Moe's Books: A Berkeley Landmark

Moe's Books, a beloved Berkeley landmark, has been a literary haven since 1959. Founded by Moe and Barbara Moskowitz, the bookstore quickly became a cultural hub, mirroring the vibrant and often turbulent times that have come to define Berkeley. Originally located on Shattuck Avenue, Moe's moved to its current location on Telegraph Avenue in the 1960s, right in the midst of the Free Speech Movement and anti-war demonstrations. More than just a bookstore, Moe's is an experience. Spanning four floors, it houses over 200,000 new, used, and rare books across various genres. Visitors can explore everything from contemporary bestsellers to hard-to-find classics, with sections dedicated to fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children's literature. The store's charming ambiance includes cozy reading nooks, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in their next read. Moe's Books is known for its fair trade policy, offering customers cash or store credit for used books. The store also features a rare book room, "More Moe's: Art and Antiquarian Shop," on the fourth floor, showcasing rare and collectible books and curiosities. Moe's also offers antique items, comic books, vintage posters, and sheet music. Moe Moskowitz, the store's founder, was a colorful character who embodied radical politics and a love for the arts. He created a welcoming space for intellectuals and book lovers, and his legacy continues to thrive under the ownership of his daughter, Doris Moskowitz. Moe's Books remains a vital part of the Berkeley community, a place where people can discover new worlds through the power of books.