My first review of a bookstore! I was intrigued to check this place out because I read other reviews explain how it is set up in an old movie theater. Any bookstore lover would appreciate this layout. The store is pretty small for a B&N but a great place to go to look for a gift, etc. If you are looking for a specific book, you are probably better of checking availability over the phone or online for this location. The staff is friendly and nice and if you are in the area, I highly recommend popping in and checking it out! *my one complaint is with the bathroom - it was pretty gross. So maybe go before you come ;) read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Studio City, California

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Great bookstore. Big book selection, really helpful staff, space is clean and well lit, and ample parking behind.

I wouldn't normally review a bookstore- ever but this one is special! I love that it's in an old movie theater. Everything is well organized and it's definitely going to become a common place to pass time for me since I work across the street. They have a small lounge area near the back. Even the ceilings and walls are decorated- it seems as though everything was maintained as it was from the theater. Also you can use printable online coupons and if you know the phone number for employee discounts- well- you end up knocking at least $5 bucks off the price of anything. Yea, I like this place. Minus a star cause it's a little cramped and I don't like walking all the way to the front entrance from the parking lot. Super friendly service read more

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This barnes and noble looks like a cute retro movie theater outside! I think I always thought it was till I stepped inside. I went last minute Christmas shopping and the lady at the cashier was super nice and helpful. They even have free Christmas wrapping paper outside if you need it. They have a nice parking lot in the back that is connected to other stores. read more

Mostly everyone is friendly with some wonderful book recommendations that I would have never explored otherwise . Minus one star- Ten years I was studying for the NCLEX RN exam and went there to purchase a couple of books to study. While I was browsing I was reviewing on my phone the Amazon ratings of each book there in order to decide which one to purchase. A 60 to 70 year old worker there accosted me and started accusing me of taking pictures of the pages in the book "so I wouldn't have to purchase the book.". I showed her in a nanosecond that my phone was on the Amazon page of one the NCLEX books that was there as proof. She looked at the picture (which proved she was wrong) and continued to scold me. I always think about that incident when I walk through their doors. So, hopefully this review will get rid of my negative BookStar mojo vibes. read more

This location is clean and has a nice selection, but the staff is a little off-putting. Everyone standing around and I walked up to the group to ask a question and three of them eyed eachother on who was going to help. Greeeat. read more

This Barnes and Noble is great! The staff there is super friendly, and they have a great selection. I was there the only her day with a list of things I wanted, but as I was glancing at the horror section, an employee who set up the horror display stopped and gave me all of his recommendations and his enthusiasm was infectious. He asked me about my preferences, and then used that to generate three different recommendations that he was passionate about. I thanked him, and a few minutes later he came back and had another recommendation based on what I had said I liked. His pitch was so good that after we were done talking, another employee walked up and asked about that that book on the strength of the sales pitch he had overheard the employee giving to me. We both walked out of the store having purchased copies of the book! Xander at the studio city Barnes and Noble knows how to sell a book! Looking forward to coming back to this Barnes and noble for the cool vibe and friendly staff, even though there are B&N's that are closer to where I live. read more

my fav b&n location. the staff is always so helpful, however it tends to get busy on weekends so keep that in mind.

Our go-to Barnes & Noble! It's located in an old theater and has that unique charm to it. I've purchased probably a dozen+ books from here in the last few months and we enjoy browsing for a new read. read more

I love the look of this Barnes and noble my go to place! They always have a great selection of books

I went to pick up a book for a friend on new baby, and ended up leaving with more books at not only a great price but a huge smile on my face because of how helpful the employees were! From holding books for me to suggesting good books, the experience was phenomenal. I was especially impressed by Sandra who helped me check out by explaining all the benefits of membership and suggested a great book! read more

I've been haunting and hanging out in bookstores for decades, and this is one of the best stores I've ever been in. The staff are super helpful, friendly, and really knowledgeable. I've had wonderful chats with other customers, which is certainly in part due to the atmosphere created here where it feels like it's just local store. And if you ever need a recommendation there are always staff with great suggestions. read more

