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What an epic outdoor bookstore. So many books to choose from look at browse through. Great tunes in the background, very chill, relaxed vibe. Highly encourage if you like books and the vintage vibe where you can explore for hours on end.
Just as cute as everyone's says it is! Workers were so nice to direct us where we were looking. It was a hot day and there's only a/c on the inside parts, so outside could get pretty warm while looking for books. Pretty fairly priced! Mostly used books which works for us. Can be a little hard to find what genres you're looking for (keep a good eye out) but worker are helpful. Saw a bridal party taking pics - what a great idea for a bachelorette day! Parking is mostly residential, not lot that I know of! but pretty ample parking.
Bart's Books is a one of kind bookstore in Ojai. This spot is huge with shelves of books lined up indoors and outdoors. They also have a great diversity of book genres and sell both new and used books. Everything is neatly organized and prices are really fair and affordable too. If you are ever in the Ojai area, this place is one of the ones you do not one to miss out on! One of my favorite bookstores I have ever been to!
I am someone who constantly gives 5 star reviews. I will only give 1 star if a place is torturing animals or gives me the worst possible experience possible (which thankfully is rare). I want to give 3 stars in good faith to Bart's Books but I couldn't help but to notice when my husband and I were approached and HOW we were approached. Let me explain: We walked in and headed towards the right back to take a look at books. Immediately, an employee (maybe the owner)? with a black cap on approached us and said in a stern voice, "Do you need any help?" When we both answered "No, thank you!" The employee/owner continued to stand there and followed up with, "Are you looking for anything in particular?" To which we both replied "No." Then we were left alone. What I noticed is I was the only Black person inside this entire shop and my husband is a POC, Indigenous. So it felt very off putting. Especially considering there was a man right next to us who wasn't asked a question! That same man turned around to look at this employee/owner when we were approached, then realized he wasn't the one being approached and turned back around to look at books. There was also another couple on our lefthand side/bookshelf over and this employee/owner walked right by them and didn't ask them the same line of questions. They were white AND they entered behind us. We weren't even in the shop for a solid minute before we were abruptly approached. I didn't even get to pick up the book I wanted to look at when we were approached. What adds to it: The employee/owner with the black cap on walked away as soon as we walked up the register to purchase. The other employee stayed put and was polite. Offered to bag my items for me and wished us a good day. Now, listen. I have gone through my fair share of racism, racial profiling, etc. And considering the world we are living in right now, moments like these feel more intense and hurtful. Moments like these NEED to be talked about. We live in a world that can be very cruel, dark and full of racism. With all that being said, I still want to hold on to hope. I hope that this was not the employee/owner's intentions. However, intent isn't the same as impact. Just because you don't "intend" for something to feel or be that way doesn't mean it isn't. This interaction left us both feeling uneasy, especially when we noticed it wasn't happening to anyone else. It almost made me leave, but I wanted to get books! I noticed someone left a review on here explaining something eerily similar to what we experienced and they too named the same employee/owner. To know my husband and I weren't the only ones to feel this way and to be treated this way is ALARMING. Again, I want to hold out hope. But this doesn't look great for Bart's Books. I was SO excited to come here all the way from Los Angeles, get some great books, have a great experience and support a small business. I at least left with two of the three. I can only hope this review can encourage them to do better, treat everyone equally and with kindness! On to notes about the space/business: - Very cute and charming - Peaceful - Organized - So cool to be "inside" and outdoor bookshop - They have a few rooms that do have AC/fans - Seating and reading nooks - They do not allow pets - They do not have a bathroom - They offer events with authors - They buy books - Fair pricing
Despite growing up in the area, I had never been here until recently! This place is amazing for book lovers and instagram influencers! It's got a super unique atmosphere that makes it picture perfect, but even more so their book selection is extensive and incredible! Had the pleasure of spending the afternoon here and it was the perfect atmosphere. The employees are very welcoming and friendly, and prices were reasonable! Can't wait to come back and support local!
