All Booked Up: How Three Santa Barbara Teachers Turned A Dream Into A Mobile Bookstore Movement

Santa Barbara’s book scene is getting a charming, genre-bending refresh—on wheels. All Booked Up, the brainchild of three local educators, is more than just a bookstore on the move; it’s a roaming love letter to literature, community, and the magic of possibility.

Founded by teachers Sam, Alisa, and Ali, the business was sparked by casual conversations about favorite reads and classroom favorites. What started as a shared “what if” between colleagues quickly became a full-fledged passion project.

“As teachers, we were always exchanging book recommendations,” they explain. “It became clear that we didn’t just love reading—we loved connecting people to stories.”

The idea of a mobile bookstore offered the perfect blend of accessibility and intimacy. By rolling through different neighborhoods and popping up at local events, All Booked Up could meet readers where they were—and make every stop feel like a book fair for grown-ups.

A Book Trailer Built on Heart and Fantasy

Specializing in romance and fantasy, the trailer is stocked with everything from swoon-worthy love stories to sweeping magical epics. But the selection isn’t just about bestsellers. “We gravitate toward books that offer escape, empowerment, and emotional depth,” the trio notes. “Romance is all about emotional connection and hope. Fantasy lets us imagine entire new worlds. Both genres give readers a break from the ordinary—and the courage to dream bigger.”

Alongside household names like Sarah J. Maas and Ali Hazelwood, you’ll find emerging authors and underrepresented voices. Their curated collection highlights inclusivity, fresh perspectives, and the latest trends in booktok culture. Titles by Ana Huang and Elsie Silver sit proudly next to indie gems, creating a balanced and dynamic reading experience. Constantly reading, scrolling, and listening to community feedback, the All Booked Up team treats curation like a form of connection.

From the Goleta Block Party to Coffee Shop Pop-Ups

Santa Barbara’s love for all things local has helped the trailer thrive. From the Goleta Block Party to neighborhood coffee shops and markets, All Booked Up has become a vibrant fixture in town. These pop-ups aren’t just retail stops—they’re literary gatherings.

“We’re constantly surprised by how open and engaged people are,” they reflect. “They don’t just browse—they want to chat, get recommendations, and share what they’re loving.” That energy has created more than just loyal customers—it’s built a community. Each event feels less like a transaction and more like a conversation between kindred spirits.

The emotional responses from customers have often been the most fulfilling part. “People will light up when they find a title they’ve been searching for, or when we recommend something that becomes their new favorite. That joy is why we do this.”

Educators at Heart, Curators by Nature

The team’s background as teachers deeply influences the way they run the bookstore. “Teaching has taught us how to meet people where they are,” they say. “Whether that’s understanding reading levels, interests, or just giving someone a safe space to explore stories, we carry that mindset into every recommendation we make.”

Their displays are intentional, their conversations are inclusive, and their goal is always to make reading feel approachable—especially for those who don’t consider themselves “book people.” By blending pedagogy with passion, they’ve created a literary experience that is both fun and thoughtful.

Lessons Learned on the Road

Operating a bookstore inside a trailer—affectionately named “Taylor”—comes with its share of logistical hurdles. Parking, towing, storage, and weather all add unexpected challenges. “Taylor lives in a storage unit with about a foot of clearance on each side,” they joke. “Let’s just say we’ve become expert drivers by necessity.”

Flexibility has been key. “Things don’t always go as planned,” they admit. “But we’ve learned to laugh through the mishaps and focus on what matters most: creating moments of connection.”

The City of Goleta's #GoodLandGoodShopping campaign continues with another great local gem right here in Goleta – All Booked Up! 📚✨

Dive into a world of stories with All Booked Up, a brand-new mobile bookstore – founded by former teachers! From heartwarming love tales to… pic.twitter.com/QTtLWvRnJj

— City of Goleta (@CityOfGoleta) June 6, 2025

The Road Ahead for All Booked Up

Looking to the future, the team has no shortage of dreams. A traveling storytime series for kids, curated book boxes delivered to local readers, and themed book clubs are all on the horizon. Their biggest goal? A brick-and-mortar play café and bookstore where people of all ages can read, gather, and connect.

“At the end of the day, we want to keep books joyful, accessible, and a little magical,” they say. “If we can keep creating space for people to fall in love with reading—wherever the road takes us—we’ll know we’re doing something right.”