I went here last week when I had some free time. There are not very many bookstores around the valley anymore, and this is the only one left around where I live. The store is right off Ventura blvd and looks like a movie theater from the front. The store was very clean, organized, and things were easy to find. I did ask them if they had a few books in stock, which they didn't, however they offered to order them for me. The customer service was pretty good. I needed to return a book light and the manager returned the item without my receipt. He wasn't the most friendliest but he also returned the item without giving me the hassle of going home and returning with my receipt. Parking was fairly easy, even though the lot gets crowded because there is a lot of other stores that share the lot. 4 stars because I like big bookstores...this is a mini size one. read more

Barnes & Noble - Cute little books - Bookstores Near Me - Studio City, California

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"Let's go to Bookstar! I used to go see movies there!" -- 12 year old boy in 31 year old's body. "Um, you mean Barnes & Noble? Don't fall for the gimmick" -- Me " Oh come on!" -- 12 year old boy in 31 year old's body. That is how I ended up in "Bookstar" which although owned by Barnes and Noble (even the signage on the door is B&N); it is more like B&N's little brother. I have to admit, the gimmick of the old La Reina theater converted into a book store is hard to ignore. You feel like a rebel doing something naughty in a movie theater. Bookstar's selection is not as extensive as a traditional Barnes & Noble in the sense of less categories but the selection WITHIN the categories will satisfy any bookworm. To my delight, the art and music sections are larger and offer far more books than what I am used to in a typical B&N. The titles are a bit more eccentric offering a neighborhood bookstore/flea market feel and therefore perfect for that coffee table book that will impress all of your household guests. The layout is a bit odd as most large chain bookstores like B&N and Borders break up the book space with bookshelves arranged in various directions while Bookstar has all the shelves in one direction (and some along the walls) so it basically looks like massive aisles of a book warehouse. It becomes somewhat overwhelming, uncomfortable, and uninviting. Plus the lights are far too white and bright. Staff is kind but consists mostly of Valley kids who think they are artsy for working at a book store. Interesting to check out but not a "must-see". I would stick to Borders further down Ventura over Bookstar. read more

Will everyone please stop hating on Barnes & Noble? I loved the Barnes & Noble on Hayvenhurst and now it's a CVS, making Bookstar one of the only remaining bookstores on Ventura Blvd. I realize that Barnes & Noble is a giant evil chain but guess what, it provides all the books you want in browsable ink and paper form. I have quite a bit of affection for Bookstar. It's smaller than your average Barnes & Noble and it's located in an old movie theater with the marquis facing out onto Ventura. The place feels almost crowded with books, and the fiction section is very robust. The likes of "Twilight" and other junk are available but not thrust in your face the second you walk through the door. I did find a fun section of lesbian erotica on my last visit - I opened a random book and found a line about female genitalia shooting out and turning to marble. Come on, girls, write a good sex book without resorting to erections. Anyway. The literature section takes up a good part of the store, and I'll also note that the area for children's books looks unusually enticing. I used to visit this store in high school, and though it's just far enough away that I don't come in often anymore, I like to go in for a browse. The place is cute, and above all else, it's a real feel-the-pages bookstore. The charming marquis would be wasted on another CVS. read more

This is a "go to" bookstore for us. It's nice to pop in while walking around in the area. There's parking behind the store, sometimes it's not bad to find a spot, sometimes it can be a bit crazy. The usual around Ventura Blvd. There's a nice selection of books, magazines, nice kids section.They do have areas for cool gift ideas. I can't say I'm a fan of their security people. Customer service is usual decent, one or twice we had some issue, but haven't seen those people working in there. I love their Old Movie Theater marquis. It's a great option for buying books and a nice place to check out while you stroll on Ventura Blvd. read more

I'd give this place 5 stars if I could!! Great selection of books and incredible customer service. Sandra is the sweetest human being ever with a wealth of book recommendations. Highly highly recommend read more

