The Third Place
I hadn’t heard the term “The Third Place” until recently, when I visited Book Society in Berkeley and had the pleasure of interviewing its owner and co-founder, Laura Guzman.
From a working farm in Upstate New York to contractor to book shoppe owner. Listen to Mastering the Art of Real Estate Podcast Episode featuring guest, Laura Guzman on YouTube.com/DebbiDiMaggio Link Below.
Book Society is a cozy, one-of-a-kind bookstore bar in Berkeley where books, wine, and community come together. We host a wide range of literary-inspired events and offer a welcoming space to gather, unwind, and connect.
Signature Series & Events:
– Sunday in the Stacks – our monthly movement and mindfulness series held on the first Sunday of every month
– 6 Book Clubs, including Leading Ladies, WTF Did I Just Read?!, Cookbook Lovers, and more
– Special events like author talks, Flamenco & Vino, author talks, pop-up parties like the Princess Rebellion Party, and Book & Wine Trivia Night
– The Traveling Book Club – our newest book club facilitated in partnership with another local women-owned business, Faire Travel Co. From more local weekend retreats to big adventures, we’ll take our love of books on the road—literally.Our first BIG adventure will be to Mexico City in February 2026!
Book Club Packages
Book a beautiful area of the shop for your next group gathering! We offer flexible “book club” packages for small groups to reserve space, complete with curated snack and wine. More info here: booksociety.social/booking
Membership & Subscription Programs
– Membership ($99/year): Includes discounts on food & wine during every visit, member rates on all events, exclusive invites and members-only perks, a birthday gift, and more!
– Book & Wine Subscriptions: Take the Book Society experience home with curated book and wine pairings monthly or every other month. Each includes a hand-picked book, bottle of wine, custom tote (first delivery), and our signature “Page & Pour Companion” tasting notes.
Everyday Magic in the Shop
– Self-serve wine tasting, curated by book & wine pairings, updated every month
– Menu of light bites, cheese plates, and sweet nibbles
– Book browsing, cozy corners, and a rotating selection of staff picks and indie favorites
Our Story
Book Society is more than a bookstore—it’s a vibrant community hub where literature, wine, and conversation converge. Founded in 2023, this independent, woman-owned space offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books alongside a rotating menu of exceptional wines. With events ranging from author talks to book clubs and creative gatherings, Book Society fosters meaningful connections through shared stories. Inspired by the cozy library of her small-town youth and the farm stand where her family shared their harvest, founder Laura Guzman created Book Society as a place where people could slow down, discover something new, and connect with fellow book and wine lovers.
If you ever want to pop by or meet up for one of their events, shoot me a text, I’d love to go with you. XOX Debbi
Laura Guzman | Sarah Wheat, Co-Owners Below
