I always find a book there I like and they sell absolutely unique fun and artistic cards. Plus, it's close to the beach and paper smells so nice .... read more

Lovely little book store in the heart of Venice. Impressive selection and knowledgeable staff. I could spend hours in this store. Book nerds rejoice and visit this shop! read more

This place is Legit! It's a welcomed change of pace to the constant cacophony of chatter, music, and folks trying to hustle. If you can find it, you've already taken the most important step. It's so tucked away, like a speakeasy. The people running the show actually want you to find something you like, but it's not like the way a lot of folks push their products on tourists who are just caught up in the fervor of Venice beach. They'll point you in the direction and give you time to find something special. If they don't favor your choice, they'll reccommend one of their choices. You may find that their choice is superior, or you may stick with what you got. Either way, they're happy to have you! I love their selection of books.. I'm a fan of hardcover art books. Coffee table books. And I love non-fiction/ biographies of musicians. But whatever you're into will most likely be touched upon. Like I said, the place is small, so there's only so many books they can carry, but the place is packed with them! You will be paying retail, but you will always know that you purchased this particular book at a cool bookstore at Venice beach, which often gets overlooked by the masses. read more

I had a double deja vu moment in this bookstore. Double? Yes, double. How, John S.? OK, I'll tell you, but first you have to promise to stop this interlocutor-exchange crap. I've written almost 800 Yelp reviews; I don't need gimmicks like this anymore. So go away. OK. Permanently. . . . . . . . . . OK, he's gone. So the first bit of deja vu I had went down thusly. The first (and only) time I came here was in 2003, right after I had moved back to California from Indiana. I needed books for my upcoming summer-school class, and I happened to have the sheet of paper with the book list with me. So I dutifully made my friend, a tourist, come into this store before we walked down the horrible Venice Beach boardwalk. (I almost got robbed and possibly roughed up a little bit after patronizing Small World of Books.) As I was searching for the books I needed, I felt magically transported to the mid-1980s. Specifically, I felt transported to the B. Dalton in the Whittwood Mall. The Whittwood Mall before they tore the indoor-mall part down and after they put the roof on the formerly outdoor Whittwood Mall. This B. Dalton was the first place I had ever seen the rolling ladders along the stacks that they use to get books on high shelves. It was also the first place I became familiar with the library stool. You know the one-- Yeah, I know what you're talking about. I thought I told you to shut up. Yeah, sorry, I'll shut up. You know the one? It's round and rolls and has a cloverleaf kind of design on it? Well, I don't remember whether Small World of Books has any of these, but something about its shelves reminded me of that B. Dalton. It might have even been that I was facing a northish wall (streets in both Venice and Whittier, California, not having been laid out in cardinal directions) as I once had been at that B. Dalton. OK, after I moved to San Francisco and finally got around to checking out Aardvark Books, I had a re-deja vu. It reminded me of Small World of Books, which had reminded me of B. Dalton in the Whittwood Mall and which had preminded me (or deja vued me or whatever) of Aardvark Books. Again, I was facing the northish wall, although this time the wall faced truly almost due north. So the bookstore. It's small and cool and wonderful. I love bookstores like this. I would come here again except that I don't like the beach part of Venice too much. Venice needs more canals than the pathetic few it still has. read more

RIght when you walk in, you know this is an indie bookstore. Typical of its kind, you are greeted with tables after tables of unorganized pile of books. Usually this would be enough to get a hipster cream because it's yet another bookstore that defy convention by ignoring the Dewey Decimal System or god forbid, the Western bourgeois invention of alphabetization. Small World however broadens the horizon of its narrow-minded rastafarian clientele by introducing them to plenty of book options that rival at least a Borders Express. There are non-ideological evidence-based science books for example. I almost picked up a book about California air, but the time for horrifying reads have passed. The travel section is thorough as well. Half the store though you just kind of have to ignore; rows after rows of book titles that reads like the deranged post of a DailyKos blogger. As for that ultimate test of open-mindedness: Do they have at least Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations? Move along and moveon.org. read more

