Moe's Books: A Berkeley Landmark

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.