Timbre Books is a thoughtfully curated independent bookstore in the heart of Midtown Ventura. It's…read morecalm, inviting, and easy to browse at your own pace. The book selection feels intentional, with a good mix of familiar titles, indie presses, and unexpected finds. I've picked up several great reads here for my Caracol Book Club and always feel good about what I bring home. Pricing feels reasonable and consistent for a shop this well curated. The staff pick recommendation cards are genuinely helpful, and the loyalty rewards program is a nice bonus. I also love the seating in the back. It's the kind of spot where you can actually slow down. Journal, read, and sip a coffee from the neighboring coffee shop, Singing Sun, without feeling rushed. In addition to books, there's a solid selection of stationery, greeting cards, and small gifts, plus gift cards that are easy and practical. They also host author events and community gatherings that feel thoughtful and well done. Whether I'm browsing for myself or picking up a gift, Timbre is consistently a good experience. Ventura is lucky to have an independent shop like this.

~ A BOOKLOVER'S HAVEN ~…read more Timbre Books is everything I've ever wanted in a bookstore. When you walk in, you're greeted by a bright, airy, modern, and warm space. There are a couple of two person tables near the front, next to big, dreamy windows, perfect for working or reading. To the right, there's a wonderful selection of children's books and cozy reading nooks. It was heartwarming to see kids sprawled out, reading and lost in their own worlds. There's also a table towards the back with charming cards for purchase. Their book selection is impressively diverse and thoughtfully curated, with many titles featuring staff recommendations and reviews. I especially enjoy horror/psychological thrillers and nonfiction memoirs, and there's plenty of those, as well as the newest, hottest books from social media (booktok). They have a rewards program and a monthly newsletter that's thoughtfully crafted giving us the scoop on new arrivals, events, and book recommendations. Their book club meets monthly and has a laid-back, low maintenance vibe making it perfect for busy people who just want to casually discuss a book. I happened to visit during one of these meetings, and it was so wholesome to see people sharing baked goods, laughter being heard, and enjoying each other's company. The atmosphere here feels like a true community, and it gives you those warm, fuzzy feelings. When I mentioned it was my first visit, Mirna quickly made me feel welcomed by sharing details about the store, answering my questions, and suggesting some of her favorite books based on my interests. It's great that the staff have diverse tastes and can offer varied recommendations! Overall, Timbre Books is a unique gem in Ventura, and I'm excited to come back and join the next book club! *HOT TIP: There's plenty of parking available in the lot behind the store and on the street. *HOTTER TIP: Before heading in to browse/read, don't forget to grab a coffee from the charming coffee shop two doors down!

I am so happy to repost this review with a 5 star review. Years ago I tried to patron the Calico…read morewith my children and the cashier was anti-child. I recently visited Ventura and stepped into the Calico and started chatting with the owner. I told them about my experience and they knew who I was talking about and said that she had been let go years ago and they work most of the time now. so Yay!! Their collection is large, obscur, and some fun rare finds. It's a great space, kids are welcomed again, and he even has a cool kids collection.

I love all bookstores, no matter what, all of them…read more This one was slightly harder to love. First the positive: it has a great name. But alas, no cats. Second, I did find about four or five books here (used) that I have not been able to find elsewhere, so that is a big positive. The organization of the books here leaves something to be desired. Some of the books are in alphabetical order. But many are not. That is a bit maddening. There is also no obvious organization of the books by subject matter. But it is a small shop so it is not that difficult to snoop around. If you are looking for the latest pop novels, this probably won't be your happy place. But if you are looking for classics or hard to find books, this just could be your happy place. If you are willing to overlook the somewhat chaotic organization of the books, you could spend some time here and find some real nuggets. The prices seemed fair to me.

This little bookstore makes a big impression! The environment is so welcoming and inclusive and has…read moreservice that exceeded my expectations. The team is so approachable and welcoming, so looking for niche romance novels is never intimidating. I'm a sucker for a good and cheesy romance novel and this spot meets my needs and more. In addition they carry beautiful local made trinkets and have the best selection of book related stickers!! Everything is reasonably priced and you have the added benefit of supporting a lovely Ventura business. Smitten holds release parties and while I didn't get to attend the one I purchased they held my book for me and even kept a pin for me that they gave out at the party! I hear rhag it was a black light event with games and snackies, what a treat! I hope you can visit sometime soon! Okay thanks bye!

