Who knew?!!? A classic bookstore tucked away in a…read moreWestchester mall. Date night?? Restaurants and a bookstore that features authors and discussion groups.

This was unfortunately a really disappointing experience. We've tried The Book Jewel several times,…read moreand every visit has left me feeling like children simply aren't welcome there. On our most recent visit, my 4-year-old daughter was happily exploring the store and being completely quiet, but she was skipping through the aisles and her jelly shoes were making a little noise. It was 1pm on a Friday afternoon and there was only one other customer in the entire store. An employee named Alicia came over and told us we needed to leave because of her skipping. It wasn't communicated politely or kindly, it was extremely rude and unwelcoming. As we were walking out, Alicia even said, "I don't play that." The irony is that a significant portion of the store is dedicated to children's books, stuffed animals, and a kids' reading area, yet the overall atmosphere has consistently felt very unwelcoming toward children. The selection is also fairly limited and, in my opinion, overpriced. I've given this store several chances because I wanted to support a local bookstore, but after this experience, we won't be returning. Children can be excited, curious, and skip, especially in a children-focused bookstore. There are kind ways to redirect a child, but making a family feel unwelcome and speaking to us that way was completely unnecessary. Really disappointing customer service and an experience we won't forget.

I cannot say enough great things about this romance-focused independent bookstore. But here is a…read morevaliant attempt: 1. Expertise -- If you are new to the contemporary romance publishing scene, walk in here and be amazed. There are sooooooo many romance titles under every conceivable subgenre, and the choices are almost endless. But maybe you're looking to expand your list of favorite authors or dipping your toes into romance for the first time, and you feel overwhelmed. Fear not! Walk right up to the friendly staff and just throw out ideas. My friend asked for recommendations of romance that involves: (a) career women who takes care of everyone and needs to prioritize herself; (b) older women with life experience looking for love; (c) romance by black women about black women, just to name a few. The lovely staff member said, "I got you!" and proceeded to walk us around the store to show us her recommendations and share why she loves them. Her passion is infectious! My friend found a stack of books she's excited to read. 2. Creativity -- from the moment you walk in the door, the fanciful and whimsical decor catches your attention and exudes joy and wonder. But don't just admire the flying books all the way to the ceiling or the pink skeleton in a Ripped Bodice t-shirt. You must check out the "water closet" before you go. Trust me on this one. 3. Inclusion -- The Ripped Bodice doesn't just do romance, they do sex-positive, inclusive representation. You'll find curated selections on romance with disability and LGBTQ+ representation, romance by BIPOC authors, non-fiction books about women's sexual health and pleasure, menopause, polyamory, trans bodies, etc. and a gigantic LGBTQ+ rainbow flag made of romance covers. And have I mentioned their monthly stand-up comedy show, which features different comedians who have relatable and funny materials without the mysogynistic cringe. This place is a safe space for people of all genders and sexual orientations. 4. Community -- The spirit of community is everywhere in this amazing bookshop. You see pictures of the sisters who started and own the shop and their family (including kids) on the wall. They have book clubs for fans of historical, fantasy/paranormal, LGBTQ+ romance and more. They have a writing club that reads a book together and discusses what works and what could be better. They have book launches and author talks, including a ton of local authors as well as national phenoms. They attract people from all over and are ultra-local at the same time. And you feel like you belong, no matter who you are. Bonus: the store is in the heart of Culver City. Farmer's market, fancy ice cream, movie theatre, and a cafe that plays soccer all the time... they're all right here. 'Nuf said. Go check them out!!

Cute bookshop in Culver City area. Very nice decor, friendly customer service, great books…read moreselection, supporting LA based indie authors. Big points with me! I wish you could pay cash here. Love options. Parking is a tad hard, but you can conquer. I don't come often in this neck of the woods, so it was a nice discovery!

We do go to this location more often than other Barnes locations because it is closer but once…read moreagain, we went in last night and Jasmine was visibly horrible to us. We walked in, she glared at us- I tried not to think much of it, but as she was finishing ringing me up I looked up to thank her and she was literally grimacing at me, and this was after she tried to hurriedly ring me up without even asking if I was a rewards member (I am) or anything else. I keep trying to give her the benefit of the doubt because I also work in retail, but girl just seems miserable. Literally I have NO other issues with any other employee there, everyone else has been so kind so I brought my review up to 4 stars from 3. But if you're going to give me a dirty look Jasmine, wait until I turn around. This is a smaller location but I'll continue to visit, I just really hope Jasmine isn't there- it's always uncomfortable when she is.

