The selection of books puts me into a trance-like state and it feels like I'm on Doris Day's sentimental journey, moving past different signposts of my last four decades of reading, only it's more like Emma Goldman's sentimental journey, nothing bouncy or frivolous about it but still, you know, you can dance to it; but then, even more so, I find myself in unknown terrain, discovering all sorts of interesting little pamphlets and weighty tomes of which I knew nothing, and massive amounts of time pass this way... The atmosphere recalls an old library, and there are narrow passageways where you sit on the floor pondering an obscure volume on, say, comparative housekeeping rituals in sub-Saharan African nations, and were it not for the flesh failures you could believe you were back in college, lost in the stacks, with no time or place other than those that are moving across the page. There's a certain perfection in the place, although there is no cat to visit you on the floor as there is at Aardvark Books; and while the prices are fair and reasonable for collectible books, there's of course nothing perfect about being unable, because of impecunity, to walk away with as much Djuna Barnes as one might wish... If you can tame your materialistic bent, though, or if you happen to be flush with some cash, this is a pretty good place for rationalizing and telling yourself things like, "Well, I spent about as much money taking Miss N out for sushi as it would cost to own this first edition of Elana Dykewomon's first novel from back when she was Elana Nachman; I also once spent twice as much on a bottle of Scotch — and surely, this being something that can't give me salmonella or mal au foie..." • The people who work in the store are friendly, helpful, and most important, unobtrusive. They allow you to forget they're there unless you need them, and that's essential — to me — for a good bookstore experience. Because you need to be buzzed in on a pretty seedy block of Mission Street, and then climb 3 flights of stairs (I enjoy many vintage things but definitely not vintage elevators, and that's what they've got in this building, like in a 1940's noir film), a lot of people don't realize the store is even there — but those who find it discover one of the most interesting places in the city, a spot that's really like no other, and where what's cool and new happens to be old and well-preserved.

Running the gamut from gay pulp fiction to the sacred texts of the international socialist movement, Bolerium Books is a San Francisco institution and arguably the best left wing bookstore in America. John Durham, Alex Akin & Co. know their stuff and price things non-extortionately. If you don't see it on the shelves, let them know, because they’ve got an unseen stockroom... They’ve taken a lot of my money and they’ll be taking more...

I ordered three books online from Germany. The employees contacted me immediatly and gave me any information I needed to make the payment and delivery as convenient as possible. The books were delivered within a week in a perfect condition. Thank you very much for this good experience. The team of Bolerium books is fast, friendly and absolutely reliable!

An absolute treasure! I ended up here thanks to a quick search and found myself on a building floor crammed with an endless supply of fascinating material in every conceivable strain of left thought and practice. Staff was extremely personable. Will be a must-return on every future SF visit!

Bolerium is not the bookstore for the casual shopper, but if you're a collector of books or ephemera about labor movements, Chinese revolutionary history, gay erotica, or a similar niche topic, this is the place for you!

I've only ordered online but this a great bookstore. Always interesting stock and staff is very good about answering questions. Highly recommended. Please support independent bookstores.

Rocky is rude, condescending and uninformed. This store sells overpriced self-published material that is extremely misrepresented and available for purchase elsewhere for about 40% less.

This place is a sacred SF institution run by some of the loveliest and most helpful guys around. Browse their website and see for yourself, Bolerium is a treasure trove.

Excellent customer service ... very fast shipping ... and some of the best packaging I've ever seen. I wish I could buy all my wishlist pieces from Bolerium.

Incredibly well informed, even wise, staff who have a feel of old world librarians. I felt like home and I found exactly what I was looking for

A fantastic bookshop with so many amazing books, I honestly could have spent all day there browsing - a must visit

Delivered a book to me in France. Immaculate packaging, book in perfect condition. Thanks so much!

what a blast, they got many many rares books and papers, about LGBT movement/history (not only)...

Staff is very helpful. Definitely a must go if you are interested in gay or labor studies

Very good specialised booksellers, extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Incredible experience. Very friendly and super knowledgeable staff.

The place to go for rare books from the 19th or 20th century Left

This is a rare gem of a bookstore. A must visit for book lovers.

這家書店應有盡有，品質優良，貨真價實。是灣區裏最好的書店之一。主要賣關於各種社會運動的書。老闆知識豐富，態度親切。

Rude and judgemental. Get over yourself.

Tons of non generic books...

Muy buen servicio

Great book store