Bart's Books
Book store · Ojai ·
World's largest outdoor bookstore with 130,000 new and used titles.
World's largest outdoor bookstore with 130,000 new and used titles.
"A local landmark, this bookstore stacks towers of secondhand books on things like somatic release and love planets; I ducked in and came away with a slim volume of Jiddu Krishnamurti’s notes to self, the valley’s eccentric spirit made tangible." - Lauren Mechling
"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
"You should set aside at least an hour to wander Bart’s Books, the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, which houses over 13,000 new, used, rare, and out-of-print titles across subjects from history and architecture to science fiction and food; on my last visit I picked up a worn copy of The Da Silvano Cookbook (2001) and a nearly unused edition of The Zuni Café Cookbook (2002)." - ByEmily Wilson
The country’s largest outdoor bookstore since 1964, with honor‑system shelves and 130,000 titles. Celebrated by the Los Angeles Times and noted by national outlets for its enduring community spirit.
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.