This location reminds me a lot of the Barnes back in the day when they weren't these massive stores…read morewith tons of tchotchkes. The emphasis at location is mainly books and I love that checkout is at the entrance unlike The Grove where it's at the very back and you have to ping pong your way through tables to exit with your purchase. Location was also very well stocked and organized and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.

Fantastic used section, and very wide array of current books as well. Staff is always available and…read morehappy to help, and the discounts make it hard for you to leave without purchasing something.

Pulp Fiction has always offered a decent selection of new and old comics, and I absolutely loved…read moretheir previous location. That being said...I'm not a fan of their new location. I went down there on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, and right in front was a homeless man and a pile of what was very likely human shit smeared on the sidewalk lol. Now, I know this isn't necessarily a fault of the comic shop itself, and I do sympathize for the city's unhoused population, but having that being my first impression of their new location was kind of jarring. Never encountered this issue at the old location. I do plan to visit again though, and maybe next time can have a more pleasant experience and give the full five stars.

Arcana is a very cool and modern bookstore in Culver City with a lot of different art books to…read moreperuse. You could definitely spend a good 1-2 hours in here!

It's so hard to find proper bookstores these days, sadly. Fortunately I can console myself here at…read moreArcana: Books on the Arts in the Helms Bakery complex. They specialize in books on art and architecture, but I was pleased to also find a nice selection of books on food, drink and travel. It's worth the trip to Culver City to patronize a real bookstore with friendly and knowledgeable employees instead of a chain or Amazon. Helms has free parking (yay!), and is in a very pedestrian friendly area.

Amazing selection - tons of treasures! Reasonable value books and so many cool finds. Owner is…read moresuper friendly and the complimentary espresso was such a treat!

Sideshow Books is a mess, but I love it. The selection is amazing. They have old books and new…read morebooks. Their prices are fair and the service is just amazing. If you can't find it, they will help you. they likely have it. We so need more real book stores. Sometimes I have to drive pretty far to get to one. You never know what you will find here. We love owner and the entire staff is just super knowledgeable. You will love this place. Don't trip over some of the books. The place is not huge and those books have to go somewhere. I think it is important to support any bookstores still standing. As I have said before soon they will be gone. What a shame.

This bookstore was a pleasant surprise in the mall! It's on the second floor kind of across from…read moreNordstrom Rack. Everyone here was so nice and helpful! I had my hands full with my toddler but one of the staff members kindly helped recommend books and even read the dust cover summary for me. lol! They had a great selection of signed books! I love independent bookstores and this one was such a great one to visit! Parking is free and plentiful at the mall!

Malik Books was once a true community treasure. Sadly, it now feels like a reminder of what some…read morepeople become after achieving success. The everyday people who supported the business and helped build its foundation seem to matter less once celebrities and high-profile customers enter the picture. Success should never make you forget the people who believed in you before everyone else knew your name. Although I am disappointed by this change, I will continue to support Malik Books because I believe it is important to have books and bookstores in our community. My continued support, however, does not erase my disappointment.

I love this store, located inside the Mitsuwa market. It offers a great selection of books, pens,…read morestickers, traveler's Notebooks, and many gift items. You can also find Japanese manga and other unique Japanese goods. Their always excellent selection includes blank books, journals, plushies, and cute tote bags. Also, some T-shirts, mugs, mood rings, and coffee mugs. I came in for adult coloring books. Immediately next door, you'll find a market specializing in all Japanese foods and sundry items. This includes fresh sushi to go and shops featuring all kinds of Japanese fast food. After shopping, you can enjoy a meal there--shop, then eat: it's a great plan. Friendly service. Easy to park!

So this is the 3rd kinokuniya branch I visited and this is the smallest branch. The good thing…read moreabout this location is that it's by mitsuwa supermarket. The location also has a small food court area with a selection of various Japanese stalls. Since it's a smaller branch the selection is less. But if you want to go to a Japanese bookstore, grocery and eat some Japanese food - this location has all 3.