Booksmith

Booksmith

File:Booksmith in June 2011.jpg
Industry	Specialty retail
Founded	October 1976 (1976-10)
Headquarters	San Francisco , United States
Area served	San Francisco
Products	New books
Owners	Christin Evans and Praveen Madan
Website	www.booksmith.com

Booksmith operates as an independent bookstore situated in San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury district. Initially launched in October 1976, the shop was originally found at 1746 Haight Street, beneath the former I-Beam nightclub. In 1985, it relocated to 1644 Haight Street near Belvedere, roughly one and a half blocks from Haight and Ashbury’s junction. Later, in 2021, the store shifted further down the street to 1727 Haight Street, occupying the previous location of its now-closed sister store, the Bindery.

Serving both local residents and visitors attracted by the distinctive countercultural vibe of Haight Street, Booksmith functions as a general interest bookstore. It holds membership in the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association (NCIBA) as well as the American Booksellers Association (ABA).

In June 2007, ownership transferred from founder Gary Frank to the married duo Christin Evans and Praveen Madan. This transition involved closing the original enterprise and establishing a new entity called Haight Booksmith LLC. Reports from that period indicated that the incoming proprietors intended to steer the bookstore toward a new strategic direction.

By May 2011, SF Weekly recognized Booksmith as San Francisco’s "Best Reimagined Bookstore" in their annual "Best of San Francisco" edition. The publication highlighted transformations such as removing a congested entranceway, applying feng shui principles inside, and introducing a stylish Victorian steampunk black-and-teal color scheme. With over 200 author events hosted annually on-site, Booksmith has solidified its status as an important literary hub.

Authors events

File:Violet Blue at Booksmith.jpg

Violet Blue reads Mistress Morgana Maye's "Open Letter to the Bush Administration" at Booksmith. (The venue is SRO)

The bookstore is recognized for its ongoing acclaimed events series. In previous years, this program has showcased a diverse array of writers, including novelists, poets, science fiction authors, biographers, historians, cartoonists, as well as recipients of prestigious awards such as the Pulitzer Prize and Booker Prize.Template:Fix/category

Distinguished figures who have participated in Booksmith events include Nobel laureate Polish poet Czesław Miłosz, legendary science fiction author Ray Bradbury, gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, children's writer Lemony Snicket, rock icons Neil Young and Patti Smith, along with renowned photographers Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz. Significantly, the final public reading by Beat generation poet Allen Ginsberg took place at The Booksmith just months before his passing.

Situated in the core of Haight Ashbury, the bookstore has welcomed many personalities linked to the 1960s countercultural movement. These include iconic figures such as Timothy Leary and former Digger Peter Coyote. Musicians who have appeared at the venue include members of the Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh and Mickey Hart, as well as Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane and Ray Manzarek from The Doors. Additionally, Beat Generation authors like Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Michael McClure, and Diane DiPrima have also been featured at the store.Template:Fix/category

Other information

Throughout its history, The Booksmith has employed numerous writers including Lewis Buzbee (author of The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop), novelist Kiara Brinkman (known for Up High in the Trees), syndicated cartoonist Tom Tomorrow (creator of the This Modern World comic strip), Todd Lavoie (contributor to San Francisco Bay Guardian), short story author Lisa K. Buchanan, and humorist Paco Romane.Template:Fix/category

In June 2025, The Booksmith attracted media attention after it decided to discontinue selling books by J. K. Rowling. This move followed the launch of the J.K. Rowling Women's Fund in the preceding month. The Booksmith explained their decision by stating: "When an author declares that proceeds from book sales will support an anti-trans initiative, our only option to avoid participation is to stop offering those books for sale."

External links

• Official website