Imagine walking into a bookstore with shelves that spill out onto the sidewalk.
Now picture flipping through paperbacks while palm trees sway overhead and warm California sunshine lights up the pages.
It sounds too weird to be true, but it’s real, and you’ll find it tucked away in a small California town with thousands of books waiting.
You can wander through maze-like rows of cookbooks, rare finds, classics, and surprise first editions, all while standing outside.
If you love bookstores that do things a little differently, this place is about to shoot straight to the top of your must-visit list.
Where Is It?
Bart’s Books is located in the small town of Ojai in Ventura County, California.
You’ll find it at 302 West Matilija Street, just a few blocks from the town’s main strip lined with shops and cafes.
If you’re driving in, it’s about 25 minutes from Ventura, around 50 minutes from Santa Barbara, roughly 2 hours from downtown L.A., and about 4 hours from San Diego.
About
Not Your Typical Bookstore
Bart’s Books isn’t your typical bookstore; it’s completely open-air, with shelves stretching through patios and walkways that are partly shaded by a roof.
It feels more like wandering through a little book village than walking into a store.
From the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by tightly packed bookcases filled with paperbacks and quirky finds you didn’t know you needed.
The Largest Outdoor Bookstore in the World
It is often called the largest outdoor bookstore in the world, and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why.
The store holds more than 130,000 books, covering everything from bestselling fiction and travel guides to rare, out-of-print titles and vintage art books.
Plus, it’s organized super well, with dedicated sections for children’s books, fantasy, philosophy, poetry, history, and a dedicated corner for local authors.
A Little History
Bart’s Books opened in 1964 when Richard “Bart” Bartinsdale, a book lover with an overflowing collection, built a few bookcases along the sidewalk.
He then let neighbors browse the titles and drop payment in coffee cans, a simple setup that became the bookstore’s long-running honor system.
From those humble beginnings, it grew into a must-visit stop in Ojai, drawing everyone from casual readers to serious collectors hunting for rare editions.
What It’s Like to Visit
When you visit, you’re free to wander at your own pace, with no rush, no loud music, and none of that big chain-store feel.
Instead, you’ll hear pages turning, soft chatter, and maybe the rustle of leaves overhead.
It’s the kind of place where shaded seating areas are tucked between shelves, so you can sit and sample a few pages before buying.
That’s when the real fun starts, because you might stumble on a first edition, a signed copy, or a random cookbook with illustrations that are worth the price alone.
How It Works After Hours
Here’s what makes Bart’s Books extra cool: when the store closes for the day, it doesn’t completely shut down.
The outer shelves that face the sidewalk stay accessible 24 hours a day, with each book marked by a small note listing the price.
If you’re browsing after hours, you simply total up your books and drop the cash into a secure slot in the front door.
It’s basically the honor system in action, and it works.
That simple, trust-based setup feels very Ojai and very fitting for a bookstore that has always done things differently.
Know Before You Go
Hours
Bart’s Books has normal opening hours every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., rain or shine, and even on most holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
But remember, even after the shop closes, there are still some books that you can browse and buy using the honor system.
Just make sure to bring cash if you plan to shop after hours, since the honor system shelves do not accept cards once the main register is closed.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are your best bet if you want nice weather and a super chill browsing experience.
If you’re visiting in the summer, expect warm temperatures in the 80s, so bring water and sunscreen since most of the store is outdoors.
There are shaded areas throughout the store, but the midday sun can still be intense, so try to stop by in the morning or late afternoon.
Parking Information
You’ll find street parking along Matilija Street and surrounding roads, since the bookstore sits in a quiet residential area.
Things to Do Nearby
Hungry after all that browsing?
Head to Ojai Rotie for rotisserie chicken, grab a coffee at Ojai Coffee Roasters, or cool off with a scoop from Ojai Ice Cream, all located along Ojai Avenue.
If you want to crack open your new book right away, Libbey Park is just a 10-minute walk away, with 21 acres of grassy lawns, tennis courts, and picnic tables.
And for a little nature break, head to Ojai Meadows Preserve, about a 5-minute drive away, where you’ll find a 1-mile out-and-back trail with mountain views.
Tips
- Plan to spend at least an hour wandering through the shelves because it’s way bigger than it looks from the outside.
- If you love rare or collectible books, give yourself extra time to explore the specialty sections since that is where some of the coolest finds tend to hide.
- Keep your phone charged because you’re going to want photos of those outdoor shelves stacked high with books under the California sun.
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