Books Inc is the oldest independent bookstore on the West Coast with 10 locations in California. Although it technically became Books Inc. in 1946, the company can trace it's roots all the way back to the California Gold Rush. A relatively small bookstore in this age of super sized stores like Barnes & Noble, Books Inc. is only a bit over 3,000 square feet. According to store management, each Books Inc. location has a slightly different focus and they are waiting to see what it is that Berkeley wants to focus on. In the meantime, the store stocks a nice broad selection of everything from childrens books and a few toys and stuffed animals, to literature, science, art and travel. Book readings, story time for children and book clubs are all par for the course at this independent bookstore.