I just to work in a book store, a Barnes & Noble, in fact. I understand the difficulty to all the aspects of this environment: the kids keep making a mess, books are randomly all over the place, those useless gifts don't ever have a place to go. The only truly annoying this about this location is their register location. It's literally front and center when you walk in the store. It's not a very open or welcoming environment, because it really just looks super cluttered. Also, my interaction with one of their sales associates was miserable. Everything he said to me had a tone of 'I can find out for you, but I'm doing you a favor.' Um...yeah, I politely asked for help. Isn't that part of your job? read more

One of the last few bookstores in existence. I still love holding a physical book in my hands and flipping through the pages. Similarly I enjoy walking through the isles of a bookstore simply to browse through the books I may want to read. This time I strolled through the biography section and the audio books isle. I was lured into almost buying many of the enticing biographies they have displayed on their shelves. But for this time I went with a modern biography that I am loving to death! I hope this place stays open forever! read more

It gets four star just four being a bookstore! A brick-and-mortar building (and kind of a cool building, at that) where you while away an hour just checking out books. Enjoy them while they are here, kids! I may actually start going back to bookstores instead of ordering on amazon, especially when you factor in the reason for this review's fifth star... what else? It's always about the people! First was Chris... he was mellow, manning the register, welcoming in people with a cool, welcoming vibe. Then there is Trey... Trey is a whole 'nother story. He wants to joke a little (in a slightly serious book-store way), he wants to HELP you find what you need... he treats this store like he owns it (in a good way) and treats you like a respected customer... but always with a easy-going vibe. I had just left the B&N in the Commons... VERY nice people there , too... but totally different vibe. They are like in the Kardashian zone and the Book Star B&N in studio city feels like it could be more Hollywood area. It's much more cramped in the studio city one... but that feels more "right" for a bookstore... and they... got Trey. OK, OK... I'm saying that partially because he made my time in there a little more fun but also cuz he knows his shit. He doesn't have to "go ask someone in that department"... he knew the answer... and the questions, read more

Too many of the books (in particular the political science books) are not credible. There are too many books that have subjective, unwarranted opinions as opposed to actual academic books with hard-earned evidence. I feel like Barnes and Noble is trying to make books that are for 1. students trying to pass a standardized exam, 2. teaching children, or 3. adults interested in passively reading random things on a toilet. As a bookstore, Barnes and Noble should promote a greater emphasis on academia. Instead, it is promoting disinformation. read more

This is absolutely my favorite Barnes and Noble. Before this one, I honestly never been to a Barnes and Noble that's friendly. In all the other Barnes and Nobles in LA, it's so hard to find a store assistant to help. Here, they noticed we were looking and offered help themselves. We went here to look for a book for my wife and the store assistant was super friendly. After my wife got the book, the store assistant recommended us some similar mystery/crime books. Everyone from the store assistants to cashiers here are super friendly and helpful. I will definitely go to this Barnes and Noble from now on. read more

Barnes & Noble - The Spellman Files recommended by a Barnes and Noble store assistant - Bookstores Near Me - Studio City, California

When I don't want the cold process of simply ordering via Amazon and actually want to smell the aroma of paper products and enjoy the sounds of silence coupled with pages gently turning in aisles, I come here. Located right in the heart of the Ventura Strip, (Can I coin that by the way?) it's a pretty large bookstore with a great selection of reads along with a pretty great bargain section. It is filled with everything from those geeky cat calendars to cookbooks to car books to self help books. They also have a great magazine stand in the back and even a little area for kids to sit and read in the children's section. And for all of you film buffs there is a huge section of books on that subject. In LA...go figure ;) In addition to the aisles upon aisles of words, there are usually really cute people here too...not that I come here for that, I mean, I am all about the knowledge, but it doesn't hurt when the cutie in Suspense is checkin ya at ;) read more

