Send a City Lights Booksellers & Publishers gift card — or something even better

Meet the gift card that works at City Lights Booksellers & Publishers and other landmark bookstores. No fees. Never expires.Send a Reading gift card

City Lights Booksellers & Publishers is available on the Reading On Me multi-brand digital gift card

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Why City Lights Booksellers & Publishers Is One of America’s Most-Loved Brands

Why people love City Lights Booksellers & Publishers

City Lights Booksellers & Publishers is more than a bookstore — it’s a literary landmark with a revolutionary spirit. Since opening its doors in 1953, City Lights has been a haven for readers, writers, and dreamers seeking inspiration beyond the mainstream. Known worldwide for championing the Beat Generation and publishing bold, thought-provoking works, its shelves are filled with everything from poetry classics to progressive nonfiction. For locals and visitors alike, City Lights stands for intellectual freedom and community, making every visit feel meaningful. When someone receives an On Me gift card that works at City Lights, they know they’re unlocking a world of discovery — whether they’re searching for a new voice, revisiting a classic, or picking up a unique gift for a fellow book lover.

What you can buy at City Lights Booksellers & Publishers

An On Me gift card unlocks the world of City Lights Booksellers & Publishers—both at their legendary San Francisco shop and online. From boundary-breaking poetry collections and landmark novels to radical pamphlets, rare first editions, and the publisher’s own trailblazing titles, there’s something for every literary explorer and cultural enthusiast. Whether your recipient is filling their shelves with countercultural classics or searching for the perfect tote or journal, a City Lights-compatible gift card puts discovery in their hands. And with support for Apple Pay, Google Pay, and mobile wallets, checking out is as easy as turning the next page.

A better way to gift City Lights

When someone’s searching for a City Lights Booksellers & Publishers gift card, they’re not just buying someone a book — they’re opening the door to a world for readers who live and breathe literature. An On Me gift card gives them exactly that: the chance to shop at City Lights, the iconic San Francisco landmark, and also browse an expertly curated selection of top indie bookstores, poetry specialists, and small-press gems. It’s digital, flexible, and personal — so whether they’re after a Beat Generation classic from City Lights or a new release from a partner indie shop, it’s all just a tap away. No wrong picks. No duplicate reads. Just a gift that matches their passion for the written word.

How to use On Me at City Lights Booksellers & Publishers

Any City Lights Booksellers & Publishers store in the US

Online at citylights.com >

With the City Lights Booksellers & Publishers app

Why use On Me

No fees

What you pay is what you get.

Never expires

Your balance is always yours.

Instant delivery

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Schedule gifts up to 1 year in advance.

Seamless spending, however they shop

In-store

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Literature, discovery, and bold ideas

City Lights Booksellers & Publishers is one of the most legendary names in literature — championing revolutionary voices since 1953. Their iconic storefront in San Francisco has welcomed curious minds and cultural trailblazers for generations, while their groundbreaking publications have sparked conversations worldwide. But City Lights isn’t just about books — it’s a spirit of discovery. From poetry and politics to beat classics and bold new works, the brand blends literary heritage with a commitment to fearless expression like few others. That’s what makes gifting with On Me so compelling: you’re not just sending a gift card. You’re opening the door to a world of ideas — and giving your recipient the freedom to explore it their way.