Independent Bookstore Day Celebrations

Featuring special virtual events, limited edition merch, and more! 

Virtual Events!

*Registration is required. Click here to RSVP*

Berkeley brings its own unique blend of Bay Area noir, complementing the grit and grime that preceded it in San Francisco Noir and Oakland Noir.

From the introduction: A town named after a British philosopher doesn't exactly evoke visions of Goodis or Highsmith. Grifters? Dames? Cops? In Berkeley? On the surface the alleys don't seem that dark, until we look a little closer. Possibly the most iconic visual image of Berkeley does involve cops. It's the film with Mario Savio, atop a police car, declaring, "There's a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part!" Now there's a statement that sums up the spirit of noir.

Berkeley Noir asks, If not here, where? When pulling together this outstanding list of authors, we were constantly reminded of Berkeley's rich literary history, one that swerves through varying shades of noir. Those who helped pave the way for this collection include Anthony Boucher, Janet Dawson, Margaret Cuthbert, Ellen Gilchrist, Linda Grant, Jonathan Lethem, and Barry Gifford. There will always be a place in the heart of this city where even outcasts can feel at home...The search through darkness for an authentic, eclectic voice is the most important ingredient in the rich stew that is Berkeley, California.

Exclusive Items!

Exclusive Items! Created for Independent Bookstore Day 2020, these items will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis at Books Inc. locations on August 29^th. These exclusive items can only be purchased directly from indie bookstores. Please Note: Supplies are limited and vary depending on store location. Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. We will notify you of your order status as soon as possible, but processing time may vary. 

From top left: SIGNED SPECIAL EDITION BASKETBALL (AND OTHER THINGS) with exclusive mystery poster included by SHEA SERRANO; THE ART OF PROTEST POSTCARDS by JO RIBBON In Collaboration with AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL; EXCLUSIVE DOUBLE VINYL ALBUM OF FACE IT: A MEMOIR by DEBBIE HARRY; OPEN A BOOK, OPEN YOUR MIND SOCKS from OUT OF PRINT CLOTHING; BOOKSTORE DAY CANDLE by FROSTBEARD STUDIOS AND IBD PUBLISHING; EXCLUSIVE BOOKSTORE DAY EDITION FEATURING A LETTER FROM THE AUTHOR WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE by RENÉE WATSON; NOT QUITE NARWHAL KIDS TOTE by JESSIE SIMA; POEMS OF RESISTANCE, POEMS OF HOPE WITH POEMS OF HOPE BY JOY HARJO, ADA LIMON, HANIF ABDURRAQUIB, MORGAN PARKER, AND MANY OTHER CONTEMPORARY POETS; GIVE ME BACK MY BOOK ONESIE by JON KLASSEN; REVERSIBLE SUPA CAPE by DAV PILKEY; A SIGNED SHORT STORY NEVER BEFORE IN PRINT YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT YOUR DESTINATION by AMOR TOWLES; SPACE BANDITS ISSUES 1-5 SPECIAL EDITION WITH EXCLUSIVE COVER AND VINYL STICKER by MARK MILLAR/MATTEO SCALERA.   

Libro.fm Special!

Pre-order in print, get an audiobook for FREE courtesy of our partners at Libro.fm. On August 29, simply purchase any of the below forthcoming titles and send a quick email to Libro.fm with your proof of purchase.