Bookshop Benicia

Bookshop Benicia A locally owned independent bookstore since 1993. New and used. We even have fair trade organic chocolate!

Lots of books-new and used, cards,quality games and toys, magazines, jigsaw puzzles and other great gifts. We special order books at no extra cost and have a customer rewards program.

Looking for a relaxing, no-pressure way to enjoy books with fellow readers? Join our Silent Book Club, where you can rea...
08/16/2026

Looking for a relaxing, no-pressure way to enjoy books with fellow readers? Join our Silent Book Club, where you can read, relax, and connect but only if you want to! This is the perfect semi-social club for semi-social readers.

How It Works:
1. bring your favorite book (you can also buy a book for trade in a book at our lending library!)
2. Grab snack and a comfy spot
3. enjoy 1.5 hours of quiet reading time in the company of fellow book lovers

Meets the Third Sunday of the month
AT Bookshop Benicia! 636 First Street Benicia, CA 94510

New Release Stack!
08/12/2026

New Release Stack!

UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will no longer be serving alcohol but we WILL have some delicious mocktails ...
08/12/2026

UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will no longer be serving alcohol but we WILL have some delicious mocktails that taste even better since all ages can join the fun! Swipe for the mocktail (aka nonalcoholic) menu!

After hours, the bookstore hits different...

The evening will feature music from DJ JP Breganza, of Seafood City and Asian Art Museum fame, whose set will include chill R&B to create a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. Bookshop Benicia will also highlight special displays curated for the event, giving guests an easy and enjoyable way to explore new books across a variety of genres and moods.

The Whipt Baker, a Benicia native family, will be vending, providing sweets and savories for purchase. Enjoy a cup of organic chicken gumbo served with a scoop of steamed calrose rice. Finish your meal with signature cookiecakes in various flavors - baked fresh with a blend of locally sourced, organic ingredients and fine quality foods. Fresh made Whipt Shokupani - our Japanese Milk Bread will be available while supplies last!

“Epilogue is about giving people a new way to experience the bookshop,” said Meg Arguelles, the bookshop event coordinator. “We wanted to create a third space for the book community. We want to create a warm, fun, after-hours event where guests can enjoy music, refreshments, and the joy of browsing books in a more intimate setting.” Epilogue: After Hours Sip & Shop is now open to all ages. Tickets are $15 and expected to sell quickly due to limited capacity.

What's a bookshop without book lovers?! The Peddler's Fair was this weekend and the overwhelming amount of out-of-town v...
08/09/2026

What's a bookshop without book lovers?!

The Peddler's Fair was this weekend and the overwhelming amount of out-of-town visitors who have come in just to say "We always have to visit the bookstore in town" has been so affirming to our mission here. Every town needs a bookstore and we're happy to be serving you since 1993!

We have new artwork up in the store! Here's a statement from the artist, Sahar Mozaffar:As a conceptual artist, I use vi...
08/07/2026

We have new artwork up in the store! Here's a statement from the artist, Sahar Mozaffar:

As a conceptual artist, I use visceral materials that convey concepts of identity through explorations of self-mythology, visibility, and invisibility.

I understand self-mythology as the way in which identity is created. My artwork often seeks to change assumptions of self and to investigate how stories evolve and are enhanced by a storyteller who holds the power. Therefore, visual text and poetry have often sought presence in my work. The use of non-color furthers an understanding and focus on the "creation of meaning" and movement away from "assumed meaning". Concepts of visibility and invisibility are often explored through simultaneous existence in two spheres of being that result in a push and pull between materials. Lastly, my path toward art therapy has greatly influenced my artwork and resulted in a process-oriented way of knowing myself. In essence, intuitively using art materials to contain, regulate, or express the inner parts of the self.

Sahar Mozaffar
San Francisco Art Institute, 2005 BFA, New Genres
Dominican University of California, 2025 MA, MFT/Art Therapy

New Release Tuesday Stack!
08/04/2026

New Release Tuesday Stack!

