City Lights is a landmark general bookstore, internationally known for our expert selection of titles and our commitment to free intellectual inquiry.

Founded in 1953 as the nation’s first all-paperback bookstore, we now offer both hardcovers and paperbacks from all of the major publishing houses, along with an impressive range of titles from smaller, specialty publishers. Our shop features an extensive selection of poetry, fiction, translations, politics, history, philosophy, music, spirituality, and more, with a staff whose special interests in many fields contribute to the hand-picked quality of what you see on the shelves.

Events

Friday, May 3, 2024, 5:00 pm PST

FIRST FRIDAYS: Leave it to the Prose!

with London Pinkney, Elodie Townsend & Matt Pacelli -  Hosted by Carlos Quinteros III & soledad con carne - This event will be held in Jack Kerouac Alley btwn City Lights & Vesuvio Cafe

Offsite
Event

Browse Our Shelves

All of the sections you’ll find in our bookstore are available here for browsing!

Merchandise & Gifts

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