This book store is so lovely. I felt like Princess Belle while browsing the book filled wooden shelves. The store is bigger than it appears from outside and has a great selection of current and some older books. The Hans Christian Andersen museum is just up the stairs. My daughter and I both loved reading the history and learning that he was the one who wrote many of our favorite classics. I enjoyed this book store so much, I visited & shopped both days of my stay in town. read more

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Disclaimer: I will never NOT love bookstores! That being said, The Book Loft was one of my favorite bookstores on my Memorial Day trip to Solvang. They carry a plethora of unique and rare books, and the bookstore is connected to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, which was a plus! It also has a rich collection of used books! I ended up purchasing 2 used books and two new books! #Scored The Book Loft is a great place for book lovers!!! I will be back the next time I am in town! read more

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What a great stop in Solvang! Lots of old first editions and manuscripts that are beautiful to look at and smell. Old books. Nothing quite like them. Go upstairs and you'll find yourself in the Hans Christian Andersen portion/museum. I played the Ugly Duckling in the school play so it was cool to see and learn more about this part of childhood. The exhibit is a little worn and could use a renovation but absolutely worth a visit. read more

The Book Loft - The walk-up - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

While walking out of the store, a heavy book fell on me. It my head and my shoulder, causing pain. When another patron told the worker at the register about what happened, all she said was, "thank you" even though the other patron explicitly said that I was hit and in pain. The worker was not attentive or any bit apologetic. She didn't even look at me, but kept staring at the register. I understand that it could have been busy, but the least a patron would expect is an apology. Other customers looked at me in shock when it happened, but the worker paid no attention. Please train your workers to acknowledge guests when accidents happen. This was not a great experience. read more

Happened by because we saw that they had board games. There is a great selection of games - whoever is managing the collection is doing a great job. Also love the variety of books, and the helpful suggestions throughout the store for books that might be of interest. Worth stopping by if you're in the area. read more

The Book Loft - Board games for sale - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

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I love visiting independent bookstores and this one did not disappoint! There was a variety of genres and selections to choose from. I didn't have much time to look through every section thoroughly and pick up a new book, but did purchase a tote bag and post card from them! I also discovered some new books that I had never seen before displayed in the store so I was really happy that I took the time to stop inside. There is also a section where they sell board games and puzzles, and there are even items such as bookmarks, stickers, and cards with fun artwork available! read more

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Such a great book store! I thought they might have used books but it was all new. They had a lot of great options, as well as board games. The people there were friendly and helpful, and we had a great time perusing the shelves read more

The Book Loft - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

I stopped by The Book Loft last month during a day trip to Solvang and ended up spending a good half hour browsing. I might have been there longer if I weren't hanging out with a friend who did not share my interest in combing through the entire used book section when we had a limited amount of time in town. This was a lovely bookstore (and I think also a puzzle/game store?) with a broad selection of new books on the first floor and a treasure trove of used books upstairs. I spent most of my time here looking through the cases of used books and walked away with a number of cool finds, all in excellent condition and priced like any other used books: two Ann Beattie first editions, one of them signed, from the '80s; and first editions of Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson and Cities of the Plain by Cormac McCarthy. There was also a tiny Hans Christian Andersen museum upstairs. I peeked in while I was up there and it was pretty cool, a neat piece of Danish literary history that made this indie bookstore feel uniquely Solvang. I loved Book Loft and am very pleased with my haul. I'd recommend this place to anyone with a fondness for books. read more

The staff here just isn't what it used to be. I'd come here after a long day of work and chat it up with one particular lady in the museum for hours! I've been in two times in the last week and she wasn't there. I'm not sure what happened or where she moved onto but I hope she's okay. The book loft museum won't be the same without her! read more

This place is such a treasure. I always pop in here when I am in Solvang and make a point to support the local independent bookstore. I was also very pleased to see that they carried my favorite children's books--Wimmelbooks from Germany. Sort of a modern-day Where's Waldo, featuring a diverse set of characters. Perfect for travel or restaurants. The staff was very friendly and helpful. There's also a great little museum at the top of the shop dedicated to Hans Christen Andersen, so definitely check that out while you are there! read more

One of my favorite stores in the entire valley. Great selection and they can order any book you might want. I've even purchased tarot decks and manga here! Staff is LOVELY, Heather is my favorite read more