Definitely a must see if in Ojai with friends and family. It's a very unique shop to experience. So many old books on every topic. It beats Barnes and Noble any day. It was neat to see people just taking a moment to sit down and read a few pages out of a book. Such a rarity these days.
If you're ever in Ojai, make sure to stop by Bart's Books, it's one of the town's many charming spots 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 the 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.
Bart's Books is always the first destination when my family and I come to Ojai, and it never disappoints. Even if you don't have a particular book in mind, it's relaxing to walk around and see what you can find :) The staff are friendly, and I like that you can donate books with the option of receiving store credit in turn if they're selected. Pricing wise, it's very affordable, and you can easily walk out with a good haul of books under $30. Anyone who is considering visiting Ojai should definitely include this in their itinerary!
The perfect place for book lovers. A visit to Ojai isn't complete without dropping in here. It was our last stop on a rainy Saturday. I've always been a fan of the vibes here. You feel like you're in a magical place the moment you enter. I love that even when it happens to be raining, their goodies stay dry. There's so much to see and discover. As many times as I've been here, I still discover random corners. If you're in the mood to chill and do some reading, they do have some benches and some chairs so you can peruse before purchasing.
This is a wonderland full of books! A really nice open, airy atmosphere with tables, chairs and benches to sit back, relax, kick up your feet and immerse yourself into another world. There are a lot of off shoots with labeled areas of specialties. Very helpful employees. Street parking as it's tucked on the corner in a residential area. Good pricing too. It was enjoyable to sit and enjoy.
This is a really cool bookstore in Ojai. It's just books, books, and more books. Some books look old, and some are very, very new. It is a great place for book lovers to gather and look for a book to buy and read.
You could get lost in a house full of BOOKS, this place will be your entry in!! One of the must visit if you're in Ojai galavanting. New and vintage selections are found here and there is a corner book you can hide in to immerse yourself for a bit. And if you're a pottery lover, the have a fix for your crave here as well. Books are cheap and At price value all found here. So you could be frugal or go all out. Good value here indeed. Don't forget to stop by to find this gem for all bookworms out there. Ojai is calling you.
I absolutely loved this place. It's a charming treasure of a store! It was a little hot but there was also an air conditioned room where we were able to have some respite. We were in the area last Labor Day and I couldn't recommend this shop more. We brought our pet guinea pig in a carrier and no one was mean about that. We parked in the street close by. We browsed their extensive book collection. We bought a magnet and a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers. The $6 sunflowers were in a bucket in the shop from a local farm and I paid for them using a QR code. read more
1 month ago
Cute indoor/outdoor bookstore where you can find some seats that are scattered to have a moment to sit and look through some books before purchasing them. I love the nature aspect of this little gem with all the plants throughout the space and having the fresh air and sunlight come through the roofless areas. read more
This used bookstore is enormous, laid out with open-air shelving under corrugated plastic roofing. It was fun to wander through the maze of shelves. A smaller enclosure filled with more books sits in the center of the bookstore, but most of the store is open-air. This is cool unless you are there on a 100 degree day as I was. After about 15 minutes I was drenched in sweat and miserably hot. The different sections are tagged with small labels on the bookshelves so it takes some time to figure out where different genres are located. I found it quicker just to ask someone at the register. I didn't spend as much time here as I would have liked, but I did find a couple of books. Prices are reasonable. read more
7 days ago
What an epic outdoor bookstore. So many books to choose from look at browse through. Great tunes in the background, very chill, relaxed vibe. Highly encourage if you like books and the vintage vibe where you can explore for hours on end. read more
Just as cute as everyone's says it is! Workers were so nice to direct us where we were looking. It was a hot day and there's only a/c on the inside parts, so outside could get pretty warm while looking for books. Pretty fairly priced! Mostly used books which works for us. Can be a little hard to find what genres you're looking for (keep a good eye out) but worker are helpful. Saw a bridal party taking pics - what a great idea for a bachelorette day! Parking is mostly residential, not lot that I know of! but pretty ample parking. read more
