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

Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6:00 pm PST

Before Columbus Foundation Book Launch Party

Baraka Books, the Before Columbus Foundation, and City Lights celebrate the publication of BLIND PERSISTENCE: The History of the Before Columbus Foundation - Edited by Ishmael Reed and Justin Desmangles (with Carla Blank and Tennessee Reed) - Published by Baraka Books

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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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