Book stores in Santa Barbara?
Where can I go to purchase books, besides Chaucers Books and online?
COMMENT 269028
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2012-04-03 01:53 PM |
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There are many fine used booksellers in town. My favorite is Paperback Alley in Goleta, but there is Thrashers, Book Den, Mesa Books, etc. Costco has most first release new books as well.
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COMMENT 269032
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2012-04-03 01:56 PM |
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I have to agree with 028 that Paperback Alley on Hollister in Old Town Goleta is the best for used books and Costco is your best bet for the newest releases/best sellers.
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COMMENT 269033
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2012-04-03 01:56 PM |
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Mesa Books is a cool spots and any of those mentioned above.
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COMMENT 269034
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2012-04-03 01:59 PM |
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the internet. :) no, seriously, i'm another fan of paperback alley in goleta. i've bought hundreds of books from them over the years.
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COMMENT 269041
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2012-04-03 02:13 PM |
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Sorry, not sure of the name, but there is another good used book store on the other side of Hollister near the Mercury Lounge in Old Town Goleta.
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COMMENT 269042
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2012-04-03 02:17 PM |
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I really, really, really miss Barnes & Noble...
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COMMENT 269043
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2012-04-03 02:18 PM |
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OICU812 - I think that is.... Left Coast Books? I haven't been there yet, was excited to go in, but the last time I had idle time in that area, they weren't open yet. I think they have odd hours, but it sounded like their collection was going to be interesting. Big fan of Thrasher books at Santa Barbara and... Canon Perdido?
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COMMENT 269044
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2012-04-03 02:19 PM |
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Also Front Page at the Calle Real Center in Goleta has a good selection of paperbacks and a great magazine rack.
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COMMENT 269045P
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2012-04-03 02:19 PM |
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The used bookstore in Goleta is Left Coast Books.
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COMMENT 269056
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2012-04-03 02:39 PM |
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They still cut down trees to make books? Just words and pictures. Why aren't all those people who are up in arms about plastic bags outraged at the destruction of forests needed to make these things? Totally unnecessary with today's technology. Ban books!!!
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COMMENT 269062
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2012-04-03 02:51 PM |
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Thrift stores are great (magnolia). I also love garage sales cause I can ask the person who is selling it what they thought about the book.
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COMMENT 269066
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2012-04-03 02:58 PM |
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269062 Is right about the thrift stores. Veronica Springs is the cheapest. Also the internet isn't a bad suggestion. I have bought paperbacks on ebay for as little as 99 cents, and a little shipping. I have bought some from Amazon, too, but find used books on ebay cheaper.
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COMMENT 269069
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2012-04-03 03:03 PM |
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Used bookstores are great but Costco!?!!? Let's just close down all community owned stores and buy everything from a warehouse. I miss having a downtown new bookstore. So let's just replace all of the State street stores and put Costco there so we can also get Kirkland jeans, Kirkland tv's, Kirkland smoked salmon and Kirkland wine. What's wrong with Chaucer's? It is a real bookstore where the employees not only can read but do.
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JAZZEE
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2012-04-03 03:34 PM |
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Don't forget the Goleta public library. Lots of books for sale in the lobby. I've bought many there.
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COMMENT 269085
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2012-04-03 03:53 PM |
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I also like the Goleta Library used book sale in the library lobby. The proceeds go to the Friends of the Library which helps keep the library open on Mondays and supports speakers at the library.
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FANGIRL
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2012-04-03 04:41 PM |
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The Book Den on Anapamu Street has a good selection of new and used books. I have always thought of them as a used book dealer but went in there recently and saw they now carry new releases.
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JOHN WILEY
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2012-04-03 04:42 PM |
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I've seen books, DVDs & CDs on sale at Main library downtown too, and they're probably selling at all the branches. We use the libraries for DVD rentals too: free off the shelf for a week; if you request one it's $1; they have over 20,000 titles; and you support a great community resource.
