Moe’s Books stands as one of America’s most distinguished independent bookstores. Since opening in 1959, the store has defined the Berkeley literary experience, accumulating an extraordinary collection of new, used, and rare books across four floors.

What Makes It Special

Moe Moskowitz founded the store with a commitment to offering an impossibly broad selection while supporting the Berkeley community’s intellectual and creative life. The store remains a family-run business carrying on its founder’s traditions decades after his death in 1997.

With more than 200,000 books in stock, Moe’s offers both the predictable (bestsellers, classics, textbooks for UC Berkeley students) and the idiosyncratic (rare first editions, out-of-print volumes, specialized niche publications). Browsers often discover unexpected gems simply by wandering the stacks.

The Experience

Walking through Moe’s requires time and patience to fully appreciate. The store is organized by subject, but the sheer volume of material means that even familiar categories like philosophy or art contain far more titles than any corporate bookstore would stock. The building itself—a multi-story structure that has expanded organically over decades—feels like a literary maze.

The store regularly hosts author readings, book signings, and literary events, making it a gathering place for Berkeley’s reading community.

Sections & Specialties

The store maintains particular strength in photography, fine arts, and architecture books, reflecting Berkeley’s arts community and university intellectual culture. Multiple copy volumes and rare editions mean that serious book collectors shop alongside casual browsers.

Getting There

Moe’s is located on Telegraph Avenue between Haste and Dwight Way, in the heart of Southside. Street parking is available but can be competitive. The store is within easy walking distance of UC Berkeley’s campus and the vibrant Southside neighborhood. AC Transit buses serve Telegraph Avenue directly, and the Civic Center BART station is about a 10-minute walk away.

Planning Your Visit

Plan to spend at least an hour browsing. The maze-like layout rewards unhurried exploration. First-time visitors often find themselves returning multiple times to finish exploring sections they didn’t reach on previous visits. Serious book buyers should bring a backpack or be prepared for heavy bags.