Very well stocked, clean, conveniently located, community bookshop. Specializing in books by, for and about Black people. Extensive collection of childrens books. Some lifestyle, cookbooks, too. Very friendly helpful knowledgeable personnel. Shopping experience enhanced by soulful background music, mostly jazz.

Loveeeeee this place. The vibe. The music. The books. Great experience. Love that all the authors are black.

I favorably recommend this Bookstore for Books, Black Culture, Greeting Cards, and other gifts. The amazing woman that helped me today. Made me so proud of our Rich History. I am so wonderfully happy that this store remains in Oakland. So, much has change but our history and knowledge is here at this little gem! One of Oaklands Gems! KEEP SUPPORTING OAKLANDS GEM

They have a great selection of books and a friendly knowledgeable staff. The owner really loves what they do. Its family friendly with books for all ages.It truly is a gem.It centers Black peoples stories and experiences. Every facet of the store is geared toward Blackness which makes it a truly engaging and inviting space for Black People to congregate.

Beautiful space, great variety of texts. Was happy to find graphic novels and childrens sections!

Great customer service they were just on back order for the book I wanted which is why I didnt give it 5 stars.

This was truly a black parents lifesaver. The most fantastic black bookstore in the US. Thats where I used to get all my daughters books, and none of those endless defeatist stories either. Loved loved their childrens section.

Great store, great people I shop here to support local black businesses.

Found one and the very nice Lady at the country ordered the other. Legendary Book Store. I try them before going to Amazon. Id rather take the ride.

It was great to be exposed to many books and authors that I didnt know of. The lady who runs the front, is full of information and always willing to suggest and chat with me when I go in there. Theres a sorta warm dignity about this place...authentic!

I first spoke to a very kind gentleman to place a phone order, but based on my needs he directed me to Blanche. Blanche was patient and kind as I nervously fumbled my way through my book request list. She also provided additional recommendations in my price point, and helped me feel confident about choosing the books already on my list! A lovely phone order experience overall! It sounded like they were busy, and I’m so glad they are.

Today was officially the first day coming inside the store. I was literally like a child in a candy store just didn’t want to leave finding myself grabbing books of much interest. Highly recommend invested time coming here. Hosea 4:6

This a wonderful community resource a couple of blocks from MacArthur Bart station. For sixty years shes been selling a strong and important selection of books for kids and adults on black history, current events, biography and culture. Posters and puzzles too. Definitely worth your attention and support.

Phenomenal book store. A lot of titles and signed copies you cant get anywhere else.

The calm spirit of the staff and communication style had me wanting to stay longer in the store. I purchased a book as a result of the knowledge of the owner.Her knowledge opened up my spirit and the book I walked out with is called ...The Spirit of A Man... by IYANLA VANZANT.I did not go there to purchase a book. It was the owner that talked to meet on the phone and by the time I left the store I am reading a new book.Thank you for sharing your heart, knowledge and calm spirit. Black History Month shines brighter to me now.

This place is a diamond. I absolutely love going here. The since of peace that I get when I visit the store is bar none. I try to go at least once a month.

Marcus Books is a delightful foray into the African American literary scene! This place has it all! Browsing Marcus Books inventory and listening to the sounds of LHathaway and JSample was worth every minute trying to find parking.

I live in NC and saw a news segment about this bookstore and I am so proud to know you exist. Will be ordering soon. May God bless and prosper you.

African owned bookstores. Great selection of various genres about African literature. Empowering ambiance, nice display of black icons. Enjoyed the mellow jazz that plays while customers peruse.

Marcus Book Store is great! I have been going there for years. Any books that I have ever requested they have came back with it of course sometimes I end up with a couple of extra books that I wasnt looking for but they kinda jump out at you and say get me too.

This bookstore is for everyone seeking knowledge. I have been getting books from here since my early years. Marcus Bookstore is one of the last, but best Black owned bookstores around. Whatever your interest is Marcus Bookstore has it. Support your roots and feed your brain.

Wonderfully Afrakan and quaint! Great reading selections, rare and interesting finds and unique novelties. And, what might be most important, extraordinary service and attention!May the ancestors continue to find favor in Marcus books and I wish they experience more success and prosperity!

There are all types of books here! From comics to cooking, spiritual and religious, fictions to autobiographies, theres sooo much! You can find gifts, cards, posters, and so much more. This place has so much history and is a community pillar. Be sure to check it out if youre in Oakland. It is Black History month every month here! ❤

Great experience and ambiance

Such a great selection of books from black and brown authors. And various categories too such as cultural studies, self-help, childrens books, comics, etc. This is definitely my new spot!

I was in awe of this jewel black owned book 📚 store!♥️I will be back

The oldest black book store around.

