{pages} a bookstore

The bookstore’s founders in 2014, L to R: Linda McLoughlin Figel, Patty Gibson, Margot Farris

Through the Years

{pages} a bookstore first opened its doors in 2010, and people were skeptical that a town known for surfing and volleyball would support an independent bookstore. We knew otherwise and are beyond grateful for the tremendous engagement and support we’ve received from Manhattan Beach and the Greater South Bay for the past 16 years—surfers and volleyball players included!

A Gathering Place

Author Neil Gaiman said, “A town isn’t a town without a bookstore!” The South Bay believes that too. There are less expensive and occasionally faster delivery alternatives to {pages}, but our community recognizes the value and importance of having a local, independent bookstore to foster a community around books, reflect local tastes and interests, offer and share new ideas and perspectives, and to be a third place for gathering. We love being your bookstore!

About Us

We are incredibly proud of our friendly, knowledgeable staff. We pride ourselves on our ability to match any reader with the perfect book. {pages} offers free gift wrapping and bookmarks, and we ship anywhere in the USA. On our website, customers often order online in the wee hours of the morning and then pick up their books from our book locker in the courtyard during business hours.

Fun Facts

• Fun fact #1: Booklovers know that there is a very unique smell to a bookstore! It smells like books inside our store, and people love that—as do we.
• Fun fact #2: We know many book people are introverts. We say “hello” and welcome you in the store, and then we leave you to it, if that is your preference. We are here for you!

Boundless Curiosity

We are endlessly curious. We’re constantly reading, talking about books, meeting with publishers and authors, attending industry conferences and learning from one another. Every member of our staff brings different interests and perspectives, and we share that knowledge every day. Our goal isn’t to know everything; it’s to keep learning so we can make better recommendations and create a better experience for every customer who walks through our doors.

Giving Back

Giving back has always been part of who we are. We host free author events, partner with local schools, support teachers and librarians, work with local nonprofits and create programs that encourage people of all ages to read. If we can introduce a child to books, help an aspiring local author or create a place where people connect over a shared love of reading, we’ve done something worthwhile. The South Bay has supported us in many ways, for which we’re incredibly grateful. We see it as a two-way street!”