Bart's Books

Bart's Books Independent bookstore with used, new and collectible books of all kinds. In lieu of a cash register, “Bart” left coffee cans atop the book cases.
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Bart’s Books, at the corner of Matilija and Canada streets in Ojai, CA, is the home to the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the U.S.A. In 1964 Bart’s Books was little more than a sparkle in the eye of Richard Bartinsdale whose collection of books had gotten so overwhelming that he constructed a series of book cases along the sidewalk so that passersby could peruse the

titles. People would select a title or two and leave payment in the cans, giving birth to Bart’s world famous tradition of selling books via the honor system. Since that time Bart’s Books has become host to nearly one million books ranging from the thirty-five cent specials which line the outside walls and are still for sale on the honor system, to rare, out of print first editions, and art books valued in the thousands of dollars. Nearly half a century after its inception, Bart’s Books continues to mystify patrons, journalists, and book lovers with a character and charm that beggars description and a selection of books that is beyond compare.

07/15/2026

We like our books like we like our steaks…RARE 😭 and signed 🥹

Next Tuesday 7/21 at 6:00 join us for the OPC Conference Preview 🎭 Ojai Playwrights Conference Hear from OPC Artistic Di...
07/14/2026

Next Tuesday 7/21 at 6:00 join us for the OPC Conference Preview 🎭 Ojai Playwrights Conference

Hear from OPC Artistic Director Jeremy B. Cohen about the five plays coming to town this mont featuring plays that range from The Last Nun at Lake Leaf Monastery by Mat Smart to Closing Costs by Grace McLeod about the foibles of the California real estate market.

Plays developed at the Ojai Playwrights Conference have been performed on Broadway and in the West End. Both “Fun Home” and “Other Desert Cities” were workshopped at the Ojai Playwrights Conference and were Pulitzer Finalists. “Fun Home” won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and Caroline, or Change won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

See you next Tuesday 🎉

03/28/2026

Another 1 minute Bart’s Tour

✨The Gardening Section✨

🌺🌺🌺

02/07/2026

Welcome to Poetry and Literature 📚📚📚📚📚🚨

12/26/2025

Highlights from rain over the years 💧don’t worry the books are safe! And staff are keeping warm and dry. Stay safe out there and drive slow!

Address

302 W Matilija Street
Ojai, CA
93023

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 6pm
Thursday 9:30am - 6pm
Friday 9:30am - 6pm
Saturday 9:30am - 6pm
Sunday 9:30am - 6pm

Telephone

+18066463755

Website

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