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City Lights Booksellers

North Beach, San Francisco

Source: citylights.com, checked 12 Nov 2026.

The pink storefront of City Lights Booksellers and Publishers on Columbus Avenue in North Beach
Photo: Dale Cruse - 12M views / Flickr (CC BY 4.0)

Independent bookstore and publisher at 261 Columbus Avenue, open since 1953 according to its own site.

Time needed 30 minutes to 1 hour
Best time Afternoon

Insider tip

The store's page lists readings and events.

City Lights Booksellers is here, and so are the evening venues Bimbo's 365 Club, Club Fugazi and Cobb's Comedy Club, each with its own show calendar.

Tap to open the interactive map

Smaller local events at and near City Lights Booksellers

  • Mark Danner in conversation with Guy Marzorati Talks and readings

    Thu 12 Nov · City Lights Booksellers, North Beach

    Author reading or discussion held in the store at City Lights Booksellers on Columbus Avenue.

    19:00 · Map · Source: City Lights, Green Apple, Book Passage, The Booksmith, City Arts and Lectures

  • Chinatown Activities

    16 Nov to 21 Dec · Chinatown, San Francisco

    A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Chinatown.

    from 13:30 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours

  • Marie Darrieussecq in conversation with Rita Bullwinkel Talks and readings

    Wed 18 Nov · City Lights Booksellers, North Beach

    Author reading or discussion held in the store at City Lights Booksellers on Columbus Avenue.

    19:00 · Map · Source: City Lights, Green Apple, Book Passage, The Booksmith, City Arts and Lectures

  • Rae Armantrout with Elizabeth Robinson Talks and readings

    Thu 19 Nov · City Lights Booksellers, North Beach

    Author reading or discussion held in the store at City Lights Booksellers on Columbus Avenue.

    19:00 · Map · Source: City Lights, Green Apple, Book Passage, The Booksmith, City Arts and Lectures

  • Of Poetry & Protest: 10th Anniversary Celebration Talks and readings

    Mon 30 Nov · City Lights Booksellers, North Beach

    Author reading or discussion held in the store at City Lights Booksellers on Columbus Avenue.

    19:00 · Map · Source: City Lights, Green Apple, Book Passage, The Booksmith, City Arts and Lectures

See every upcoming event in San Francisco

City Lights, Caffe Trieste, Coit Tower, comedy and live music on Columbus Avenue

North Beach has 6 places on the map. It runs from Columbus Avenue and Vallejo Street up to Telegraph Hill and Green Street.

North Beach has 6 places on the Roam San Francisco map: 3 bars, 1 shop, 1 cafe and 1 landmark. Read the North Beach guide.

What is the address of City Lights Booksellers?
261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco.
How long do you need at City Lights Booksellers?
Plan for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
When is the best time to visit City Lights Booksellers?
Afternoon.

Stay near City Lights Booksellers

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