Just taking in the sights and sounds of Cambria. I was across the street looking at the fresnel…read morelighthouse lens which I always do when I am in the area which is not very often. I decided to walk myself over to the library to check out the bookstore. The volunteers were quietly polite. Even the bookstore had a quiet sshhh mode. The inventory of nonfiction literature was quite extensive for a library used bookshop. nice. I was looking for cookbooks and design art books. I found a lot of cookbooks. I bought a knife skill cooking book, which had hand sketched pictures. $2. And another cookbook with hand sketches. The artwork in the cookbooks peaked my interest. The books were in great condition.

First, the library is so quiet, clean, and charming. The friends of the library bookstore has a…read moregreat selection of gently used books at low prices! It's definitely worth stopping there while in town.

If you know me, you know I love books so when I knew there was a book shop in town, I had to stop…read moreby. Unfortunately, the shop is closing so everything was 50% off and everything must go. So a good price for what you want. The shop had multiple rooms filled with books. Each genre is labeled on each shelf but the books are stacked different ways so a little hard to read everything. Not much walking room since books are stacked on ground, too. There is a huge selection of mystery and thriller. Also, a huge selection of John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and other top authors. Lady at register did not speak English and was watching YouTube so didn't really ask if we needed anything. But it's okay, it was good to be able to browse around.

A wonderful surprise when we stopped for gas. I'm so sad to hear they're closing at the end of…read moreApril, though. Everything is 1/2 off right now which was nice, but I'm still sad. Especially good if you're looking for more "vintage" books (versus new bestsellers). Prepare to spend a good bit of time as it's like a book warren in there. Joan is knowledgeable if you're looking for certain topics or genres. I've had bookshops close where I live, so to see another fold somewhere else is a damn shame. Enjoy while you can!

This is a great used bookstore. The selection of books for sale are very well curated and…read morereasonably priced. They had many books that I was interested in getting which I can't always say is the case for many used bookstores I have visited.

We're... shocked? While I don't expect an overly exaggerated greeting, I do expect to at least get…read morea 'hello', especially in return. We came in the night before but didn't have enough time to really look through all of the books. Today, we came back to buy a few books each and as we walked in, I said "hello!" And no one responded. I follow up with "ok great" aloud in which the worker then responded "hello?? Can i help you?" In a sarcastic and rude manner. I then am completely taken aback by the tone and say "nope, we're just browsing." And the worker responds, "ok well i was just trying to greet you so..." At the desk she was at, was a man visiting that clearly was a friend or boyfriend and they then proceeded to laugh and roll their eyes. She was clearly upset that we walked in on her conversation while she was at work. I really hope this was a one-off situation as we are really surprised at the attitude of this employee and were hoping to find a new local bookstore. I hate posting reviews like this especially when they seem like "drama" but attitude is everything. If you're not going to greet people when they walk in-- fine. But if someone says hello upon walking in, you should at least say hi back, even if you're with another customer. Might have to go somewhere else from now on! Bummer.

Fun place with books, atmosphere, a garden and more!…read more if they don't have it they can get it! RW in Cayucos

A tiny, charming bookstore that's been going strong since 1973…read more I stop in every time I'm in Morro Bay and always leave with a book. On my most recent visit, I found a used copy of The Wilderness World of John Muir - a perfect treasure for me. It was old, worn, and wonderfully musty, that intoxicating old book smell I love. It was also only $2.95! The shop is small, but the selection is thoughtful, offering both new and used books along with cards, journals, art, and small gifts. When you visit, make sure to slip through the back door and wander into the cozy garden. It's peaceful, beautiful, and feels like a little sanctuary. During the same visit, I tried paying with my debit card because I never carry cash and the woman working asked if I could pay in cash instead. I only had two dollars and she smiled and said that would be fine. I was genuinely touched. The next day I returned with the balance and brought her two used books I had finished reading. She hugged me and that's the kind of place this is. If you have books you're no longer reading and they're in good shape, please consider donating them. Someone else will get to discover something wonderful, just like I did.

More of an Art Gallery than a book shop, the selection of books is very limited and brings me to…read morethink that it may have been a bookstore before and the new business put in a couple of books so as to save on the sign. Art was nice but as a used book store it was a bit of a disappointment.

Wandering through Cambria and I found The Bookery (paired with an local art gallery). They have a…read moresmall selection of used books, but all hardcover, neatly arranged and in good condition. I found a 1955 copy of The Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley.