We are so used to seeing Large Bookstore chains, it is refreshing to see an Independent bookstore as well. Technically it is not in Marina Del Rey,CA( it is 500 yards from the border in Venice, CA )right on the Boardwalk is Small World Books at 1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice CA 90291 (tel) 310.399.2360 This bookstore has a nice selection of signed first editions books. As well a wide selection poetry and magazines are available. I love their Mystery Annex, it is cozy and well stocked for fans of this genre (you guessed it by now, I love mysteries) What is unusual, that here you will find published books both of major as well as small presses. http://smallworldbooks.com read more

You might not expect to find it in Venice Beach (I wasn't), but this is a solid, local, independent bookstore that appears to have some history. We stopped in after hanging out on the beach, and I might not have seen it had it not been for its sign frontage, because it's tucked behind a restaurant with sidewalk seating. Inside, we found an impressive selection of poetry, including local writers such as Charles Bukowski, who spent many of his end days in not-too-far-away San Pedro. Picking up several poetry titles, including a book by local press Beyond Baroque Books, I attracted the attention of the woman working checkout. Turns out they're actively involved in the upcoming book fair -- at the end of April -- and that they're in charge of the poetry corner, which seems to involve many of the notable poets of local nature. Wish I'd still be here for that! A place to return to, as it seems to be the kind of bookstore at which you can plug into the local lit scene quickly and easily. Good to know about. read more

When you're walking down Venice Beach and surrounded by loud noise and crudeness, it's nice to escape into this little quiet literary haven tucked away beside a café. The book selection for each section is thoughtful and interesting. Right away, I found a food-oriented novel I had been lusting after, and I bought it as a show of support for small bookstores like this. This is where the real culture is on Venice Beach! P.S. Love the friendly cat who resides here and approaches shoppers for a pet! read more

I was very excited to see a bookstore tucked back behind a restaurant and in order to escape the windy day, I ducked inside. I thought it was a bit odd to not be greeted by any of the workers there; two seated behind the counter couldn't bother to interrupt their conversation for a quick "hi how are ya?" Me and my partner have both worked in bookstores for several years and make it a point to visit local bookstores where ever we are visiting, never once have I heard of not being able to take a simple photo of the cover of a book. I take photos of books I don't necessarily want to buy at that moment, but that sound interesting to add to my "to-read" list. They couldn't bother to greet me, but loved to tell me I could not take any photos of the covers of books... found this very odd having worked in bookstores and having shopped in bookstores both local and corporate for years. Not a warm environment at all. Pretty disappointed considering how great their selection was. Would not go back. read more

Small World Books - The photo I was told I'm not allowed to take??? - Bookstores Near Me - Venice, California

Find your way into the book store when wandering along the boardwalk. Take a break from the crazy, and get into some pages. I LOVE a good book store - and this is certainly one that makes me happy. Good selection. read more

My friends and I decided to stop by on a whim. You know, the usual, I don't need anything new but "here, take my money" type of moments. We found a few gold mines amongst their "quality over quantity selection" and ended up grabbing two books. As for the service, we apparently interrupted the sales person's lunch and had to wait a a bit while she stared at us. Can you say awkward? This was a completely adorable shop but help was scarce and a bit rude. I was going to come back and get a few books, but the last few minutes of my visit made me rather save my gas money and just go to a local bookstore to get the books I wanted. read more

I WILL BE BACK! I love this small hole in the wall bookstore! ps, spend more than $20 and get 10% off the cafe! Anyway, they have a bunch of great books and what I love most about it is that owners (I'm guessing) put a little note in some books describing either what its about, how they felt when they read it, or a short synopsis on it. It makes the staff seem more trustworthy and knowledgeable about the books knowing that they read most of the books they sell. Its a great place to pick up a book, walk to the beach and enjoy a great read! read more