This is a cute bookstore that has a Hans Christian Anderson Museum upstairs in their loft. They have a lot of different books really something for anyone. I picked up two little halloween books for my baby nephew for $7.99 each. The store also has used books upstairs. The museum is very small but I had no knowledge of the author other than a few of his books so it was interesting to learn more about him (he wrote ugly duckling and emperors new clothes and lots of other books). The ladies at the counter were very friendly. The best part of this store is that it smelled like a bookstore if you live books you know what I am talking about read more

The Book Loft - Baby Halloween books - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

This is one of my regular stops whenever I'm in Solvang. I just get so nostalgic when I'm inside this bookstore. I feel like a little kid all over again, mainly due to its great collection of Hans Christian Andersen's books . Even though I grew up in Korea I read lot of Andersen's stories when I was a kid so those images stuck with me. I feel safe and secure whenever I see old Danish toys and books. It almost makes me wonder if I was Dane in my past life. There are general books on the first floor and used books and Hans Christian Andersen Museum on the second floor. I usually just go straight upstairs because that's what sets this place apart from other bookstores. I know I can buy lot of these books at a lower price on Amazon or some other online store but I like supporting independent bookstores so I'll usually pick up some Andersen's fairy tales whenever I'm out here. It's nice to see this place has been in business for over 40 years. That's quite an accomplishment given many of the large chain bookstores have gone out of business. This is truly a booklover's bookstore with special focus on Scandinavian culture, children's books, and Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. read more

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This bookstore is best for browsing than actually purchasing since the selection isn't very extensive. The selection ranges from random to classic editions. The space is small yet charming. However, I still prefer Bart's Books in Ojai and Shakespeare & Company in Paris when it comes to charming hidden treasure bookstores. This bookstore leads straight into the Hans Christian Anderson museum. The staff is friendly and will to answer any questions. It's a nice, refreshing change from big bookstores like Barnes & Nobles. read more

The Book Loft - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

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It's a book store, it's a museum, it's a rare and interesting gem. I bought a book for my daughter and they gave her a bookmark, a little coloring book, some stickers and a box of mini colored pencils. Love that personal touch. This is a must-shop spot in Solvang! read more

The Book Loft - Used books available upstairs - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

If you consider yourself a bookworm, you definitely need to stop by and check things out! In a time of digital books and bookstores closing, you'll be hard pressed to find a selection of books such as this place. They have both new and used books. While you're here, be sure to go upstairs and check out the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. read more

The Book Loft - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

We wandered into this bookstore while we were meandering through Solvang a few weeks ago. What a gem! They have a great selection of books and even have some special editions and rare books upstairs. It's not a huge store, but we were impressed. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They were able to point us in the right direction and give us suggestions with books for my nephews, which they loved. Prices are pretty reasonable and it's great to take your time and wander through the aisle to find a new book. The location is great and it's next to a coffee shop, so you can find yourself a new book, grab a cup of coffee, and head over to the park to read in the shade. We're definitely looking forward to coming back here again when we're in the area. read more

This store is great about ordering books they don't have but they have many treasures to be found in the upstairs used section, poetry section, children's section, games, and Scandinavian special-interest sections. read more

I absolutely loved this bookstore. Everyone is extremely friendly and you have a lot of options on books including vintage options. read more

The Book Loft - Second floor view - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

What an amazing bookstore! The signage was very clear and they had great sections related to current events - books about presidents for Presidents' Day and two huge shelves filled with books by Black authors in honor of Black History Month. I appreciated seeing Children's books about gender identity, too! This building is cool because it connects to the Hans Christian Anderson museum, which is upstairs. Cute spot! read more

Solvang is very lucky to have such an amazing bookstore in town. It has a nice selection of both new and used books, including an incredible Scandinavian books section with books in various Scandinavian languages. There are also a number of games for sale including role playing, tabletop, and card games. Make sure you head upstairs to see the whole store. Everyone here is very nice and helpful. I was helped today by someone who was extremely helpful in ordering a Hans Christian Andersen bilingual (Danish/English) book. There is also a Hans Christian Andersen museum upstairs with many different books of his on display. read more

While the store is not very big, they have a huge selection of books which is spread out beyond the building to the coffee shop as well. They have all these releases as well as plenty of local and hard to find books, making this a great spot for an avid reader or a good place to get a fairly priced gift in Solvang. read more

The staff was rude. I won't go back. The store is supposed to close at 6:00. We were kicked out...unpleasantly at 5:55.

