City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
@citylightsbooks.bsky.social
A literary meetingplace since 1953, City Lights is a landmark bookstore and publishing house, known for our commitment to innovative writing and progressive ideals.
"Sometimes you had to be alone with your thoughts and maybe a copy of Lunch Poems (1964), while you were on the subway or killing time at a job. The Beats had a kind of popularity that writers, and especially poets, don’t really achieve anymore."—Garrett Caples, editor at City Lights bit.ly/4555gK3
Interview #48: Garrett Caples
City Lights editor on Beat legacy
bit.ly
December 16, 2025 at 1:09 AM
"Sometimes you had to be alone with your thoughts and maybe a copy of Lunch Poems (1964), while you were on the subway or killing time at a job. The Beats had a kind of popularity that writers, and especially poets, don’t really achieve anymore."—Garrett Caples, editor at City Lights bit.ly/4555gK3
Chosen a Best Poetry Book of the Year by Elisa Gabbert in the New York Times Book Review!
Nasser Rabah's "GAZA: The Poem Said Its Piece," translated from the Arabic by Ammiel Alcalay, Emna Zghal & Khaled Al-Hilli
City Lights. April 2025
Nasser Rabah's "GAZA: The Poem Said Its Piece," translated from the Arabic by Ammiel Alcalay, Emna Zghal & Khaled Al-Hilli
City Lights. April 2025
December 16, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Chosen a Best Poetry Book of the Year by Elisa Gabbert in the New York Times Book Review!
Nasser Rabah's "GAZA: The Poem Said Its Piece," translated from the Arabic by Ammiel Alcalay, Emna Zghal & Khaled Al-Hilli
City Lights. April 2025
Nasser Rabah's "GAZA: The Poem Said Its Piece," translated from the Arabic by Ammiel Alcalay, Emna Zghal & Khaled Al-Hilli
City Lights. April 2025
Reposted by City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
Bay Area People! One month from tomorrow I'll be at City Lights Books, talking Art History, Kink, and Queerness with my bestie Jarrett Earnest ( and also signing books) please come and see us! @citylightsbooks.bsky.social @dukepress.bsky.social
Nayland Blake in conversation with Jarrett Earnest | City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
citylights.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Bay Area People! One month from tomorrow I'll be at City Lights Books, talking Art History, Kink, and Queerness with my bestie Jarrett Earnest ( and also signing books) please come and see us! @citylightsbooks.bsky.social @dukepress.bsky.social
Reposted by City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
From @citylightsbooks.bsky.social , GAZA: THE POEM SAID ITS PIECE by Nasser Rabah (tr. Emna Zghal & Khaled Al-Hilli) is Social Media Coordinator Molly Ripatti’s pick: bookshop.org/a/169/978087...
Gaza: The Poem Said Its Piece
The Poem Said Its Piece
bookshop.org
December 11, 2025 at 6:41 PM
From @citylightsbooks.bsky.social , GAZA: THE POEM SAID ITS PIECE by Nasser Rabah (tr. Emna Zghal & Khaled Al-Hilli) is Social Media Coordinator Molly Ripatti’s pick: bookshop.org/a/169/978087...
Reposted by City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
⏰ Happening soon!
Come over to the bookstore TONIGHT for readings and merriment with El Martillo Press!
@flowers4saints.bsky.social, @writerchickmama.bsky.social, @brianamunozpoetry.bsky.social
If you can't make it in person, you can register for the livestream here! citylights.com/events/el-ma...
Come over to the bookstore TONIGHT for readings and merriment with El Martillo Press!
@flowers4saints.bsky.social, @writerchickmama.bsky.social, @brianamunozpoetry.bsky.social
If you can't make it in person, you can register for the livestream here! citylights.com/events/el-ma...
December 12, 2025 at 1:49 AM
⏰ Happening soon!
Come over to the bookstore TONIGHT for readings and merriment with El Martillo Press!
@flowers4saints.bsky.social, @writerchickmama.bsky.social, @brianamunozpoetry.bsky.social
If you can't make it in person, you can register for the livestream here! citylights.com/events/el-ma...
Come over to the bookstore TONIGHT for readings and merriment with El Martillo Press!
@flowers4saints.bsky.social, @writerchickmama.bsky.social, @brianamunozpoetry.bsky.social
If you can't make it in person, you can register for the livestream here! citylights.com/events/el-ma...
⏰ Happening soon!
TONIGHT, join us on Zoom at 6pm PT/9pm ET to celebrate the 50th anniversary of STATE OF THE FREE PRESS!
