Welcome to A Novel Idea, where great books meet great people.

We're a used bookstore with a mission. Every book in our collection has been carefully chosen for its quality and character. But what makes us special is our people, the amazing young adults from Sacramento who work here, learn, and grow every day.

As a social enterprise of Lutheran Social Services of Northern California our bookstore utilizes a supportive employment approach.

When you shop with us, you're supporting real opportunities. Your purchases help fund job training, career exploration, and housing security for youth participants in our community. It's a win-win: you find your next favorite book, and you help change lives.

Learn more about LSS

Meet the New Cohort

At A Novel Idea, we're thrilled to introduce our newest cohort of team members who are bringing fresh energy and diverse perspectives. These talented individuals are gaining hands-on experience managing our online bookstore while building valuable skills that they can take into their future careers.

2026 Cohort

Ways to Get Involved

Learn about partnership opportunities and supporting our mission through donations. Whether you're interested in collaborating with A Novel Idea, contributing to our community, or have questions about buying books, you'll find helpful information here. If you don't see what you need, our team is ready to assist you.

Support ANI

Upcoming Events

Discover what's coming next at A Novel Idea. From pop-up events to community gatherings and special celebrations, our upcoming events bring readers together. Check back often to see what we have planned.

Events

Featured products

Vintage and Collectibles

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