Profile
Friends Of The Library Bookstore Santa Monica CA US
The Friends of the Library Bookstore, located on the first floor of the Downtown Library at 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA, offers a curated selection of gently used books, media, and unique merchandise. Open Tuesday and Thursday from 11 AM–7 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM–5 PM, and Sunday from 1–5 PM, the store provides affordable access to a wide range of items, including hardcover and paperback books, children’s literature, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, vinyl records, and more. Proceeds from sales directly support library initiatives, making every purchase a contribution to the community.
In addition to books, the store offers exclusive Friends merchandise such as t-shirts, notecards, and tote bags, perfect for library enthusiasts. Pricing is highly accessible, with hardcover books starting at $3, paperbacks at $1.50, and children’s books as low as 75¢. Media items like CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records are available at discounted rates, while magazines and sheet music can be found for 25¢. Located within the Downtown Library, the bookstore invites visitors to explore new-to-you treasures while supporting local cultural and educational programs.
Location Reviews
The Friends Of The Library Bookstore receives a generally positive sentiment based on available reviews, with a 4.5-star rating on Yelp and 62 total reviews. Commonly mentioned positives include a wide selection of books at low prices, often noted as “best book prices anywhere,” and a nonprofit mission that supports local library programming through book sales. Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable and helpful staff, while others highlight the store’s unique character and the ease of donating books. However, some criticisms focus on organizational issues, with multiple reviewers describing the store as “a bit messy” or noting difficulties in locating books despite the abundance of sections. A few users also mention that the layout can be confusing, though this does not detract from the overall appeal of the store’s affordable offerings and community-focused purpose.
The store’s nonprofit status and emphasis on donating to libraries are frequently cited as strengths, attracting customers who value both the shopping experience and the charitable impact. While the majority of reviews are highly favorable, recurring mentions of disorganization and the need for improved signage suggest areas for potential improvement. Overall, the bookstore is recommended for its competitive pricing, extensive inventory, and contribution to community initiatives, though some visitors note that the physical layout could be more intuitive.