Best of 16 kid bookstores in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to a number of kid-friendly bookstores, offering a wide selection of books that cater to young readers. These bookstores provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for children to explore and discover the joy of reading. With knowledgeable staff and various events, kid bookstores in San Francisco make for a great educational and entertaining experience for the little ones.
- 1. Christopher's Books
- 2. Russian Hill Bookstore
- 3. Green Apple Books on the Park
- 4. Books Inc.
- 5. BookShop West Portal
- 6. Borderlands Books
- 7. Forest Books
- 8. Bound Together Bookstore
- 9. Browser Books
- 10. Comix Experience
- 11. Bolerium Books
- 12. Mission: Comics & Art
- 13. Libreria Pino
- 14. City College of San Francisco Ocean Campus Bookstore
- 15. Adobe Books & Arts Cooperative
- 16. Book Castle SF
1. Christopher's Books
Cozy atmosphere with knowledgeable staff

The bookstore offers a wide variety of titles in a compact space, ensuring a good selection for customers to choose from. If a customer is unable to find a specific book, the bookstore is able to order it for them. The staff at the bookstore are knowledgeable and helpful, contributing to a positive experience for customers.
The cookbook section is a particular strength of the bookstore, offering a wide range of titles for cooking enthusiasts to peruse. Additionally, the store features a wonderful kids' section, providing a variety of books to engage young readers. Simply browsing the stacks at this bookstore can be a delightful activity for book lovers.
2. Russian Hill Bookstore
Quaint neighborhood bookstore since 1974, cozy atmosphere.

This bookstore offers a wonderful experience for families with children. It has a fantastic kids' section where unique and unusual children's books can be found, making it a great place for families to discover new and interesting stories.
The bookstore is highly recommended for families. Children will enjoy exploring the shelves filled with a great selection of children's books. The staff is known for being helpful and friendly, adding to the welcoming atmosphere of the store.
3. Green Apple Books on the Park
Knowledgeable staff, community events, author readings

The bookstore has a variety of shelves at different levels, ideal for browsing or reading a book with a child. It also features a dedicated area for children's books, complete with seating, making it a perfect spot for kids to enjoy reading. The store stocks books for special events and takes care to represent Asian authors, as evidenced by the presence of Han Kang's book, which made it to the New York Times 10 Best Books list.
Another notable feature of the bookstore is its promotion of body positivity through the books it carries. Additionally, there is a selection of books that feature animals, which is a highlight for many readers. The store's efforts to cater to a wide range of interests and promote inclusivity are commendable.
4. Books Inc.
Knowledgeable and friendly staff

Books Inc. offers a delightful kids' section that provides a wide selection of children's books. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to suggest age-appropriate books for young readers, making it easy for parents to find books that their children will enjoy. The store's inviting atmosphere and extensive collection of titles make it a popular destination for families.
Visiting Books Inc. is always a treat for my kids. They appreciate the diverse range of children's books available and enjoy exploring the shelves to discover new titles. My kids love finding age-appropriate books that capture their interests, and they often leave the store with arms full of new stories to read. Books Inc. has become a go-to spot for my family's literary adventures.
5. BookShop West Portal
Knowledgeable and friendly staff

BookShop West Portal is a local bookstore known for its welcoming and friendly environment. The store is neat, organized, and clean, with ample lighting and a wide selection of children's books. It offers a wide range of books for purchase, from works by well-known authors to unique finds.
If you're looking for a specific book, the sellers at BookShop West Portal are happy to help you find it, including a variety of children's books. The store prides itself on its well-curated collection, making it an ideal spot for book lovers seeking a carefully selected assortment of volumes.
6. Borderlands Books
Friendly atmosphere, community events, literary support

This bookstore offers an excellent selection of books for kids who are fans of fantasy and science fiction. Children are sure to enjoy exploring the diverse range of titles available. One young reader in particular, a daughter, is especially fond of visiting this establishment.
Young readers will have a great time at this wonderful bookstore, which boasts a wide variety of books for them to choose from. Children, including multiple kids, frequently find something they love amongst the store's offerings.
7. Forest Books
Knowledgeable and friendly staff

