Open: Monday – Thursday 11-8pm & Friday – Sunday 11-9pm

Welcome to City Lights

A literary meetingplace since 1953, City Lights is a landmark bookstore and publishing house, known for our commitment to innovative writing and progressive ideals.

Celebrating Two New Books!

This March, City Lights publishes Stay This Day and Night With Me and Metamorphoses, the latest in our Spotlight Poetry Series.

Get City Lights Gear

Our classic black t-shirt and black tote bag are the perennial favorites, but don’t overlook our onesies, journals and more.

Readings and Events

Click here to learn more about our virtual calendar. We host weekly events with authors from across the publishing world.

Celebrating Women’s History Month

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Our Story

City Lights Bookstore was founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, and became an instant gathering place for readers, writers, artists, and activists. In 1955, Ferlinghetti launched City Lights Publishers with the now-famous Pocket Poets Series. Find out how it all began.

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Recently Published by City Lights

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Staff Picks

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City Lights Merchandise & Gifts

T-shirts, bandanas, onesies, bags, gift cards, and more…

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