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.

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!

Voted World’s Most Best Spookiest Outdoor Bookstore 👻🏆
10/31/2024

Voted World’s Most Best Spookiest Outdoor Bookstore 👻🏆

Hey all, sorry to say we had to cancel this Saturday’s event! So don’t mark your calendars this time! Stay tuned as alwa...
10/15/2024

Hey all, sorry to say we had to cancel this Saturday’s event! So don’t mark your calendars this time!

Stay tuned as always for upcoming events here and in our site, always more to come 🗓️

Next summer event! will be at Bart’s this Saturday at 6pm will be talking about her new book, Whoever You Are Honey. He...
08/15/2024

Next summer event! will be at Bart’s this Saturday at 6pm will be talking about her new book, Whoever You Are Honey. Here’s a taste: ⁠
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On the Santa Cruz waterfront, every house is as flawless as the people inside—except for Mitty and her elderly roommate, Bethel. For ten years, Mitty has found refuge in their secluded existence after a traumatic adolescence. Now, they’re the oddball pair in the dilapidated bungalow, the last vestiges of a town taken over by the tech elite. But their lives are about to be irrevocably disrupted when a new couple, Lena and Sebastian, move in next door. Because on the quiet outskirts of Silicon Valley, nothing is off-limits, and what was once considered dystopia is now reality...⁠
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Sound familiar? ⁠
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Link in bio for more info! See you Saturday!

Poet Laureate Lee Herrick this Saturday in the Courtyard! Free to attend!
08/29/2023

Poet Laureate Lee Herrick this Saturday in the Courtyard! Free to attend!

California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick joins Bart's Books for an evening of readings and reflection on the place of poetry in our lives.

Happy Saturday! A recent load of books has been approved by Simone 🐱!
06/17/2023

Happy Saturday! A recent load of books has been approved by Simone 🐱!

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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