Bart's Books is a one of kind bookstore in Ojai. This spot is huge with shelves of books lined up indoors and outdoors. They also have a great diversity of book genres and sell both new and used books. Everything is neatly organized and prices are really fair and affordable too. If you are ever in the Ojai area, this place is one of the ones you do not one to miss out on! One of my favorite bookstores I have ever been to! read more
2 months ago
I am someone who constantly gives 5 star reviews. I will only give 1 star if a place is torturing animals or gives me the worst possible experience possible (which thankfully is rare). I want to give 3 stars in good faith to Bart's Books but I couldn't help but to notice when my husband and I were approached and HOW we were approached. Let me explain: We walked in and headed towards the right back to take a look at books. Immediately, an employee (maybe the owner)? with a black cap on approached us and said in a stern voice, "Do you need any help?" When we both answered "No, thank you!" The employee/owner continued to stand there and followed up with, "Are you looking for anything in particular?" To which we both replied "No." Then we were left alone. What I noticed is I was the only Black person inside this entire shop and my husband is a POC, Indigenous. So it felt very off putting. Especially considering there was a man right next to us who wasn't asked a question! That same man turned around to look at this employee/owner when we were approached, then realized he wasn't the one being approached and turned back around to look at books. There was also another couple on our lefthand side/bookshelf over and this employee/owner walked right by them and didn't ask them the same line of questions. They were white AND they entered behind us. We weren't even in the shop for a solid minute before we were abruptly approached. I didn't even get to pick up the book I wanted to look at when we were approached. What adds to it: The employee/owner with the black cap on walked away as soon as we walked up the register to purchase. The other employee stayed put and was polite. Offered to bag my items for me and wished us a good day. Now, listen. I have gone through my fair share of racism, racial profiling, etc. And considering the world we are living in right now, moments like these feel more intense and hurtful. Moments like these NEED to be talked about. We live in a world that can be very cruel, dark and full of racism. With all that being said, I still want to hold on to hope. I hope that this was not the employee/owner's intentions. However, intent isn't the same as impact. Just because you don't "intend" for something to feel or be that way doesn't mean it isn't. This interaction left us both feeling uneasy, especially when we noticed it wasn't happening to anyone else. It almost made me leave, but I wanted to get books! I noticed someone left a review on here explaining something eerily similar to what we experienced and they too named the same employee/owner. To know my husband and I weren't the only ones to feel this way and to be treated this way is ALARMING. Again, I want to hold out hope. But this doesn't look great for Bart's Books. I was SO excited to come here all the way from Los Angeles, get some great books, have a great experience and support a small business. I at least left with two of the three. I can only hope this review can encourage them to do better, treat everyone equally and with kindness! On to notes about the space/business: - Very cute and charming - Peaceful - Organized - So cool to be "inside" and outdoor bookshop - They have a few rooms that do have AC/fans - Seating and reading nooks - They do not allow pets - They do not have a bathroom - They offer events with authors - They buy books - Fair pricing read more
Despite growing up in the area, I had never been here until recently! This place is amazing for book lovers and instagram influencers! It's got a super unique atmosphere that makes it picture perfect, but even more so their book selection is extensive and incredible! Had the pleasure of spending the afternoon here and it was the perfect atmosphere. The employees are very welcoming and friendly, and prices were reasonable! Can't wait to come back and support local! read more
Definitely a must see if in Ojai with friends and family. It's a very unique shop to experience. So many old books on every topic. It beats Barnes and Noble any day. It was neat to see people just taking a moment to sit down and read a few pages out of a book. Such a rarity these days. read more
If you're ever in Ojai, make sure to stop by Bart's Books, it's one of the town's many charming spots 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 read more
8 months ago