A unique little place stashed among the beach cafes and souvenir shops in Venice. Small World Books has a decent collection of traditional books, but the real draw is its variety of eclectic volumes you probably won't find in many other places. It's a great place to browse... ... When you don't want something that's been on the New York Times bestseller list or the omnipresent literary canon... ... When you'd like to skip Melville and read the charming story of "The Monster That Ate Stars"... ... When books don't really appeal at all, but amusing postcards do... ... When you want a BuK instead of a book. In all honesty, I've never bought anything from Small World. For me it's almost more like an art gallery than a bookstore - something to peruse at leisure, where I can find something to think about or smile at before I skip my merry way down the beach walk. read more

A tie for best bookstore in Venice -- with Equator Books. However, Small World just might edge out the competition BECAUSE it's not cool and edgy and arty like Equator. Plenty of great books in a small location. Great Venice books too. Tucked away next to the Sidewalk Cafe, so when you walk in you feel like you discovered it before anyone else... The only reason it's not a five-star rating is simply because it's not big enough to guarantee you'll find any book -- but don't let that stop you from going. Quality over quantity. read more

Amazing little bookstore tucked away from the bright and noisy chaos of the beach. Except for the massive awning that it shares with a day-drunk café outside, you would not know it exists. Inside is a completely different world from the rest of the boardwalk: a cool, pleasingly dark and quiet collection of curated displays, expertly picked finds and interesting outliers of literature. And there is a bookstore cat named Frannie. What more could you want? read more

Very cute mom&pop bookstore. Perhaps not as cute as the one in "You've Got Mail" but close :D Carries a nice selection of new release books as well as the ones you'd only find at specialty book stores. I came across some really cool cards by the door as well. Nice touch if you're looking to add to a present. The owner is very observant with all the customers, which in a nicer area would annoy me but this is Venice Beach after all. read more

If you live in Venice or nearby, please do the following. Put Small World's number on your speed dial. When you hear about a book you want, call them. If they have it, their hours make it easy to get. If they don't, they'll get it and call you within a few days. Why is it good to give them ALL OUR business? Because cold, distant corporations will never provide this warm environment, where friendly, intelligent people can answer questions and give comments about books they've read, and where it's just pleasant to come in and browse. If you come by car: I've had good luck with the meters on Windward. If not, try Main and you're still right around the corner from their door. Support this place. They're excellent. I've lived near them for eighteen years. read more

I like it! Moderate size, with an interesting book selection (I saw some fiction, art, and sci-fi that looked interesting). I disagree with the earlier reviewer who was unimpressed by the sci-fi selection; although I didn't see new books in that section I was tempted to buy, I did notice some of my favorites (Neal Stephenson, Otherland, The Sparrow). A very cool feature of the store is that there are notes tucked in the tops of some of the books with opinions - and although you can read the back of the book, it's nice to see that some (albeit still stranger-to-me) individual thought it was a really good book, and why. It's sort of tricky to find, in that the awning says Small World Books in huge letters, but there's a restaurant taking all the sidewalk-front space; I walked by a couple times before I realized it was there. read more

Small World Books - The front of Small World Books - the store is tucked behind another business. - Bookstores Near Me - Venice, California

I've been coming to this independent bookstore for almost ten years, usually while I'm taking walks along the beach. It is owned by the wife of the owner of the adjacent Sidewalk Cafe. The bookstore is particularly strong in mysteries, sci-fi/fantasy, poetry, and travel -- though the fiction section is excellent and extensive. I particularly like the fact that there is a good selection of books from my favorite publishers, such as NYRB, New Directions, Penguin, and Oxford. SWB sponsors excellent poetry readings, particularly at the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in April. This has had a marked influence on poetry reading. Come in and make friends with the lovely bookstore cat, Esmé, who is possibly named after J D Salinger's short story "For Esmé with Love and Squalor." There's a lot of love for books in this store, and thankfully little squalor. I'll probably stop in again next week. read more

Such a marvelous collection of books, well displayed in quite a quirky way and at the end of the day the staff may even discuss the zombie apocalypse with you, but only if you catch them off guard. read more

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NOSTALGIA IN HIGHEST FORM ~ Take a seat and dive into some great book's here_ a lot of classics to be found, just take your time_ read more

Great bookstore carrying a wide selection of new releases, classics, and LA writers. They do a lot of recommended books using handwritten notes by store employees--a great personal touch, if you ask me. Cool find in an almost hidden nook on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. I say check it out! read more

One of the great independent bookstores in CA! What more do you want? ...a beach, best people watching in LA and books.

