City Lights Bookstore, Independent bookstore and publishing house in North Beach, San Francisco, United States
City Lights is an independent bookstore and publishing house in North Beach with three floors organized around world literature, arts, and social topics. The space contains new releases alongside backlist titles, with sections dedicated to poetry and works on politics and history.
The bookstore opened in 1953, taking its name from a Charlie Chaplin film, as a space for experimental and political literature. A defining moment arrived in 1957 when the owners successfully defended their right to publish a controversial poetry collection.
The store reflects the spirit of the Beat movement and continues to draw readers interested in art and social commentary. Its carefully chosen inventory shows a commitment to works that encourage people to think critically about the world.
The store stays open until midnight every day, making it accessible for evening visits. Sections are clearly marked by subject, helping you find areas of interest without difficulty.
The store runs its own publishing line called the Pocket Poets Series, which produces affordable poetry collections that remain in print and widely available. This combination of retail bookstore with active publishing is an unusual arrangement that sets it apart from typical shops.
Location: San Francisco
Inception: 1953
Founders: Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Peter D. Martin
Industry: retail
Website: http://citylights.com
GPS coordinates: 37.79763,-122.40658
Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:25
San Francisco brings together historical monuments and natural sites that reflect the city's unique history and geography. The Golden Gate Bridge, a 2,737-meter-long suspension bridge completed in 1937, is one of the region's most recognizable structures. Alcatraz Island, a former high-security federal prison operating from 1934 to 1963, is located in the bay and is visited by ferry. The Painted Ladies, seven Victorian houses built between 1892 and 1896, exemplify San Francisco’s characteristic residential architecture with their colorful facades facing Alamo Square Park. The city also includes Fisherman's Wharf, a historic port district developed from late 19th-century Italian fishing piers, and the Fillmore, a performance hall from the 1910s that contributed to the development of the West Coast music scene. Twin Peaks provide viewpoints at 928 feet (283 meters), while Lands End features rocky cliffs and hiking trails at the western tip of the peninsula. The Cable Cars, a mechanical transportation system operating since 1873, run on three lines through San Francisco's sloped streets.
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