Green Apple Books

Green Apple Books on Clement Street was founded in 1967 as a 750-square-foot used-book nook. Since then, it has steadily upsized, taking over several storefronts on a block of the misty Inner Richmond surrounded by Chinese restaurants and grocers. One bi-level storefront houses all new books, including an excellent section of staff picks and quirky categorizing designations. Two doors down, the used book arm of Green Apple is a little quieter, inviting lingering. The shelves are lined with dusty tomes—hardcover and paperback, popular and rare—and the aisles are moodily lit by overhead skylights. Finds might range from antique classics and rare first editions to sixties-era comic books and graphic novels. In 2014, the mini-chain opened a third location near Golden Gate Park. The newest Green Apple outpost is spacious and modern, known for new fiction and nonfiction releases. The Parkside store hosts regular readings and author events, including heavy-hitters like Jennifer Egan, Lauren Groff, Sloane Crosley, and Dave Eggers.