There used to be lots of great book stores in LA. Now there aren't. Here's one of the last remaining. Go there and support them.

One of the best reasons to visit the Venice Boardwalk. This gem of a bookstore is a quiet refuge from the crowds and craziness of Venice beach. Wonderful selection of great books. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. read more

Nice little independent bookstore. Stop inside to take a break from the craziness that is Venice Beach. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. My friend who was visiting from out of town bought some Bukowski to help round out his LA experience. read more

Wonderful poetry selection! Friendly staff. Please forget corporate bookstores, and patronize this treasure on the Venice boardwalk!

Cute place, friendly, humble staff (none of that hipster snarkiness), a true neighborhood gem and Venice staple!

Somewhat at the center of the Venice Beach Boardwalk, it holds a lot of character. There's a sensational in-house cat that sashays in and out as it pleases. The books are full-priced but with a great selection, something for everybody of all ages and preferences. It's nice here. read more

Right on the Venice Boardwalk, Small World Books is totally cool. Stop in and browse through a nice selection of titles and an indie bookstore vibe. They also have a fun collection of cards and gift items, I picked up the book Ruins of California by Martha Sherrill and a card for a friend. I'll definitely be back! read more

Great little bookstore hidden away amongst the nonsense of Venice Beach. The super staff helped me pick a book that'd be a great accompaniment to a day on the beach. read more

It's nice to browse around a small bookstore and smell all the book smells and feel all the book feels. Can't get that from browsing Amazon. A fun stop on the boardwalk. Plus they have a store cat. Love. read more

This is a great indie bookstore. It was kind of hard to find different categories of interest but great for stumbling upon great reads otherwise. read more

The highlight of my trip to the Venice Boardwalk. A surprisingly deep collection of books for the space with lots of recommendations when you're looking for something new. read more

I came into this store after having lunch at the sidewalk cafe and I was extremely impressed by the variety of books that were in here. It wasn't just a bunch of best seller and popular books like you would see at a bigger store, it has a fantastic selection of just about everything. I wanted to buy almost everything I saw. read more

I feel really lucky to have such a great little hidden gem walking distance from my house. Surrounded by bad beach food and crowds of people, this book store has a great selection of art books, books by local authors, special editions, and journals. Super helpful and friendly staff and a great place to buy a gift or spend an hour or so browsing. read more

Great hidden bookstore. They will order any book for you. Support the local shops.

I fell in love with this bookstore and I'm sad that I don't live in LA otherwise I would be here everyday. It was my first time in Venice and I'm so happy I found this gem. This bookstore is the kind of place you can get lost in for hours. Though it is not a very large venue it is filed to the brim with books. As I walked through the shelves I definitely felt as though the selection was curated well by someone before me. Books are well sectioned and you can find small sweet handwritten notes describing certain selections. The most memorable part of the store was the black and white cat and a small cardboard box that read "Blind Dates" or something to that extent. The books there are priced for only a couple of dollars but are wrapped in parchment paper so each is a surprise. Loved it. The prices are nothing special, Barnes and Noble prices but you come here for the atmosphere and curated goods. read more

Since I love bookstores and cafés, the fact that this one is right along the beach makes it perfect! Browse for a good book, drink some coffee and hang out! Loved the personal notes the staff wrote above certain books, giving recommendations a more personal touch. Also check out the used and bargain books section... If I lived in LA, I would definitely be a regular! read more

The ONLY independent book store on the westside! Knowledgeable staff. Fantastic book recommendations.