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AQUAHOLIC
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2012-04-03 05:19 PM |
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I really try to support our local bookstore, Chaucer's....you just can't find that kind of experience these days, and as others have said, we need to support that. That said, I have to confess to buying an occasional book at Costco...especially cookbooks!
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COMMENT 269121P
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2012-04-03 05:56 PM |
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And in Montecito there is Tecolote, the oldest, that is, the longest lasting bookstore in this area. I do like Chaucer's --- however, except during their annual sales, the books are list price, as they are at Tecolote. I suppose that's necessary to have such a large stock. However, paperbacks now are inching $20 and hardbacks, $30, driving some book lovers away to the internet. Also: it is not a really good browsing place, with very narrow aisles. I, too, miss Barnes and Noble - there's a beautiful one in Ventura, apparently more book friendly than the Santa Barbara-Goleta area; I also miss Borders, with its huge downstairs selections. Keep in mind that the Planned Parenthood week-long book sale will be coming back in September. It's a book lover's dream (or perhaps nightmare: so many books, so little time.)
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COMMENT 269148
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2012-04-03 08:45 PM |
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I miss the Earthling. What a wonderful, friendly, feel-good store that was; it was the big corporate chain invasion of Borders, and Barnes and Noble - which obviously overextended themselves - which killed the best bookstore *by a huge margin* that Santa Barbara ever had. Oh well... thats how capitalism works, where quantity trumps quality every time.
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SBSWEETPEA
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2012-04-03 09:20 PM |
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Just call me old fashioned but I am still a fan of the printed word. I like a book that you can touch, if the power goes out you can read it, if the battery fails you can read it etc. Technology is not everything, neither is price. I love Chaucer's they have the nicest, most knowledgeable staff. I have gone in there before not knowing the name of the author or the title of the book but with a description and they knew exactly what I was looking for. The staff at Tecolote is also very good. Either store will special order a book for you and is happy to help you with your needs, finding a good gift etc. This is why you are paying retail so they can make a living and help YOU when you need it. Please let's support these two local businesses. There is also a lot to be said for the used bookstores and supporting the Planned Parenthood book sale. Let's keep our money local.
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COMMENT 269155P
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2012-04-03 09:24 PM |
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Comment 269056 Ban books? Isn't that what the Nazi's did? Do you propose burning them next? Oh......... big bonfires at the local libraries.
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COMMENT 269168
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2012-04-04 06:15 AM |
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If you have to order over the internet, instead of Amazon try Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon. It's a great local bookstore that buys and sells used books as well as new.
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COMMENT 269170P
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2012-04-04 06:27 AM |
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Planned Parenthood Booksale should not be missed wherever else you buy books. I keep a list of what to look for throughout the year, but often find things I didn't know I needed until I saw them there. Very reasonable prices.
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COMMENT 269171
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2012-04-04 06:44 AM |
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ban books? for me, there is nothing like the feel and experience of reading books or magazines on the printed page. books have been around for a long time, and although iPads and Kindles do provide a way to publish literature, there is still something about reading a book on the printed page that just can't be replaced. The comparison to plastic bags is ridiculous.
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COMMENT 269172
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2012-04-04 06:46 AM |
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No one has mentioned the Friends of the Carpinteria Library on Carpinteria Ave near Walnut - they have a wide selection of used books in good condition, especially fiction, and the prices can't be beat. As for 056's comment about cutting down trees: trees are a renewable resource; additionally, paper is increasingly made from recycled product. Electronics (computers, kindles, ipads, etc.) are made from rare earth metals, metals, and petroleum products (plastic), the mining and manufacture of which are not only bad for the environment, but becoming politicaly dicey as well, because China controls much of the rare earth mineral resources. Furthermore, these products result in toxic waste when they are thrown away in order to get the newest "must-have" model. I'd rather cut down and replant a tree than drill and mine, destroy habitat, and produce toxic waste.
