The Bookstore

05/17/2026

The new Book in Common has been announced for 2026-27! We have them in stock so you can get a jump on this year's pick. Come by and grab yours today! Here's the blurb:

The AI Con is a thought-provoking work examining the rise of artificial intelligence and its far-reaching impacts on society, education and the economy. The selection comes amid heightened interest and debate surrounding AI technologies, including within higher education. Co-authored by a University of Washington linguistics professor and a former Google employee, the book takes a critical look at artificial intelligence, exploring how it functions, the realities behind its rapid expansion, and the social, ethical and environmental implications of its use. Topics include the influence of AI on jobs and creative industries, concerns about academic integrity, and the environmental costs associated with large-scale data centers.

05/16/2026

What a great time and what a great turnout! Many round cookies and crispy waters were consumed and many stories were shared. Huge thanks to for being such an amazing person and such a great storyteller and thanks to everyone who showed up to support Michelle and small business in Chico. The diversity of offerings in our downtown is a defining aspect of this community and what draws thousands back to Chico!

05/06/2026

Please join us for a magical evening Next Thursday May 14 at 6pm

We're excited to have Michelle Ott share insights from her new book Outer Space is Closer Than Antarctica published by Chronicle Books. This beautifully illustrated memoir tells Michelle's true story of falling in love and discovering her place in the universe on a remote research station in Antarctica.

-She took trips to nowhere on the Antarctic ice and mapped out the most romantic date locations on a remote research base where the sun never sets.

-She witnessed the bright green aurora australis at-30°F, cried in response to its beauty, and found her eyes frozen shut by her tears.

-She learned about (literally) breathtaking katabatic winds, ventifacts, and what it was like to bake cookies for 1000.

-She dropped a piece of glacier ice into a glass of booze and consumed the ancient air bubbles that were trapped within it.

In this emotional blend of art, science, and deeply personal stories, Ott shares the wisdom and wonder gleaned from her four trips to the southernmost continent. Complete with hand-drawn maps and diagrams, accessible scientific explanations, and the realizations that can only come from turning your life upside down, Outer Space Is Closer Than Antarctica is an ode to explorers and dreamers, scientists and artists, and anyone curious enough to brave the unknown.
Come celebrate, listen, and support this incredible accomplishment! We hope to see you all there.

Copies of Michelle's book will be available for purchase.
Light refreshments served.

02/22/2026

New Maps! We're absolutely stoked that we're now carrying these gorgeous 24" x 33" maps of Chico and Paradise by local cartographer Jeffrey Obser. These high quality maps are printed on heavy stock and suitable for framing. ONLY $25! Swing by and check'em out! We're here every day 10-5.

02/02/2026

THIS SUNDAY FEB 8TH! That's right, it's that time of year again and we are back with the very popular Scribes in Love event. We've once again collected a team of top poetical talent, ready to compose the ultimate personalized love poems for your Special Valentine -ALL COMPOSED ON VINTAGE TYPEWRITERS! ONLY 10 BUCKS - And all proceeds go to the poets. You won't find any other Valentine's event like this one. THIS SUNDAY FEB 8TH FROM 3-5. There will be gourmet treats and the sweet sweet music of click-clacking vintage typewriters. Want to show your sweetheart how much they mean to you? They will never forget a custom typewritten love poem!

12/31/2025

12/22/2025

We're open 10-5 EVERY day including Christmas Eve! Come see us!

12/14/2025

We've got gift certificates in any denomination. Stop by the store or grab one online at www.chicobooks.com/shop !

We're open every day 10-5!

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

An exciting new addition to the ANCHR catalog!
 In stock Sat 12/13 or pre-order at
https://www.chicobooks.com/shop

Rancho del Llano Seco, an original 1844 Mexican land grant, stands as the last intact Mexican rancho in California today. Nestled in southwestern Butte County, California, ten miles southwest of Chico, this beautiful working ranch spans almost 18,000 acres along the Sacramento River. Building on this rich history, Rancho del Llano Seco: Northern California’s Last Rancho invites you to explore its natural environment and discover over 7,000 years of continuous human history, beginning with the first people, the Konkow. The Llano Seco Ranch, as it would come to be known, also saw pioneers, squatters, oil tycoons, and even a World War I fighter pilot-turned-aerial photographer who captured unique and detailed aerial photo mosaics of the ranch in 1922. John Parrott gained full title to the ranch in 1870, and his descendants still own and continue to steward the land to this day. Thanks to an unprecedented and comprehensive treasure trove of original family papers, ranch documents, and photographs, archaeologists, historians, and Native American descendants uncovered new insights that deepen our understanding of the rich historical legacy of Northern California’s Last Rancho.

 

 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Anchr

Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 13, 2025

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Print length ‏ : ‎ 118 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1931994153

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1931994156

Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.2 ounces

Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.25 x 11 inches