Avid Reader

The Avid Reader has been a literary landmark in Sacramento's Midtown neighborhood since 1988, growing alongside the city's transformation from a sleepy government town into a vibrant cultural capital with a farm-to-fork food scene that rivals any in the state. The California politics section is naturally strong, drawing legislators, lobbyists, and engaged citizens during the legislative session, while the farm-to-fork cooking collection celebrates Sacramento's unique position as a city surrounded by some of the most productive farmland in the world. The literary fiction section is curated with care and ambition, featuring staff picks that regularly introduce customers to their next favorite author. Sacramento history occupies a dedicated alcove, covering the Gold Rush, the railroad era, and the city's often-overlooked contributions to California culture. The in-store cafe serves locally roasted coffee and baked goods from nearby kitchens, and the events calendar brings a steady stream of authors, poets, and public intellectuals to the store's intimate reading space.