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PEYTON'S GRANDMA
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2012-04-04 07:04 AM |
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The original question asked where to buy books locally, but since we've gone so far off subject, I'll suggest two Internet book swapping sites: www.bookmooch.com and www.paperbackswap.com (NOT just paperbacks). Both are great. You post books no longer wanted, earn points when someone requests them, then use your points to request books from others. I receive, on average, at least 3 books per month in the mail. Check them out.
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LEAHKING
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2012-04-04 07:11 AM |
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paradise found, next door to the book den, and across the street from the santa barbara public library, has books, and two comfortable booths for listening to music as well.
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ARCHIE
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2012-04-04 07:14 AM |
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148, just to point out that corporate Border's and Barnes & Nobel lost to individually owned Chaucer's. And as for the worth of printed books, I was at the International Antiquarian Book Fair in Lost Angeles, and as I wandered among the 100 booksellers, I felt the impact of being in the midst of art rather than in the machine. It was enriching. This is of course only one aspect of the value of "a book".
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COMMENT 269186P
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2012-04-04 07:17 AM |
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05- An old book can become more valuable; does a computer gain value as it ages? Once a book's been made, it doesn't continue to use energy. How many resources go into making books vs computers? How many years will pass before the novelty of going electronic wears off? Has technology truly simplified your life? Chaucers will order anything they don't carry. Shopping at bookstores allows you to interact with humans and support the local economy.
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COMMENT 269200
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2012-04-04 07:47 AM |
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Bookstore at the Vedanta Temple on Ladera Lane in Montecito. A great independent bookstore.
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COMMENT 269223
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2012-04-04 08:05 AM |
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Support your local business ! Mesa Books ! Chaucers !
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COMMENT 269227
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2012-04-04 08:17 AM |
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I could be wrong, but I think Chaucers is the last unused bookstore in SB. Interesting that they outlasted all the chains.
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COMMENT 269267
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2012-04-04 09:11 AM |
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Another vote for Book Den, and Mesa Books. Eric @ Book Den will increase his new book stock as the book store evolves.
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SEEDLADY
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2012-04-04 09:15 AM |
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Is the woman who used to have a horticultural book store (Virginia.....?) still in business? She had a tiny shop abut 20 years ago, and participated in events like San Marcos Growers pro's open house, the Bot Gar, etc. She was great and had wonderful hort books.
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COMMENT 269270
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2012-04-04 09:17 AM |
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What's wrong with Chaucer's? It has survived where The Earthling, Barnes&Noble and Borders have failed. It is a bookstore, not a coffee shop or a music store... nor a public library where one can hang out and leaf through the latest magazines. Support your local bookstore, please - then go read at a nearby coffee shop/music store and hang out. :-)
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COMMENT 269286
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2012-04-04 09:44 AM |
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This is a great strand of comments. Check out Lost Horizon on Anacapa and Ortega. Mesa, Paperback Alley, Thrasher, and the Book Den (the oldest bookstore in CA) are all great. Also, Mermaid's Chest at 16 Helena Ave has some books (maybe leftovers from the old bookstore that was in the same location?). The true bibliophile should look for the old adobe on the Eastside. Also, there is a letter to the Independent editor on the topic ('Great Bookstores Remain Downtown').
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COMMENT 269292
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2012-04-04 09:53 AM |
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I love the Book Den. Lots of history and the owner is always nice and willing to help. They have great deals on used books, but like another poster said, they also carry new books.
Kinda neat because they are technically the oldest book shop in the state :)
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COMMENT 269296
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2012-04-04 10:01 AM |
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Chaucers has a great selection - but why don't they run the air conditioning in the place? It is always so stuffy - and so cramped - and not a place to sit except the floor - they could make the place more user friendly - but they do have a big selection of books. They could do well by cutting out some of the store and making a sitting/coffee area - to create an ambiance as a destination bookstore - I sure do miss Borders and Barnes and Noble - miss them a lot - but it is tough out there and I'm sure it is tough for Chaucers given all the competition.
