This is a great little bookstore. The shelves are free admixture of new and used books, and there are a good number of finds. Some of the used books are a bit on the high end of the price scale for what they're worth, but I suppose that's the market economy. The books are almost all in impeccable condition. There is also a nice, but small, children's section in the back. Service was very friendly. Highly recommended if you're in Santa Barbara! read more

It is cool and pleasant in here so the books and humans don't get too hot. An independent bookstore is the nicest place to buy a book! read more

w/ Amazon taking over, i always try and visit any independent bookstores and get my books there. This one is a cute little one with a great selection. You also get 10% if you have a KCRW membership. read more

Terrific store for those who like browsing and taking time with books, primarily "gently used". If you are into the artificial hustle and bustle of Borders...don't go here. The Book Den caters to those who LOVE books...those who actually READ books...those who collect collectible books. They recently moved into a smaller space and I find myself missing the larger space...but when I am in the mood for book browsing and buying, The Book Den is the first place I go. (I've been going there since they had the company cats Blanche and Beardsley wandering around...it's been a long time.) read more

I can't believe there are only two reviews for this store! Aesthetically, I loved the decor - it looks like your favorite tucked-away specialty book store. The shelves are flushed and books are easy to find, and there seemed to be a fair amount of stuff that I haven't seen in more corporate places. I know the concept of clear book covers isn't new, but I just thought it was cute that they did that. I bought Four Plays by Chekov. Aces! read more

I can't find anything bad to say, hence the five stars. At worst I have a floor person who is not as knowledgable as me. I also worked in a library and my mother did too. The fact most if the people at the Den can out book me is a high compliment. I had a hard to find animation book to replace. This was the place I went. When I shop for books I need to scan a copy, read the book jacket etc. The Den has replaced Borders for me. I can't go wrong patronizing a friendly local business. At one time they even had a house cat. He was at home as much as I was. The days when he would sit at my feet while I was browsing are missed. Speaking of browsing here you will find a book on any topic. Once I caught sight of someone's former collection of books on professional yachting. I purchased a good part of it and became an overnight expert on the America's Cup. This is is the type of store that is The Book Den. They may not have what I was looking for but I never leave empty handed. read more

A great bookstore connects readers with books they'll love. There are two ways to do that: with written recommendation tags on selected books, or with truly great customer service. The Book Den takes the latter approach. On first glance, it's not a particularly extraordinary store: it's got a solid assortment of new and used books, stronger in fiction than non-fiction, so there's no doubt you'll find something interesting to read. But what wowed me was the thoughtful advice of the bookseller, who listened to my description of what I was looking for (something light as a holiday read, but still good enough to be worth reading), and immediately picked out what would have been the PERFECT book if I hadn't already read it. Here was a guy who knew how to match a reader with a book! Add to that a warm, welcoming atmosphere in which you're encouraged to linger, browse and read, and you've got a winning bookstore experience. read more

Great weird little bookstore. Combo of new and used. Was there for vacation for the weekend and bought many books.

This is an excellent used book store and I would have been happy to spend an entire day pursuing the shelves. Which is exactly what I plan to do the next time I'm in Santa Barbara. read more

A great local find with just something for everyone. I found some very cool Alice Waters cookbooks to bring home and had plenty of finds I wanted as well but left behind. The prices were not exactly a bargin on many of the things I picked up, but that's how a bookstore has to compete these days I suppose. read more

I stopped in here on my way through Santa Barbara. Used and new books on the shelves, curated only like a lovely independent bookstore can do. It as busy and lovely and I found the exact book I was looking for, used for $7!! Old school bookshop alive and well in Santa Barbara! read more

One of my favorite things in the world is a book store and this one has a super cute, the employees are super nice, and I've found some really great deals. I'll for sure be going back especially since finding a small owned book store now is super rare. read more

First off, the price range for books at the Book Den vary widely. There were some phenomenal old books that were out of my price range but there were also other books that were reasonably cheap. They've managed to fit an absolute ton of books in a fairly small storefront and the ones I was browsing were in good condition. Managed to get four books for under $25 so I left very happy. If you're downtown and in the market for a book, the Book Den is really the best! As to the helpfulness of the staff, my preference is to browse on my own so I don't have any insight into the one on one expertise of the staff but when I dropped in on Wednesday the bookseller was talking to other customers. When I was ready to buy my books the bookseller was friendly and the interaction was pretty standard for what I would deem as pretty good customer service. read more

every month i swing by the book den and find a new book to fill my life with, I love reading so very much and it makes me so happy to have such an awesome book store right next to where I live. The selection is vast and they have interesting novels! read more