Bart's Books is such a beautiful and unique stop, the world's largest outdoor bookstore, serving the 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. read more
2 months ago
Bart's Books is always the first destination when my family and I come to Ojai, and it never disappoints. Even if you don't have a particular book in mind, it's relaxing to walk around and see what you can find :) The staff are friendly, and I like that you can donate books with the option of receiving store credit in turn if they're selected. Pricing wise, it's very affordable, and you can easily walk out with a good haul of books under $30. Anyone who is considering visiting Ojai should definitely include this in their itinerary! read more
The perfect place for book lovers. A visit to Ojai isn't complete without dropping in here. It was our last stop on a rainy Saturday. I've always been a fan of the vibes here. You feel like you're in a magical place the moment you enter. I love that even when it happens to be raining, their goodies stay dry. There's so much to see and discover. As many times as I've been here, I still discover random corners. If you're in the mood to chill and do some reading, they do have some benches and some chairs so you can peruse before purchasing. read more
This is a wonderland full of books! A really nice open, airy atmosphere with tables, chairs and benches to sit back, relax, kick up your feet and immerse yourself into another world. There are a lot of off shoots with labeled areas of specialties. Very helpful employees. Street parking as it's tucked on the corner in a residential area. Good pricing too. It was enjoyable to sit and enjoy. read more
You could get lost in a house full of BOOKS, this place will be your entry in!! One of the must visit if you're in Ojai galavanting. New and vintage selections are found here and there is a corner book you can hide in to immerse yourself for a bit. And if you're a pottery lover, the have a fix for your crave here as well. Books are cheap and At price value all found here. So you could be frugal or go all out. Good value here indeed. Don't forget to stop by to find this gem for all bookworms out there. Ojai is calling you. read more
10 months ago
Okay so I was slightly underwhelmed by Bart's but I do think that's the fault of listening to people online rave about this place. Bart's is a used book store that's unique for its decor and exterior arrangement. I don't think the prices are especially good or competitive and I think people come here mainly for tourism as opposed to actual book purchasing. I did buy 2 books here (nonfiction historical and science fiction). They sell branded bookmarks if you're really into collecting such an item from what feels more like a tourist spot than a bookstore. Employees kept to themselves at the register and don't circulate so you need to read the slightly out of the way signage detailing what genre section you're in. Overall, cute to see once on vacation, but not something that I would return for. read more
2 months ago
It was such a lovely bookstore, many books to choose from and all the simple outdoor decoration was very beautiful. It was just a bit off putting bc we saw an employee tell a group of girls they couldn't take pictures anymore & if they wanted to schedule a photo shoot they should do so. I thought it was a bit odd since the girls were not bothering anyone and they were there for a bit & being quiet. It wasn't even busy at all so just a bit odd. If they don't want people to take pictures they should have signs to say so. Plus bc of all those pictures I'm sure they've received many new customers. Beautiful library but maybe they should have set rules if it's such a bother to have people take pictures. read more
If you're heading to Ojai, Bart's should definitely be on your list of must-visit spots. Bart's is a bookstore that is entirely outdoors. The sheer size and volume of the place is enough of an attraction on it's own and then the fact that it's built into the natural landscape makes it even more interesting. I could've spent hours in here perusing. Although the place seems to feature a mixture of used and new books, it's actually pretty well organized. Genres are marked throughout the store but staff is also available to help point you in the right direction. There's also spots to sit down and read which is such a welcome sight since some bookstores don't always offer this. They had a huge selection across a variety of genres so you could probably find a bit of everything in here. I would say the prices were also pretty reasonable too, especially since some books looked like they could probably be collectors items. I'd definitely return! read more
4 months ago
I could spend hours exploring this bookstore! Bart's is one of the most unique bookstores I've ever visited. Both open air and indoors, you'll find a variety of books from travel to sci-fi, California, plants, romance, literature, poetry, kids books, and more. They sell mostly used but there are some new books as well. Free street parking. read more
