Got Books?
From cultural exchange to shopping for gifts, local bookstores are alive with possibilities
The shelves at Godmothers hold both literary and aesthetic surprises.
Written by Joan Tapper
Photographs by Sara Prince
From talks by authors to art exhibits and other community events, bookstores are more than the sum of their wares. And with the holidays coming, books make great gifts. GODMOTHERS opened in September with a star-studded lineup of events and guests that included Oprah Winfrey; Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex; best-selling author Shaka Senghor; and musical artist MILCK—signaling that co-owners Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Victoria Jackson have an ambitious mission for their independent bookstore.
The two women met through a mutual friend three years ago and immediately found themselves on the same wavelength, talking about where their passions lie beyond their well-established careers—Walsh as a high-powered former literary agent and Jackson as a cosmetics entrepreneur, medical research trailblazer, and philanthropist. “We were excited over the idea of getting people together,” says Jackson, and about creating a cultural and community gathering space.
“We were excited over the idea of getting people together and creating a cultural and gathering space.”
Located in a renovated 1920s barn (formerly home to Garde and multiple antiques stores), the shop has a chic interior by Martyn Lawrence Bullard that feels perfectly situated in design-focused Summerland. But the stock is serious—a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction, nature, cookbooks, YA and kids’ books—and there’s a spotlighted platform for readings and other events.
Named in homage to the women “who lit our way” (and whose portraits hang in the entry), Godmothers has a full calendar of book signings, panel discussions, and workshops, among other things. “We’re grateful to be providing a container for connection,” says Walsh, adding “godmothers look after people.”
In addition to live and food-oriented events and retreats in the spacious third-floor space, the co-owners are underwriting a book club in the Santa Barbara County Women’s Jail, providing books and a guide for discussion. They’ve also created a Founders Circle (see above) to build community and support authors. There’s also a food truck on the patio and a café on the horizon—providing welcome nourishment for the body in addition to the mind. 2280 Lillie Ave., Summerland, godmothers.com
In Montecito’s Upper Village, surrounded by antiquarian and antiques shops, LOST HORIZON BOOKSTORE shares its warm atmospheric space with Stewart Fine Art’s collection of California impressionists. Owners Jerry Jacobs and his wife, artist Angela Perko, specialize in books on art, architecture, and design and have added a superbly curated complement of historical prints, maps, etchings, posters, and rare books. For a bit of literary inspiration, there’s even a little Corona 3 typewriter, like the one used by Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene. 539 San Ysidro Rd., Montecito, losthorizonbooks.com
“Our selection is carefully curated and represents many wisdom traditions.”
Poised to celebrate its 100th anniversary, TECOLOTE BOOK SHOP, which looks out onto the grassy center of Montecito’s Upper Village, is intertwined with local history. Founded in 1925 and originally located in Santa Barbara’s historic El Paseo, the shop—which was named for the Aztec word for owl—survived the citywide cataclysm that year. “I like to think the owl arose from the wreckage of the earthquake,” says co-owner Mary Sheldon, who has been with the shop for some 30 years. Tecolote caters to its longtime customers with a mix of titles, including stylish coffee table tomes, and frequently schedules signings for local writers. 1470 East Valley Rd., Santa Barbara, tecolotebookshop.com
Bearing testimony to how many books can be tucked into a tiny space is the MESA BOOKSTORE, owned by local writer D. J. Palladino and his wife, Diane Arnold, since 2016. There are 12,000 used volumes in just 90 square feet. “I pretty much know what’s here and what’s not,” Palladino says of the stock, which encompasses lots of genres—thrillers, sci-fi and fantasy, recent fiction (since 2000), romance, and westerns. “Classics sell well. We shop for some in thrift stores and have gotten great books by accident. One woman brought in Stephen King hardcovers that turned out to be rare.” 1838 Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara, themesabookstore.com
The wares at PARADISE FOUND in downtown Santa Barbara tend toward the metaphysical and spiritual and include books, crystals, jewelry, tarot cards, incense—even a teapot labeled “witches brew.” Says Teresa Taylor, who has stewarded the shop since 2000, “Our book selection is carefully curated and represents many wisdom traditions and contemporary teachings on how to be a happy, inspired, peaceful human being on planet earth. Sometimes I think of our offerings as instruction manuals for living a good life.” 17 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, paradisefoundsb.com
Next door, the long aisles of THE BOOK DEN are filled with an even mix of new and used (including out-of-print) books, both hardcover and paperback, on everything from art and literature, to travel, history, poetry, and the sciences. There are even a few shelves of German and French books. Much-loved classics tend to sell well, and there are usually newer editions available, too.
