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My Favorite Bookstore: Chaucer's


Chaucer's Bookstore...just saying the name makes me happy and conjures up images of warmth. Chaucer's is an independent bookstore in Santa Barbara, CA that is everything a bookstore should be:

  • Knowledgeable and friendly staff. These people know books. They read, they like books, and if they don't know what you are looking for they will find the staff member who does.
  • They will order books for me if they don't stock what I want. And, it usually arrives in less than a week!
  • They have books everywhere: on the shelves, on top of the shelves, on the floor, and behind the counter. But, it doens't feel messy or overwhelming.
  • Location. They are located in the middle of town, which for me is on the way home from work (can be very dangerous)
  • They don't have a coffee shop. I know, many people like that, but I think it's just a cover that the chain stores use to distract you from the salespeople who don't know much about books.
  • They have impressive childrens'/YA/adult sections so all members of my family love it there.
So, if you're ever in Santa Barbara, check out Chaucer's. And, be sure to let me know you're here! And, no, Chaucer's didn't pay me, they don't even know I am doing this...


10 comments

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I know I'd love this store too; now only if I could visit Santa Barbara some time :)

Eva said...

That sounds like the perfect store! :D

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

Great post - I love book stores!

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

I have an award for you on my blog :)

Aarti said...

I LOVE having a favorite indie store! This one seems perfect in all sorts of ways :-)

aqtbenz said...

This store looks like heaven :) too bad I'm halfway across the country.

I've given you something over at my blog:

http://qtbookworm.blogspot.com/2010/01/who-loves-you-baby-award.html

NeutralGround said...

Hi, I just wanted to stop in and say that you've got a beautiful blog. That store looks wonderful, wish we had one like it up here in Boston.

Helen's Book Blog said...

Thanks to everyone for the comments! Chaucer's really is wonderful.

Thank you as well to aqtbenz and Sheila for the awards! I feel warm fuzzies

Anonymous said...

LOL from the outside the shop looks a bit 'stiffly' (I might just pass it by), but from the inside... a real comfy looking store!

Helen's Book Blog said...

The shopping center just redid the fronts of all the stores so poor Chaucer's had no control over their exterior...poor them!