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

Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 6:00 pm PST

Project Censored's "State of the Free Press" 50th Anniversary

City Lights, Project Censored, and Seven Stories Press celebrate the publication of "STATE OF THE FREE PRESS 2025" - Edited by Mickey Huff, Shealeigh Voitl, and Andy Lee Roth - Published by Seven Stories Press

Virtual
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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