Gavin's Books

Jeanie Haupt

2 years ago

Great used bookstore! The owner has put a lot of effort into building a really good collection. Staff does as much as they can to keep it organized for you. That's the problem I have had trying to shop elsewhere. The clutter & disorganization gives me anxiety. I've ordered new books from here, too, and they usually arrive within a few days. Darin said he gets books twice a week or more. Overall I think it's quite a gem & I love perusing because I never know what kind of treasure I will find!

Philip Henderson

2 years ago

On my first visit to this gem of a bookstore I fell in love with the quality of the collection. I usually read more than 30 books every year. I write for Rural Heritage magazine and need to keep reading to improve my skill as a writer. This is a terrific old-fashioned bookstore. Packed from floor to ceiling are used and new books carefully selected by their owner who is a lover of books. I moved to SLO about nine months ago and this is the best bookstore I have visited. I purchased two new books, but I expect to be a regular visitor of this gem. The owner is friendly and knowledgeable. I named two books I was looking for and he walked to them less than one minute. Great prices, friendly people, huge selection of books . . . everything a good bookstore needs. Decades ago, I used to hang out at Papa Bach's bookstore in West Los Angeles, now fifty years later I found a modern-day version of a real bookstore. If you love reading, make your way to this special place.

Jan Weber

7 months ago

So nice to find a bookstore with used books and terrific trade in policy! Great selection too!

Randy Jackson

2 years ago

So happy to see this classic book store doing well with buying customers whenever I visit. The store hasa great selection at reasonable prices. Darin (not Gavin) behind the counter is always extremely helpful. I wanted to highlight in this review a purchase I made that had to be shipped to me. Darin knows his stuff in wrapping books for shipment. The book came in two layers of cardboard that seemed to be custom fit to protect the corners of the book very well. In addition, there was a carefully done paper wrap. The book of course arrived in perfect condition ! Bravo Darin !

Kelsey Hemlocke

6 years ago

Never a dull moment at Gavin's. 😍 I love this store SO much and I'm so happy they've open back up! Books are always in wonderful condition and for very good prices. …

Darby Higgins

year ago

My favorite used book store in the five cities area. Very reasonable prices. Very great quality. My self control is the only thing keeping me from going daily. I love EVERYTHING about this place. Can’t wait to work here one day! Please visit and support your local independent (used) book store! Gavin? Marry me?

Zach Roper

5 years ago

Excellent store with and ever changing selection. They are just what I love from used book stores: over stocked, but decently organized. I love seeing stacks of books everywhere. The staff is also friendly and helpful. They can pretty easily tell you what they do and do not have in stock.

Miss So and So

month ago

Lots of stuff packed in! They also have puzzles 😁. And some free books out front. Go check them out! …

Lynn

7 months ago

When I first walked into this store, about three years ago- I was treated with nothing but kindness and helpful employees. I learned not only about this store but the community around me, this bookstore is such a welcoming place and has brought nothing but joy in my life. Customers are friendly and so are the workers. On top of the selection here I could spend hours in this place. The owner and employees put a lot of work into this store, and if they don’t have a book you want they will order it for you. I love the options and flexibility they provide. They don’t make you feel like a stranger here, they make you feel apart of the community. Couldn’t ask for anything better.

Genezaret Cardoso

6 months ago

I entered the bookstore with a little hope. I hoped to find a book from one of my favorite authors. I was completely blown when I found one book I didn’t have in my little collection at home. I was so excited and then overjoyed when I saw the price- super cheap! I’ve been to many book stores and I rarely find books I don’t already have. I’d definitely come here more often if I lived closer to it. The employees were super sweet and this bookstore is tiny but mighty. Lots of good collections and authors to choose from.