Heldfond Book Gallery Ltd.

I can’t really comment on the rare book selection, although it appears they have some.
I just came in to browse, and the shopkeeper immediately looked at me with suspicion, and his eyes followed me around the store. I felt like I was an uninvited guest, or like maybe he would pounce if I reached for a book. Strategically, I never reached for a book or really looked at them, I simply walked slowly through, turned around and walked slowly back out so as to not upset him any more.
I came back one more time (everyone has a bad day, right?). Same deal. I even had an old book in my hand from my late father to show him, but I didn’t try. I think I will leave him a surprise present one day just to see if it makes him a bit happier.

What a great place! Lots of books — rare gems, fascinating memorabilia and plenty of things to look at. It is much like a museum — except here, you can actually purchase the treasures that you find! And the staff is so helpful and knowledgeable. Got a question about a rare book? This is the place where you can get the answer!

Rude, pretentious, unhelpful! I was looking to sell some old books. I brought them in to Heldfond on a rainy day, parked across the street and proceded to carry the first of three heavy boxes into the store. As I struggled through the small, crowded front door, the gentleman behind the counter looked up dismissively from his computer and said he would be with me in a minute. There was no one else in the store. I proceded to bring in the second box and went back out for the third, at which point he called across the street to me to stop bringing them in, he was not interested. At this point he returned to his computer while I carried the heavy boxes in the rain, back to my car. I’m not upset that they didn’t want my books, though it might have been nice for him to actually look at them all before deciding; but he could have helped me with the boxes: OR AT LEAST HELD THE DOOR! How Rude!

I am a life long book collector. I visit Heldfond Bookstore at least once a month. This shop has quality books that are hard to find. The books are well described and the prices are fair. The owners are always there and I find them more than willing to spend time with me if I express interest in something in their stock. Sometimes, I just like to browse through. It is refreshing to go to a well run shop with a fine inventory and knowledgeable about what they are offering for sale. This shop is a member of the ABAA, the professional booksellers association and they stand behind what they sell. This shop reminds me of the quality antiquarian booksellers one meets in London. In my opinion, San Anselmo is privileged to have a shop of this quality. My biggest problem is I need more bookcases for all the books I keep buying!

This place is just too amazing. San Anselmo’s downtown is already a beautiful small charming place, especially during the holidays with the windows of the little shop decorate with christmas attire. Well Heldfond really reminds of a era of the Scoorge with Tiny Tim.
This place house rare, antique, just gorgeous first edition. If you are a collector or just a fan or a particular book you will find magic within these walls. Have you been to the rare books store in Las Vegas at the Palazzo? Althought that place is polished in Vegas glamor I pick Heldfond any day…

My first review gave 5 stars, before I set foot in this business. Here is that initial review: No way I will ever go in here. Too many fabulous first editions to buy, too many leather-​bound sets, too many opportunities to spend all my money and end up homeless, housed only by walls of books.
My second review of 1 star comes after actually setting foot in this business and the strange and rude behavior of the shopkeeper.