@projectcensored.bsky.social
Moderated by @legind.bsky.social
Register here: citylights.com/events/proje...
We can't wait to see you online!
TONIGHT, join us on Zoom at 6pm PT/9pm ET to celebrate the 50th anniversary of STATE OF THE FREE PRESS!
@projectcensored.bsky.social
Moderated by @legind.bsky.social
Register here: citylights.com/events/proje...
We can't wait to see you online!
December 11, 2025 at 12:30 AM
⏰ Happening soon!
TONIGHT, join us on Zoom at 6pm PT/9pm ET to celebrate the 50th anniversary of STATE OF THE FREE PRESS!
@projectcensored.bsky.social
Moderated by @legind.bsky.social
Register here: citylights.com/events/proje...
We can't wait to see you online!
TONIGHT, join us on Zoom at 6pm PT/9pm ET to celebrate the 50th anniversary of STATE OF THE FREE PRESS!
@projectcensored.bsky.social
Moderated by @legind.bsky.social
Register here: citylights.com/events/proje...
We can't wait to see you online!
Starting soon!
TONIGHT, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Join us for a fascinating look at the life of translator Suzanne Jill Levine! In conversation with @noonanerik.bsky.social
@bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
Join us in the bookstore, or register here to watch on the livestream: citylights.com/events/suzan...
TONIGHT, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Join us for a fascinating look at the life of translator Suzanne Jill Levine! In conversation with @noonanerik.bsky.social
@bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
Join us in the bookstore, or register here to watch on the livestream: citylights.com/events/suzan...
December 9, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Starting soon!
TONIGHT, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Join us for a fascinating look at the life of translator Suzanne Jill Levine! In conversation with @noonanerik.bsky.social
@bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
Join us in the bookstore, or register here to watch on the livestream: citylights.com/events/suzan...
TONIGHT, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Join us for a fascinating look at the life of translator Suzanne Jill Levine! In conversation with @noonanerik.bsky.social
@bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
Join us in the bookstore, or register here to watch on the livestream: citylights.com/events/suzan...
"Displaced by the violence in Gaza, Palestinian poet and novelist Rabah excavates poetic truths from a crushed collective unconscious in poems in English and Arabic defined by dreamscapes and nightmares."
—Booklist Magazine's Editors' Choice 2025
—Booklist Magazine's Editors' Choice 2025
December 8, 2025 at 9:55 PM
"Displaced by the violence in Gaza, Palestinian poet and novelist Rabah excavates poetic truths from a crushed collective unconscious in poems in English and Arabic defined by dreamscapes and nightmares."
—Booklist Magazine's Editors' Choice 2025
—Booklist Magazine's Editors' Choice 2025
Reposted by City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
Come celebrate the publication of Suzanne Jill Levine's new book UNFAITHFUL
7pm PT Mon 12/8 at City Lights in SF
@citylightsbooks.bsky.social @bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.com/e/suzanne-ji...
7pm PT Mon 12/8 at City Lights in SF
@citylightsbooks.bsky.social @bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.com/e/suzanne-ji...
December 7, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Come celebrate the publication of Suzanne Jill Levine's new book UNFAITHFUL
7pm PT Mon 12/8 at City Lights in SF
@citylightsbooks.bsky.social @bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.com/e/suzanne-ji...
7pm PT Mon 12/8 at City Lights in SF
@citylightsbooks.bsky.social @bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.com/e/suzanne-ji...
Just a reminder that our Rewiring Democracy event scheduled for tonight has been postponed and will be held
Sat. January 24, 2026, 11am PT/2pm ET
Mark your calendars, we'll see you then!
We apologize for any inconvenience & appreciate your understanding!
More info: citylights.com/events/rewir...
Sat. January 24, 2026, 11am PT/2pm ET
Mark your calendars, we'll see you then!
We apologize for any inconvenience & appreciate your understanding!
More info: citylights.com/events/rewir...
December 4, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Just a reminder that our Rewiring Democracy event scheduled for tonight has been postponed and will be held
Sat. January 24, 2026, 11am PT/2pm ET
Mark your calendars, we'll see you then!
We apologize for any inconvenience & appreciate your understanding!
More info: citylights.com/events/rewir...
Sat. January 24, 2026, 11am PT/2pm ET
Mark your calendars, we'll see you then!
We apologize for any inconvenience & appreciate your understanding!
More info: citylights.com/events/rewir...
*Suzette Partido, author of LOVE WILL SAVE US, Right?*
Sat, Dec 6, 6-8pm: First UU Church of San Diego. Located at 298 W Arbor Drive in San Diego.
