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!

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.

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!

This store has everything. The staff is very helpful, but make sure you come in there with plenty…read moreof time to browse. They also take special orders so when we have a book club meeting I order my books from here... Every neighborhood should have a good bookstore... And this is ours

This is my favorite bookstore to purchase my books. I also have brought books in to get credit to…read morebe able to buy more books. I was in there last Friday and purchased about 25 books. I figured that would keep me busy until I could get back to this area. After I purchased the books I got back to my home here and realized that I have already read 12 of the books I just got. I am hoping that they will let me do a close to even exchange for ones I haven't read. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will and this bookstore will be a 6 star shop in my book. lol! I was told I have to wait until Monday

If you're ever in Ojai, make sure to stop by Bart's Books, it's one of the town's many charming…read morespots and absolutely worth a visit. This unique bookstore is set in a former family home that's been thoughtfully converted into a literary haven. Each room has its own character: the kitchen is dedicated to cookbooks, while the formal dining room displays collectible titles that can only be viewed from outside. The living room features an inviting mix of bookshelves filled with a wide variety of reads. Outside, you'll find rows and rows of books lining shelves beneath awnings, creating an open-air browsing experience that's both unusual and delightful. I was curious how they manage the setup during rainy weather, and was told that because of the valley's conditions, rain tends to fall straight down and doesn't impact the books under the awnings. There are so many hidden gems here and you could easily spend hours exploring. They offer a combination of new and used books ranging from a dollar on up. Parking is convenient, with several public lots nearby as well as street parking available

Bart's Books is such a beautiful and unique stop, the world's largest outdoor bookstore, serving…read morethe area since 1964. The open-air setting feels peaceful and inspiring, with so many cozy corners to sit and read while surrounded by plants and shelves filled with both new and used books. A truly beautiful bookstore! The prices were great, and the staff, true book lovers, were incredibly helpful with recommendations. With a huge collection of over 130,000 books, it's easy to spend hours wandering and discovering. It's overwhelming for some. I immediately asked for help and was happily guided to two different areas with books I expressed interest in reading. Definitely worth a stop if you're in town, a serene, special place that feels timeless. They buy or trade books Mon-Fri (10-6), usually up to four boxes a week. You can get a same-day offer or next-day evaluation, and large/rare collections may need an appointment. A great way to pass books on for others to enjoy.

A small but mighty bookstore. After years of driving by this spot, what finally brought me in was…read moreseeing them on social media. I stumbled upon a post they did which was in solidarity with a group of people and seeing that our values were aligned I knew this was a local small business that I needed to be supporting from here on out. I came midweek to shop and look around, and I had a great experience. It's a smaller bookstore, but they did have a lot to choose from! I was especially happy to see that they keep up with new and trending authors/books that come out. But of course, they also had a broad selection of every type of book you could think of. Being a smaller independent bookstore they don't have mass quantity though so if you find a book you like you should grab it because they only have a copy or two of each. I found that the pricing was comparable to anywhere else but again when you shop here you're supporting local small businesses so even if it was a little pricier, it would be worth it to me. They had a cute child's/kids section in the back so it would definitely be a great place to bring your little one to look around or read a story. The vibes are welcoming, but I also appreciate when staff leave you to look around without standing over your shoulder. The gal working behind the register was super nice and checked me out with quickness, that I was in and out without issue. Nice people work here, they have a decent selection and overall it was a cute little shop that I will be back to support again soon.

When so many bookstores are shutting their doors, The BOOKWORM is thriving!! It's easy to see why,…read moreIt's a warm, welcoming environment, plenty of parking and a LONG history with the community. So many books - special orders on request. Planned future events :Ask the Expert - Book Clubs Edition with award-winning author Raven West on the new community radio station Camaradio 101.3FM

I want to thank Rachel at the Ventura CA/Ventura Gateway store for helping me with an in-store pick…read moreup order I made online. She was able to go above and beyond in helping me 10 minutes prior to the bookstore closes. Took care of my special order request very professionally which that made my day. I am very grateful for people like her.

GETTING HERE: Barnes & Noble is located really close to the 101 freeway in Ventura. You can access…read moreit from several directions as it's at Main and Telephone Roads. You can look for the Michaels and Sprouts and you'll be a hop, skip, and a jump from all the boooks! REVIEW: Bumping up to 4 starts because for the years and years I have been coming to BN, even before shut down, they are always fully stocked with books and other items. I love it here! I can easily spend 2 hours here perusing the aisles of all the goodness BN carries. (I just recently came for some Harry Potter merch and a planner for next year.) Service is not what it was once was, sadly. But I am old so I remember the good ole' days with fondness. Today, it's basic enough. Thankfully, one doesn't get screamed at across the store of "Welcome!" as it happens in other businesses. Most employees I saw were behind the registers when I was looking around. I did see one employee on the floor, but she was laser focused on something. Prices are on the higher side, thanks to the current state of the economy. However, I feel that the books and other items are of good enough quality to somewhat warrant the $. Be sure to check out upstairs. Also, just a thought, grab a snack or one of the Starb cookies on your way out. It's OK. It's good. It's books. It's BN. :)

I didn't visit for anything in particular but was very impressed with the curated variety of…read moremerchandise. In terms of their stationery, which is what I'd be most interested in, they have a very small selection of Japanese stationery, Field Notes, and Rifle Paper, among other small journals and other items. I felt like it was the perfect store to come in and find a last minute (or not so last minute if you're good about that type of thing) gift. Customer service was friendly, and helpful. If I lived in the area I'd definitely be back.

I am not sure how I missed this jewel of a gift store on my many visits to Ventura and Main Street…read morein particular. Where do I start. They have such interesting merchandise including an assortment of unique gift cards, maps, pictures, stylish hats, scarves, and rare books to name just a percentage of what they have to offer. The sales associate was very friendly and helpful. He even tried on a hat I wanted to buy my husband and was concerned about the size. He let me know they take returns within 30 days with the receipt and original tagging. Fortunately it fit! This amazing shop is on Main Street which is closed to through traffic. There is free publick parking just down the street at the Museam of Ventura County. It is also in a great location for other speacialty stores and eateries.

How do you not recommend a business that has been a staple in the community longer than I've lived…read morehere? Growing up, music was my life. All my money was spent on vinyl and concert tickets. That's what I lived for. Salzer's always was THE place and it still is. They are the only one to survive. Every other record store is long gone. A distant memory. You don't last as long as they have unless you're doing something right. They do it right. Top to bottom. Any time family or friends would come to town, they always wanted to go to Salazar's. I've spent countless hours flipping through all their albums. If you had the time, you could find some gems. Always more than helpful. Knowledge that's unmatched. I still love going in that store and every time I do.....it brings back memories of another lifetime.

This Record store is a great place to find vinyls. Kind Employees and a great selection of records…read moredefinitely recommend

Awesome used bookstore. Ranges from $0.50 to $8 (of the ones I've seen). Most are $3-5. $3 for…read morepaperback and $4 for hard cover. Some are as marked on the sticker. Bf really liked this place as he found several books he's interested in. Takes cash, Venmo or PayPal.

What a great bookstore! Great selection, great service, terrific value! This is a used book store…read morerun by an all volunteer staff of book lovers. The books are donated by patrons and community members. Twice Sold Tales is run by the Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation. All proceeds go to support the 3 public libraries in the Ojai Valley. I felt happy knowing I could buy books for incredibly low prices and know I was supporting a cause I believe in. You'll be so glad you went!