Old Capitol Books

Nice old book shop. Matthew the owner is very helpful and has a specific taste and collection of books. You can tell this is not your typical big box selection of materials. Plus he’s an avid cyclist and I enjoyed chatting with him about local custom bike builders while admiring his vintage Colnago ti/​carbon racing bike setting upon the shelves. Overall, a book store with character.

I love to support local bookstores. Too bad its overpriced and I was treated so rudely by the older guy that works here. Not a child friendly place… and my kids were well behaved while in his shop. Go to the shop on lighthouse!

Unexpected gem of a bookstore. Stumbled upon classics and books from childhood. Used books are in excellent condition. Prices even for used books are slightly higher than other places. Bring your sweater since the place is freezing. I guess they also save costs by keeping the temperature below sixty.

Awesomeness… This is what a used book store should look, feel and smell like. Great selection of used book and helpful staff. An asset to Monterey.

Well nothing lasts forever. I had a good experience with Captiol Books last year at this time. The owner was offering 30% off his stock, and seemed to be making some progress re-​organizing the store. Service was friendly, and quick.
However my recent experience was not so good. I was greeted by some pungent bums by the front door. Right away I did not feel safe. So I bee lined it to the front door. Inside I noticed the heat was not on. The owner has hired a new shopkeeper whom leaves a lot to be desired. «Sorry, 5 book minimum, hahahahahaha.» Uhm what? Her attempt at a joke wasn’t all that good. Then she proceeded to call the owner and complain she was working to much. And also to converse on what types of beer they should buy, in a rather loud voice. I resigned myself of this convsersation to investigate the book stacks. I went into the stacks found a couple of books I wanted, but no sale this year. Prices have gone up too on the new stock they are taking in. Then the shop keeper mentioned the owner was only doing this as a hobby. Oh great. *sigh* I miss Book Haven, and the two nice gentlemen who ran it. I always felt welcomed there, and was also getting my money’s worth. It was also nice to browse in a quiet environment. Old Captiol Books bites the way it is now. Loud, bums outside, and cheeky jokes just to spend more money than I want to. I won’t be coming back.

Wow. Hands down one of the very best used book stores I have ever visited. This place is just awesome! A huge collection on just about any topic that interests you. And super friendly service. I did not want to leave. I’ll be back — a lot!

I highly recommend this store to book lovers. Huge selection, cozy atmosphere. I intend to visit as often as I can.

The previous owners of Book Haven retired and sold this quaint, yet vast, book store. With new ownership the store not only has a new name, but also has been re-​vamped as well i.e. you can now not only find books organized by genre but they are also alphabetized! Most all books are in real good to excellent condition. There has not been a book I’ve picked up with marks in it. Their selection of art and art history, as well as American History is vast! There is surely a bit of something for every bibliophile here.