I'm going to preface this review by saying I go to The Book Loft any time I visit Santa Ynez or Solvang. The last time I went was in July, and I spent over $200 on new books. I received one paper bookmark with my purchase and I asked for a few more (I'm a teacher in the LA area and I like to put them in my classroom for my students) and the woman ringing me up made it awkward and reluctantly gave me one more. I found it funny but also quite weird. It was like giving up an opportunity for free advertising! Anyway, I'll still go back because I love this place and the people who work there are usually very friendly and helpful. The bookmark awkwardness was an anomaly. The shop is cute and it's always so well curated. Sometimes they have blind date picks that are cheap and fun to open. I always find so many books I want there. I like their used book selection upstairs as well. Must visit as indie bookstores are so few and far between these days! read more

The Book Loft - I had to go back during my last visit on day two to see the shop with fresh eyes and I bought two more. - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

What a gem! Loved this bookstore in the heart of Solvang. But it's not just a cozy comfortable bookstore. The selection is great and the presentation of books and related gifts make it wonderful to wander and discover different topics to engross yourself in. Great place to shop for a thoughtful gift. I also appreciated the kind and friendly bookstore workers :) read more

I'm a sucker for a great little book store and The Book Loft in Solvang was a no brainer stop for us while visiting over the weekend. The Book Loft had a wonderful mix of new and older books of all different genres! I wanted to buy some many, but I composed myself and ended up only buying 1 book for my daughter as well as a Harry Potter Loteria game for a friend of mine. They had a great selection of so many games as well. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is upstairs (highly recommend checking out) so they had a lot of his books displayed which I enjoyed seeing! Every book I checked out was priced fairly and I didn't think they were trying to take advantage of their tourists which was nice. Staff were also very friendly! I would definitely stop into The Book Loft again next time we are visiting Solvang! Check them out! read more

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This bookstore is amazing. From outside it looks small but it's technically 3 floors and includes the free (donation) the Hans Christian Andersen museum. They have a large selection of new, used books, and laminated guides along with book items. I bought two non-fiction books and a sticker. My sister bought a few guides and a puzzle table. The first floor consists of new books, guides , and items. While the second floor is used collectible books. The 2.5th floor has the museum. We really enjoyed not only shopping but learning about Hans Andersen. The prices depended on items. Most used books were collectibles and on the higher end pricing. Staff was nice, they held our items in the front while we visited the upstairs. read more

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Lovely book store with a variety of new and used books. Can find some rare gems here :) can also find some original books in other languages or certain used books signed by the author. Also has the Hans Christian Anderson museum on the top floor of this store, which is a way to read and learn more about him. A refreshing visit. read more

The Book Loft - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

I love this place so much! I have to stop here every time I'm in or around Solvang. It's such a cute little bookstore. There's knickknacks, stickers, games and of course books - new and used with all your typical genres. Cookbooks, romance, horror/thriller, non-fiction, manga and so much more! The employees are always so friendly and helpful. I've heard several people on occasion as for a specific book and if they don't have it - they'll offer to order it for you. There's an upstairs that doubles as a Hans Christian Andersen museum and where the used books are. read more

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GETTING HERE: Off the main drag in Solvang off the 246. Parking in Solvang is sometimes less then desirable, so if you cannot find street parking near the business, find your nearest green "Public Parking" sign then head on over. REVIEW: The Book Loft is one of my "must-stop" locations when in Solvang. Besides Yelp telling me where to eat, it also tells me where to shop (Shop Local!) :) The Service: The customer service is OK. It's nothing spectacular, but nothing too terrible or noteworthy either. On a few visits I struggled to find a staff member (on the floor) to ask my question to, but I found someone at the register. To be expected. The Selection: I think their selection is really, really good; from bookmarks to tote bags to used and new books. I always gravitate towards the used book section in any bookstore, but what caught my eye on the visit was a copy (new) of The Grapes of Wrath. The Value: It's 2025. And, it's Solvang. :) It is what it is. I recommend the Book Loft and I recommend going upstairs if you have the time! read more

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Great book store with a surprise fun game/puzzle selection too! Our girls loved the kids book section

