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Moe's Books, East Bay Travel Guide

4.7 (952)

Explore a literary landmark in Berkeley with over 200,000 books, from new releases to rare finds, at Moe's Books since 1959.

Moe's Books, a Berkeley institution since 1959, stands as a literary haven on Telegraph Avenue, near the University of California campus. This four-story bookstore boasts over 200,000 new, used, and rare books, attracting locals and tourists alike. Moe's is more than just a bookstore; it's a cultural landmark reflecting Berkeley's unique history and spirit.

A brief summary to Moe's Books

  • Monday 11 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-7 pm
  • Friday 11 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-7 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Moe's Books.

  • Explore all four floors to discover hidden gems, including the rare book room on the top floor.
  • Check the store's website or call ahead for information about events, book signings, and special sales.
  • Bring your used books to sell or trade for cash or store credit.
  • Take your time browsing – with so many books, you're sure to find something unexpected.
  • Moe's is a dog-friendly bookstore.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    Moe's Books is located on Telegraph Avenue, a bustling street near the University of California, Berkeley campus. From the campus, walk south on Telegraph Avenue for about four blocks. Moe's Books will be on your left, easily recognizable by its vibrant storefront and the crowds of book lovers entering and exiting. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Moe's Books is accessible via several public transportation options. AC Transit buses 6, 7, 51B, and 79 stop near Moe's Books on Telegraph Avenue. From the Downtown Berkeley BART station, walk south on Telegraph Avenue for approximately 10-15 minutes. A single ride on AC Transit costs around $2.50. BART fares vary depending on the distance traveled. A monthly public transport pass in Berkeley costs $170.

  • Parking

    Several parking garages are available near Moe's Books, including the Telegraph Channing Garage and the Center Street Garage. Street parking is also available, but it can be limited and metered. Parking rates in nearby garages typically range from $2 to $4 per hour. The Telegraph Channing Parking Garage is located at 2457 Bancroft Way.

Discover more about Moe's Books

Moe's Books, a renowned independent bookstore, has been a beloved Berkeley landmark since 1959. Founded by Moe and Barbara Moskowitz, it began as a small paperback shop before moving to its current location on Telegraph Avenue, near the University of California, Berkeley. Moe's quickly became a literary hub during the Free Speech Movement and anti-war demonstrations, mirroring the city's vibrant and often turbulent history.Spanning four floors, Moe's houses over 200,000 books across various genres, including new releases, used treasures, and rare finds. The fourth floor hosts 'More Moe's,' an art and antiquarian shop with collectible books and curiosities. Moe's is known for its fair trade policies, offering customers cash or 'Moe Dollars' for used books, fostering a community of book lovers.Moe Moskowitz, a true iconoclast, created a welcoming space for all. Defying norms, he kept the store open during curfews to shelter protesters and cultivated a love for arts and culture, solidifying Moe's as a vital part of Berkeley's identity. Today, Moe's Books continues to thrive under the ownership of Moe's daughter, Doris Moskowitz, preserving his legacy for generations to come.
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