The slow decline of the independent bookstore is one of the saddest stories in the new American economy – as big retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon take larger and larger pieces of the market, they can offer larger discounts. That’s why a place like Friends Corner is so inspiring. The entire inventory is made up of donated books, and the proceeds go to support the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, an awesome nonprofit that works to enhance literacy in the community. That means you’re going to get amazing deals on all kinds of books.Walk up to the register and start a conversation about a read you enjoyed lately and expect to hear two or three recommendations for your next choice. They’re not doing it to sell to you – it’s born of a real love for literature. There’s no electronic inventory system, though, so going to Friends Corner Book Shop with a specific title in mind can be an exercise in frustration. Better to plan to browse!

Friends Corner Book Shop
3491 Golden Gate Way
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 283-1967
www.friendscornerbookshop.com