08/14/03

A popular general-interest bookshop known for frequent author visits.

by Kim Cooper

The Scene
Since 1976, Booksmith has served the Haight with a wide range of new general-interest books and periodicals, community events and an independent attitude. The shop is big but stuffy and somewhat chaotic, evidence that the design evolved organically rather than being planned from some distant corporate office. There are readings and special events at least twice a week, and the staff will make special orders.

The Goods
The contemporary and classic fiction sections are solid, as are travel (featuring historical memoirs along with the usual guidebooks), science fiction/fantasy, spirituality, health, gardening, cooking, parenting, political science, music history, gender studies and--befitting its Upper Haight location--drug literature. The children's section is also strong, and includes cool toys and games. There are higher-end art and photography titles in glass cases up front. There's also a good newsstand featuring art and culture magazines and British daily and Sunday newspapers.