The Reading Bug — Local services in San Carlos

I recently attended a signing event at your store, which I've been anticipating for an entire week and traveled an hour for. However, my experience was marred by an interaction with an employee who seemed stressed and overwhelmed. While I understand the demands of working in a busy bookstore (it was the end of the day, lots of effort was put in, and other people probably gave her a worse attitude), I felt her communication style was abrupt and confusing.

Specifically, explaining the book purchase requirement for the event could have been clearer. My group and I were eager to support the author and your store but felt unwelcome due to the employee's tone. I had actually met the author and media escort a couple days ago and they had told me that when I attend this event, to just go to them, so I was just a bit confused and trying to clarify, but kept getting cut off. The people I was with (two normally very calm and chill people) were really upset.

I want to emphasize that I appreciate your store's efforts to host author events. As someone who solely buys from local bookstores, I value your store's contributions to the book community. My group and I had just hoped to have a better experience meeting a cherished author while visiting the store for the first time.

To improve future events, please consider providing clearer guidelines on event requirements and training staff on effective communication. A polite and welcoming approach would enhance the overall experience.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to...

I have to start off by saying that I love the ambience of this store, and the people who work here are obviously very happy and always nice. However, I have been disappointed by the disorder that can overwhelm me as a customer. For one, I was frustrated that there seems to be no clear order to how the books are organized, and inevitably I always have to ask for help. Which leads to issue number two, that they seem to be understaffed, because it takes between 5-15 minutes on average to get assistance. Finally, and I know this is a small issue, but I purchased a book from them over a year ago, and when I went back to purchase a second one (several times) I was told that they are out of stock and couldn't tell me when they would have it again. I wish I could say more nice stuff because I would love to support my local bookstore rather than...

A cute bookstore that seems to dedicated to little ones. We stumbled upon this book store in Downtown San Carlos. It was a great experience. My baby was being a bit grumpy and clingy, but the moment he entered this store, he got all energized again.

They have a lot of merchandises for kids from books, toys to plushies, DIY kits. Some you wouldn’t see at a normal Target.

I would say it was a good experience, however, some items were kinda pricey, like a small piece of mini stickers for $6. When I checked the receipt, I was taken a back.

My baby wanted 2 book, but one is a flip and flap book which he already has 2 at home, so I coerced him into having stickers instead, thinking it’d be less expensive and he actually can play with. Should have gone...