Claremont Forum Bookshop

Claremont Forum Bookshop thrives in one of Southern California's most intellectually rich communities, a charming college town where five prestigious institutions of the Claremont Colleges consortium create a remarkable concentration of scholarly energy. The store's used book model is perfectly suited to this environment, with a constantly rotating inventory that benefits from the academic community's endless cycle of research, retirement, and library renewal. The philosophy section is extraordinary, with used copies of essential texts and obscure monographs that philosophy students from Pomona, Claremont McKenna, and the Claremont Graduate University snap up eagerly. The theology collection reflects the presence of Claremont School of Theology and draws browsers from across Southern California. The social sciences shelves are deep and eclectic, covering everything from anthropology to urban planning. The rare books room occasionally yields remarkable finds, as estates from distinguished professors periodically release libraries that have been accumulating for decades. The Village setting, with its tree-lined streets and cafe culture, makes a visit to the Forum a complete afternoon experience.