Bell's Book Store

Bell's Books is a family-owned, independent bookstore located in Palo Alto, California. Since 1935, we have been serving the Stanford University and Silicon Valley communities, providing new, used, and rare books to book lovers of all ages. We are the oldest and only bookstore located in the downtown area, and we take pride in being a cornerstone of the community.

Our store is a treasure trove of knowledge and wonder, with over 350,000 volumes spread across two floors. We have something for everyone, from fine bindings and large format art books to 19th Century treasures and second-hand reading copies of classics at affordable prices. Whether you're looking for children's picture books, signed first editions, technical books, philosophy, or an entire history room, you'll find it all at Bell's.

We also specialize in ornamental horticulture, thousands of volumes of poetry, literature, architecture, religion, natural history, and much more. Our staff is dedicated to helping you build your own collection, and we're always happy to assist with personalized gift shopping. Plus, we offer free gift wrapping to make your purchases extra special.

Bell's Books is more than just a bookstore; it's a gathering place for book lovers. We frequently host events and author signings, and we encourage our customers to engage with each other and share their love of reading. We're proud to have served generations of families in Palo Alto and look forward to continuing to serve the community for many years to come.

At Bell's, we understand the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our customers and staff. We recommend that you be masked before coming in to browse, but it is not required. We also provide hand sanitizer at the door to ensure everyone's safety. Thanks for keeping everyone safe!

So, whether you're a longtime resident of Palo Alto or just visiting, we invite you to come and explore the wonders of Bell's Books. We look forward to seeing you soon!