
Book Passage — Corte Madera
One of Marin County's best-known independent bookstores, Book Passage is a favorite destination for readers of all ages. This spacious bookstore offers an extensive selection of fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and gifts, along with author appearances, writing classes, and special events. Families will especially appreciate the children's book section, with plenty of picture books, early readers, and young adult titles to explore.
Address: 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera, CA 94925
Phone: (415) 927-0960
Website: bookpassage.com
Copperfield's Books — Larkspur, San Rafael & Novato
A beloved North Bay independent bookstore chain, Copperfield's Books offers a great selection of books for adults, teens, and children. Browse everything from popular new releases and cookbooks to picture books, chapter books, and educational titles. Copperfield's also hosts author events and children's activities at select locations, making it a great stop for families.
Marin County Copperfield's Books locations:
- Larkspur: Marin Country Mark, 2419 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, CA 94939 — (415) 870-9843
- San Rafael: 1200 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 — (415) 524-2800
- Novato: 834 Grant Avenue, Novato CA 94945 — (415) 763-3052
Website: copperfieldsbooks.com
The Depot Café and Bookstore — Mill Valley
Located on the Depot Plaza in the heart of downtown Mill Valley, the Depot Café and Bookstore combines two favorite activities: browsing books and enjoying something delicious. Housed in Mill Valley's historic former railroad depot, this inviting spot offers a curated selection of books, journals, and gifts, along with a café serving breakfast, lunch, and more.
Address: 87 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: (415) 384-8921
Website: thedepotmillvalley.com
Sausalito Books by the Bay — Sausalito
Just steps from the waterfront, Sausalito Books by the Bay is a charming independent bookstore featuring a carefully selected collection of fiction, nonfiction, and children's books, as well as titles about local history, travel, and natural history. The bookstore also hosts author talks, book clubs, and special events.
Address: 100 Bay Street, Sausalito, CA 94965
Phone: (415) 887-9967
Website: sausalitobooksbythebay.com
Sugarfoot Books — San Anselmo
Located along downtown San Anselmo's bustling main street, Sugarfoot Books is a locally owned bookstore offering a mix of new and used books. Its selection includes fiction, nonfiction, young adult novels, and children's books, making it a fun place for families to browse. Stop in while exploring downtown San Anselmo and discover something new for your family's bookshelf.
Address: 706 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 94960
Phone: (415) 459-7323
Website: sugarfootbooks.com
Wayfinder Bookshop — Fairfax
Tucked into downtown Fairfax, Wayfinder Bookshop is a small independent bookstore with a thoughtfully curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children's books. Opened in 2023 as a sister store to Point Reyes Books, Wayfinder is a welcoming place to discover interesting titles and staff recommendations.
Address: 9 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, CA 94930
Phone: (415) 295-7318
Website: ptreyesbooks.com
Point Reyes Books — Point Reyes Station
A favorite destination for book lovers visiting West Marin, Point Reyes Books is known for its thoughtfully selected books, literary events, and strong connection to the local community. Browse fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and an especially interesting collection of titles about nature and the environment. We always stop and see what's new whenever we're in Point Reyes Station.
Address: 11315 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Phone: (415) 663-1542
Website: ptreyesbooks.com
Best Used Bookstores in Marin County
Marin also has some excellent used bookstores where you can find affordable new-to-you books. At these used bookstores, many of which support local public libraries, you can find everything from children's picture books to bestselling novels, cookbooks, and classics and even DVDs and CDs.
The Phoenix Used Bookshop — Larkspur
Located right on Magnolia Avenue in the heart of Larkspur, the Phoenix Used Bookshop is a new independent bookstore specializing in gently used books for children and teens. Opened in May 2026, this family-friendly shop offers an affordable selection of picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels. The Phoenix also hosts book swaps and community activities, making it a wonderful place for young readers to discover their next favorite book. Donations of kids' books are gladly accepted!
Address: 501 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939
Phone: (628) 276-0144
Website: phoenixusedbookshop.com
The Book Place — Novato
Located on Grant Avenue in downtown Novato, the Book Place is a volunteer-run used bookstore supporting Marin County Free Library programs. Browse an extensive selection of donated books, including children's books, fiction, nonfiction, and more. With affordable prices and frequently changing inventory, it's no wonder the Book Place is consistently rated as one of Marin's favorite bookstores!
Address: 1608 Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945
Phone: (415) 209-0212
Website: marinlibraryfriends.org/book-place
Town Books — San Anselmo
Operated by volunteers from the Friends of the San Anselmo Library, Town Books is a fun place to browse gently used books at affordable prices. The shop carries fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and other treasures, with proceeds supporting the San Anselmo Library.
Address: 411 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 94960
Phone: (415) 526-3791
Website: townbooks.org
Friends Books — San Rafael
Friends Books supports the San Rafael Library and offers an extensive array of used books, including plenty of kids' books, at its location in downtown San Rafael. They also have comics and graphic novels, puzzles, journals, cards, DVDs and CDs.
Address: 1016 C Street, San Rafael CA 94901
Phone: (415) 453-1443
Website: friendsbookssanrafael.com/
Where to Find Children's Books and Bookstore Storytimes in Marin
If you're looking for a bookstore to visit with young children, start with Book Passage in Corte Madera, Copperfield's Books, Sugarfoot Books in San Anselmo, or Sausalito Books by the Bay. These bookstores offer children's books and welcoming places for families to browse together.
Looking for more kids' storytimes in Marin County? Check out the Marin Mommies Family Events Calendar for free storytimes and fun activities for little ones!
Some independent bookstores also host children's storytimes, author readings, and special family events. Check their event calendars for upcoming activities, as schedules can change.
Support Marin County's Independent Bookstores
Shopping at local bookstores is a wonderful way to support small businesses while encouraging a lifelong love of reading. Whether you're looking for a new bedtime story, a birthday gift, or your next favorite novel, Marin County's independent bookstores have something for everyone.