KB Books first opened its doors at San Diego State University in 1986. Prior to landing a sweet spot by campus, KB Books functioned as a phone order and delivery operation that served UC San Diego students who were determined to finding the lowest prices on college textbooks. Offering competitive prices, personal service and a local alternative for textbooks has always been at the heart of KB Book...s. Because of this dedication to service and commitment to students, KB Books now sells approximately one out of every three books during the SDSU semester.

In 1991 KB Books opened its second location, by San Diego Mesa College. Continuing its tradition of being a local bookstore, “run by students, for students,” KB Books quickly became the go-to spot for students at Mesa College. Today, KB Books sells one out of every four books sold at Mesa College.

Determined to bring competitively priced textbooks to even more San Diego students, KB Books opened its third location at San Diego City College in 1996 and was well received by both students and faculty. Today, one out of every five books sold at City College are sold by KB Books. In 2008, this downtown/east village location expanded its operation to include textbooks for the New School of Architecture and Design.