Sat, Dec 6, 6-8pm: First UU Church of San Diego. Located at 298 W Arbor Drive in San Diego.
December 3, 2025 at 8:21 PM
*Suzette Partido, author of LOVE WILL SAVE US, Right?*
Sat, Dec 6, 6-8pm: First UU Church of San Diego. Located at 298 W Arbor Drive in San Diego.
Sat, Dec 6, 6-8pm: First UU Church of San Diego. Located at 298 W Arbor Drive in San Diego.
City Lights Authors are On the Road
This Saturday, December 6th, 10-11am
* devorah major, author of word time *
Santa Clara Library Showcase at the Cupertino Community Hall, located at 10350 Torre Ave
with Steven Rowley, author of Dogs of Venice, and Bari Williams, author of Seen Yet Unseen.
This Saturday, December 6th, 10-11am
* devorah major, author of word time *
Santa Clara Library Showcase at the Cupertino Community Hall, located at 10350 Torre Ave
with Steven Rowley, author of Dogs of Venice, and Bari Williams, author of Seen Yet Unseen.
December 3, 2025 at 8:21 PM
City Lights Authors are On the Road
This Saturday, December 6th, 10-11am
* devorah major, author of word time *
Santa Clara Library Showcase at the Cupertino Community Hall, located at 10350 Torre Ave
with Steven Rowley, author of Dogs of Venice, and Bari Williams, author of Seen Yet Unseen.
This Saturday, December 6th, 10-11am
* devorah major, author of word time *
Santa Clara Library Showcase at the Cupertino Community Hall, located at 10350 Torre Ave
with Steven Rowley, author of Dogs of Venice, and Bari Williams, author of Seen Yet Unseen.
December 3, 2025 at 8:20 PM
The City Lights Gift Card. Available up to $200 🎁
Link to purchase: citylights.com/homepage-mer...
The City Lights Gift Card. Don’t leave home without it.
Link to purchase: citylights.com/homepage-mer...
The City Lights Gift Card. Don’t leave home without it.
December 3, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The City Lights Gift Card. Available up to $200 🎁
Link to purchase: citylights.com/homepage-mer...
The City Lights Gift Card. Don’t leave home without it.
Link to purchase: citylights.com/homepage-mer...
The City Lights Gift Card. Don’t leave home without it.
🗓️ Our first event of December is tonight!
Join us for a discussion of Nicolas Ballet's new book, SHOCK FACTOR: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music, with Ballet and V. Vale
If you can't make it to the bookstore, register for the livestream here: citylights.com/events/nicol...
See you there!
Join us for a discussion of Nicolas Ballet's new book, SHOCK FACTOR: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music, with Ballet and V. Vale
If you can't make it to the bookstore, register for the livestream here: citylights.com/events/nicol...
See you there!
December 2, 2025 at 8:59 PM
🗓️ Our first event of December is tonight!
Join us for a discussion of Nicolas Ballet's new book, SHOCK FACTOR: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music, with Ballet and V. Vale
If you can't make it to the bookstore, register for the livestream here: citylights.com/events/nicol...
See you there!
Join us for a discussion of Nicolas Ballet's new book, SHOCK FACTOR: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music, with Ballet and V. Vale
If you can't make it to the bookstore, register for the livestream here: citylights.com/events/nicol...
See you there!
The City Lights tote bag: in stock, sturdy, classic. Link to purchase: citylights.com/merchandise-...
December 2, 2025 at 8:26 PM
The City Lights tote bag: in stock, sturdy, classic. Link to purchase: citylights.com/merchandise-...
Kyo Maclear and @brandonshimoda.bsky.social bond over their quest to understand what it means to grow, parent, and exist within the many layers of self. . . . on BRICK Literary's "Writer to Writer" podcast bit.ly/3KwFRls
Shimoda is the author of THE AFTERLIFE IS LETTING GO (City Lights Dec 2024)
Shimoda is the author of THE AFTERLIFE IS LETTING GO (City Lights Dec 2024)
December 1, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Kyo Maclear and @brandonshimoda.bsky.social bond over their quest to understand what it means to grow, parent, and exist within the many layers of self. . . . on BRICK Literary's "Writer to Writer" podcast bit.ly/3KwFRls
Shimoda is the author of THE AFTERLIFE IS LETTING GO (City Lights Dec 2024)
Shimoda is the author of THE AFTERLIFE IS LETTING GO (City Lights Dec 2024)
"Fold the sheets, fold the baby clothes, fold the diapers. Take out one breast, take out the other. Burp the baby. And perhaps, if there’s time, wash my face, check myself in the mirror."
