Bart's Books is a one of kind bookstore in Ojai. This spot is huge with shelves of books lined up…read moreindoors 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…read moreanimals 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

Explains J Krishnamurti well. A stunningly peaceful place. You'll like it if:…read more * You can put your phone down for more than an hour * Know the difference between Lao Tse and Douglass Addams. * Are interested in understanding the unintelligible before the intelligible. You won't like it if: * You must rage scroll at least once every 15min * Your parole office warned you to get your life together and start here * New ideas are maddening, and unlearning seems an odd idea. You can learn much here, but it requires absorption. A sponge only holds so much water until you need to squeeze it. Squeeze here.

On my second trip to Ojai, I made sure to make a stop here. After reading a bit about Krishnamurti…read moreand hearing him mentioned a couple of times this past year, we were lucky enough to visit this place which was his actual home now turned into a library for all to come and seek some knowledge/reflection of his philosophy. It contains a small library, a meditation room and a room which screens films at certain times. We are met by Michael who has great knowledge, wrote books and was one of the chefs to Krishnamurti at the school in London. In fact, we ended up buying the cookbook in which he is featured and was there to autograph for us and take a photo op too! On the grounds is a medicinal herb garden and a memorial like hall giving a timeline of Krishnamurti which was informative. Overall, I am left with curiosity to read more on Krishnamurti's philosophy. Thank you and would recommend this place!

Beautiful and relaxing place to visit. I first learned about comparative religion here as a kid,…read moreand it blew my mind! I love the gardens, the library, and walking here from the Ojai Meadows Preserve. Be ready to be quiet and contemplative when you're here.

This review is based on my trip there in November 2011…read more Wonderful esoteric and spiritual bookshop! It sits within the compound and grounds of the Theosophical Research Society, surrounded by gardens and fountains. I went in expecting nothing by Theosophical related books from Charles Leadbeater, Helena Blavatsky and Alice Bailey. Boy, was I wrong. They had tons of books and titles represent all faiths and traditions, from hokey New Age books on gems and angels to serious tomes on Tibetan Buddhism and Sufiism and everything in between, including some hard-to-find and out of print titles. I was very impressed and will definitely come back if I'm in the area again.

My family loves this little library, not too big not too small. Has a lot of beautiful natural…read morelight and fun little areas for kids to read and do activities. If they don't have a book you're looking for the helpful staff can order it for you and you can pick it up there in a few days. Lots of DVDs and audio books as well. We also like it because its located at the old Oak View elementary school and has a play ground and big field for kids to run around before or after library time. We go there at least once a week to read, play and have fun! the Boys and Girls Club is located across the hall along with Secure Beginnings, there is also an art studio on the same property.

I enjoy this library its conveniently located near by, the librarian is super sweet and…read moreinformative, she reads to the kinds during story time on certain days of the week. They have a big selection of new books, they have computers, and they help when necessary. My son loves it here.

I often stop into the shop and now that the Ojai library is closed for renovation I suspect more…read morepeople will be coming through their door. They have a great selection of books, CD's and DVD's. The volunteers are friendly and knowledgable. Always a pleasure!

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.

Wish I had the capacity to read a book a day. I could load a truck with books that drew me to them…read more Spent hours just exploring.

I have been visiting the Krotona Library and Bookshop for many years, and I hope to be able to…read morecontinue enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds them and the peace there that feels like natural meditation. To dig into ancient wisdom and relevant modern studies, explore the library and the bookshop and let the books call to you. They come alive when you read and study them, but they seem to me to have a magical power of calling my attention to them. When I am ready and sensitive to my inner needs, the library and bookstore generously feast my heart, mind, soul, and body, and I am deeply grateful.

I can't say ANYTHING negative about this place. I'm a white woman who needed lots of help with…read moreeverything and Chinatown was there for me at my lowest. Leo, Alvin, Jordyn in BH and the Dental Department have exceeded my expectations with the kindness and care they extend to myself...and I know for sure other patients. I will forever be grateful for finding this gem of a place. It's difficult to find good care and this is exceptional.

I really, really like all the services they provide. From the receptionist to the actual doctors,…read morethey are wonderful! Every location that worked with me has been a joy. They are attentive, respectful, mindful, thorough, and consistent. The psychiatrist I saw was willing to listen to my mental problems and I think June the therapist was a very sweet lady there to just listen which I can always appreciate. I really like the dentist I see. She and the assistants make me feel comfortable and they seem non judgemental. I have the nastiest teeth for a 32 year old. Tsk tsk on me. The substance abuse counselor, Mr. Felix was such a breath of fresh air. He went at my pace and we set realistic goals for my road to recovery. I will always choose their services over anyone else's except I'm in a program which means I have to see my program's psychiatrist only. Very good people and professional :)