Warm atmosphere, knowledgable staff, and an expertly considered, indepth selection of great titles. On entering, immediately I found two titles I just had to have. Its that kind of complete bookstore.

Again, another absolutely wonderful place. I loved that I was able to get the books I requested as well as the quantity when I couldnt get them from the dying chain (Barnes). Not my first time to Marcus books and certainly not my last. Fab place to browse and check out the new literary talent.

This place is definitely spiritual the best

A vital resource to our Oakland community. We are losing our small shops, but this bookstore is a vital resource we can not afford to loose. Drop by and see for yourself.

I have been shopping at this store since the 60s. Unfortunately they had to leave San Francisco. I now order from them.

Cant go wrong with this Oakland staple.

Marcus Books is a very important store in the Oakland community. They feature black history, fiction, authors, etc. They have a concentration of books that you cant get anywhere else. I remember the first time I went. I had been looking everywhere for a copy of Blood in My Eye and hadnt been able to find it. I learned about Marcus Books, headed over, and found it first thing.It amazes me and Im so grateful that they have weathered the simultaneous storms of the small bookstore crisis AND Oaklands gentrification crisis. Even the murals on the outside seem to be holding space right around the corner from the creeping development of the MacArthur area.I love taking the small kids in the family to this store and the lady at the counter is super kind about me sitting in the floor reading to the toddlers when we cant really afford to buy the books. You can browse there for hours and she doesnt mind. Shes always very helpful with questions and book ordering.Please please support this bookstore and do not let them go out of business.

It was the most wonderful experience! My 2 companions and I talked with Karen ( the original owners daughter who now owns/runs the store) for about 45 minutes! She is so knowledgable about so many books and the rich history of Blacks in America! My mouth was open the whole time she spoke about Toni Morrison and her books and the movie based on Beloved! I could listen to her all day! Her brother creates the beautiful stained glass windows on display ( and for sale) in the store! The store has been there in Oakland, CA since 1960!

Went in to get a new band. It was fast, easy, fair priced, and the gentleman is very friendly. Id highly recommend for watch repair and it looks like they have a great selection of new watches as well.

That need more merchandise and more variety of books!

Great locally owned bookstore that I can easily lose the time in! Its so refreshing to see so many pro-Black books in such a cozy space, a true gem!

Always love to visit the last Brick and Mortar African American Bookstore in the US! Yes! Family owned and operated! I always find gems. The location is perfect!

Wide selection across multiple categories. May also order directly in store for future pickup if not in stock.

The best book store on the west coast for true African American history and culture.

The book selection was wonderful. I purchased childrens books for my grandchildren ranging in ages 2-10. The service was excellent, very personable. I recommend this store.

My favorite book store!! Selling books by and about Black people. This book store has historical significance, being a part of the Oakland community since the 60s and welcoming figures including MLK and Angela Davis. The shop is run by a lovely family who are super welcoming and happy to share stories about the history is the shop, Oakland, and recommend books on whatever topic you’re interested in. I highly recommend this book store if you’re looking for books by and about Black people!

Wonderful collection books, especially of Black literature including comics, children’s books, novels and nonfiction of all kind. Be sure to say hello to Blanche the kind and helpful lady who works at (owns?) the shop! Thanks for a great read! 🍎🐛📚📖🔎📜😃🧐🤓💜

Amazing selection of African and African-American literature and other mementos. I found my favorite authors and discovered more. This was just perfect for my Christmas/Kwanza gift shopping. The owners are also very friendly. I hope this store stays open for a very long time.

This is a historical African book store. I love. Karen and Blanche. This is a great book store for children also

A wide selection of books from African American authors and other cool things!

Great place to find hidden gems; however they dont yet take Apple or Google Pay!

Love all the books. Once I found this bookstore it has been a staple in my life to get books by black authors and information for me.

Come for the critical theory, stay for the fiction and poetry. Staff is nice too.

Glad to have this gem still in business. Support your local black-owned bookstore!

I just placed my first order with Marcus Books at the end of December, and I am very happy with my selections. The staff is courteous and professional, so I would order from them again. My only suggestion would be to provide some tracking/order information with each order. Maybe it was because I am an avid reader and was overly anxious for my books that it seemed like a long wait for my books. Other than that, I will definitely be ordering from Marcus Books again. :)

GREAT SELECTION!!! Wonderful place with unique items... I was in town for only a few days and the owner let me shop after the store was closed.

My husband took me to his bookstore and they are the most amazing bookstore in the world and very friendly that make you feel like family and the owner has so many stories to tell from her childhood and who used to come to store. May the never close.