The Booker Prize Longlist is here! What does that mean?The Booker Prize is one of the world’s most respected literary aw...
08/04/2026

The Booker Prize Longlist is here! What does that mean?

The Booker Prize is one of the world’s most respected literary awards, celebrating exceptional works of fiction and bringing extraordinary authors and their stories to readers around the globe. Each year, judges select a longlist of standout novels that represent some of the most compelling, imaginative, and thought-provoking writing published that year.

Being longlisted is a major literary achievement. It means a book has been recognized as one of the strongest works considered for the prize, chosen from hundreds of submissions. These authors are now part of a global literary conversation celebrating the power of storytelling to connect cultures, challenge perspectives, and help us better understand one another.

A note for eager readers: not every Booker longlisted title has been released yet! Some books are still forthcoming, so if a title catches your eye, be sure to preorder your copy and be among the first to read these award-recognized works.

📚 August–September Book Club Picks!We’re excited to introduce our newest book club: Elsewhere Book Club!After wrapping u...
08/03/2026

📚 August–September Book Club Picks!

We’re excited to introduce our newest book club: Elsewhere Book Club!

After wrapping up The Supremes Book Club, Dianna will begin a new literary journey this September. Each month, she’ll choose a book that transports readers to a different place around the world, written by an author from that country or culture, including translated works. The first pick? The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

It’s way too hot in Benicia to start thinking about fall… so we’re staying in summer mode a little longer by celebrating...
08/02/2026

It’s way too hot in Benicia to start thinking about fall… so we’re staying in summer mode a little longer by celebrating SUMMERWEEN!

We've got spooky reads for fans of summer-set horror, beachside scares, “sweatcore,” and all the creepy things that happen when the sun stays up a little too long.

And for the kids who keep Halloween in their hearts all year round, we’ve got plenty of spooky summer reads to keep the magic (and chills) going.

Stop by and find your next summer scare! 📖

The new date is here! 🎉📚✨Join us for Epilogue: After Hours Sip & Shop, a 21+ bookstore night out at Bookshop Benicia!On ...
07/31/2026

The new date is here! 🎉📚✨

Join us for Epilogue: After Hours Sip & Shop, a 21+ bookstore night out at Bookshop Benicia!

On Friday, August 14 from 6-9 PM, we’re transforming the bookshop into a cozy after-hours experience with curated book displays, drinks, delicious food, sweets, music, and community.

Enjoy a live DJ set from JP Breganza (Seafood City & Asian Art Museum), featuring chill R&B vibes perfect for browsing, discovering new books, and spending a night out in a unique third space.

Your ticket includes:
• Two drink tickets (beer & wine options available)
• Access to curated book displays
• Entry into our raffle (4 prizes available)
• Access to book lover activities & games
• A relaxed evening of music and browsing after hours

🍽️ Food & treats available for purchase from Whipt Baker:
• Organic chicken gumbo with Calrose rice
• Fresh-brewed hibiscus iced tea refresher
• Organic iced coffee
• Signature cookiecakes
• Fresh-made Japanese milk bread (while supplies last!)

Not drinking? No problem! Your drink ticket can be used toward Whipt refreshments instead.

Whether you’re looking for your next favorite book, a fun date night, a night out with friends, or simply a new way to experience your local bookstore, we’d love to have you join us.

🎟️ Tickets are $15 in advance ($25 at the door ONLY if capacity allows).
Limited capacity! So grab yours through the link in our bio!

📍 Bookshop Benicia
636 First Street, Benicia
🗓️ Friday, August 14 | 6–9 PM
🔞 21+ only

Come browse. Sip. Listen. Stay awhile. ✨📖

Address

636 First Street
Benicia, CA
94510

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 5:30pm
Thursday 10am - 5:30pm
Friday 10am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10am - 5:30pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

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