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    Small World Books

    4.6 (102 reviews)
    ModerateBookstores
    Closed 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Small World Books Photos

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    Alice W.

    This is a safe haven for those walking around Venice beach!!! When I saw the storefront sign, I got instantly excited and dragged my partner in! Hahaha The store is well organized. It's situated behind a restaurant. It is actually quite spacious and has a ton of great books of all genres. A ton of popular, recent books! Loved the environment and how it's a gem tucked away at the beach.

    Monica R.

    Super convenient besides of restaurant, on the sidewalk , this charming and iconic bookstore you should go at least once. It's opened in 1976, an independent and eclectic bookstore, with different books, different types of the chains. Reasonable price, cool vibe, and nice service. Check out this place! After go to eat besides in the cafe with your book in your bag.

    cat behind cashier desk :)
    Michaelle V.

    super cute bookstore for cat people!! great selection of books i bought a couple myself, place is nice and quiet for being behind a restaurant. prices are great compared to barnes and noble :)

    Find me here
    Sophie B.

    There is something magical about walking the Venice boardwalk when most tourists have turned in for the evening. One such day after work, I decided to listen to the waves crash and adventure on a after sundown walk. As always, there are so many things to discover in Venice: it's the rabbit hole of many delights. The small world bookstore is one such place. Tucked away, adjacent to a restaurant you may even miss it if ya don't look closely. I'd say it's quickly becoming an evening walk favorite. They have a cozy lil section towards the back of the store where you can rest yr tush, pop open a book, and free yr mind. The feminist sociology section. Are ya kidding me, this is a girl's girl heaven. It's really a dream come true. I bought the vagina monologues bc somehow I lost this tried and true college staple of a read somewhere in my several residential moves since college. Also, there is a lil sweetheart of a black and white cat. He quickly will say hello politely and be on his merrry way. Really, Is there a better way to zen out on an evening: reading literature, petting a fur friend, and listening to crashing waves? Nope, not in my book. I visited today and there will be many days to follow. I've found a place finally that feels like home on the boardwalk. Where you can explore of the confines of yr mind, soul, and hey pretty art is fun also.

    Chloe H.

    An incredible selection of books and kind staff! A wonderful hidden gem in the middle of Venice.

    Malcolm, the bookstore protector.

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    10 months ago

    Lovely bookstore. Support your local businesses. Right by the beach and all the books you ever want

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    2 years ago

    I found a great book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez just browsing around. I finished the book on the beach that afternoon.

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    6 years ago

    Charming little bookstore tucked away on the Venice boardwalk. So thankful to have found this hidden gem!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Small World Books

    Review Highlights - Small World Books

    Tucked back along the boardwalk along Venice Beach, we stumbled across this place on accident while strolling along.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Barnes & Noble

    Barnes & Noble

    4.2(27 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    We do go to this location more often than other Barnes locations because it is closer but once…read moreagain, we went in last night and Jasmine was visibly horrible to us. We walked in, she glared at us- I tried not to think much of it, but as she was finishing ringing me up I looked up to thank her and she was literally grimacing at me, and this was after she tried to hurriedly ring me up without even asking if I was a rewards member (I am) or anything else. I keep trying to give her the benefit of the doubt because I also work in retail, but girl just seems miserable. Literally I have NO other issues with any other employee there, everyone else has been so kind so I brought my review up to 4 stars from 3. But if you're going to give me a dirty look Jasmine, wait until I turn around. This is a smaller location but I'll continue to visit, I just really hope Jasmine isn't there- it's always uncomfortable when she is.