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MICHELE
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2012-04-04 10:08 AM |
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Please support Chaucers. Independent booksellers are as rare as dodos. They not only provide books, but their staff is educated, literate, and fantastic at helping you select the perfect books. Their children's section makes me drool.
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COMMENT 269322P
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2012-04-04 10:47 AM |
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Chaucer's is a wonderful bookstore and we're lucky they are still in business. However,for those of us trying to save money, AND trees, I definitely would like to recommend the Friends of the Library Bookstore in Carpinteria, and this Saturday is their monthly half-price sale, hardbacks $1.00, paperbacks 50 cents! All proceeds support the public library.
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COMMENT 269328
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2012-04-04 11:15 AM |
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My vote is for The Book Den on Anapamu. But don't expect to get much for your books there. I worked at Chaucers and found their work environment to be quite oppressive. Lost Horizen on Santa Brabara Street is nice as well. But forget Chaucers and Tecelote. The reason Earthling went out of business is they expanded beyond their means. They should have kept it smaller and not opened in San Luis.
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COMMENT 269346
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2012-04-04 12:33 PM |
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Looking for quality books overseen by friendly, intelligent committed staff and owners??? Come out to Old Town Goleta - we have Paperback Alley (M-SAT) and Left Coast Books (T-Sat), the Mercury Lounge, cheapish gas at the Fuel Depot and The Goodland Market (with Intelligentsia Coffee!) - all in a 2 block walk.
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REDTOP
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2012-04-04 01:00 PM |
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Santa Barbara Central Library has a great selection of used books at very reasonable prices. They are well-maintained with a good turnover. Benefits the library.
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COMMENT 269358
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2012-04-04 01:01 PM |
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056 - Savonarola lives? Fahrenheit 451? too bad, how sad, I suppose you watch TMZ
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COMMENT 269360P
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2012-04-04 01:25 PM |
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Decrease space in Chaucers? Are you kidding? Less space = fewer books . It's a bookstore, not a coffee shop, not a lounge. It's a bookstore, and a terrific one , I think. For used books Catholic Charities on Haley has a ton of books @ good prices. We need to support our local merchants.
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COMMENT 269375
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2012-04-04 02:02 PM |
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I try to buy from Chaucers, but I have also ordered things from Powells. Powells is great for out of print items, if they don't have it they will notify you when it comes in. Great service!
PS I agree that Chaucers should stick to the book business and leave the coffee shop to someone else (like Vices & Spices!)
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COMMENT 269376P
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2012-04-04 02:03 PM |
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The OP asked for a referral other than Chaucers. They may be new to town or have transportation or mobility challenges. There are lots of excellent resources listed in this thread. My personal favorite is the Book Den which carries new books and magazines as well as used and antiquarian books. They can also special order anything you might see online: The Book Den
15 E. Anapamu St. (across the street from the public library)
962-3321
www.bookden.com
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COMMENT 269388
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2012-04-04 03:26 PM |
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The "Ban books" comment was obviously tounge-in-cheek, but the fact that a hand held computer can hold hundreds of thousands of books will eventually make books virtually (pun intended) obsolete. And the resources needed to make and run one of these computers is miniscule compared to the resources needed to make the equivalent number of paper books. We already have entire universities that are book free. It's just a matter of time.
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COMMENT 269394
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2012-04-04 03:51 PM |
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+1 for the comment from 269346, come to Goleta. The Front Page sells magazines on Calle Real, and in Old Town there is Paperback Alley and Left Coast Books. And while you are in Old Town, have Mike do some work on your car - Fuel Depot is just not for cheaper fuel. And while waiting for your car to get fixed, eat at The Hamburger Habit or the Goodland Cafe.
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COMMENT 269439
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2012-04-04 08:49 PM |
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Book Den locally owned for over 25 years.....owner
Eric Kelley is very knowledgeable.
Check it out, on Anapamu next to Sullivan Goss
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