Wow! The scent of paper and print hang heavy in the air. It has been a long time since I have…read morebeen in a book store that is as densely packed with such an array of reading material. If they don't have it, it probably wasn't worth reading anyway.

While my family has been going into Chaucer's for many years, it is due to the fact that they're…read morethe only surviving bookshop in Santa Barbara. We have seen chains like Borders and Barns & Noble, as well as locally owned shops - Granada Books and Earthling - all sadly disappear from our community, and I am concerned that Chaucer's has become complacent, secure in the knowledge that they hold a monopoly on Santa Barbara readers. Chaucer's selection is expansive, however, in their effort to provide a broad range of titles, there is usually only one copy of each. The staff over-crowd their narrow aisles, oftentimes with books stacked on the floor, a difficult navigation when you are also trying to squeeze past another patron in their aisles that are barely two-people wide. I also am ambivalent about Chaucer's organization. Mind you, it is easy to miss the placards that indicate each section and sub-section, as they are the same hand-written signs on cardboard that have been stuck between the books for the past 20 years. It is unclear also who is staff and who is not, because there is no dress code and there are no nametags... except on the dog wearing a bandana identifying her as 'Shop Dog.' Look for whoever is actually behind the counter, I suppose. It must be said that they are friendly and helpful. If they do not have a specific book that you are looking for, they always offer to order it for you.

SUCH A GREAT SELECTION! I absolutely love a good bookstore featuring used copies and this was the…read morefirst one I've wandered into since coming back to CA. I walked out with three incredible finds after like 20 mins of exploring and probably could've stayed for another hour if my party wasn't waiting in me. The used prices were higher than what I'm used to at my usual place in Boston, but I think that's just because we're in CA. Highly recommend book lovers to check out the Den if they're ever in SB.

Amazing selection of new and used books. I left with four books that are hard to find used. No…read morecomplaints

Great local magazine - highlighting local art, as well as supporting the art community and…read moresponsoring events like A.M.A.S.S. Concept is great, they do not charge artist to display/showcase their art, as well as it being a free publication. The magazine is very conscious about its impact on the earth... the distribution is based of the concept that you will read the magazine and then pass it along - few publications are made, yet it easily gets passed around at local coffee shops and social hubs.

Excited about the 100th year of Santa Barbara Fiesta, and even better with all the events listed…read morehere in the SB Independent.

I tried to place an ad with them, and Tanya at Legal was extremely slow to respond, and apparently…read moreonly works 1/2 days. They also cannot open .txt files, and refused to place my ad.