Ojai Valley Museum
Discover the Ojai Valley Museum: A Cultural Treasure in California
Bart's Books: An Open-Air Literary Oasis
Discover a literary treasure in Ojai at Bart's Books, the largest outdoor bookstore in the U.S., offering a unique browsing experience since 1964.
Bart's Books in Ojai, California, is the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the U.S. Founded in 1964, it offers a unique browsing experience with shelves lining the street, where books are sold on the honor system when the store is closed.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Bart's Books
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
10 am-6 pm
Tuesday
10 am-6 pm
Wednesday
10 am-6 pm
Thursday
10 am-6 pm
Friday
10 am-6 pm
Saturday
10 am-6 pm
Sunday
10 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Walking
Bart's Books is located in downtown Ojai and is easily accessible on foot. From the intersection of Ojai Avenue and Signal Street, walk one block north on Signal Street, then turn left onto Matilija Street. Bart's Books will be on your left. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes. Look for the distinctive outdoor bookshelves lining the street.
Public Transport
Gold Coast Transit Route 16 serves Ojai and has stops near Bart's Books. From the Ojai Ave & Canada stop, walk north on Canada Street, then turn right onto Matilija Street. Bart's Books will be on your right. A single ride on Gold Coast Transit costs $1.75.
Driving
If driving, navigate to 302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023. Parking is free on the street, but can be limited, especially on weekends. There are also public parking lots nearby, including one at 300 E Matilija St (Ojai Certified Farmers Market lot) and another at 110 N Signal St. These lots have a 3-hour time limit.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Ojai, though availability can be limited. A ride from the Ojai Valley Inn to Bart's Books, for example, would cost approximately $10-15, depending on demand.
Local tips
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Visit during the week for a less crowded and more relaxed browsing experience.
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Check the outside shelves for bargain books, available for purchase on the honor system.
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Explore the different rooms inside, each with its own unique theme and collection.
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Bring a tote bag to carry your literary treasures home.
Discover more about Bart's Books
Bart's Books is a literary landmark in Ojai, California, celebrated as the largest outdoor bookstore in the United States. Founded in 1964 by Richard Bartinsdale, affectionately known as Bart, the bookstore began as a simple collection of shelves outside his home. Inspired by the bouquinistes along the Seine River in Paris, Bartinsdale created an open-air browsing experience, inviting passersby to peruse his collection.
Over time, Bart's Books has grown into a sprawling complex of indoor and outdoor spaces, housing over 100,000 new and used books. The outdoor shelves are stocked with books available for purchase 24/7 on the honor system, where customers can drop coins into a coin box when the store is closed. Inside, visitors can explore themed rooms, including a kitchen dedicated to cookbooks, reflecting the building's history as Bartinsdale's former home.
Bart's Books has become a beloved community hub, attracting book lovers, tourists, and artists alike. The bookstore has been featured in movies and novels, solidifying its place as a cultural icon in Ojai. With its charming atmosphere, extensive collection, and unique history, Bart's Books offers a literary experience unlike any other.
A brief summary to Bart's Books
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