This bookstore, located in Japantown, is a hidden gem. It specializes in second-hand books, offering a wide range of titles that are not easily found elsewhere. The shop's collection of Buddhist texts is particularly impressive, with many rare and unique titles available. In addition to its extensive book selection, the bookstore also features a charming kids' section, making it a great destination for families.
What makes this bookstore truly exceptional is its collection of first editions of poetry and its impressive assortment of Buddhist texts. The peaceful atmosphere of the store makes it an ideal place to browse and discover new titles. Even with its small size, the bookstore manages to pack in a diverse and exciting selection of books that will appeal to readers of all ages and interests. Overall, this Japantown bookstore is a must-visit for any serious book lover.
8. Bound Together Bookstore
Knowledgeable and passionate staff

Green Apple Books on the Park boasts an exceptional children's section, offering a wide range of books that young readers enjoy exploring. Children are drawn to the store's diverse collection, making it an ideal spot for families to discover new and interesting titles.
Mr. Mopps' Children's Books is a charming establishment, known for its unique and magical atmosphere. The store is filled with cherished memories and hard-to-find children's books, providing a welcoming environment for kids and their caregivers to explore and learn.
9. Browser Books
Knowledgeable and friendly staff

The bookstore featured has a small yet well-curated children's section that is truly wonderful. It offers a delightful selection of books that have always captured the interest of the children who visit. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, providing excellent recommendations for young readers. This bookstore is undoubtedly a treasure in the city for families with children.
The children's book section at this bookstore is exceptional, boasting a wide range of books that cater to various ages and interests. The store's environment is child-friendly, making it an ideal place for young readers to explore and develop their love for books. The staff's enthusiasm and expertise in children's literature make it an even more special destination for families seeking quality books for their little ones.
10. Comix Experience
Active event schedule, including author signings and workshops

I've recently moved to the DMV Heights neighborhood and have discovered a new comic store there. The store has a nice selection of graphic novels and new comics, as well as classic comic book guy types who are passionate about their collections. During one of my visits, I saw a comic book guy complaining about the release of a Crisis on Infinite Earths special edition.
This small comic shop offers a deep selection of both current and back issues, as well as a kids' section. It's an excellent place to visit on Wednesdays for new comic book day or during the weekends. The store caters to different genres, but superheroes are a prominent feature. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to help customers find what they're looking for, making the shopping experience enjoyable.
11. Bolerium Books

12. Mission: Comics & Art
Knowledgeable and friendly staff with expert recommendations

The comic store is a neighborhood gem with an impressive collection of independent comics, in addition to popular titles. The store's selection is one of its best features, offering a wide variety of choices for comic book fans. Another noteworthy aspect of the store is the pair of sticker machines located outside, providing a fun and unique touch to the overall experience.
Moving inside, the comic store boasts a vast collection of independent comics, which can be hard to find in other stores. The knowledgeable and passionate staff are always available to help customers find what they're looking for and offer recommendations based on individual tastes. The store fosters a sense of community among comic book fans, making it a great place to connect with others who share a love for the medium.
13. Libreria Pino
Cozy atmosphere, long-standing local business

Libreria Pino is a delightful bookstore with a wide selection of Italian books for children. It offers a variety of stories and activities that have captured the attention of my kids. The bookstore is an excellent destination for those looking for Italian children's books, providing a welcoming atmosphere for young readers.
The staff at Libreria Pino are knowledgeable and eager to help customers find age-appropriate books for their children. They are a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their child's literary horizons with Italian stories and tales. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or a fan of Italian literature, Libreria Pino is the perfect place to explore the world of Italian children's books.
14. City College of San Francisco Ocean Campus Bookstore
On-campus convenience, rent textbooks
City College has provided me with a great experience as a student. The only issue I faced was a long wait for a textbook I ordered from the bookstore. The college has shown itself to be an excellent institution for learning. The instructors are a major part of this positive experience. They are knowledgeable and dedicated to providing a quality education. Additionally, it is common to see students from four-year colleges attending City College as well. This is because they are unable to access the same classes at their primary institutions.
Many students from other four-year colleges come to City College as they are unable to take certain classes at their main schools. This is a testament to the college's reputation for providing quality education. The instructors are a significant part of this success. They are highly skilled and committed to ensuring their students receive a valuable learning experience. Despite the inconvenience of having to wait for a textbook, my overall experience at City College has been a positive one.
15. Adobe Books & Arts Cooperative
Cooperatively run community bookstore

Adobe Books is a charming and little-known location, offering a cozy nook specifically designed for children. This area is filled with a diverse range of books, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy.
This establishment is particularly well-regarded for its carefully selected collection of children's books. Adobe Books provides a small but high-quality range of options that have consistently delighted young visitors, including my own children.
16. Book Castle SF