I just went into The Book Den to buy a copy of Infinite Jest. I was a little bummed because I couldn't find a used copy, but I found a new one. I was about to pay for it when the nice guy who worked there told me that they had an extra used copy that they weren't able to sell. Then he gave me that copy for free. It was totally awesome gesture, and I really appreciated it. He may have forfeited a small sale, but from now on, I will always go to The Book Den first, and I will definitely recommend it to my friends. read more

Solid, independent bookstore with an old fashioned feel. It's not a huge place where you'll find everything under the sun, but I've been surprised a few times at what I've found. The helpful staff won't pester you. Not a lot of seating, if I recall, but all-day browsing doesn't seem to be frowned upon. Glad to see they survived the Borders and Barnes Ignoble rise-and-fall, and appear to be still going strong! read more

I love this place. I never get to go to this part of Santa Barbara (nor do I ever really want to...), but the Book Den is supposedly California's Oldest Used Bookstore and I believe it! i came in here when my band was on tour a couple of years ago and I fell in love. I was in a search for some first pressings by Black Sparrow Press and figured I'd look here since BSP is based out of Santa Barbara. I found a whole bunch of authors and titles by them that I had never heard of and I came home with a collection by Harvey Mudd and a first edition of John Steinbeck's "The Winter of our Discontent" for under $20. Dusty, homey, and very authentic. If you don't find what you're looking for, you'll be sure to find something else. read more

The Book Den is probably my favorite book store in Santa Barbara. Even if I don't go in looking for something specific, I always end up with an armful of new finds just because of how excellent their selection of books consistently is. The woman who is usually working there is extremely knowledgable about the inventory, and always willing to help without ever being the least bit pushy. Once we got started on a Leonard Cohen conversation, and it was so lovely to be able to share a common passion with her. I always feel good about spending money at The Book Den, knowing I am helping a Santa Barbara staple to stay open and thriving. read more

What a nice find. We wanted to get books for the long flight home. They have large offering of new and used books including new releases. The employees were nice and the place was clean and organized. read more

I randomly strolled upon this treasure of a book store one day. When I walked in I felt like I was Harry Potter finding that perfect wand. So many books to choose from and aren't the typical find you would see in B&N. I found a wonderful Thai cookbook and a British printed italian cookbook. The tall bookshelves with a wide variety of topics can keep you occupied for many hours. Plus this place has that awesome book smell! ( real book lovers, you know what I'm taking about) read more

I visited here while on a trip to SB, and am so grateful that I did because on of the women working here hand-drew me a map of all the best historical sites to see! Both of the associates were incredibly helpful- able to look up a list of used titles I am in search of on the computer instead of leaving me to search endlessly through books. Left with a couple of great titles and would definitely recommend to anybody who wants to support a sweet local book store! read more

I love locally owned bookstores. I can get lost in them for hours. They feel more like a library than a store. This one is a bit on the small side. Even so, the shelves are filled with titles and authors that could have kept me enthralled for the better part of the day. The prices were reasonable; the second-hand books were in excellent condition. However, I was not a particular fan of the guy helping me. He was only knowledgeable about the history section and brushed me off when I asked questions about the rather large fiction section. Later on, a second gentleman (who I think may have been the owner) arrived. I didn't have the pleasure of talking to him, but I overheard him talking to another customer. He seemed very knowledgeable about the entire shop and focused on making the customer happy. Overall, I would gladly go and whittle away another afternoon there anytime. read more

We just love this quaint little book store! Every time I visit Santa Barbara I drag whoever I'm with into this bookstore and they all love it! They sell hard to find, new and used books as well. read more

Don't look for traditional books. This is a special experience that calls for extended browsing. There are no signs listing by category- you have to ask. The owners have been doing his for 30 years. Bless them it is a candy shop for book lovers no matter the subject. read more

What an amazing store. Finally a local bookstore for everyone. The selection is so much more then I anticipated and the staff is super friendly. You gotta check it out! read more

You're reading this and you're like OMG, you mean he actually reads!? Well as a matter of fact sir, as a matter fact ma'am, as a matter of fact friend, yes I do and sometimes not only the back cover and every once in a while even a book without pictures that doesn't rhyme, so there! On a plane, on the train I will not eat-oh yeah, so the store, a couple blocks from my first spot in SB, I would like to sound all scholarly but actually I walked in and hot pursuit of a fine feline specimen to get a date and walked out with a book and a phone number that's what I call a win-win at the book den, that's Zen! This is a very old store, been around forever and ever and ever, don't make me sound like a broken record, if you want some history and peruse A great selection and a nice quiet atmosphere this is your spot. read more

