Alley Cat Books

This trove of new and used books opened in the Mission in 2011. Owner Kate Rosenberger got her start working at Half Priced Books in Berkeley; now, in addition to Alley Cat, she owns both Dog Eared Books stores in the Mission and Castro. Rosenberger is also a painter and it shows in the decor: The space is artful and inviting, dotted with art, masks,and hand-lettered signs. You’ll find well-stocked sections for philosophy, music (from jazz to punk), cookbooks, history, politics, queer and feminist issues, and more. A white-walled, sun-flooded gallery takes over the rear of the store, where Rosenberger displays the work of local artists. The area doubles as a gathering space for poetry and lit readings, screenings, writing and art workshops, book clubs, and special events.