City Lights is a landmark general bookstore, internationally known for our expert selection of titles and our commitment to free intellectual inquiry.

Founded in 1953 as the nation’s first all-paperback bookstore, we now offer both hardcovers and paperbacks from all of the major publishing houses, along with an impressive range of titles from smaller, specialty publishers. Our shop features an extensive selection of poetry, fiction, translations, politics, history, philosophy, music, spirituality, and more, with a staff whose special interests in many fields contribute to the hand-picked quality of what you see on the shelves.

Events

Monday, May 13, 2024, 6:00 pm PST

Spoken Arts Senior Night 

City Lights in conjunction with Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts present - An evening of readings and discussion with the students of the Spoken Arts Program - Moderated by the program director Ms. CiCi

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Event

Browse Our Shelves

All of the sections you’ll find in our bookstore are available here for browsing!

Merchandise & Gifts

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