Chaucer's Books — Local services in Santa Barbara

Spectacular, dense, and most importantly well-curated selection of books covering most topics. I could get lost in this place for days. .. UPDATE: I’ve been coming here for years now, and my appreciation has only increased. I continue to have positive interactions with the staff, all of whom are knowledgeable and passionate about books. A few times I’ve sought help and the person is new, but it’s always been a great experience as they’re transparent about what they know (and don’t). We often end up discovering something new together.

You know a bookstore is good when they carry multiple works by great authors, especially those that perhaps aren’t well known. More times than not I find the boo. I’m looking for. And when I don’t they’re eager to order for me.

Everywhere I travel I’ll stop on locally owned bookstores, as I’ve found they are one of the most accurate measures of their cities. Chaucer’s restore my faith in Santa Barbara...

My family and I used to visit your store weekly & we bought plenty and of books there. Many happy hours were spent in your store even if we did have to stand! We are contacting you to inquire if you have remained in good business. We have been reading about the Strand in New York who was hanging on the edge due to Covid19. The owner sent.a message to her customers to please order for Xmas early and she might be able to remain in business. The heavens opened - She received 25000 orders in 24 hours! Well we just thought we would send this story along to you in case you were hurting! We miss you Chaucer’s! Sharan and Jules Nosal, North Ferrisburgh, Vermont. Happy...

Remember books?! They sell those here, and if you've never seen one in person I would check them out while they're still around.

They have a great selection. If you're a bit short on funds, no problem, they have free books available in the "self help" section, just help yourself!

If you're not much of a reader, books also make great home decorations. Prominently place your books on a well lit shelf in the living room to give off the impression that you are an intellectual. The more nuanced the subject the better(Chaos Theory, the First Punic War, the History of modern Trigonometry, etc.)

Pretty ironic Amazon started as a website...