The city of Simi Valley, CA, known for its rolling hills and amazing attractions, but no so much its bookstores. Considering it has a population over 100,000, it is kind of sad that Simi Valley really only has one proper book store. Maybe it is due to the dominance of Amazon and one day delivery, or maybe people just don't read much anymore. There really is no experience like walking into a bookstore and being fully surrounded from wall to wall with books. Fortunately, Simi Valley offers some options, albeit few for you to visit.
The Open Book
The Open Book is the only independent bookstore situated in the heart of Simi Valley, California. Established with a mission to provide the community with access to an extensive selection of books and support the local literary scene. The Open Book is committed to promoting reading and community engagement and is a go-to destination for book enthusiasts of all ages.
History and Mission
Following in the footsteps of past bookstores at the same location, such as the 5 Dollar or Less Bookstore, The Open Book was founded with the aim of fostering a love for reading and literature within the community. It has continuously worked towards providing a diverse and inclusive range of books to cater to all interests and age groups.
Book Selection and Categories
At The Open Book, patrons can find a wide range of reading material, including popular releases with both new and used books, vintage collections, and specialized genres like mystery and children's books. The store offers competitive pricing and regular special offers, making it a favorite spot for book enthusiasts seeking quality books at affordable prices. For those looking for rare finds or vintage editions, The Open Book houses an impressive collection of gently used and vintage books, adding a touch of nostalgia to the browsing experience. In addition to books, The Open Book provides various services, including the option to purchase gift cards, making it the perfect place to find the ideal literary gift for friends and family.
The Simi Valley Public Library
The Simi Valley Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization that supports the Simi Valley Public Library. Although not as extensive of a collection as The Open Book, the Friends' Bookstore within the Library offers a wide selection of used books. The best part, almost all of the books cost a dollar or less. When it comes to buying second hand books, you can't really beat their prices. Almost all of the proceeds goes back to supporting the Library, so it's a win-win. If you have any older, gently used books, the Friends' Bookstore accepts donations, so donate away, and free up your bookshelves for more books.
Thrift Stores
Another source of used books that people often overlook, are local Thrift Stores. Simi Valley has plenty of these second hand stores, so it shouldn't be difficult to find one. Now, these selections will vary greatly from week to week, as they are almost exclusively stocked with old donated books. However, once in a while you will find some hidden gems.
Major Chain Stores
If you are looking for new releases of popular fiction, you can always check out the book sections of some of the larger chain stores. Although their selections are fairly limited to newer works, and what is popular and trendy, you can find new books at stores such as Target, and Walmart. I am big on supporting local brands, so personally, this would be my last resort.