Hey everyone, I've discovered something new and I want you to hear about it from me first before word hits the streets: it's called a bookstore and it's this 4-walled structure that sells, get this-- books. Bookstar--I was overdue for a visit. How long had it been? Let's just say that the last time I visited, there was no need for a 'Paranormal Romance' section. read more

A time killing exploration walk 'n shop Ventura Boulevard pleasantly culminated at this Bookstar/Barnes & Noble store with a façade reminiscent of a neighborhood movie theatre plus a pop up Girl Scout Cookie kiosk out front; both drew me in. I generally shop books online E or hardcopy but after a damaged defective tome, a gift, that had to be returned with no time to replace I've taken a more hands on approach, inspecting binding and every page in between. In need of an artsy or classy coffee table book, with no price restrictions for a soon to be retiring friend, I seized the opportunity to browse for her interests: gardening in containers and cats. Several titles I brought up on my phone, according to a gracious sales associate were not available in store but could be ordered from another store, shipped within days. Not wanting to buy sight unseen, I thanked her and continued to browse perhaps a cookbook to compliment my friend's vegan/vegetarian palate especially with more time to create from her garden? Voilà! Tal Ronnen's "Crossroads Kitchen" cookbook, one I own and love! That plus an invitation to join hubby and me for dinner at the establishment of the same name, gift solved! Cashier queried as he issued a gift receipt, "Are you vegan?" "No, just an omnivore who appreciates 'quiet' food like Clint Eastwood referred to a veggie stew in 'The Bridges of Madison County'." (I only watched for the recipes, really.) Purchase complete, exercising the utmost restraint, with visions of Thin Mints dancing in my head, I made a donation to those cool entrepreneurial Girl Scouts out front leaving said cookies of preference behind... Three days later my friend absolutely loved the gift I delivered! Free parking behind store. Metered parking on Ventura Boulevard. read more

(Full disclosure: I'm an ex-employee of B&N, who quit 16 years ago due to harassment.) I love bookstores, and they are dwindling away... this store has been here a long, long time. It's a converted movie theater, and they've kept a lot of the decor themed to this... it's kind of kitschy, but still cool. The staff here is super friendly, yet not a nuisance at all. They have a large children's section. They'll order books if they don't have them in stock, but in reality who does that anymore? Note that Bookstar is owned by B&N, so if you have a Nook the free downloads/wifi etc, applies here. I disagree with those who say that parking isn't an issue here... every time I've been here the lot is PACKED and you have to circle for a while to find a spot. Also the homeless people who hang around outside can be a bit troublesome, in that they can be a little aggressive (which made me at 6'6" and 200lbs a little intimidated, so I can only imagine what my wife with our kids in tow would feel like...) Other than the above caveat, it's nice to still have a book store around... support your local bookstores or they will go the way of the dodo!!! read more

I was impressed with the staff and the adherence to the current COVID protocols. They were monitoring the number of people entering and leaving, reminded people if the 6 feet were not being kept and were very helpful and friendly. read more

My favorite bookstore ever! I find it extremely unfortunate that bookstores have all been closing down. There's nothing more enjoyable than walking into a bookstore and getting lost in the tales and adventures that each book has to offer. From childhood until now, it's one of my favorite pastimes. I enjoy the way this bookstore is set up, each section divided into categories, making it easy to find what you're looking for. The service is always remarkable, the workers here know the books, they are truly helpful in finding exactly what you're looking for, and above all they are friendly and approachable. I like that they have sales every now and then, that they carry collectors edition books, and they have just about anything you are looking for. The store has an old school feel to it, I love spending my time here and can't wait until I return I hope this store never closes! read more

I love this B&N. It's in a great location and has a wonderful selection. Everyone is friendly an dhelpful and I like going in and spending some time with my daughter as we look at books for her and books for me. Lindy runs the Children's Storytime Saturday mornings at 11am and it's so much fun. She caters the selections to the children's age group that are attending that day. Her warm and friendly attitude is very welcoming, both for kids and adults. We are here regularly and though we don't live in the neighborhood, (we are from Van Nuys) I don't mind driving over here every Saturday morning for a little walk, some stories and a coffee. I wind up walking out with at least one book too. read more

