Underground Books - Sacramento, CA

Underground Books, Sacramento, CA

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For those of you following this blog journey, if you haven't noticed yet, the Sacramento area is rich with a variety of independent bookstores.  Underground Books located in the historic Oak Park neighborhood was the cherry on top of these wonderful bookstores.  It is part of the Forty Acres complex that is home to a variety of Black-owned businesses on the ground floor and apartment housing above.  Mother Rose is the guiding hand and watchful eye operating the bookstore and she's been doing this since it opened its doors in 2003.  I'm so happy to hear from her that things are going well and they got through the pandemic in great shape.

Underground Books is a one-level new and modern looking African-American bookstore.  That look is partially due to a recent remodel and expansion.  They offer all new books with an emphasis on African-American authors and interests.  I thought their inventory for these items was outstanding.  Additionally, they also offer popular fiction and non-fiction including best sellers and recent releases.  The store's expansion allowed them to increase their inventory of sidelines, offering Afro-centric themed items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, action figures, bookstore swag, and more.  They also stock a varied assortment of snacks that may resonate with the nearby school students.  Underground has a devoted children's section and it even has toddler-sized bookstore swag.  

I thought Mother Rose seemed like the perfect person to manage this bookstore.  I told her she gave off a teacher vibe but she told me she was a nurse before joining the bookstore.  That teacher vibe really shines through with her interactions with customers and staff.  With customers she's very welcoming and with her staff of student-aged kids she is REALLY good.  Like, well, a good teacher.  Way to go Mother Rose.

So Sacramento, pay this beautiful space and their fabulous staff a visit.  Heck, make a day of it and visit the Old Soul Co for a coffee, Underground Books for a book, and Fixins Soul Kitchen for lunch.  This is your ticket for a great day off.  Go an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Secrets In The Cellar, John Glatt.  True crime account of Josef Fritzl and the decades long horrific physical, sexual, and emotional abuse he inflicted on his family members.  The story spans the decades of the late 20th century in Austria.  One of his daughters was kept in a bunker below the house never allowed to leave, unknown to the public for over 20 years.  Unbelievable story and one of the most disturbing books I've ever read.  Recommended but not for the faint of heart. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The Free, Willy Vlautin. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Fifth Season, N. K. Jemison.  An Underground Books t-shirt. 

Beautiful exterior view. 

You can also enter the store from inside the Forty Acres complex. 

Next door to Underground is a fantastic place for a coffee and something to eat. 

This historic theater gives the store an option for large events. 

Just a portion of the display window space. 

View from the entrance looking into the store and slightly to the left. 

Follow the directions. 

This was a first for me.  Temperature check station just inside the front door.  Just line your face up with the picture on the displayed cell phone and you'll know if your temperature is normal.  It was very easy.  I wonder if more bookstores and businesses will consider something like this. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

A great place to stretch out in the front window and sample a book. 

Or grab a seat here with a friend. 

Attractive table display just inside the entrance to the store featuring books for all ages. 

Store favorites and recommendations. 

A portion of the YA books. 

Every indie I visit has books for a budget. 

Partial overview of the children's section. 

Not all indies have bookstore swag for little readers but this one does. 

Kids will love this place. 

Just a few of the greeting cards available. 

The store is beginning to expand its snacks available.  There's a school nearby and kids will walk by the store.  Do the math. 

Current events sidelines display including action figures!

Maya Angelou is always recommended reading. 

Variety of sidelines available. 

An overview of the left side of the store. 

Looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance. 

With Mother Rose, the fine manager at Underground Books.  Thanks for a great visit.