Judging by the Cover: A Bookstore

The team here is always amazing!!! Love coming here so much we have a subscription. If you haven’t checked it out, you’re missing out.

Whenever I travel I make a point of going to independent bookstores. I'm thrilled to have such an amazing gem in my own backyard. Judging by the cover is more than a bookstore, it's a resource center filled with curated books that you won't find anywhere else.

It's super cute, funky little bookstore.Just past the tower district. Owners were super friendly. Go check it out they did have some local author books

Fantastic bookstore! They are a newer addition to Fresno and they host a variety of events. They carry works by local authors and beyond. The owners are friendly and community oriented. Looking for something to do in Downtown Fresno? Check out Judging by the Cover Bookstore!

Judging by the Cover is the only locally owned bookstore in Fresno that carries all new books of all age levels. It is curated by owners Ashley Marie Mireles-Guerrero (any pronouns) and Carlos Mireles-Guerrero (he/him) who seek out and include authors who have been disproportionately represented on corporate shelves including LGBTQ+, BIPOC, disabled, neurodivergent, and otherwise historically marginalized communities. “...our store itself is kind of an act of rebellion (against corporations). The books that you're finding in our store, they're not going to be on the shelves in the Barnes and Noble here. They're going to be harder to find on Amazon unless you know exactly what you're looking for,” said Ashley. They work with several indie publishers creating what Ashley calls a “two-tiered” system of shopping small. “It's literally shopping small when you're shopping here because it’s not the big guys.” They also carry dozens of local authors and giftable small business goods including candle, pins, stickers, soap, Hella Fresno merch (have you seen their coloring book??), and more. Judging by the Cover is one of the first businesses opened as part of the Chinatown revitalization plan. They host community events with the same goal they have when deciding what to include on their shelves- to highlight marginalized communities and “support and uplift Fresno.” “We want to be a community space where people feel comfortable to come in and hang out, talk to us, not just shop, but also that they know that when they are shopping with us, they're going to find books written by and for people that look like them.” Additionally, they have a “give a book” program in an effort to make their books more accessible for all.

Best selection of books and super knowledgeable people to guide on your book needs

Ashley and Carlos have curated a cozy place to explore books by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors, and they are incredibly knowledgeable - ask them for recommendations! Additionally, JBTC nurtures our Fresno community by hosting events like yoga, book signings, art nights... all ways to bring folks together. Exactly what we've all craved in town - a bookstore that is our own.

Amazing bookstore! I could spend hours here browsing their well-curated shelves. A must visit!

I love this bookstore because it is not just a bookstore. They are building community and also making a real difference by highlighting local authors both in the store on the shelves and through events, readings and author talks.

this store is wonderful, i love to see diversity as a main focus

Lovely bookstore that is well stocked with thoughtfully curated books including many local favorite. You can also order online from them. My favorite local bookstore.

This bookstore is fantastic! Great owners too! They are passionate and caring. Thrilled to have a bookstore like this in Fresno, CA!