Very cute bookstore! The worker was very kind and greater us upon entering. The first floor had new books with lots of options and also some other cute things like notebooks, stickers, bookmarks, and other trendy book related things. This is a tourist town so keep that in mind for pricing when you're looking at the options. The second floor has used books. There are obviously a lot less modern options but there are still many options. The top of the bookstore also connects to the Hans Christian Anderson Museum which was so interesting to see. read more

The Book Loft - Outside - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

Whenever I visit this quaint town I go to this delightful book store. The place has a good selection of used books, and things are well organized. It is always kept so clean. The manager knows where to look for whatever topic you might be looking. Such a relaxing store. No pressure to buy. Just a delightful bookstore. read more

~ Super cute & cozy ~ It is a super big bookstore with an upstairs that sells used books! The value was average price. They have cute stickers and postcards for under $5! read more

Quick stop, check out the free, small, Hans Christian Anderson Museum upstairs if you're in the area. read more

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Readers gotta read ! Anytime I'm in Solvang the Book Loft is always on places to stop. I absolutely love how the staff hand picks the book choices for the store. The bookworm in me always spends a good chunk of time here and leaves with plenty of books to fill my headspace for hours. Very decent pricing compared to larger chain bookstores. The bookstore layout is very inviting and quaint. Staff here are so friendly and love what they do. The 2nd floor has more books and connected to the museum next door. If you need a minute to sit they have plenty of tables and chairs outside the storefront. Free public parking and restrooms nearby. Come check them out! read more

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I have been to Solvang many many times and this bookstore has always been a must stop for me. I love walking through the store, looking for books and visiting the museum which by the way is free. So lovely and interesting. I absolutely love book stores and won't be happy to see them disappear (which has been happening lately) so I will always support them by making a purchase. Yesterday I got a few Christmas books for my nieces and nephews Great place for gift shopping specially during the holidays. read more

The Book Loft - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

Very helpful with book selections and we enjoyed taking our time looking through their inventory.

The Book Loft bookstore is much larger inside than it appears from the outside. This independent bookstore houses a good amount of books, paper goods and accessories. Although there are limited selections in many different subjects, there are a lot topics throughout the store. There is a huge Children's & Young Adults' section which occupies about one-third of the first floor. Special markdowns on a variety of books are available. On the second floor are used book offerings. They also buy used and collectible books. Contact them for more information. read more

I'm an avid reader and big time supporter of indie bookshops. Ive been to this location several times with my children because of the museum and the large selection of children's books. The staff has always been on the rude side but after our latest experience, we won't be back. They very obviously do not like children inside the shop and watch them like hawks. They will make passive-aggressive comments to your kids with you standing right there and refuse to make eye contact with you. As a parent, tell ME what my child is doing wrong. I don't have a problem with making them follow the rules. But correcting my kid and running away from me is just odd behavior. I could sense we weren't welcome there so we left without buying anything. read more

When theres a book store in a busy tourist town, I'm visiting! This is a cute little shop with quite a varied selection. New books on the first floor, vintage and used upstairs, museum in the loft. read more

This is a really well curated book store. Both me and my teenager really spent a lot of time in this store! We loved the games and puzzles and also loved how the book sections were set up. Nothing too overwhelming like a Barnes and Nobles but small and hearty! My teenager liked how they had different book reviews from people on the shelves. I caught her reading several of the reviews. We ended up purchasing two books for her from those reviews. This is also home to the Hans Christian Anderson Museum which is worth a stop. Located upstairs it's a small museum but like the bookstore a hearty one! Full of interesting things to look at in a small space! read more

The Book Loft - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

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I love visiting towns and finding small & independent bookshops. The Book Loft was an absolute gem and I fell in love with the shop instantly. The staff is incredibly kind and full of knowledge, as they are quick to help and get you what you're looking for. I love how the shop is set up, with newer books downstairs and used books upstairs (not to mention the little Museum that's also upstairs!!). There's a great selection of books, and I noticed a few author signed books in the middle of the shop which was super cool to see. Despite this bookshop being in Solvang, there was a nice selection of genres available and a beautiful children's area filled with plenty of children's books as well as games and toys! The attention to detail by staff is shown through the different table displays around the shop and I truly appreciated their display dedicated to Women's appreciation! Definitely give this small bookstore a visit, even if you pick up a book, sticker, or merch- they deserve the business and truly bring a certain charm to Solvang. read more

The Book Loft - Outside of the bookshop 3 - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