15 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, bookden.com
“My husband told me, ‘You buy so many books, you may as well own it.’”
CHAUCER’S BOOKS’ longtime owner, Mahri Kerley, remembers why she bought what was then a small bookstore in Five Points exactly 50 years ago: “My husband told me, ‘You buy so many books you may as well own it.’” She renamed the shop and moved it to Loreto Plaza, where the cherished institution is packed with more than 150,000 titles. Kerley has retired, selling the store to married employees Jen Lemberger and Greg Feitt, who happened to meet there. “We are excited to be carrying on the legacy of Chaucer’s Books,” says Lemberger. “The community can expect to find the same broad and deep selection, great customer service and recommendations, and free author events. In addition, we hope to expand our support and partnerships with schools, literacy organizations, and other education and youth-focused groups.” 3321 State St., Santa Barbara, chaucersbooks.com
Given Solvang’s Danish heritage, it’s hardly surprising that the well-stocked BOOK LOFT—with new works, a big kids’ section, and lots of puzzles—also contains a museum dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen, whose number of translations is second only to the Bible. It’s a big draw for visitors, who will find books about the writer, lots of Little Mermaid and other Andersen editions, a case of his illustrated tales, and even tools for making wooden shoes. The collection came from bookstore owners Kathy and Gary Mullins, who donated the space when they established the Ugly Duckling Foundation in 1989. 1680 Mission Dr., Solvang, bookloftsolvang.com
KEANE’S ECLECTIC, on the main drag in little Los Alamos, lives up to its name. There’s furniture, lighting, and memorabilia, but used and rare books are the main thing, says owner Denis Keane. A native of Killarney, Ireland, he opened the shop in 1992, and it has carried on through the many incarnations of the town. There’s a wide selection of titles, including lots of Californiana. “We have a good following,” says Keane. Most requested? “The standard classics. People want to read them, and they’ve lost their original copies. And we can’t keep John Steinbeck in stock.” 438 Bell St., Los Alamos, keaneslosalamos.com
Opened by Richard “Bart” Bartinsdale in 1964 to house the overwhelming number of his personal volumes, BART’S BOOKS in Ojai may be most famous for its sign by the door: “When closed, please throw coins in slot in the door for the amount marked on the book.” The shop still shelves many of its books outdoors, but there’s an indoor section as well, built from Bartinsdale’s 1937 cottage. The vast selection includes mostly used books, from 35-cent specials to rare and out-of-print editions. A stop here is de rigueur during a trip to Ojai. 302 W. Matilija St., Ojai, bartsbooksojai.com
DON’T MISS
Join the GODMOTHERS FOUNDERS CLUB for a bounty of extra perks:
Exclusive events. Holiday and seasonal social mixers, game and cocktail nights, monthly Sunday afternoon tea, movie and margarita nights; monthly kid and young adult book and craft events.
Café discounts. 15 percent off merchandise and books; seasonal-menu-change tastings.
Exclusive content. Access to content library, including videos of in-store events you may have missed; a monthly newsletter featuring an early look at the events schedule and early access to tickets.
VIP treatment. Prime seats at ticketed events; reservable patio space for your book club gatherings; gifting services with custom book recommendations and a holiday gift concierge.
Individual ($200 per month) and family ($350 per month) memberships available. godmothers.com/join-our-circle
