FAQs

Is Bart’s open for browsing during the pandemic?

We are currently operating as normal, with a few slight procedural changes. We are open 10 am -6 pm everyday. Masks are currently required. Pets and food are not permitted in the store. you are welcome to bring canteens, coffee or other dinks. Trade credit system info can be found here.

PLEASE NOTE: We are sill happy to provide delivery or curbside service, by phone or email.

Where does Bart’s get its books? 

Most of the used books in the store come from book trades, donations, or entire acquired estates. We always appreciate donations.

Does Bart’s only sell used books? 

The majority of Bart’s Books inventory (about 130,000 books) is made up of second hand books of various subjects. However, Bart’s does carry a small selection of brand-new books, most of which are new releases or popular frequently asked for titles, as well as a few underground staff picks.

Can Bart’s find me a specific book?

Due to the nature of used book stock, we DO NOT have a catalogue/ inventory of the books in the store. However, our employees have extensive knowledge about the books that go on the shelves and can point you in the right direction based on a book's author, subject matter, and publication date. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, we’re always available to special order you a new copy and can ship worldwide. 

How does the Bart’s pricing system work? 

All of our books are marked with a price on the first blank page on the right hand corner in pencil. Prices take into account condition, content, publication date, rarity and popularity of the book. So for the most part, they are non-negotiable. 

So, what does an outdoor bookstore do when it rains?

Almost nothing. Bart’s uses a system of tin sheeting to protect our books year round. Combined with the Ojai Valley’s dry and mild climate, we’re able to operate as normal during our (limited) rainy season.

Who is Bart?

Richard “Bart” Bartinsdale opened the bookstore in 1964, and has since passed away. The indoor section of our store is built from Bartinsdale’s old home. Read more about Bart here.

Do you serve coffee?

Short answer, no.
Long answer, a few years ago, a blog post wrote about us as a “bookstore coffee shop” despite the fact that we have never served coffee. We’re not really sure why this article credited us as a coffee shop, but we want to clear up the confusion: we do not serve coffee.