Logos Books

There is something museum-​like about this bookstore. By that I mean the lack of a profit motive for its existence deflates its vitality a bit. Once upon my entering the attendant behind the desk was dozing, and when he woke up seemed surprised at my audacity in engaging in conversation about what Davis was reading those days. A good way to engage the community would be to institute a lively trade in books people could bring in for appraisals by staff knowledgeable about books (check out Avid Reader bookstore down the block – those guys know books).

Logos is a small and nicely appointed book store that features a good selection of used and out-​of-​print books. I wandered in and spend some quality time browsing, while my Son was over at the nearby Bizarro Word with his beloved Magic Cards. I also enjoyed the cute doggy at the main desk.

The first time I discovered this little gem tucked in the corner of E st and 2^nd street, I was drawn in by the old book smell. You know, that unique scent only found in older (and usually used) books that bibliophiles like me greatly appreciate. As I walked closer to the source of the scent, I was thrilled to see a place untouched and unchanged by fads or trends. One can find classics like Hemingway, Wilde, and Woolfe, and also contemporary works from Ishiguro, Morrisson, and Sedaris. Once you step in, there’s a sense that bibliophiles are welcome and are encouraged to take their time and learn a thing or two.
I admit, I got giddy like a little school girl when I found that the books were only a fraction of the price that I usually get my books for. What I found even more exciting was that all of the profits the owners make from selling the books go to two non-​profit organizations (Doctors Without Borders/​Medcins Sans Frontiers and Save The Children). It justified my occasional impulse purchases when I’m just meandering downtown and taking in the laid back nature of the Davis lifestyle. The selection changes every time I’ve walked in. Although it doesn’t have a vast selection, but it compensates with charm.
I’m amazed and over-​joyed that independent booksellers like this survive despite the Age of Amazon. Logos Books is to me as Tiffany’s is to Holly Golightly. It gives bibliophiles like me a place of refuge, as if the books that withstood time can also protect us from the uncertainty of changing times.
They accept donations, but be forewarned that they do not convert it to store credit for another book. They also showcase artworks by local artists and promote French and Spanish speaking events occasionally. I am at a lack of words for how much I adore this place, so I recommend checking it out for yourself.

A great small used bookstore! I always find something whenever I go in. Also make sure to check out the bargain racks outside!
I also don’t get why it has two dollar signs, I always find cheap books there, nothing more than $ 10.

I came in after I read on Unilocal that its the ONLY used bookstore in Davis. However, I left very disappointed. They only have a limited selection of books. They seem to specialize more in classics, than contemporary books. The lady was nice, but not very helpful in finding books or recommending. I won’t be coming back here.

I visit a lot of bookstores. Basically, every single bookstore I see, I have to at least stop in. I go to some bookstores and wander around a long time and there’s nothing I see that I want to buy. I went in this bookstore, and I wanted to buy up half the store. I was sadly limited by the fact that I only brought one pannier on this trip to Davis, but managed to still get a whole stack of books for almost nothing. And it’s non-​profit and supports the community too!

This is a nicely laid out bookstore (with fresh flowers– sweet touch) that is well organized and well priced. It does feel a little more «scholarly» than Sweet Briar. The kids section had some gems, including a 1960’s Thumbelina book with groovy 3-​D effects. My daughter loved it while my son proclaimed it «creepy.»
I like the fact that they had local artist prints for sale on the walls and that the woman who helped me was very kind and genuine. I found one of Elizabeth Gilbert’s older books (of the Eat, Pray, Love fad) for a great price.
I ended up buying more books than I expected to– and in this economy that’s always a good sign!

So I love used book stores. And Logos is the kind of used book store that I like. I went there on a whim hoping to find some stuff since I heard it just opened. Logos had just opened in February and their selection isn’t much yet. But what they had, I liked. They have all sorts of books. Seriously, any type of genre or type of book you want, they have. What’s great about them is that they also donate profits to charities. The prices of the used books are a steal, compared to other bookstores I’ve visited before. Go and visit! You’ll love it like I do!

Davis now has a second used bookstore. This one’s a nice alternative to Sweet Briar with (currently) fewer books, a slightly more academic bent. The atmosphere here is fine, with plenty of room for browsing and adequate lighting.
The owner has been selling books over the internet for a while, but in this shop he prices most books around or slightly below Internet levels. And some technical or scholarly books (the ones that haven’t been selling online at $$$ prices) are priced much more reasonably here.