Book Passage - San Francisco, CA

Address: One Ferry Building 42, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States.
Phone: 4158351020.
Website: bookpassage.com
Specialties: Book store.
Other points of interest: In-store pick-up, Delivery, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Quick visit, Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards.
Opinions: This company has 166 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.3/5.

📌 Location of Book Passage

Book Passage One Ferry Building 42, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

☎️4158351020

⏰ Open Hours of Book Passage

Monday: 10 am–5 pm
Tuesday: 10 am–5 pm
Wednesday: 10 am–5 pm
Thursday: 10 am–5 pm
Friday: 10 am–5 pm
Saturday: 9 am–5 pm
Sunday: 11 am–5 pm

Book Passage stands as a distinguished and cherished independent bookstore located in the heart of San Francisco. Established in 1979, it has grown from a small used bookstore into one of the Bay Area's premier literary destinations, celebrated for its vast selection of new and used books across diverse genres and its vibrant community engagement. Situated at 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111, Book Passage occupies a significant space within the iconic Ferry Building Marketplace, offering a unique blend of literary offerings amidst a bustling environment featuring cafes, restaurants, and shops.

For the discerning reader seeking more than just a purchase, Book Passage offers much. Its knowledgeable and passionate staff are a key asset, providing expert recommendations based on reader preferences and tastes, making the shopping experience personalized and enriching. The store boasts an extensive inventory covering a wide spectrum of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, children's books, local history, and more. Furthermore, Book Passage is renowned for its carefully curated selection of gifts, greeting cards, and distinctive merchandise that caters to various interests and occasions.

Location and Accessibility

Book Passage's prime location in the Ferry Building is a major point of interest. This historic landmark building is easily accessible by public transportation, particularly the Caltrain and Golden Gate Transit services, which stop directly outside the store. Its proximity to the Embarcadero, Financial District, and Union Square makes it a convenient stop for shoppers and tourists exploring downtown San Francisco. The store is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that it is welcoming and accessible to all visitors. The Ferry Building itself provides ample space for browsing and lingering, offering views of the bay and a pleasant atmosphere.

Key Services and Information

When planning a visit to Book Passage, several key services and practical details should be considered:

Service	Details
Hours	Monday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Tuesday-Saturday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact	Phone: 415-835-1020 Website: bookpassage.com
Location	One Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111 (Located on the second level near the West Concourse)
Pick-up & Delivery	In-store pick-up is available for online orders. Delivery options may also be available, dependent on order size and destination.

Reception and Recommendations

Book Passage has garnered a strong reputation among readers and the community. On platforms like Google My Business, the establishment holds 166 reviews, reflecting its long-standing presence and consistent service. The average rating stands at a respectable 4.3/5, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. Visitors are consistently impressed by the store's atmosphere, the helpfulness of the staff, and the extensive book selection, particularly the hard-to-find and local-interest titles.

What to Do When You Visit Book Passage

A visit to Book Passage offers several possibilities:

Book Discovery: Browse the expansive shelves or consult staff for recommendations.
Purchase Options: Buy books directly, or take advantage of in-store pick-up for online orders.
Gift Selection: Find unique gifts, greeting cards, and literary-themed merchandise.
Community Hub: Experience the lively literary community atmosphere and potentially encounter authors or events.
Quick Visit: Utilize the relatively central location for a brief stop during your San Francisco explorations.

Whether you are a dedicated bibliophile or simply exploring the cultural landscape of San Francisco, Book Passage remains a welcoming and informative destination. Its commitment to literature and community provides a valuable service to the region.

Conclusion

In essence, Book Passage is not merely a retail outlet but a vital cultural institution within San Francisco. It combines a vast and varied book selection, exceptional customer service, a unique location within the Ferry Building, and convenient services like in-store pick-up, making it a highly recommended spot for book lovers and culture seekers alike in the Bay Area.

👍 Reviews of Book Passage

Robin W.

5/5

A trip to San Francisco isn't complete without a visit to Book Passage. On a recent long layover before an international flight, I made my way downtown to the Ferry Building. I've only ever visited their shop in the Ferry Building, but they have another, larger location in Corte Madera. Though the Ferry Building shop is small, it is mighty. They pack a ton of great books in this small space on the waterside of the Ferry Building. I've been introduced to new authors and series in this space, while also finding some of my longtime favorites. This is the perfect place to buy a book (or several) during your travels. Once you've selected your books, turn your attention to the gift items in the shop. I'm a bookmark person, so I always peruse the bookmark selection. But they also have cards, notebooks and stationery items, as well as great SF souvenirs for anyone on your gift list. For booklovers out there, I highly recommend this business. Check out their website for information on both locations, and their busy calendar full of author events and classes.

Sue H.

5/5

Great reviews for the books written by staff members. It is always interesting to read other people's perspectives and then decide what is your preference of book. Great book shop with awesome staff.

Nash H.

5/5

A great bookstore with a diverse selection and friendly staff!

Jake D.

5/5

Nothing I needed to buy but one of the staff pics referred to haruki murakami as the greatest living author so they get an auto five star

Paul P.

4/5

I dropped in here while killing some time on the waterfront and the store name is cute given its in the ferry terminal. I fun time browsing the stands, there's a wide selection of material with a strong kids section. I didn't spot my usual authors but that's ok I don't exactly read mainstream.

Pragya A.

5/5

Was visiting San Francisco a couple of year ago & wanted a book that could help me understand the place better. Folks at the counter recommended something I found really amazing - Season of the Witch by David Talbot. That’s the reason why I love local bookstores and the well read people to who run them 😍 Thanks for letting me take my time to scroll & thanks for the recommendation 🙏🏻

Mellina M.

1/5

I went here for a book signing for John Stamos with my mom. We had planned to take separate pictures with him, when it was my turn I went up to him and very rudely the staff pushed my mom to get in the picture with me. John was having a conversation with my mom before the staff motioned us out of the way. After we took the picture, me and my mom went to look at the books around the store, since we have never been there. And the workers told us that we have to leave because they were closing. The time was around 4:40 and the store didn't close until 5. I saw multiple people still in the store shopping and others going in to shop? So I don't know why they only told US they were closing and had to leave. I was waiting with a few other girls outside the store and they were telling me that the staff was very rude to them as well, and that they even snatched their phone. John had told them they if they waited until the line was done, he was willing to take a group picture. When the girl asked the staff they, said no without even checking with him. I saw a guy go back and get another picture because his was blurry. My picture is very blurry due to the staff being very rushed, and when I tried to retake it I was not allowed. Even when John was trying to leave, they locked the doors so he couldn't leave in our direction. After kicking us out, they book store ladies were standing there kissing up to him, taking pictures with him, hugging him, having long conversations and getting multiple professional photos done. think John is a very nice guy and was willing to talk to us, but the "security" and the nasty book stores lady ruined it. I have been to a lot meet and greets before, so I know how staff needs to keep people moving, but the hypocrisy done by the staff is very unprofessional. Hope if they have another event they will do better.

Elizabeth A.

5/5

I am so happy I asked the young lady working (whose name is Ashley) what she would recommend for books regarding San Francisco. One of the books she recommended was "cool gray city of love".

It is the perfect book for what I was looking for!

She was extremely helpful, pleasant and it felt like she had all the time in the world for you.