This bookstore is on Main Street and has a definite fun, chic, creative vibe. They sell expressive,…read moreinspired books, along with stickers, bookmarks, and tarot cards. I also saw tarot cards for dogs being sold, which made me smile. For a small to medium space, they make the most of fun and original books and other inspired art. In the back, there's a small meeting space. On the website, they have a lot of events - everything from book club meetings, tarot card readings, a journaling club, a writing club, book swaps, and more. I attended one of the book clubs, where everyone expressively and passionately explained the moments they liked and didn't like from the book. I would never have read such an entertaining and creative book if not for Smitten's book club. The book discussion made me like the book even more through everyone's inspiring analysis. Take a look at this fun, community-inspired bookstore!

Sooooooo many books! Piles everywhere! Not perfectly organized, but so many choices. Fairly priced…read more I will say that a good chunk of the store is taken up by Christian-themed books (hence the name?) so you might not find a ton of stuff in the "other religion" or LGBTQ+ books here, but I wasn't really looking.

I really don't want to share this secret with the world, but because I have fell madly in love with…read morethis wonderful world full of really dope books I had to share! You really just have to come in and submerge yourself into this place. This place is just full of history and it's just a dope atmosphere it kind of feels like a movie set. The smell the lighting just has so much personality. The book selections just are priceless just really great taste, you find yourself just sitting on the floor just looking and reading book after book after book , just really dope! Forget social media for a cool 3 hours and just really touch and smell and read books is truly amazing! Peep it. It's dope in here.

I absolutely loved this place. It's a charming treasure of a store!…read more It was a little hot but there was also an air conditioned room where we were able to have some respite. We were in the area last Labor Day and I couldn't recommend this shop more. We brought our pet guinea pig in a carrier and no one was mean about that. We parked in the street close by. We browsed their extensive book collection. We bought a magnet and a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers. The $6 sunflowers were in a bucket in the shop from a local farm and I paid for them using a QR code.

Cute indoor/outdoor bookstore where you can find some seats that are scattered to have a moment to…read moresit and look through some books before purchasing them. I love the nature aspect of this little gem with all the plants throughout the space and having the fresh air and sunlight come through the roofless areas.

A small but mighty bookstore. After years of driving by this spot, what finally brought me in was…read moreseeing them on social media. I stumbled upon a post they did which was in solidarity with a group of people and seeing that our values were aligned I knew this was a local small business that I needed to be supporting from here on out. I came midweek to shop and look around, and I had a great experience. It's a smaller bookstore, but they did have a lot to choose from! I was especially happy to see that they keep up with new and trending authors/books that come out. But of course, they also had a broad selection of every type of book you could think of. Being a smaller independent bookstore they don't have mass quantity though so if you find a book you like you should grab it because they only have a copy or two of each. I found that the pricing was comparable to anywhere else but again when you shop here you're supporting local small businesses so even if it was a little pricier, it would be worth it to me. They had a cute child's/kids section in the back so it would definitely be a great place to bring your little one to look around or read a story. The vibes are welcoming, but I also appreciate when staff leave you to look around without standing over your shoulder. The gal working behind the register was super nice and checked me out with quickness, that I was in and out without issue. Nice people work here, they have a decent selection and overall it was a cute little shop that I will be back to support again soon.

Do your self a favor and come here before you go to a big chain store. This bookstore is small, but…read morethey have a lot of different books that are both popular and not so popular. They also have classic books. The person behind the desk was extremely helpful and extremely nice. She had some great insights on some books that she thought I or my daughter would like. she didn't have some of the books I wanted but she said she would be able to order for me, but I'm not from the area so I wasn't able to do that but I will definitely be giving Her a call the next time I know I will be in town so that she could have the books that I want or need there when I arrive I absolutely adore this shop. I was able to find a few books and for the price. It was amazing support your local businesses. This one is definitely one that you want to support, especially if you are a book lover.

