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Bookstar
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Newspapers & Magazines Bookstores, Newspapers & Magazines [Edit]
12136 Ventura BlvdStudio City, CA 91604
Neighborhood: Studio City
(818) 505-9528
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Bookstar
Review Highlights
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"The atmosphere is great (old movie theater." In 5 reviews -
"Just expect the Barnes and Noble prices." In 9 reviews -
"I don't really have a local independent bookseller." In 3 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Kearstin E.
Lake Balboa, CA
I wouldn't normally review a bookstore- ever but this one is special! I love that it's in an old movie theater. Everything is well organized and it's definitely going to become a common place to pass time for me since I work across the street. They have a small lounge area near the back. Even the ceilings and walls are decorated- it seems as though everything was maintained as it was from the theater.
Also you can use printable online coupons and if you know the phone number for employee discounts- well- you end up knocking at least $5 bucks off the price of anything.
Yea, I like this place. Minus a star cause it's a little cramped and I don't like walking all the way to the front entrance from the parking lot. Super friendly service -
Review from Caryn A.
Van Nuys, CA
4/11/2012
I love bookstores, so things have to be pretty bad for me to write a negative review. There are no more bookstores close to where I live, so I drove about 15 minutes to get to this one.
I was looking to find that cozy feeling that bookstores can have, making me want to get lost for hours drifting from one subject to the next. However, the fluorescent lighting makes this place feel cold, there is nowhere to sit, the selection is very poor, and the employees seem aggravated when you ask for help (that is, if you can find one).
The prices are high and don't even compare to Amazon. The book I bought cost $30 and is selling on Amazon for $18. I am all for supporting local businesses, but bad customer service like this is what drives people to shop online. Not only is it more convenient to shop online, it is so much less aggravating than having to deal with rude, incompetent salespeople and over-the-top prices.. -
Review from Tiara B.
VALLEY VILLAGE, CA
4/3/2012
One would think that being an old school theater that the ambiance itself would be cool. Not so much. It's more creepy and JUST OLD rather than retro and fun.
It's a bookstore so there's no point to drone on about the specs, I have to just say that I am so upset that this is the closest major bookstore to me. The employees are useless and rude, they never have the book I want and I usually end up walking out disappointed. Save yourself the time and effort - order online.
I wish I could spend the rest of life emphasizing the poor quality of human beings who work at this store. If you have a question - there will be no employees anywhere around to help, if you can track down someone who works there - they will not be knowledgable in any way about your question, if they DO happen to have any idea about what you're inquiring - they will be rude, dismissive and will answer questions without letting you finish in order to rush you away. I had to tell a woman TWO TIMES that she wasn't answering my actual question because she was cutting me off before I could finish - thus answering a question I WAS NOT asking. Way to go, Customer Service. -
Review from George K.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Look, all bookstores could get a 5 from me. They just have to stay in business and actually sell books. This one has very professional (read: knowledgeable) staff and a wide selection. Good magazine selection in a funky, old Hollywood-style theater. Get the Barnes and Noble discount (by paying) and it'll save you lots of money in the long run. Maybe the best part is the fact that it doesn't have a coffee bar in it, though there is a Starbucks two hundred feet away.
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Review from Rob F.
Los Angeles, CA
4/23/2012
The people who work at this bookstore are really friendly, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. One of the guys gave me a demo of a Nook and I'm totally sold on getting one, soon. Maybe when that Glow one comes out. (One thing: Strange that they don't carry reading glasses) I hope bookstores continue to have a place in our culture.
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Review from Matthew C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Horray for an actual bookstore with helpful, knowledgable staff!
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Review from Courtney P.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2011
I had to stop in here when I passed by and saw the badass marquee with the employee of the month in big letters. How amazing would it be to go into work and to see your name up there? Awesome!
The inside is a bit of a disappointment, this bookstore is in an old gutted theater, the ceilings aren't that detailed but they're still very cool. You'd think that they'd maintain the floors and the walls and try to capitalize on how awesome it is to have a bookstore in an old theater, but not so much.
I wandered the store looking for a specific item for at least 15 minutes and I passed several employees on the floors, not a single one offered me assistance or said "hello"". We even stood in a small section saying outloud "I wonder if this is where it would be" as an employee finished up helping another customer in the same tiny area and she didn't say hi to us? or offer us help? Come on people.
I'm actually going to change my rating from three stars to two stars now because now that I think of it no one even greeted us or said goodbye to us. No one deserves to have their name up on the amazing marquee.
Overall, I recommend that people go here just to see the place because it is really fun walking into a theater style book shop, but don't give them any of your money because they're a lot of rude jackasses. -
Review from Falynn A.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went here with my mom and she fell in love. great job guys=)
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Review from The Immature A.
Granada Hills, CA
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hey everyone, I've discovered something new and I want you to hear about it from me first before word hits the streets: it's called a bookstore and it's this 4-walled structure that sells, get this-- books.
Bookstar--I was overdue for a visit. How long had it been? Let's just say that the last time I visited, there was no need for a 'Paranormal Romance' section. -
Review from Steph C.
4/14/2011
Will everyone please stop hating on Barnes & Noble? I loved the Barnes & Noble on Hayvenhurst and now it's a CVS, making Bookstar one of the only remaining bookstores on Ventura Blvd. I realize that Barnes & Noble is a giant evil chain but guess what, it provides all the books you want in browsable ink and paper form.
I have quite a bit of affection for Bookstar. It's smaller than your average Barnes & Noble and it's located in an old movie theater with the marquis facing out onto Ventura. The place feels almost crowded with books, and the fiction section is very robust. The likes of "Twilight" and other junk are available but not thrust in your face the second you walk through the door. I did find a fun section of lesbian erotica on my last visit - I opened a random book and found a line about female genitalia shooting out and turning to marble. Come on, girls, write a good sex book without resorting to erections.
