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Moe's Books: A Berkeley Landmark

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Explore a literary landmark: Moe's Books in Berkeley, offering a vast collection of new, used, and rare books since 1959.

Moe's Books, a Berkeley institution since 1959, is a four-story literary haven boasting over 200,000 new and used books. Located on Telegraph Avenue near the University of California, Berkeley, it's a must-visit for book lovers seeking a diverse collection and a unique browsing experience.

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

Local tips

  • Explore all four floors to discover a wide range of genres and rare finds.
  • Check out "More Moe's" on the fourth floor for antiquarian and collectible books.
  • Bring your used books to sell or trade for cash or store credit.
  • Visit during the week for a less crowded browsing experience.
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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 intersection of Telegraph Avenue and Bancroft Way, walk north for approximately 5 minutes. Moe's Books will be on your right, easily recognizable by its large storefront and vibrant atmosphere. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Moe's Books is accessible via BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and AC Transit buses. From the Downtown Berkeley BART station, walk east on Center Street, then turn right onto Telegraph Avenue. Walk south for a few blocks; Moe's will be on your right. Several AC Transit bus lines stop near Moe's Books, including the 6, 36, and 51B. Get off at the Telegraph Av & Haste St stop, which is a 2-minute walk to the bookstore. A single BART fare from San Francisco to Downtown Berkeley costs $3-$5. A single ride on AC Transit costs $2.50.

  • Ride-Share

    If arriving by ride-share (Uber/Lyft), set your destination to Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. The driver will drop you off directly in front of the store. Ride-share costs from Downtown Berkeley typically range from $8-$15, depending on demand and traffic.

Discover more about Moe's Books

Moe's Books, a renowned independent bookstore, has been a cornerstone of Berkeley's cultural landscape since its establishment in 1959. Founded by Moe and Barbara Moskowitz, the bookstore began as a small shop on Shattuck Avenue before moving to its current, more expansive location on Telegraph Avenue. Moe's quickly became a haven for book lovers, offering fair prices for used books and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. Over the years, Moe's Books has mirrored the vibrant and often turbulent history of Berkeley. During the Free Speech Movement and anti-war demonstrations of the 1960s, Moe's remained open, providing a space for students, activists, and intellectuals to gather and exchange ideas. Moe Moskowitz himself was an iconoclast, known for his progressive views and his commitment to the community. Today, Moe's Books spans four floors, each filled with a diverse selection of new, used, and rare books. The store's collection includes everything from contemporary fiction and non-fiction to academic texts, art books, and antiquarian treasures. Visitors can easily spend hours browsing the shelves, discovering hidden gems and rediscovering old favorites. The fourth floor houses More Moe's, a special section dedicated to rare and collectible books. Moe's Books continues to be a family-run business, preserving the legacy of its founder and remaining a vital part of Berkeley's literary scene.
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