All right. For folks that love a bargain, love to read, love to up cycle, and love to contribute to…read morea good cause AND find themselves in the town of Carpinteria... then by golly check out the Friends of the Library bookstore. The shop is part of the library with its own entrance. All the books look to be in good condition. The shop was clean and bright. The books were sitting pretty and neatly organized on the shelves. Prices were discounted. Check them out

Best place by far. If in the area Ojai has bookstore as well. But Friends of the Library has many…read morehidden gems and no book I've seen is over $3. All gently used to brand new. Favorite bookstore in CA!

This Little Free Library was just a few blocks from where we camped for the weekend…read more It's a beautiful, slender little model with an arched roof, unlike any I've ever seen before. It was exquisite and lovely. And once I got done admiring the craftsmanship of the LFL I realized how beautiful the home was and considered how much thought and care and effort the owners had put into it. And then they rolled down the street and pulled into the driveway in 50's beach car that I couldn't identify. Exquisite was the word that kept coming to mind. Exquisite.

Attended PGI 2006-2009 aiming for PhD in Depth Psychology. Wound up taking a medical leave final…read moreyear, having to make up a class in 2010; never got on track with Dissertation so settled for an MA. I'll be clear: I came to Pacifica for the experience more than the degree and was not disappointed. There was a range of scholarship within my cohort ranging from the very studious and conscientious to those who invested minimal effort. I was in the middle and struggled to meet the workload while fully employed at a demanding job. 12 years following matriculation, I believe 4 students in my cohort of 20 finished their dissertation. (That may be well under the rate of the other cohort running concurrently with ours that was rumored to be more studious.) 6 people dropped out of my cohort during or after year one, a few more at year two. 11 or 12 finished the three years of study prior to dissertation time. Pacifica is not for everyone and mistakenly is too inclusive. I believe that has fueled problems for the University and some of its students. But I like that there is a quality program that works hard to be accessible to people who would be marginalized in nearly any other academic setting. I have read some very inflammatory statements from unhappy people who attribute dishonesty to the administration and faculty. That was never my experience. I was asked directly by a faculty member about 2008 if I had ever been told program completion would lead equate to licensure and I could honestly say I was never led or misled to believe anything like that. I believe some people may have had their own ideas. My belief is that Pacifica - then and now - markets to and caters to mature adults who want the transformative experience of engagement with other mature adults answering the creative call of Depth Psychology pioneers like Jung and Joseph Campbell. During my time there I had hands on guidance from faculty I respected --with an exception or two--and additional lectures and personal engagement with thought leaders like James Hillman and Marion Woodman. In these exchanges, I felt as though I could go directly to the source of contemporary writers on subjects important to me. Also, during my time then and subsequently I have seen Pacifica faculty deal patiently and kindly with students who had meltdowns over perceived failure to meet narcissistic or childish demands, and students who would not have gained entry to many other universities. And there are students I have know who received scholarship assistance from the University. Money makes the wheels turn, yes, but it is not all about money, either. It is true that PGI is for-profit; mostly it is run, as I understand it, as an employee profit sharing plan so that PGI continues to invest in its people. I believe that is quantitatively different from publicly traded for-profit universities that have an eye on short term gains. Even though I did not complete the degree I sought, and even though I paid full price of about 70K tuition and an additional 25 K in travel, I believe I received a valuable experience. After a 3-year break, I have returned for public programs, certificate programs, and other gatherings over the past five years. I would not say that I "drank the kool-ade", as another reviewer suggested; I would assert I have a different and more confident view of the integrity of staff and administration of PGI.

I am a current student. Pacifica is a very specific program for those interested in an incredibly…read moreunique approach to psychology. I have found the professors, administration and staff to be exceptionally mature and patient. It is a place for serious scholarship in the Depth field- a field of study that can be very challenging. But for those who feel the call to this challenge, this institute can hold you.

I've been to the beach several times in Carpinteria and spent a little time in the town. But I…read morecontinue to be amazed at just how unbelievably gorgeous this town is. It is bewilderingly beautiful. And this street with it's generous lawns and its stately, mature trees offering house-sized pools of breezy, cool shade all up and down the block, it is just stunning. So naturally a family that has made this lovely location their home can do no less, when offering a resource to the community, than to make it just as approachably elegant and enticingly excellent as the rest of this gorgeous street. They have succeeded handsomely. It is a pleasure just to stand in front of this remarkable home and to soak in the allure and the appeal. And after a long, satisfying several minutes there your realize that a book selection was entirely optional.

Be warned, this place is bogus. We drove up from Los Angeles expecting to find a new (to us)…read morebookstore. Instead, the listed address is not a book store but a construction site. It seems that Lantern Tree Books did occupy a real brick and mortar location back in 2023, but that location has closed and they are now in the process of opening in a new location. I even checked their website and they provide no warning that the old store is closed and the new store has not yet open. At least we were able to visit the Friends of the Carpinteria library book store and then head over to Barts in Ojai.

What a charming enchanting little book shop. When I walked in I was transported to the bookstore of…read moremy dreams, complete with winged back chairs (see pictures). There were books for everyone, adults, young adults to small children. I picked up a board book for my sweet grandson. I loved the local author section with local historical books. The lovely lady at the desk said they are planning on having several events each month. Thank you for coming to Carpinteria!!!!

The most amazing, beautiful, and magical bookstore! I had the absolute privilege of seeing Lori…read moreGottlieb speak here last night and have been there once before. The event was so well done, and both her and the co-owner were so eloquent and well spoken during the talk. I had seen Godmothers on instagram before, and I now see the hype! They have a great selection of books old and new. It is so beautifully curated. They also have seasonal items including an adorable valentines day display currently. The upstairs is an event space as well as a childrens area. So cozy and welcoming! The staff is also always so kind. Visit this bookstore! You will love it!

Grandmother's is a beautifully designed bookstore and gathering space in Summerland that attracts a…read morevery specific crowd. Expect a Montecito set mixed with locals and curious visitors, all coexisting peacefully over books and coffee. First things first, the café situation. There is a retro Airstream parked outside, and coffee & pastries are served through a partnership with beloved local coffee biz Dart Coffee Co. Service runs daily from 7am to 5pm, Monday through Sunday. You can absolutely grab a coffee, sit on the side patio, and enjoy the vibe without buying a book. Low pressure. Very appreciated. Inside, there are two floors to explore with a solid selection of books, art, and gifts. The children's section upstairs is especially sweet. The "blind date with a book" wall is a standout, and the staff pick recommendation cards are a thoughtful touch that makes browsing more fun. They also host private events, main stage conversations, workshops, and children's storytimes. It's co-owned by a former literary agent who runs in Oprah Winfrey circles, so yes, there is a little celebrity sparkle floating around. If you're lucky and into that kind of thing, celebrity sightings can happen even during a casual browse, not just at ticketed events. There is a Founder's Circle with a waitlist and a $250 per month price tag if you want exclusive events, early access, reservations, content, and café discounts. Not for everyone, but if that's your lane, it exists. Dog friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and clearly designed as a community space. The main complaint people seem to have is parking, which honestly feels like a very Summerland problem. Avoid parking in the hilly neighborhood streets. Neighbors hate it. Go for the ambiance, the books, and the coffee. Stay if you feel inspired.