So coming back from Lompoc, we passed thru Solvang. We stopped at the Book loft, and I was searching for a book, I remember my grandmother used to read to me as a little girl. The ladies at the front directed me to the children's classic story collection area. They asked for the title if the book but I couldn't remember the name, I said maybe if I see the cover it will spark my memory. I went to the area they directed me to, amd I looked and looked and nothing seemed familiar. I pulled out the book, and tears started forming, I found the book. My childhood came back to me, I was filled with emotions. It was a sensational moment to find my childhood book. I went to the front and the ladies saw me crying with happiness, and they started tearing up as well. In fact they asked if they can feature me on their web page with the story of finding the book, I said yes, she took a photo of me with the book. Thank you so much, for giving my childhood back to me even if it is thru stories in the book. read more

The Book Loft - Stopping at the book store in Solvang - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

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Dropped by here yesterday looking for a new cozy mystery and like days gone by one of the booksellers spent at least 10 minutes helping me find the just right book. So grateful for the nostalgic experience of selecting a book on vacation with someone dedicated to helping me make a good choice. Long live The Book Loft. read more

Small bookstore in Solvang. What I like about this store is the selection curated by staff. I always find a new author to try out when I stop by. They also have a great selection of puzzles! read more

Had an upsetting experience today here. Went in with my husband and two daughters. My youngest (9) picked up a sticker and was walking around the store. An employee confronted her, asking her where she put it. A store wide search with the employee and both of my daughters looking for where my youngest left it ensued. It's very obvious that the store employee had been tracking my daughter and was now accusing her of stealing. "Did you ACCIDENTALLY put it in your pocket?" "Did you ACCIDENTALLY put it in the book?" (She was carrying a book to purchase as well.) I'm mad at myself for not jumping in and shutting this employee down but they were traveling all over the store and I was standing there flipping through the book my youngest had been carrying to see if, indeed, the sticker was there. They ended up finding it on a shelf and my daughter had rolled it a bit so it had a wrinkle in it. "You know you have to buy this now right? You know I can't sell it if it's damaged?" She said to my daughter in the same passive-aggressive fake-nice tone. It was barely creased but of course we ended up buying it. The problem is that it's clear this employee was following my daughter the entire time, targeting her, watching and waiting for a "misstep." There's no way she would have noticed a sticker -- A STICKER -- that was missing otherwise. The other problem: YOU DON'T CONFRONT A CHILD LIKE THIS. The employee should have asked for her parents and spoken to us about it. She knew who we were -- we were right there involved in the bloodhound level search for the $3 sticker. She was not the parent. She didn't need to make a 9 year-old panic about having to come up with the money to pay for this sticker. It was ridiculous. We have been here before but we will never come back. If you don't want kids inside the store, if you're going to stalk them, maybe be honest and put up a sign saying "no children allowed." Put up a sign saying that children must be accompanied by parents at all times, maybe. Let people know who you are and what they can expect right off the bat. I realized afterwards that she was clocking my oldest kid, too. When my oldest was asking me to ask the staff about a book she was interested in, the same employee was standing right there, asking if she could help. At first, I thought it was just great service but now I realize she was just profiling and watching children. Look -- was I embarrassed that my youngest grabbed this sticker, walked around with it, mindlessly folded it a bit and then left it on a shelf? Sure. But my embarrassment was amplified by this employee's insane behavior. My kid is 9. She's not a mastermind criminal trying to steal a sticker. And frankly EVEN IF SHE WAS... you talk to me. You don't confront a child whose parents are standing right there. read more

Great little independent bookstore with quite the selection! The downstairs has new books and upstairs (to the left) has antique and used books. There is also a good selection of book items such as bookmarks, journals, paper... and so many games! Upstairs is the Hans Christian Andersen museum. read more

The Book Loft - Storefront - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

Very cute spot with a really wide selection. Books are well organized and staff is super friendly. We visited on Indie Bookstore Day and they had a fun scavenger hunt with prizes. read more

Very cute bookstore in Solvang. Don't forget to visit the small, free, and cute Hans Christian Andersen Museum that can be found upstairs in the Book Loft. It was also fun to see that they had sections for Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish books - Solvang is the "Danish Capital of America" after all. Charming bookstore! read more