It's an adorable bookstore in an adorable town with great hours and a decent selection. They have a generous frequent buyers program where you get a $10 coupon for, I believe, every $100 you spend. The staff is super helpful and will look up or help you find any book you're looking for. They have a lot of specialty travel books and, of course, lots of books on Denmark and neighboring countries. Prices are retail but I would expect that in a store like this. Selection is relatively limited, again, to be expected in a smaller bookstore and they'll order anything you're looking for. read more

Very cozy little book store down town Solvang! Whether you are a tourist, or a local, it is a wonderful spot to have a short break to smell the books, touch the pages, and read a story or two. You can also sense aroma of coffee, because they have a wonderful coffee shop on the grounds. Do not be lazy and go upstairs to check out the Hans Christian Anderson museum. I grew up on his fairy tales, so it was at least curious to find out a bit more about the man who created magic. The museum could have been a bit better organized and staffed. But hey, I'll take what they have to offer! read more

If you are a fan of rude service and staff that dislikes children then by all means spend some time here! We were about to purchase books when we treated very rude and disrespectfully. So obviously we left. I'm disappointed because I was looking forward to supporting a small business. read more

This is a real bookstore. It's a independent bookstore, not part of a huge chain, and it doesn't have a Starbucks inside it. Although it does has a coffee shop right next door. It's not huge, and they won't have every book ever published in stock, however they do have friendly employees and they will help find the book you want if they don't have it in stock. If you are traveling or buying a gift, they will ship it or even gift wrap it for you. Also, there is a cool Hans Christian Andersen museum upstairs. read more

I am a very understanding patron as I have dealt with the public for quite some time in many facets of business on an executive level. I have been to many specialty shops from the most luxurious to the most obscure as well as having the opportunity to explore the world of fine antiquities. That said, I have met some pretty sorted crowds but none as generally arrogant and unbecoming as the staff at The Book Loft. With the exception of a gentleman named Ed, who is very helpful and genuinely kind, I have never been so put off by people you would think have a respect for the attitude that literature and academia are intended to instill. In my four visits I have spent well over $200 in used books, been very respectful and considerate of the merchandise, said please and thank you, yes ma'am/sir, practiced safe social distancing, yet the three different women couldn't be bothered to even consider making eye contact or show anything beyond a blatantly pompous attitude-the woman with the straight blonde hair being the worst offender. Absolutely snide and horribly unbecoming ! If it wasn't for the respectable man Ed, whom unfortunately isn't there but a few days a week, I would never be back. It's a shame that the Hans Christian Andersen museum sits amongst such unwelcoming docents in the most uncomfortable book store I've ever been in. I suspect he would be appalled. I certainly am! read more

Walking through the door, I was struck by the beauty of this bookstore. The physical architecture, general layout, and the selection of books gathered within its walls. For me, just this bookstore alone, was well worth the drive from Oceanside to Solvang. As with all bookstores, I immediately went looking for its poetry section - as a general rule, over the years I've come to realize that a good yard stick to measure the quality of a bookstore (new or used) is the selection of its poetry section, or whether they have a poetry section at all. Again, Book Loft did not disappoint, their selection of poetry was amazing and it is by far one of the best that I've seen in any bookstore new or used. Heading up to the second floor there was a wide range of used books (including another poetry section of just used books, the one on the first floor is all new books). They also had a replica Gutenberg press on display as well as several other early press types. Another great find was the museum dedicated to Hans Christian Anderson. Again there were lots of titles to see and buy as well as a wealth of historical items to check out. My visit to Solvang was short, but I'll be headed back to explore more of this gorgeous little town at some point in the not-to-distant future - the Book Loft will be one of my must see places to visit again. read more

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The Book Loft is a really fine bookstore. New books are on the main level, and used books are upstairs. The used book selection is quite good, and diverse. The prices are on the high end, but the books are in pristine condition, and you probably can't find such a variety anywhere else in the metro-Solvang region. Service was friendly, and they even gave my toddler an Abraham Lincoln mask on a stick. Nice! read more

I wanted to love it. It's an adorable store and I'm all for supporting small businesses. I also understand Covid and the rules that go along with staying open. That being said, this staff is not only unlikeable and beyond pretentious, but I wish they'd focus on selling the books instead of acting like complete MASKHOLES that follow you around like psychopaths bugging you to raise your mask that's ALREADY above your nose. Total shame. read more