Read an excerpt from Daniela Rea's FRUTO bit.ly/48qwA6q
Read an excerpt from Daniela Rea's FRUTO bit.ly/48qwA6q
December 1, 2025 at 11:26 PM
"Fold the sheets, fold the baby clothes, fold the diapers. Take out one breast, take out the other. Burp the baby. And perhaps, if there’s time, wash my face, check myself in the mirror."
Read an excerpt from Daniela Rea's FRUTO bit.ly/48qwA6q
Read an excerpt from Daniela Rea's FRUTO bit.ly/48qwA6q
Events this week!
🚨 TOMORROW 12/2, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Nicolas Ballet with V. Vale
SHOCK FACTORY: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music
[Intellect Press/Univ of Chicago Press]
⛰️ Thurs 12/4, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Anne Waldman
MESOPOTOPIA
@penguinbooksusa.bsky.social
Details: citylights.com/events
🚨 TOMORROW 12/2, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Nicolas Ballet with V. Vale
SHOCK FACTORY: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music
[Intellect Press/Univ of Chicago Press]
⛰️ Thurs 12/4, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Anne Waldman
MESOPOTOPIA
@penguinbooksusa.bsky.social
Details: citylights.com/events
December 1, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Events this week!
🚨 TOMORROW 12/2, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Nicolas Ballet with V. Vale
SHOCK FACTORY: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music
[Intellect Press/Univ of Chicago Press]
⛰️ Thurs 12/4, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Anne Waldman
MESOPOTOPIA
@penguinbooksusa.bsky.social
Details: citylights.com/events
🚨 TOMORROW 12/2, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Nicolas Ballet with V. Vale
SHOCK FACTORY: The Visual Culture of Industrial Music
[Intellect Press/Univ of Chicago Press]
⛰️ Thurs 12/4, 7pm PT/10pm ET
Anne Waldman
MESOPOTOPIA
@penguinbooksusa.bsky.social
Details: citylights.com/events
Please get your website orders in by Friday, December 5th for guaranteed delivery by Christmas 😍
Gift cards, City Lights t-shirts, caps, totes, baby onesies, and more can be purchased here:
citylights.com/merchandise-...
Gift cards, City Lights t-shirts, caps, totes, baby onesies, and more can be purchased here:
citylights.com/merchandise-...
November 26, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Please get your website orders in by Friday, December 5th for guaranteed delivery by Christmas 😍
Gift cards, City Lights t-shirts, caps, totes, baby onesies, and more can be purchased here:
citylights.com/merchandise-...
Gift cards, City Lights t-shirts, caps, totes, baby onesies, and more can be purchased here:
citylights.com/merchandise-...
Reposted by City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
And so #RoddyBottum speaks at @citylightsbooks.bsky.social with #BrontezPurnell — a fine night out! And also an early evening night out, which frankly I very much appreciate.
November 21, 2025 at 4:13 AM
And so #RoddyBottum speaks at @citylightsbooks.bsky.social with #BrontezPurnell — a fine night out! And also an early evening night out, which frankly I very much appreciate.
Reposted by City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
As mentioned yesterday, really lovely treat to see #RoddyBottum in conversation about his book _The Royal We_ with #BrontezPurnell at @citylightsbooks.bsky.social last night, and I talk about the book some more in this week's Patreon entry.
Some Weekly Music Thoughts #169 -- A Roddy Bottum Special | Ned Raggett
Get more from Ned Raggett on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:18 PM
As mentioned yesterday, really lovely treat to see #RoddyBottum in conversation about his book _The Royal We_ with #BrontezPurnell at @citylightsbooks.bsky.social last night, and I talk about the book some more in this week's Patreon entry.
Roddy Bottum and Brontez Purnell join us at City Lights TONIGHT to celebrate Bottum's new memoir, THE ROYAL WE.
If you're planning on attending the livestream, please use this link: us02web.zoom.us/j/87274994936
Otherwise, we'll see you in the bookstore!
If you're planning on attending the livestream, please use this link: us02web.zoom.us/j/87274994936
Otherwise, we'll see you in the bookstore!
November 20, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Roddy Bottum and Brontez Purnell join us at City Lights TONIGHT to celebrate Bottum's new memoir, THE ROYAL WE.
If you're planning on attending the livestream, please use this link: us02web.zoom.us/j/87274994936
Otherwise, we'll see you in the bookstore!
If you're planning on attending the livestream, please use this link: us02web.zoom.us/j/87274994936
Otherwise, we'll see you in the bookstore!