The Book Loft - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

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If you're a bookworm like me you'll love this cute charming small town book store.The service is great and super helpful. The prices are reasonable and they have a wide selection of books for people of all ages. If this is your first time in solvang I would recommend coming here to check it out. Plus they have cute book stickers in the front of the store and art supplies etc. read more

Loved the bookstore! I am a sucker for a book stores and always have to visit one in an any area I travel to. This was such a sweet book for books because it had and up and down stairs. The selection was great and you can just tell they care for their store. Bonus: it's connected to the Hans Andersen's museum. read more

The Book Loft - Outside - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

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If I lived in Solvang, most likely I would be at The Book Loft every week. My Yelp friend, Timmy S. wrote his review over a year ago. I agree with him in that this is a "very cool bookstore." My six and seven-year-olds wanted to sit and read while we were there (11/23/20). People were being allowed to the second floor which is where the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is located. Mainly because we were excited to check out our hotel room, but also because of maximum occupancy restrictions due to COVID-19, we did not partake in a walk-through of that area. Maybe next time? Wear a mask when you enter. They take this policy very seriously. For such a small bookstore, they sure to touch on a wide range of genres and current selections. My kiddos chose not one but two books autographed by their authors. So cool! For their good behavior, the friendly staff at the register gave them some stickers (or maybe they are temporary tattoos) and bookmarks. That made their afternoon! There is a park nearby. Plenty of street and lot parking in the area. Enjoy! read more

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We stumbled across this book store. It's a two store building. It's super cute there was some new books there. Upstairs it was like a museum. The structure of the place was really cute. There was also a game section. Definitely always check out a bookstore highly recommended. read more

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Nice book shop in Solvang CA. New books are arranged downstairs & there is a great kids section. Upstairs are used books of all genres. The Hans Christian Anderson museum is also upstairs and worth a visit. It was very interesting and there were copies of his books you could also buy. Worth a stop read more

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The selection was fantastic with a great ambiance for the village. Ended up getting an adorable bookmark, but I wish I had room to bring several books home in my bag! read more

Used to love going here, but recently went in and did not enjoy my time. The lady in the museum made my visits worth while and was very enthusiastic. When I went in this last time, Ellen was not working and the manager was rude. I think the place is under new management, because this is not the same Book Loft I used to love. read more

Such a cute book store! They had a huge selection of books. I found some great books I purchased for my daughter. The cashier who helped us was very friendly. Definitely recommend checking out this unique book store while in Solvang. read more

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Such a cute indie bookstore with attached coffee shop. I wish I lived in the area and could visit every weekend!

This is a very cool bookstore. It's one of those bookstores of yesteryear that anyone who loves to turn pages will instantly love. New books on the first floor and used books on the second floor. And a Hans Christian Andersen Museum located on the second floor too (actually it's more of a display than a museum - very small - and it has its own Yelp page). I have a favorite author whose books I collect as some are rather rare (he's been deceased for over 30 years). I have a habit of checking if any of his books are on the shelf when visiting a used book store; they almost never are. On a whim I searched the shelves. I was surprised to find a near mint condition book written by this author for a fantastic price in the used book section. I quickly snatched it up and paid the friendly staff at the front counter. I left feeling like I scored big time. If you are a book lover this is a "must" stop if you're in Solvang. read more

The Book Loft - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

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Such a darling book store in the midst of all the touristy stuff in Solvang. You feel like you have stepped back in time into a fairytale. We didn't visit the Han Andersen museum because we ended up spending so much time in the book store itself. There was a great selection of board games, jig saw puzzles and kids educational toys. I found the books were well curated. We all found something for ourselves. A true gem! read more

The Book Loft - A (practical) part of our haul - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

This bookstore is always a must for me when I visit Solvang! It has a great collection of books spread across three stories. The second and third floor have used and antique books, while the first floor has newer finds as well as a great selection of puzzles and gifts. The cozy atmosphere makes browsing even more fun. read more

The Book Loft - The front entrance - Bookstores Near Me - Solvang, California

I was visiting the Hans Christian Anderson Museum, whose stories captivated me as a kid, when I walked into their used book section. I was enraptured by their old books, some signed by authors and many first editions and many very interesting selections on various topics. It is small, but well organized and nicely curated. I could spend hours here, but then my wife will yell at me. read more