Wow! The scent of paper and print hang heavy in the air. It has been a long time since I have…read morebeen in a book store that is as densely packed with such an array of reading material. If they don't have it, it probably wasn't worth reading anyway.

While my family has been going into Chaucer's for many years, it is due to the fact that they're…read morethe only surviving bookshop in Santa Barbara. We have seen chains like Borders and Barns & Noble, as well as locally owned shops - Granada Books and Earthling - all sadly disappear from our community, and I am concerned that Chaucer's has become complacent, secure in the knowledge that they hold a monopoly on Santa Barbara readers. Chaucer's selection is expansive, however, in their effort to provide a broad range of titles, there is usually only one copy of each. The staff over-crowd their narrow aisles, oftentimes with books stacked on the floor, a difficult navigation when you are also trying to squeeze past another patron in their aisles that are barely two-people wide. I also am ambivalent about Chaucer's organization. Mind you, it is easy to miss the placards that indicate each section and sub-section, as they are the same hand-written signs on cardboard that have been stuck between the books for the past 20 years. It is unclear also who is staff and who is not, because there is no dress code and there are no nametags... except on the dog wearing a bandana identifying her as 'Shop Dog.' Look for whoever is actually behind the counter, I suppose. It must be said that they are friendly and helpful. If they do not have a specific book that you are looking for, they always offer to order it for you.

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!

Bart's Books is a one of kind bookstore in Ojai. This spot is huge with shelves of books lined up…read moreindoors and outdoors. They also have a great diversity of book genres and sell both new and used books. Everything is neatly organized and prices are really fair and affordable too. If you are ever in the Ojai area, this place is one of the ones you do not one to miss out on! One of my favorite bookstores I have ever been to!

This used bookstore is enormous, laid out with open-air shelving under corrugated plastic roofing…read more It was fun to wander through the maze of shelves. A smaller enclosure filled with more books sits in the center of the bookstore, but most of the store is open-air. This is cool unless you are there on a 100 degree day as I was. After about 15 minutes I was drenched in sweat and miserably hot. The different sections are tagged with small labels on the bookshelves so it takes some time to figure out where different genres are located. I found it quicker just to ask someone at the register. I didn't spend as much time here as I would have liked, but I did find a couple of books. Prices are reasonable.

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!

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.

I'm going to preface this review by saying I go to The Book Loft any time I visit Santa Ynez or…read moreSolvang. The last time I went was in July, and I spent over $200 on new books. I received one paper bookmark with my purchase and I asked for a few more (I'm a teacher in the LA area and I like to put them in my classroom for my students) and the woman ringing me up made it awkward and reluctantly gave me one more. I found it funny but also quite weird. It was like giving up an opportunity for free advertising! Anyway, I'll still go back because I love this place and the people who work there are usually very friendly and helpful. The bookmark awkwardness was an anomaly. The shop is cute and it's always so well curated. Sometimes they have blind date picks that are cheap and fun to open. I always find so many books I want there. I like their used book selection upstairs as well. Must visit as indie bookstores are so few and far between these days!

What a gem! Loved this bookstore in the heart of Solvang. But it's not just a cozy comfortable…read morebookstore. The selection is great and the presentation of books and related gifts make it wonderful to wander and discover different topics to engross yourself in. Great place to shop for a thoughtful gift. I also appreciated the kind and friendly bookstore workers :)

This location has permanently closed. They have moved to the Ventura Pacific View Mall, where they…read morehave two store locations next door to each other (not the locations they used to have in the mall).

Lots of interesting items for sale, awesome pricing on some good finds, and running a sale for…read moreholidays right now as well (Dec 2). Good selection of board games, figures, and Manga. Okay selection of comics (not great, but ok).