The Avid Reader in Davis has been in business over twenty years and holds awards for best bookstore, best customer service, and best independent retailer. The Avid Reader in Sacramento is located in the old Tower bookstore location and is the largest independent in the Central Valley. The store will celebrate its one year anniversary this April.

The stores have local owners who are on-site daily. Alzada Knickerbocker is the owner in Davis. Stan Forbes and Alzada Knickerbocker are the owners in Sacramento.

Services in both stores include overnight special ordering (with free shipping), direct to home shipping, and online ordering. Teachers receive a 20% discount for classroom orders. The Davis store also offers fast searches for used, difficult to obtain, and out of print books.

Both stores host their own Bookclubs. The Davis bookclub meets on the fourth Monday of every month; the Sacramento bookclub on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Each is always open to new members. The book choice for that month is offered at 20% off for anyone interested in the title.

Both stores have significant children's book areas, the Children’s Book Loft in Davis and a central space in the Sacramento store. Each is a popular destination for young readers.

Both stores are recognized for staffs that are fast, friendly and knowledgeable, extensive book selections including the best in print for the readers of Davis and Sacramento, in-store events, strong support of local authors, contributions to local organizations, and sponsorships of community programs. The two stores welcome opportunities to provide books for offsite events such as children's bookfairs, author programs, lectures, and conferences.