Bart's Books

Book store · Ojai

Bart's Books

Book store · Ojai

4

302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023

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Bart's Books by yaz999 (Atlas Obscura User)
Bart's Books by yaz999 (Atlas Obscura User)
Bart's Books by yaz999 (Atlas Obscura User)
Bart's Books by yaz999 (Atlas Obscura User)
Bart's Books by yaz999 (Atlas Obscura User)
Bart's Books by yaz999 (Atlas Obscura User)
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null
Bart's Books by null

Highlights

Nestled in Ojai, Bart's Books is a charming outdoor bookstore where you can meander through 130,000 titles and soak up the sunshine in a picturesque setting.  

Featured on Bon Appetit
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302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023 Get directions

bartsbooksojai.com
@bartsbooksojai

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302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023 Get directions

+1 805 646 3755
bartsbooksojai.com
@bartsbooksojai
𝕏
@bartsbooksojai

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Last updated

Jun 20, 2025

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@bonappetit

"Founded in 1964, Bart’s Books is the world’s largest outdoor bookstore. You’ll want to set aside at least an hour to explore its meandering sections."

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@atlasobscura

"A cornerstone of the city of Ojai, Bart’s Books is the world’s largest outdoor bookstore and a mecca for bookworms and casual readers alike.  Founded in 1964, Bart’s Books began as a group of bookcases along the sidewalk outside the home of founder Richard Bartindale. Inspired by the Parisian book carts found off the river Seine, Bartindale utilized outdoor bookshelves so that those walking by could look through the titles. Instead of using a cash register, Bartindale left coffee cans on top of the bookcases for people to pay for their selections. Bart’s eventually evolved into a full-stop bookshop, with the core indoor section of the store being built from Bartindale’s old home. Over the years, the bookstore has become a cultural institution, having been featured in numerous documentaries, TV programs, print articles, and films.  Today, Bart’s Books continues to serve the needs of all readers with over 130,000 new and used books spanning from 35 cent specials, to rare, out-of-print first editions and extremely valuable art books." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

30 Curious Corners in California
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@victoire_loup

A house turned into an open-air bookstore with books old and new, where you’ll find cookbooks in the kitchen and kids’ books in the backyard.

Ojai
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@jonknobel

The sci-fi section is probably my favorite for low-cost, pulpy as hell stories. I have spent hundreds of dollars on architecture books as well. Ideally, you finish your shake or second coffee while reading something in the sun.

Day Trip N. 02 Ojai
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mackfrack

Google
Amazing bookstore with a super large selection. It’s almost all outdoor under coverings, and makes for beautiful photo opportunities. I will admit the large selection made it a little difficult to shop intentionally, but if you spent more time here than I did I’m sure you’d be able to find some gold. I would definitely suggest stopping by this unique place if you’re in the area :)

Jonathan Esteem

Google
This place is a very unique book store. The experience begins when you approach the establishment, with mounted bookshelves filled with books placed spaciously along the outside walls, surrounded by plants, ivy and flowers. Then, you enter a narrow archway that opens into the main area where the registers are located, and to the right and left are books galore! The setup is a loop, so whichever direction you choose to begin your parousal, you will be able to explore the entire collection. There are 2 separate sections that are not part of the loop: the "kitchen," where you can find books about food (very cleverly planned), and the "gallery," which I unfortunately didn't get to visit. We drove up from L.A. County to visit the city, and Bart's alone was worth the drive!

Maria Happy

Google
This second-hand bookstore is a local landmark and a pleasant place. The collection is large and varied, and there is something for everyone, and you can enjoy reading right in the store, at the tables, on the benches, and on the steps.

Fatma Wahab

Google
Nice place to chill and reading some books with friends, such a unique open space concept of library! Awesome experience

lilian

Google
Very good bookstore, the environment is very good, not only suitable for reading, but also suitable for taking pictures. I am not good at English and cannot read English books, so as a tourist, I choose to take pictures quietly and enjoy accompanying my family here.

Maryam E.

Google
A must stop for us when passing through Ojai. You could truly get lost and spend a day in this adorable shop. My favorite feature is the cookbooks being kept in the kitchen 😭😭 So adorable!! The outdoor book selection outside was very charming .

Maria J.

Google
Absolutely loved it. So many books. It's like a labyrinth, nooks and crannies all filled with books. Outside in the sunshine. Beautiful space with nice, helpful, knowledgeable staff to assist with finding your favorite read. Good selection of books, mostly used (but some new), will definitely come back. Would highly recommend. Plenty of places to grab a bite or a drink nearby and the scenery is heavenly.

Kira Fish

Google
Adorable, unique, and some real hidden gems for cheap if you're willing to search! I walked away with a 1952 edition of Rachel Carson's "The Sea Around Us" for only $10