What a great bookstore discovery…read more You should definitely stop by this small bookstore when you're in town. The selections are very organized and the staff is extremely friendly. They keep the AC on so you will be comfortable while browsing. They will soon have a coffee shop next door - with a connecting door! I'm a local and I can't believe I hadn't stopped before! Look for them on social media under Narrative Books Cafe Insta- @narrativebookcafe

This is not my tale to tell…read more... -But I'm going to give you MY version of the story- And just like a Fantasy Romance Novel.... There will be a little spice, a touch of word play, some intense trope enemy-to-lover conflict, a dash of magic and of course.... A Happy Ending! So, Where do I begin? It all began about a year and a half ago when my wife started back up reading, but this time around..... She picked up her 1st Fantasy-Romance Novel, never put it down and now, the rest is all history. The Backstory: Let me break it down for you.... But first, let's meet the Main Characters: The Ladies... Feyre, Nesta & Elain Archeron & The Gentlemen... Rhysand, Tamlin, Lucien, & Cassian ---(Just to name a few)--- And suddenly, ACOTAR has entered the chat! Yeah, I'm talking about A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas; maybe you've heard of it? ;) So during g a road trip in late 2024, my wife was super excited about her new book series she had started reading and was like, "Can I tell you about it?" In my head I was like, sure, we've got 5 hours to kill... give it your best shot. And just like an Audiobook, she basically gave me the run down, the play by play, the almost word for word enactment of how ACOTAR was going down as was playing out thus far... I could immediately tell: She Absolutely Loved it! Fast forward to present day.... Her love for reading these Adult Romantasy books is more than just a hobby... It's a way of life! Book clubs, late night reading sessions, and a 6ft tall book shelf in our bedroom that's already filled from top to bottom with F.R. Novels. Let's just say, in our bedroom.... Tamlin is Out, you can Call me Rhys and my wife is the High Lady of the Night Court! But those books on her bookshelf are not just any 'ol books with those plain, old boring edges... Oh No, No, No... They are Fantasy Romance Novels, highly sought after literature with Beautiful, Stunning and even Mystical Painted Edges that are now her prized possessions. Yeah, it's come to the point that whatever town, city, or place we visit... She's already mapped out the local bookstore to visit. And in November 2025, Spare Time Books in Paso Robles met their match! The match: My Wife! Yeah, like a kid in a candy store, she was in her happy place. And while I perused the Classics.... You know: Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Dickens, Tolstoy & Twain... My wife was on the hunt for First Editions, Special Versions and of course those cool looking painted edges by... Maas, Yarros, Armentrout, Palphreyman, and Sarah A. Parker. Yes, this quaint, cute little bookstore has a charm that only Bibliophiles, Book Dragons, & Ink Drinkers will appreciate. So, if you too are a book lover.... I dare you to you to step into this enchanted library of stories, tales, fables and literary magic at Spare Time books where the message on their front window says it best.... "So Many Books So Little Time"

I love coming here!!! Always pleasant and friendly people! More than an eye full! So much vintage…read moreAmericana and the crystals are actually a great variety and the price is very reasonable!! Always a nice visit! I'll be back!

If you need to kill a few days in Cambria, I highly recommend Antiques on Main. It is enormous! It…read morehas so many rooms full of everything I couldn't believe it. Upstairs, downstairs. It's kind of like the Winchester Mystery House. The individual stalls are, on the whole, clean and well displayed. Prices were reasonable (my wife bought a new pair of vintage Converse All Stars for $38). Most categories were well represented. Lot of dishes, sports memorabilia, vintage clothing, furniture, books, CD's and cassettes, things to hang on the wall. Honestly, it just goes on forever. Everyone who works there was so helpful. I highly recommend setting an alarm before you go inside. You literally could spend days there and still not see everything. Don't forget to take snacks in case you get lost;)

Cheap good Sure, the books are all over the place, but like…read morethis is a true bookstore got a lot of different variety. I found the language books near. I think the stairwell area or maybe it was near the door that had just a cloth over it in the room to the right I think it was just really cool to find some Egyptian books and geological section was just pretty big and when it's overfilled, it just has piles on the floor and it's its own thing which is just really cool I brought my friend with me and she felt like weird vibes from whoever was at the front desk, but I wasn't upfront there too long so I didn't feel or see that Some of the space gave like Fnaf feeling like the children's section with the LED light that's kind of faded. I think in like the slanted roof and just like the doorway with only a cloth over it and kind of a dark corner. Nothing really against that. Just kind of a creepy silly feeling. It definitely had like all of the young adult and just teen books that anyone could want I think it's a really great place

Incredible amount of used books, cozy ambiance, and great people! Could have spent multiple hours…read morein Phoenix Books.

Wow! What a cute bookstore. The decor and set up is immaculate and artistic. I purchased a canvas…read morebag, postcard and new journal. I like that the team is fully knowledgeable about the shop and the area. - The day went, I was greeted by o e of the Roosters on the street. Apparently, this is normal. What a vibe! - The parking on the street is free and easy. The books offered are both new and used. The back has a big kids section. I like it!

Dope bookstore right on the Main Street in what appeared to be the downtown area of Arroyo Grande…read more They've got a decent variety of books and children's books and all of your new releases. Staff is friendly!

Small bookstore with a good selection of books amongst other eclectic items. They have a small…read moreselection of poetry books by local writers. Sweetest staff.

Great books, great service! Couldn't ask for more! I always find I have great talks with the people…read morewho work there as well as the other customers I meet!