Picture this: a cozy bookstore that's stood the test of time, evolving from humble beginnings to become a sanctuary for book lovers, celebrating an astonishing 90 years of stories and surprises. It's not just any shop—it's a living testament to passion, adaptability, and the magic of the written word. But here's where it gets intriguing: how has one family's dream managed to thrive amid shifting tides of technology and culture? Dive into the tale of Bell's Books, and you'll see why it's more than just shelves of paperbacks—it's a bridge between eras.
Long before Bell's Books became an iconic spot in downtown Palo Alto, it started as a spirited venture by an Alabama native bursting with entrepreneurial zeal and a love for French theater and literary gatherings. These gatherings, often called literary salons, were lively social events where people discussed books, shared ideas, and fostered creativity—think of them as the original book clubs, minus the apps and algorithms. The store's founder, Herbert Bell, spent his younger days hosting these salons back in his hometown of Brewton, Alabama, before chasing dreams in Paris. There, he dipped his toes into journalism and the vibrant theater scene, but when that path didn't quite click, he teamed up with a Los Angeles book dealer eyeing expansion northward.
In 1935, Herbert loaded a station wagon with books and headed to Palo Alto, aiming to supply Stanford University students with essential textbooks. His daughter, Faith Bell, the current owner of the Emerson Street bookstore, recounts this journey fondly. What began as The College Book Company has blossomed into the renowned Bell's Books, now celebrating its 90th year with unwavering strength. No longer just a hub for college kids, the shop at 536 Emerson St. overflows with literary gems for everyday readers and avid collectors. We're talking first editions of J.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and other treasures from his expansive canon; 30 signed first editions of John Steinbeck's works, personally autographed by the author himself; and even a copy of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" signed by Alice Liddell—the real-life girl who inspired the story's iconic protagonist.
And this is the part most people miss—Bell's isn't just about the classics; it's a hotspot for the extraordinary. "We just sold a book signed by Nikola Tesla," Faith Bell shared in a recent chat, highlighting how rare finds keep the excitement alive.
The store has transformed dramatically since those early days when Herbert hawked books to students biking by its original spot near University Circle. It's relocated four times, Faith notes, and has navigated massive shifts in how people discover and consume knowledge. When she joined the family business in the 1980s, shelves brimmed with practical guides on VW repairs and plumbing. But as Silicon Valley morphed into a tech powerhouse, customers flocked for books on computers and programming. It's a fascinating pivot—some might say controversial. After all, does embracing tech books mean bookstores are betraying their literary roots, or is it a smart adaptation to stay relevant? What do you think: should independent shops like Bell's evolve with the times, or hold fast to tradition?
Yet, amid all the change, some traditions endure like cherished bookmarks in a favorite novel. Grandmothers still pop in to pick out heartwarming tales for their grandchildren, just as they did decades ago. And while Bell's has long specialized in collectibles and antiquarian volumes—those rare, historical editions that feel like portals to another time—their passion for these treasures has only intensified. "We have some pretty astonishing collections that have come in, and we've built a really knowledgeable clientele in that realm," Faith explains. For beginners curious about antiquarian books, think of them as the VIPs of the literary world: first prints or signed copies that aren't just read—they're revered for their historical value and connection to the authors' lives.
Now, mark your calendars: this Saturday afternoon, Bell's Books throws a spectacular bash for its 90th anniversary. From 2 to 6 p.m. on October 18 at 536 Emerson St., expect literary festivities galore. Local authors will be signing books, including C. Townsend Brady ("Mastering Classic Cocktails"), Alison Carpenter Davis ("Letters Home from Stanford"), Miriam Kurtzig Freedman ("Boxes from the Attic: An Immigrant’s Story"), and Rajesh Oza ("Double-Play on the Red Line"). Visitors can try their hand at letterpress printing to craft custom bookmarks, and there's a special display of 90 standout volumes. Highlights include the first edition of Tolkien's debut book, a signed first edition of Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," and a signed copy of W.E.B. du Bois's "The Souls of Black Folk." The store will be open, inviting everyone to browse its impressive stock of around 350,000 books.
Gennady Sheyner, editor of Palo Alto Weekly and Palo Alto Online, brings this story to life with his award-winning journalism on topics from elections to tech breakthroughs. As a former staff writer, he's no stranger to capturing the pulse of the community. More by Gennady Sheyner.
In a world where e-books and online giants dominate, Bell's Books stands as a reminder of why physical bookstores matter. But here's the controversy that sparks debate: are places like this relics of a bygone era, or vital havens for human connection? And what about those interpretations of classic works—like viewing Alice Liddell as more than just inspiration for Carroll's heroine? Could there be layers we overlook in these timeless tales? We'd love to hear your take: Do you believe independent bookstores can outlast the digital revolution, or is their charm fading? Is adapting to tech trends a betrayal, or a brilliant survival tactic? Share your opinions in the comments below—let's discuss!