It a good throwback place to look at books like how our ancestors did. Contemplate whether get the ebook copy or paperback. Penalty of places to parking your rear and pow pow power wheels. read more

I needed some books for a class assignment and I couldn't buy them online because they were going to take 5 days to get to me. I called this book store and the person who answered was really helpful. I gave her a list of books and she put me on hold for a brief moment then got back to me and informed me they had the books I desperately needed. I placed them on hold and drove immediately to pick them up. I parked at a parking lot then walked about 5 minutes, I am not sure if they have parking? Walking in you see a cute little book store and everything was super organized and clean. The staff was very friendly as well. I will definitely be returning since this is the closest to me. I'm kind of sad that we don't have these around anymore. I had to drive 20 minutes to this location, I didn't mind because I NEEDED the books but I use to have one close by where I live. It was right near the Topanga mall. read more

A beautiful store that once was an Art Deco movie house now offers a robust selection of new work and the classics. I had a singing for my new novel Angel City Singles. The staff was attentive and professional. I noted how carefully they treated every customer and made them feel welcome as they did with me. There is something here for the entire family. A refreshing place to share the joy of reading. read more

Barnes & Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Studio City, California

When I was walking by I looked at this cool building and thought what a nice classic theatre. I didn't realize they converted into a book store, I wanted to buy a book that just came out so I walked in to look for it. An employee asked if I needed help which I willingly accepted because it would have taken me awhile to find it, I was in and out in 5 minutes. I'm glad they didn't knock down this classic theatre and that they've continued to use it for something else. read more

Barnes & Noble - SEP2014 - Bookstores Near Me - Studio City, California

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I love this book store and I've been coming here for years as a loyal customer. I'm usually happy with the customer service but unfortunately the employee at the register this morning was grumpy and rude. Next time I will order from Amazon. read more

One of the Last bookstores around I can find here any book The membership card give me 10% off and extra discounts throughout the year. Like every business on Ventura , there is no parking on the weekend read more

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My son and I make fun trips to Barnes and Noble's Bookstar in Studio City. The people working there are always helpful. My son reads a lot and is always looking for new book series to try. The staff there know so much and have read a ton of the books, even in the kid section, so they can say firsthand what is good. read more

I am impressed with this location and especially, it's manager. A few weeks ago, I could not get inside with my double stroller. It is sized to fit through most standard doorways so its size was not a problem. The issue was the tables in the front that created too narrow pathways between these tables and the registers. The employees were strangely ambivalent to my plight, just watching me struggle and none of them offering to help out. Predictably, I called for a manager. He took full responsibility profusely apologized, but it was not what impressed me. What made me happy was that he actually took action. Ever since the incident, I have had no problems getting in. The tables were moved to allow a wider path sufficient for my double stroller. Also, on my next visit, the manager, apparently recognizing me, gave me a 20% off on my purchase. This store has a good selection, and a good number of associates to help out. They have been struggling with their story time host but I think they finally found a suitable replacement for their previous amazing host. Overall, I wish there were more Barnes and Nobles around. read more

5/5 because it makes me redeem my faith in humanity for wanting to read books. Also; theres free parking in the back, the store in itself is a landmark as its an old cinema turned bookstore, nice service (found help immediately) and they have basically everything you need. If you want discounts they also have a section with used books which I find interesting (its a traveler thing). I keep coming, and I won't stop. read more

I love Barnes and noble so much and this is the closest location to my home. I love the store they converted an old theatre into the bookstore and it has such a vintage feel! The staff is awesome I love how each category is sectioned off especially the YA section which covers an entire side of the store! I love books so it's a convenient spot to shop! :) read more

Who Loves to Read? I sure Do! and this is one of my favorite book stores to stop by and get my new reads together. Clean store and helpful staff always ready to assist you with findings. Thanks B&N read more