I went there with family that was visiting from out of town. I had no intentions on buying anything and walked out with 3 books and ordered one... Lol my daughter is halfway through hers and its only been 24 hours.

Great selection of Books on Africa in General from i.e from Gerald massey to Diop down to contemporaries like Ta nehisi Coates

The owners had the time and the patience to help through a dozen or so of books.Knowledgeable of books and authors.I had a great experience, I will definitely go back.

Great service. nice vibes. black owned.multiple books by black writers from fiction to nonfiction, as well as books for little kids.

GREAT BLACK BOOK STORE FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN, FRIENDLY SERVICE AND GREAT CONVERSATION....

One of the greatest staples in Oakland. Check here before you check elsewhere

Best book store ever i cant say enough about how awesome this place is!

As always, they always have what Im looking for, and they will recommend excellent books that you may not be familiar with.

Based on its reputation I expected much. Have attempted to shop here several times, but the staff is always VERY UNGRACIOUS and they never have anything Im interested in buying...and I LOVE BOOKS.

Thank you Marcus Bookstore for such a warm reception while in Oakland. Thank you for the support of Mind Matters and Global Health Psychiatry, LLC.

This is a really really good bookstore. Amazing selection, beautifully organized, pretty to look at.

Best book store in the Bay. Marcus’ book selection is amazing. If you love books, this is the place.

Love the rich History of this store and the abundance of Black Authors.. havent been here in years. it seemed like Id walked back in time. the same books I bought years ago (talking at least 20) were still on display...same layout of the store. wish I had the resources to donate for a WELL NEEDED Overhaul & Facelift...this store could be SO Much More than it is. also not sure why our Black Businesses lack Customer Service..but the service I received would not make me want to return. however, I will because I believe in supporting our own...(hopefully it wont be another 20 years...lol)

This bookstore is a family owned business, that has been a staple in the community for decades. There are books and other items located here that you would not be able to purchase any where else; very unique items.

AllI like the store.

Wonderful customer service

Excellent customer service and a wide variety to choose from

I cant ignore the custmer service anymore. I have to force myself to come here to patronize the business. Just for the owner and staff to be rude as hell when i get there.burnt out

The BEST PLACE FOR ALL BOOKS!

Wonderful place! Loads of books, the owner held readings from my favorite Author Octavia Butler!

I just love this place. You get so lost in the books and history. It has so much you want the whole store.

It was a place where i realize that i needed to catch up on my reading, a great book store for afro americans reading

Thank you ..For surviving the ups and downs of a small BUISNESS.WHILE BRODENING. OUR LITERARY PATETGE OWNER AND DAUGHTER ARE SO FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE . WILL GO THE EXTRA MILETO FIND EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED...WHILE offering a Helping hand to something you may not Know About.BLACK HISTORY MAY BE ONE MONTH ..THERE DOOR IS OPEN ALL YEAR ...PATRONIZE THEM.FIRGET THE BIG BOX STORE GIANTS.LETS KEEP I ONLY PERSON OF OUR HISTORY AFLOATAnd they will allow you to post your flyers for events if they deem VIABLE. FOR THE COMMUNITYOr Just get a book

Lovely book store with so many amazing options. Historic landmark.

Historical.the staff is so knowledgeable n helpful.Exciting African books. papers.cards..so much.

Went in quickly to look around pretty good selection. Clean and well maitaibed

Great place, owned by local POC! Support places like this to keep Oakland familiar!

So much history here. Support Marcus Books and the rest of the black owned Oakland before gentrification takes all of the HEART of our community away from us ✊🏿✊🏿

The Best Bookstore in Town

Great bookstore!

A great selection of books. Nice staff.

You want to read every book

Van Glorious! This is protected by the Red, the Black and the Green with a key!

I love it! Historical land mark!

The staff was extremely knowledgeable about a variety of topics and industries that the store held literature on...

The history. It is the oldest black book store West of the Mississippi River. The selection is vast for African and African American books and authors. The connection to the community.

Books are my jam and Marcus Books is the peanut butter. Feels like home!

Came in with my son after being disappointed at Barnes and Nobles with the lack of representation of Black Childrens Books. His face lit up when he saw his reflection on the book covers.

Loved the service, definitely going back and highly recommend it.

Wonderful collection of books. You wont find these precious titles elsewhere.

A national treasure.

A great place to get lost in if love to read black literature there are so many books to read an see that you wont find in your regular bookstore

The best and oldest African American bookstore in U. S.

Wonderful store to discover black talent and knowledge.

Always a great place to go for good books

What a treasure! A valuable, venerable, unique resource for the East Bay. As a shopper, I really enjoy the selection, the relaxed vibe, the warm welcome to all.