    Honestly so disappointed in the customer service of this location now…read more This is a long one. I used to go to the previous location and customer service was always on point. Sales associates were friendly, helpful, and always down to talk about books. Now... I feel like I'm a bother for just wanting to buy my books and leave. This experience was the one that kinda left me wondering why do I bother with this location... (It's the closest location to me soo I guess there's that) First waiting 5 mins when multiples registers are open and only one other patron making a purchase for an associate to finally walk back to their register to help us. Young lady ended up being super friendly and all was fine - she's why this gets a redemption of 3 stars - Stardew pin gal you're cool. My family and I walk out I see a bookmark I wanted and u turn back in line. I get helped by a different woman - blond curls (really pretty hair, also I know both your names but don want you in trouble just disappointed) - who seemed completely bothered by helping me. Ok whatever we all have our days. She lets me know my membership is expired...something stardew lady missed. I ask damn ok I wasn't informed can I bring back my books return and repurchase and re up my membership. Now she seemed doubly annoyed and bothered. Come back in a few days she says. I let her know: no no we just walked out with the books they're here. She responds I know just come back in two days..... I look back at the line - empty. Umm so you want me to come back?? Yeah and just talk to whoever is here and explain what you want. Confused I walked out and hear her sigh and when I looked back the three sales associates went back to being huddled and chatting. Double checked policy.... Nope not a policy thing returning books.... TO REPURCHASE WITH MY REUPPED SUB is not against policy. Called a different store they said yeah they should've just done it in the moment. Checked stores hours not close to closing so that's not it. There have been other instances of weird stand off behavior that has left me wondering WTF is going on... Look y'all I'm not gonna tell you how to live your lives or where you should be working, just remember both sides of the counter are human and in a world where being a BIPOC is getting more and more dangerous, a friendlier attitude can go a long way.

    Photos
    Barnes & Noble
    Barnes & Noble
    Barnes & Noble

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    Zibby's Bookshop - Welp... it was up the street!

    Zibby's Bookshop

    4.5(27 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    Loved the unique was Zibbys grouped their titles! Small…read moreStore but beautiful Collection.

    This is a quaint little bookstore near one of the trendier parts of Santa Monica. I went for the…read morefirst time last month, and I look forward to my next visit. Came to attend a walking book club with The Preoccupied (check them out on IG) where our walk ended here. One of the strengths of this bookstore is that they feature local authors. The author we walked with actually had her book featured at Zibby's. I like that they support local talent because LA has been through so much this year already. When I came here, it was a little warm inside. Now that could've been because of all the people coming in post-walk but there may have been a chance the AC was having some issues. Now for your frugal auntie tip: participating in The Preoccupied's walking book club provides you with a couple Zibby's related benefits. Upon completing your walk and meeting up at Zibby's, you're rewarded with a 20% off discount at the store to be used right then and there. The book club also meets near Alta and 10th or 11th, which means you can find free residential street parking. Free parking is such a precious commodity in LA, and if you're up for an additional quick walk, consider this during your next visit. Come support this local business that's supporting other locals!

    Photos
    Zibby's Bookshop - Fox 11 News personnel and author of the book You Can't Do It Alone Maria Quiban

    Fox 11 News personnel and author of the book You Can't Do It Alone Maria Quiban

    Zibby's Bookshop
    Zibby's Bookshop - Signing my copy of her book

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    Signing my copy of her book

    Village Well Books & Coffee

    Village Well Books & Coffee

    4.3(258 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$

    What a gem of a bookstore…read more Local hangout for Westsiders with tonssss of books, a café, lots of seating, and a children's section. They hold different events as well. I love that they have early hours even on weekends for those of us still up at 7am no matter what. Going in at 8am on a Sunday and seeing others already there? *My people* They have "bar" seating along the windows for working use with bar stools. Laptop/reading seating. They have tables and one BIG table for those enjoying café purchases and for those needing back support *cough cough* me. Village Well is just such a nice place to hangout in if you love books and/or need a place to work instead of home so you don't fall asleep. Anywhere that puts passion into books...is my favorite place.

    As a local author, I want to share my experience with Village Well's consignment program so others…read morecan make informed decisions. I placed copies of my books there, including a recent title that had been in the store for less than six months. When I followed up, I was told there had been no recorded sales and that books are subject to removal after a period of time without activity. When I returned to the store, I noticed that much of the "local author" section appeared sparsely stocked, which raised concerns for me about how long books are kept on display and how actively they are supported. To be fair, the store did communicate that: Authors are responsible for following up on sales Shelf space is limited Books may be removed after a certain period However, I think it's important for other local authors to understand that: Placement does not guarantee visibility or promotion You may need to actively check in and market your book yourself Unsold books may be pulled without much notice If you're considering consignment, I recommend having a clear plan to promote your work and staying in regular contact with the store. Just sharing my experience so others go in with clear expectations.

    Photos
    Village Well Books & Coffee - Tea

    Tea

    Village Well Books & Coffee - Raspberry cheese pastry, so yummy!

