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

Thursday, May 9, 2024, 7:00 pm PST

Jordan Elgrably in conversation with Sarah AlKahly-Mills

City Lights together with Golden Thread Productions present Jordan Elgrably in conversation with Sarah AlKahly-Mills - City Lights celebrates the publication of Stories from the Center of the World: New Middle East Fiction - Edited by Jordan Elgrably - published by City Lights Books

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

Merchandise & Gifts

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