COVER TO COVER : Book Lovers Can Read a Lot Into the Historical Area of Fullerton

Fullerton’s renovated historical district has its share of charms, not the least of which are its wide sidewalks, perfect for leisurely window-browsing. And, as even the most casual visitors will notice, a good deal of those shops seem to have books in their windows.

Bibliophiles from across the Southland come to Fullerton to sample the half-dozen used-book shops doing a brisk business all within an area not much larger than your average suburban shopping center.

And although they are in easy walking distance of one another, their combined volumes could take up miles.

This panoply of used, rare, schlocky and scholarly, dusty and dust-jacketed, and just plain discounted books, could easily dominate even the lightest reader’s day.

11 to 11:30: Lorson’s Books and Prints does triple duty, carrying more than 10,000 new children’s books, antiquarian volumes on many subjects and collections of art including historic prints. Children’s books encompass everything from the recent Spot tales to classics such as “Caddie Woodlawn” and the Babar series. Stuffed animals watch over from glass cases. Ask Jim Lorson to show you his collection of more than 5,000 antiquarian books and prints, including those devoted to the early history of California and the West. Lorson’s features a fine collection of California maps dating back several centuries, in addition to rare miniature books.

11:30 to 12:15: Fullerton is at its funkiest at the Blue Wolf, a 5-year-old store that sells everything from folk art and jewelry to coffee, as well as thousands of new and used books.

Owner Melissa Mack nurtures a spirit of community in the shop by hosting potluck dinners, helping high school students with homework and papers and holding author readings and book signings. “Relationships have formed out of meetings at the store,” Mack says. “Some people spend hours here.”

It’s easy to see why. The Blue Wolf stocks books from such small publishers as City Lights, as well as independently published writings of local authors and poets. But the heart of the store is its vast numbers of used books. Of particular note are the science fiction and American Indian collections. And the black studies section is, according to Mack, the largest in any Orange County bookstore.

Then there’s the heavily thumbed-through section at the front of the store, which contains books by an timeless authors that range from Kurt Vonnegut to Marcel Proust. And when you get tired of reading, you can feast your eyes on the hand-carved masks from Indonesia and Africa that line the Wolf’s walls.

12:15 to 12:45: An inexpensive lunch can be had at Heroes Bar and Grill, a lively hamburger joint in the heart of Fullerton’s historic district. A meal, complete with selections of the almost two dozen beers on tap, will run about $7.50. Service is friendly, with waitresses who flip you a complimentary bag of peanuts as you take your seat.

12:45 to 1:30: It took almost two years for Al Ralston’s Book Harbor to return after a 1990 fire destroyed a good chunk of its merchandise. Last summer the store reopened with a stock of used 100,000 hardcovers, 25,000 paperbacks, 7,000 first editions and 2,000 collectors record albums.

It’s an inviting general-interest shop, with couches and chairs set up in small conversation areas. Books are divided into more than 250 categories including cinema, romance, literature and large print. The sports section is large and subdivided into such categories as basketball, baseball, martial arts, and hunting and guns. There’s also a big selection of art and hobbies books. And if the book of your dreams isn’t here, Ralston will undertake a book search for $3.

Also worth a look is the shop’s record collection, with an especially good selection of long-forgotten vinyl from the 1960s and ‘70s.

1:30 to 1:45: Those with an interest in life’s quirkier side will want to take a peek at Aladdin Books. The store sells a large variety new and used books but takes a special interest in those devoted to such subjects as conjuring (magic to the rest of us), the occult, underground art and tattoos. Its science-fiction section is also quite large and contains many first editions and collectors items. The store also boasts a fine section on cinema and entertainment, with a notable collection of original movie posters ranging in price from $15 to $250.

1:45 to 2: As you’re driving back to the Riverside Freeway, be sure not to miss the Book Cellar at the Orangefair Mall. The store--one of three in Orange County--plans to relocate by the end of February, so all books in the shop are at least 30% off (some, such as business tomes, are 70% off the marked price). It’s an eclectic mix, with worn paperbacks sharing space with antiquarian and rare books.

If it’s your birthday, bring your driver license; you’ll get 50% off your purchase if you show identification.