Maxwell's Bookmark was the oldest independent new and used book store in SanJoaquin County. Founded as "The Bookmark" in 1939 by George Leistner prominent Stockton insurance broker, and his wife Emily Chase Leistner, an editor  for Sunset Magazine, the store has flourished as the book shop of choice in midtown Stockton. Bill Maxwell purchased The Bookmark in 1981 from then owner Harry Shelby. He changed the name to Maxwell's Bookmark. Maxwell's Bookmark specializes in rare and out of print books on California & the West, Scottish history & Genealogy, Golf, Children's Books, Art & Illustrated books. In April of 2003 the bookstore closed its doors and became strictly an online bookseller.  Our books can be purchased via our Biblio.com internet listings or, if you are in the Stockton area, we are available by appointment.  We will also continue to exhibit at rare book shows.
     Our Mission: One of our corporate competitors says that their mission is to “operate the best specialty retail business in America, regardless of the product we sell.” Our mission is to sell BOOKS because of what they are, not “regardless” of what they are. Books are our primary vehicle for conveying information, for questioning common belief, for creating the future, and for escaping current drudgeries. We are in the book business to improve literacy in America, to encourage independent thinking, to promote freedom of speech, and improve quality of life for ourselves and our customers. We believe it's important for someone to sell the books that aren't carried in grocery stores and chain stores. Small press and alternative books find their homes with us. Subversive ideas are welcome here. We firmly believe that an educated citizenry is the cornerstone of democracy, and will do our part to keep everyone reading and thinking.