1 year ago
Once upon a time, an incredible Yelp-worthy find! This is THE destination for book lovers and readers alike. This is a converted house with most of the book shelves outdoors and covered. There were wonderful book nooks throughout to get yourself cozy and lost in a book. The vibe here is lovely! Be prepared to spend some time. This is one of the best book stores I have ever haunted. The end. read more
11 months ago
This place was recommended and didn't disappoint. Read its history on its website. It is like a maze and contained so many books at a discount. I ended up buying a classic yoga book (brand new) for a great price. Is it worth a visit when in Ojai- if you have the time this place is unique and obviously can only be found in Ojai so if you like unique experiences, history, and a bibliophile, can't miss this place when visiting Ojai, it is walking distance from the center of town so you can just park in one spot and walk everywhere. read more
What a fun bookstore! The main house has the new books and the mostly covered yard has the (mostly) used books. I found a few books in the labyrinth of shelves, there is something for everyone! Since it is outdoors, I suggest going on a day that's not too hot, it can get a little stifling. The staff was nice and I appreciated when they asked a person with a dog to leave. (Signage at the entry says no pet dogs) . A fun experience that I would love to experience again! read more
22 days ago
2 months ago
Business owner information
bart b.
We absolutely allow service animals, if you had verbally identified…
9 months ago
Gorgeous, very photogenic location. I'm usually not into visiting places solely for the Instagram-able nature of them, but as a reviewer I'd say that's most of what this is. That's not to say they don't have a robust book collection. But I did find it a bit hard to find something I must buy as the store lacked much curation. The staff did seem friendly, though when I asked for a "favorite," the clerk said "I pretty much read broadly these days. A bit of everything." I wish he took the cue to sell me on something, as I'm a sucker for adding an extra few titles to my collection whenever I can. Go here, take some pictures, don't expect to find your next "must read." For the store: maybe start selling some stickers, post cards, bookmarks, or merch, or make it more inviting for folks to sit around and hang. We want you to succeed! read more
The Bart's Books is a popular tourist attraction, a must-see for visitors to Ojai, and the world's biggest outdoor bookstore. I like the massive collections and variety of books here, you can always find something fun and interesting, and their used books are in very reasonable prices. read more
1 year ago
Such a fun and unique activity. There's tables to hang out and read. Or you can just walk through the outdoor books. On a beautiful California day, this place is a must visit in Ojai. read more
A reader's paradise! If you love a good book and don't mind that someone has probably read it sitting on the toilet, then this place is for you. Not only do they have a huge selection of used books that span a multitude of genres, their location is impressive, as it's virtually outdoors! What a great way to spend an afternoon! Bart's Books: Probably the ONLY time books and a rainy day don't go together. read more
1 month ago
7 months ago
The largest outdoor bookstore in the world, Bart's Books, is an incredible and very authentic place. Huge open space filled with books, wood, and calm energy. It smells like old pages and fresh air. Easy to get lost here for hours just browsing and enjoying the vibe read more
Was in town for a family event and found this gem of a bookstore. We wandered for over an hour and picked up a couple selections to go. The store is set up in and around an older home and the shelves create a wonderful maze of books to peruse. There is a room on the inside that has some incredible collectible and impressive titles. The staff is polite and respectful and give you time to wander and shop without being intrusive. If your a bibliophile, this is a must stop and shop if you're in Ojai. read more
Used books. There are no new books. It's clean and it's a unique fun environment. The staff is nice. Keep in mind that because it is outside and it is in OJAI... it IS hot and desert like sin shinning. Best time to visit is not in the middle of the day. They do have cold drinks for sale - I was so happy for it. Minimum credit card purchase is $5. There is plenty of street parking. I do recommend it. read more
5 months ago
5 months ago
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More info about Bart's Books
302 W Matlija St
Ojai, CA 93023
Directions
(805) 646-3755
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http://www.bartsbooksojai.com
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