Love this book store!! So happy with my finds I had to share. The woman working went beyond the call of duty, so grateful! Ended up going home with two hardcover design/art books: "Japanese Design, A Survey Since the 1950s" AND a book from a Vintage Poster Auction, which has tons of small, glossy pictures of what was up for bidding at the time. Both are amazing and contain beautiful images. Excited about using them for my mixed medium paper collages. Thank you so much!!! read more

If I weren't a loyal library patron, I would frequent The Book Den for my reading needs. Despite its size, they've got a great selection of new and used books. The employees are super friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely return if only to support our local businesses! read more

They are apparently "California's Oldest Used-Book Store." Great 'lil bookstore on State St...or around the vicinity of. It doesn't have that musty smell that I've associated with old stuff and real old people. Anyway, that's a good thing. A customer came in and sat his well-behaved, white, polar bear-looking dog in the middle of one of the narrow aisles. I was not bummed about that because it forced me to look at the bookshelf in front of me and I found a couple of Gabriel Garcia Marquez books. A total score! The books are used, but not gross. The worker there was super nice. Just make a cameo here...and you'll find many diamonds in the rough. read more

Very nice to see an actual bookstore. I was in the store for over an hour browsing so this shows how much I loved this bookstore.

I can buy books online, but there's no substitute for a good bookstore. And this is a great bookstore. I'm always seeing titles and subjects that are new to me, and the staff offer helpful recommendations. I always like to support independent companies, and this is perfect: A good selection, with a surprisingly wide range of topics. It's one of my favorites. read more

Too bad I live so far away. I could have just hung out here all day. I love bookstores but this is an exceptionally good one.

Another great used book store in sb. Here and elsewhere in SB, you're likely to stumble upon some cool Black Sparrow titles. I wouldn't go here if I was looking for old books to cut up for collages; these books are for reading. read more

The Book Den is a perfect blend of new, popular and unique books that you otherwise may not have known about, as well as rare old treasures. They also have magazine, Santa Barbara books, and all kinds of special interest books. I love perusing their shelves. And, everyone who works there is happy to help and very knowledgeable. I will be a lifelong patron. read more

The selections are great! They even had a book on bathroom decor and bathroom accessories. Wow!

This is a beautiful, small bookstore with a well-selected collection; the cashiers seem particularly knowledgable and pleasantly chatty. I purchased a vintage origami set, but I'd like to return to peruse their interesting poetry collection. They also sell rare books. There is something very alluring about the exterior--perhaps because it's just very beautiful, how a bookstore should appear. Includes vaguely musty smell and an odd quality about the layout of the interior. read more

I wish I could visit this bookstore; of course, right now I wish I could visit any bookstore, but since I cannot, I order my books online. And that's why I give this store five stars--ordering books online has its risks, as one can be mailed a tatty old thing with a spine barely intact, or worse, a new book poorly wrapped, sent to you in flimsy plastic, which arrives torn, the corners of your new book bent, perhaps the cover scratched. I ordered a new copy of Ethan Mordden's book on the musical Chicago, and it was sent with care--first, it was in a large, secure box, neatly taped at the ends. Inside the box, the book was firmly but gently placed in a protective wrapper, and couldn't have been more appealing. As an added attraction, a sophisticated bookmark with what is probably a store mascot at the top, and a map to the store, should you be fortunately to have the time to spend in Santa Barbara. And--the book arrived quickly! It was a perfect purchase and must reflect the care and general business ethos of those who set such standards. Thank you~! read more

Loved this bookshop. Bigger than it looks from the pictures. Great selection. All the right books. Definitely worth the stop!

I brought my friends here for California Independent Bookstore Day. We loved the atmosphere of the place. I particularly liked the old-time jazz music playing in the background. Their selection for the religion section is really good. It's larger than most places and isn't filled with 90% modern Christian books and a few books on Islam and Buddhism like most other places are. I found rare books on Hinduism, some books on Sikhism (which you hardly ever see, and moreover one was written by one of my favorite professors at UCSB), and the best of all I found a book on Jainism, which you NEVER see. As a religious studies major looking to focus on Jainism, I was naturally excited. I walked up to the counter to find some of my friends conversing with the owner over some classic and modern fiction authors, a good sign. When I put the Jain book in front of the owner to purchase it, she said "Oh, just this morning I couldn't kill a bug." THAT'S WHEN YOU KNOW. The atmosphere, the selection, and the clearly knowledgeable staff makes The Book Den one of my favorite bookstores. read more

This is a fine place to buy books (sad that it's one of two options in the whole of Santa Barbara), it's a pretty space and they have a good selection. Don't go here to sell your used books, though. They give far below what other places would and charge more (so it's not that they're paying you little and passing the savings on to other customers). They offered me so little that I declined and took my books to LA (was going anyway), where I was given more than twice the amount. read more