GETTING HERE: Barnes & Noble is located really close to the 101 freeway in Ventura. You can access…read moreit from several directions as it's at Main and Telephone Roads. You can look for the Michaels and Sprouts and you'll be a hop, skip, and a jump from all the boooks! REVIEW: Bumping up to 4 starts because for the years and years I have been coming to BN, even before shut down, they are always fully stocked with books and other items. I love it here! I can easily spend 2 hours here perusing the aisles of all the goodness BN carries. (I just recently came for some Harry Potter merch and a planner for next year.) Service is not what it was once was, sadly. But I am old so I remember the good ole' days with fondness. Today, it's basic enough. Thankfully, one doesn't get screamed at across the store of "Welcome!" as it happens in other businesses. Most employees I saw were behind the registers when I was looking around. I did see one employee on the floor, but she was laser focused on something. Prices are on the higher side, thanks to the current state of the economy. However, I feel that the books and other items are of good enough quality to somewhat warrant the $. Be sure to check out upstairs. Also, just a thought, grab a snack or one of the Starb cookies on your way out. It's OK. It's good. It's books. It's BN. :)

I want to thank Rachel at the Ventura CA/Ventura Gateway store for helping me with an in-store pick…read moreup order I made online. She was able to go above and beyond in helping me 10 minutes prior to the bookstore closes. Took care of my special order request very professionally which that made my day. I am very grateful for people like her.

I am not sure how I missed this jewel of a gift store on my many visits to Ventura and Main Street…read morein particular. Where do I start. They have such interesting merchandise including an assortment of unique gift cards, maps, pictures, stylish hats, scarves, and rare books to name just a percentage of what they have to offer. The sales associate was very friendly and helpful. He even tried on a hat I wanted to buy my husband and was concerned about the size. He let me know they take returns within 30 days with the receipt and original tagging. Fortunately it fit! This amazing shop is on Main Street which is closed to through traffic. There is free publick parking just down the street at the Museam of Ventura County. It is also in a great location for other speacialty stores and eateries.

small businesses often thrive on personal and reasonable service to repeat clients and customers…read more my BF had bought me a lotion from there. it was not the scent i normally buy from there (and i'm very sensitive to scents). all i wanted to do was exchange an unopened untouched box/bottle of the lotion for a different smell. same price, same brand. wouldn't have cost them anything. however, we evidently came in three days past their exchange "window" and they were completely inflexible. I have a small business myself and to me it's more important to provide service to my clients that will support the ongoing relationship and reputation rather than holding rigidly to small print to "protect" a $20 transaction. This store does not hold the same business philosophy that i do. that said, Copperfield's has lost any future business or referrals from my family who have been repeat customers for years.

Huge selection of vinyl, CDs, and music... best independent record store in VC. Band T's, unique…read moreand fun gifts, incense, jewelry, posters, books,patches and stickers and lots of fun novelty items. Fun atmosphere! Whimsical and unique. Full smoke shop. There is something for everyone there.

I am a big fan of this place and have been for years. It is always very clean and organized…read more Recently my daughter wanted to attend the Arianna Grande Petal event. We arrived early and the place was nearly empty. I walked around their DVD area and picked up one my son wanted. I then went to purchase the new Arianna album with my other selections. The lady at the register was very nice and informative. She gave me some freebies since I was getting the album, which was a pleasant surprise. The DVDs were a little expensive ($5) but they have cheaper sections (near the front doors) so you can surely find something good there. I will definitely return as they also have a neat 2nd floor that has some nice gifts and other trinkets.

I often stop into the shop and now that the Ojai library is closed for renovation I suspect more…read morepeople will be coming through their door. They have a great selection of books, CD's and DVD's. The volunteers are friendly and knowledgable. Always a pleasure!

Awesome used bookstore. Ranges from $0.50 to $8 (of the ones I've seen). Most are $3-5. $3 for…read morepaperback and $4 for hard cover. Some are as marked on the sticker. Bf really liked this place as he found several books he's interested in. Takes cash, Venmo or PayPal.