WOW- gem! Right next to a wonderful little coffee shop- so you can get some reading and some coffee! Upstairs is the Hans Christian Andersen musuem and it pops you into a wonderful selection of used books on all topics! C Well organized and loved the selection of Travel and maps down by the main register- fun t=shirts and lots of great gifts and unique titles. The used book prices are a tad higher than you may find elsewhere but the books here are pristine, unique and gift worthy- within a few glances I found a wonderful Historic Airplane book with photos and not oversized- tho they have those also! Go and enjoy- best place to buy some real great gifts! read more

On our first family vacation during the pandemic we made bookstores our theme. We found an independent bookstore at each town we stopped at and everyone got to pick 2 books. Solvang wasn't on the itinerary but we decided to stop by to support the little town. It was a Wednesday, but the town was packed with tourists, so I guess they didn't really need our help! This pandemic paranoid mom was relieved to see this store was not crowded, there were reminders to stay masked and distanced, had separate entrance and exits, etc. They have a really impressive selection of books, games, reading paraphernalia, etc packed into a relatively small space. They have those cute little notecards with staff recommendations/book descriptions that helped both my 11year old and me find just the right vacation read. The staff were friendly but not hovering, and helped us locate books. There's even a used books section upstairs (ie, the book "loft"). Just the kind of small, independent bookstore we love to support. :) read more

A book lover's bookstore. Three generations of my family found something they liked here. It's a fantastic (non-chain) bookstore with a great selection, bookshelves crowded with things you want to read. My daughter was fascinated by the scale model Gutenberg printing press on display. The bookstore also contains a small Hans Christian Andersen museum upstairs with versions of his books on display and information about and photos of the author and his life. There is a coffee shop right next to the bookstore with pleasant seating in the courtyard of the museum and bookstore. It's a nice place to spend some time writing postcards or reading something you purchased. I could have spent the day just in this one small part of Solvang. read more

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Great independent bookstore in Solvang. We stop whenever we are in town and always find something wonderful. Nicely set up for covid on a busy Sunday! read more

This is one of my favorite bookstores and I always make a point to visit when I'm in the area. They carry a large and interesting selection of books for everyone. I especially like their children's books section and have found some cool kids' puzzles. It's tough for small businesses, let alone bookstores, so come support! read more

This bookstore is a treasure and worth the trip to Solvang! A great selection of hardbacks mixed with soft cover books throughout the store, reasonably priced for the quality and rarities. It includes entire bookcases for Denmark, Sweden, Norway and even Vikings (with multiple translations of Beowulf). The staff are friendly helpful and love books as much as you do! Be sure to go upstairs and find high quality used books as well as an excellent museum on Hans Christian Andersen. You'll be glad you did. read more

The Book Loft - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

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We stopped in the town to site-see with our two young children after a wedding near by. It was 107 degrees that weekend. The staff saw me trying to wipe my sons face of ice cream with our one water bottle and no napkins. They immediately came out and offered me paper towels. Very kind people which had not been our experience in the area before that. The book store was cute and we checked out the museum. Purchased a few items and happy with them. We will be back. read more

Awesome little book store in downtown Solvang among the many other stores. It's a quiet little duck away from the hustle of the touristy parts of the downtown to grab and book and magazine with a coffee from their adjacent coffee shop. Tons of options for books and organized very accesible. The games were also awesome and a few I had not heard of! It's located right below the Hans Christian Anderson museum. Great place with lots of charm! read more

I really like this little book store. Many times while camping up in the Santa Ynez valley I would leave camp and take a trip over to the Book Loft to buy a book. There used to be a cool little shop like this not too far from where I grew up but since the arrival of Barnes and Noble and Borders places like these do not seem to exist much anymore. The people who work here are all avid readers. When I go to places like Barnes and Noble and I have a question about a book they have to look it up in a computer before they can even show me where it is. At the Loft when I ask about a book or author they usually know exactly what I'm talking about and will walk me over to where the book is. A lot of times they even strike up a conversation about the book you're buying or what other books you're into. Don't get me wrong, I still shop at Barnes and Noble and Borders but the customer service at small shops like this blow the big chain stores out of the water. Of course there selection is not as big as a chain store but they do have an amazing array of children's books. They also have a great little coffee shop with a huge magazine section. Obviously you will pay a little more for a book here but the service you get makes up for the extra few dollars. They also have a small Han's Christian Anderson Museum Upstairs that is worth a look. If you ever if the area stop by the Book Loft and pick up a book. Not only are you making yourself smarter by reading you're also supporting a local business. read more