    Raspberry cheese pastry, so yummy!

    Village Well Books & Coffee - Front View

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    Front View

    Brooke Rodd Lifestyle - African hand woven

    Brooke Rodd Lifestyle

    4.3(9 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    I have been coming here since they opened some 8+ years ago, mainly for the candles and cards…read more I love the candle selection - the stuff I'm looking for is always in stock (Maison Louis Marie and Boy Smells). I love standing in front of the candle selection, smelling my way through the new brands and smells - especially if it's been a minute since I've been there. Personally, I think they have the best candle selection on the west side. What I also love, is how fairly priced the candles are - they are sold at the price you find them online. I expected a mark-up but was really surprised to see there wasn't one. Their card selection is also the best. I can stand in front of that wall for a good half hour reading all of the cards and stocking up for upcoming birthdays, holidays and thank you's. Even when the card wall is looking a little empty there's still a bunch of great options that fit what you're looking for. The customer service has always been good - I recently went in to exchange a candle (within the 14 days) with a half printed receipt (the machine had run out of paper) and I didn't bring my wallet. The girl who helped me with my exchange was really nice and while it took a bit to locate my purchase from that day due to the situation she was super helpful and I was able to finish my exchange without having to come back. I no longer live in the area so I was really grateful to save an extra trip. I'm happy to see the store's phone number is on yelp. It wasn't originally when I was calling to ask about my exchange. I highly recommend this store for fun home things and cards!!! And for what it's worth - I love the kids shop next door. Everything I have purchased for friends with new babies or kid's birthdays has been a hit! It really is the cutest store full of things you won't find anywhere else.

    The name says it all! Fun little gift shop. I come in to peruse at least once a week. Great…read moreselection of random goodies-- coffee table books, candles, novelty socks, bath & body products, cards, art, etc. Inventory updates often. Great gift wrapping. Get on the email list for occasional discounts. Staff is a mixed bag-- some are super helpful & attentive, others seem bored.

    Photos
    Brooke Rodd Lifestyle - Clean the energy

    Clean the energy

    Brooke Rodd Lifestyle - Self care

    Self care

    Brooke Rodd Lifestyle - Wonderful pillows

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    Wonderful pillows

    Mar Vista Time Travel Mart - Nice storefront, but once again dark inside at 2:30 on a Saturday

    Mar Vista Time Travel Mart

    4.7(18 reviews)
    2.5 miMar Vista
    $$

    Wish I could leave an actual review, but for a Time Travel Mart that promises to already be…read morewhenever you are, I'm not actually certain if they're open to regular business anymore? I love the Echo Park Time Travel Mart and wanted to give their Mar Vista location a visit sometime while I'm on the west side. Their hours are pretty limited. Google and Yelp claim Friday to Sunday from 12:00-6:00pm, but buried on their own website it says 2:00-6:00pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays. Not sure which is more up to date. But I've gone out of my way on two separate occasions when the hours overlap, and both times they've been closed anyway. Their website does warn they're often closed during their hours and to call ahead, but I haven't gotten an answer. (I guess because they're usually closed?) So yeah, if you can catch them when they're open, great! But I wouldn't advise going out of your way for it unless you can call in advance and confirm they'll actually be open.

    If you're coming because you saw this on instagram, please dont set your expectations too high!!…read more I'm really happy I found this place by chance when strolling through the area. Then I saw it on my IG feed weeks later and all I could think was how content creators over-hype all these hidden gems in LA. I just notice that influencers put an exaggerated spin on spots like these to make them seem a lot bigger or crazier than they actually are for the sake of views. Not to say they aren't worth visiting, but I think the fun part about these kinda shops is discovering it for yourself or that element of surprise. I've just been severely disappointed by some places I've visited that didn't live up to the expectations set by content creators. It's not the businesses fault, but just how social media works these days. Anyways, it's a small shop that you'll probably get through in a few minutes, but definitely worth checking out. I'm so glad I so happened to stumble upon this place by surprise, and I hope that's how you find it too :)

    Photos
    Mar Vista Time Travel Mart - 3.14159

    3.14159

    Mar Vista Time Travel Mart
    Mar Vista Time Travel Mart

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    Small World Books - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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