This has been my favorite used bookstore for years, even at a time when bookstores, esp used, are…read moredisappearing. Great prices, incredible selection, knowledgeable staff. There are often local young folk sitting in the aisles reading. The books are well curated with great selection of quality literature in each genre. The usual used bookstore dreck is delightfully absent. I was very happy with the Science Fiction and Fantasy section. Last time we were in (looking to reread the Harry Potter series), the charming salesperson told us that the store was built and opened by her grandparents. I know Red Bluff is well off the highway, but Book Barn is well worth the trip.

I went in to see if the store had any kind of books related to video games seeing as that it's a…read more"used" bookstore, and I've been into many used bookstores that sold those kind of books. So I went in, asked if they had books related to games, and this employee started to say (and in a very forceful and rude tone by the way)... "we don't carry those, you NEED to go to GameStop". And then he started to stare me down as if he was trying to start a fight. However, I remained a good sport, and I simply replied with "I was kinda looking for older ones". And before I could finish my sentence, this employee interrupted me and said "GO online", in that same rude and forceful tone. I don't know if book barn is a good store for books, but I won't be going back. And I'll also tell the people in my area about that rude employee. If book barn wishes to stay in business, they have two choices. Either that employee needs to get an attitude adjustment, or he needs to be let go. Cause I can guarantee that that store wont get as many customers with that employee working there.

What a great little Christian book store. They do special orders and have a great selection of…read moreKerusso shirts and an excellent section for children's books. Many other things besides books. Easy to find, right across from the post office in town. Prices are very reasonable. Great family owned business. I would highly recommend.

This place is amazing. Literal floor to ceiling bookshelves, large space, diverse selection (tons…read moreof mystery and thriller books, but not exclusively; I was able to find two Louis de Bernières novels I've never seen in the wild), affordable prices. Even more refreshing, Cal's has a progressive, queer-friendly vibe--something of a rarity in Redding these days. Some used bookstores really blow your mind. Cal's is one of them. The shop has served the Redding area since 1974! The power of the used bookstore, my friends. Incredible. There need to be more spaces like this--open, welcoming, somewhere to expand your mind. It's especially important these days. And most especially in places like Redding. Give Cal's all your money!!

I'm not sure what the point is of having a store if you're never available during your own posted…read morebusiness hours. Cal's is a 25-minute drive for me, and after multiple times driving over during their posted business hours only to find a "Closed for lunch, back at 3" type of sign on the door at 1:00 or 1:30, I will not be trying anymore. Cal's posted business hours are from 10:00am to 5:00pm. 7 hours that they are posted as being open to the public. Nonetheless, they apparently take half or more of those afternoon hours off for a lunch break every day. Not only have I been unable to go inside during their business hours, but I cannot even get through on the phone to find out when (or if) they plan to actually be there. Phone calls during business hours just go to voicemail. It's a shame that the oldest bookstore in the area with the largest, and possibly best selection of books, doesn't appear to be owned by someone who wants to actually work the store. I've been so excited each time to go in, but so far, it's been nothing but a waste of gas and time with each attempt ending in disappointment. How they're financially keeping their doors open at this point is beyond me. They're never available for anyone to buy anything! I've since learned I'm not the only one who has experienced this lately, nor am I the only one who is feeling frustrated by the owner's lack of professionalism. They appear to not even open on some posted business days, and take long, random lunch breaks on others. There have been other cars sitting there for who knows how long, waiting on them to return when I have tried going. Others, like me, see the sign that they are closed for some hours, and leave looking disappointed. I will continue to give the other local bookstores my business, but I will not be wasting any more time or gas driving out to Cal's. Cal's - please update your posted business hours to save people their gas and time of driving over when you have no intention of being there. Either that or maybe just be there when you are advertised as being open.

Favorite bookstore in town!! Anytime someone comes to visit my silly little college town I take…read morethem here. They have a diverse range of books and I am sometimes able to find more niche titles too! Also, the workers are very friendly & fun to chat with so that's a plus :D

Such a neat store! love the amount of different topics and cultures all funneled into one store…read more especially love the neat aesthetic of the place! 10/10!

Time for an update--I'm fairly certain the old dude featured in my 2012 review of B&N is deader…read morethan fried chicken, and B&N has long since moved into a new, much larger space. The new space is cool, I guess, but let's get real: B&N is no longer a bookstore, strictly speaking. It makes most of its money on its cafe, and when it obtained this much larger space it didn't expand the book and magazine selections. It expended the toy, puzzle, board game, LP record, stationary, and other sections. It's practically a leisure-time general store now. The LP selection isn't half-bad, but I suspect it's all digital-to-analog crap. At least they still sell books and magazines, though even there it's changed. Surprise, surprise, the religion section (focused on evangelical Christianity) is huge. Looking for a book on the historical Jesus? You'll find the most popular, unscholarly examples here--likely at least one by a local author! On the other hand, if you're looking for a book by well-regarded California author TC Boyle, you'll currently find a single volume of one of his least-regarded novels ("East is East") on the shelves. A decade ago they'd have had 10 of his books to choose from. Still a pretty good spot to kill a couple of hours, except when they're having storybook readings to kids in the cafe on Saturday mornings. It gets LOUD.

Loved my experience here! Definitely recommend looking around because you'll definitely find…read moresomething! Plus everyone has such a sweet and kind heart there.

First off, I love this place. The owner, Lisa, was welcoming, extremely knowledgeable, and…read moreconsiderately helpful. I came there looking for a particular book on CD for a friend and left with John Meachem book on John Lewis, for me. I cannot wait to go back. Thank you Lisa.

Lots of books. Played back atmosphere. Cut dogs too. I'm sure they have what you need but it could…read moretake some time to find.

Love this bookstore. Wonderful selection and great prices. Knowledgeable staff…read more And I love the way they promote local craftspeople and authors.

The owners are extremely helpful. They are knowledgeable about books and authors. I highly…read morerecommend ABC Books to everyone who reads a lot. Their prices are very reasonable.

Shop Around the Corner Books exudes charm with its cozy ambiance and carefully curated selection…read more The personalized recommendations from the knowledgeable owner, Amber, make every visit a delightful literary adventure. It's a haven for book lovers seeking unique finds and a welcoming community atmosphere. We love this place!

Amber (the owner) truly loves books and helping other book-lovers find the books they're after. Her…read morestore is so lovely and welcoming, you'll want to stay beyond what you've originally come in for, just to thumb through her selection. She has something for every reader~ If you can't find what you're looking for, she is happy to order for you and will keep in contact until your order arrives. She is so friendly and genuine...a real treasure in our small downtown area. Before you shop the chain stores, please consider supporting a person who pours their heart into what she loves and into what we value as book-lovers. N.B. The books I have ordered through her were the same as other stores and online pricing. I choose to buy local as an act of support to this wonderfully deserving book seller.