Verbatim Books

Verbatim Books is the antithesis of the cluttered, disorganized used bookstore. Since opening in North Park in 2010, the store has built a devoted following through its insistence on quality over quantity, curating a used book collection with the same care that the best new bookstores bring to their shelves. Every title in the store has been individually selected, creating an inventory that feels less like a secondhand shop and more like a personal library you wish were your own. The literary fiction and poetry sections are especially strong, reflecting the owner's deep love of language and narrative. The philosophy shelves attract serious readers from across San Diego, and the art and music sections benefit from the creative energy of the North Park neighborhood. The rare books cabinet occasionally reveals gems that draw collectors. The store's modest size means that every visit feels intimate and personal, and the staff's enthusiasm for matching readers with books is genuine and infectious. Verbatim is proof that the used bookstore, done with care and taste, is one of the most beautiful forms of retail.