Bart's Books, Ventura County Travel Guide

4.8 (1210)

Discover literary treasures in Ojai's iconic outdoor bookstore, where the love of reading meets the charm of a small town.

Bart's Books in Ojai, California, is a unique, independently owned outdoor bookstore, celebrated as the largest in the U.S. Founded in 1964 by Richard Bartinsdale, it offers a vast collection of books, including rare finds, with an honor system for after-hours purchases.

A brief summary to Bart's Books

302 W Matilija St, Ojai, California, 93023, US
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bart's Books.

Explore the outdoor shelves, available 24/7, and pay via the honor system when the store is closed.
Check the "kitchen" area for cookbooks and culinary writings.
Take your time browsing; the bookstore's cozy nooks and patios invite you to relax and discover new books.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Surfers Point at Seaside Park

Marina Park

Ventura Harbor Village

Serra Cross

The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park

Explore Bart's Books on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bart's Books, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Bart's Books is easily accessible on foot from most points in downtown Ojai. 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. Be sure to observe posted street signs for any parking restrictions.
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. Taxi rates start at $1.30 per mile.

Discover more about Bart's Books

Bart's Books, located in the charming town of Ojai, California, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of books and community. Founded in 1964 by Richard Bartinsdale, the bookstore emerged from Bartinsdale's overflowing personal collection, which he initially displayed on bookcases outside his home. Inspired by the bouquinistes along the Seine River in Paris, Bartinsdale created an open-air bookstore where customers could browse and purchase books at their leisure.What began as a humble collection has grown into the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the United States. Bart's Books boasts nearly one million books, ranging from affordable classics to rare, out-of-print first editions. The outdoor setting, complete with cozy nooks and sun-drenched patios, invites visitors to linger and discover new literary treasures. The bookstore operates on an honor system, allowing customers to purchase books even when the store is closed by leaving payment in a designated coin box.Over the years, Bart's Books has become a beloved Ojai landmark, attracting book lovers, tourists, and artists from around the world. The bookstore has been featured in films and novels, solidifying its place in popular culture. Today, Bart's Books continues to thrive under the stewardship of Matt Henriksen, who is committed to preserving the bookstore's unique character and fostering a love of reading in the Ojai community.