Anyway. The literature section takes up a good part of the store, and I'll also note that the area for children's books looks unusually enticing. I used to visit this store in high school, and though it's just far enough away that I don't come in often anymore, I like to go in for a browse. The place is cute, and above all else, it's a real feel-the-pages bookstore. The charming marquis would be wasted on another CVS.Listed in: Bookworm Wonderland
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Review from Jared E.
Los Angeles, CA
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
So...this is a Barnes & Noble? Awesome. This doesn't really feel like a B&N except for the signs and such. The building is really cool and the atmosphere feels more like a mom and pop shop as opposed to a huge chain, if that's important to you. I see a review that says the book selection is small, which is true, I guess, but I didn't feel dissatisfied with what was in front of me. It's a nice place to stop into for a little browsing session.
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Review from Van Nuys G.
Van Nuys, CA
1/10/2012
Historic building in the valley. The manager James was nice. Their return policy is a joke, ridiculous. not a great selection, but literally the last book store in this area of the valley so 3 stars.
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Review from Orsolya D.
North Hollywood, CA
12/7/2010 8 Check-ins Here
"Let's go to Bookstar! I used to go see movies there!" -- 12 year old boy in 31 year old's body.
"Um, you mean Barnes & Noble? Don't fall for the gimmick" -- Me
" Oh come on!" -- 12 year old boy in 31 year old's body.
That is how I ended up in "Bookstar" which although owned by Barnes and Noble (even the signage on the door is B&N); it is more like B&N's little brother. I have to admit, the gimmick of the old La Reina theater converted into a book store is hard to ignore. You feel like a rebel doing something naughty in a movie theater.
Bookstar's selection is not as extensive as a traditional Barnes & Noble in the sense of less categories but the selection WITHIN the categories will satisfy any bookworm. To my delight, the art and music sections are larger and offer far more books than what I am used to in a typical B&N. The titles are a bit more eccentric offering a neighborhood bookstore/flea market feel and therefore perfect for that coffee table book that will impress all of your household guests.
The layout is a bit odd as most large chain bookstores like B&N and Borders break up the book space with bookshelves arranged in various directions while Bookstar has all the shelves in one direction (and some along the walls) so it basically looks like massive aisles of a book warehouse. It becomes somewhat overwhelming, uncomfortable, and uninviting. Plus the lights are far too white and bright.
Staff is kind but consists mostly of Valley kids who think they are artsy for working at a book store.
Interesting to check out but not a "must-see". I would stick to Borders further down Ventura over Bookstar. -
Review from Candace L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/4/2012
Well since Borders on Ventura closed, we've been coming to this Barnes and Noble Bookstar a whole lot more! My son always seems pleased with the kids section. There is a really nice lady who works with the kids books and I think this is the best part about this location. If I'm looking for something specific I usually log onto http://barnesandnoble.com and check inventory at local stores then go and pick the book up. This location often has what I'm looking for. I certainly don't see the 40% off coupons floating around that Borders would ALWAYS have but heck, maybe that's why they went out of business. Occasionally this chain will have a little coupon but don't hold your breath, your best bet may be their membership which I'm pretty sure entitles you to 10% off. I use my Mom's phone number each time, I'd put that out here for all to use for the discount but I'm not too sure how much she'd appreciate that ;) It's a good little spot to pop into to if you are out for a walk in the neighborhood, be ready to see a bunch of toddlers roaming around the back of the store and a few dogs too.
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Review from Rebecca B.
Van Nuys, CA
3/7/2012
While I lament the recent demise of so many small book stores and especially hate that big corporate books stores have taken over what is left of the print book market, I am so impressed with the staff at this particular store. The past few times I've been in, the employees have shown an impressive love and knowledge of literature and authors. Their enthusiasm and interest makes it hard to leave with just one book every time and frankly, I could listen to them for hours. I hope this one stays open for a long time to come.
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Review from edren s.
North Hollywood, CA
10/27/2010
Barnes and Noble, you sneaky bastard. Attracting me with your disguise of an old movie theatre converted into a bookstore.
That's what this place looked like. An old, 1950's, movie theatre. A nostalgia that my generation only feels when watching old movies about old movies. But there were books in the display windows. So it double enticed me to go inside.
Right when I pushed the door open, there was a piece of paper with a short description saying, this was a Barnes and Noble.
You sneaky bastards...
The good thing about these larger chain book stores is that the popular, commercial, books are always available. The bad thing about that is those books are usually crap. No offense. Just my opinion.
I was happy to see there wasn't a Starbucks or a Coffee Bean off to the side or a music and DVD section off to the other. It was simply books. So Bookstar/Barnes and Noble got a few stars with that one.
What I especially liked, and is normally the feeling I get in good bookstores was their children's book. The usual 'Where The Sidewalk Ends', 'A Light in The Attic', 'The Giving Tree', 'The Little Prince, Deluxe Pop Up Edition', were all still on the shelves. Reminded me of why I fell in love with books in the first place. A few more stars for that.
But, however, although, unfortunately, they also had a Paranormal Romance section. How...tweenie. I guess there are more writers out there destroying the myth and power of vampires and werewolves because the transition to movie means the literary right direction?
What's next? Hippogriffs? The Kraken? Goblins? Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing how a writer would write a compelling love story about goblins...
Overall, a pleasant surprise. But no gold nuggets.
Cheers. -
Review from Stephy S.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2006 1 photo
When I don't want the cold process of simply ordering via Amazon and actually want to smell the aroma of paper products and enjoy the sounds of silence coupled with pages gently turning in aisles, I come here.
Located right in the heart of the Ventura Strip, (Can I coin that by the way?) it's a pretty large bookstore with a great selection of reads along with a pretty great bargain section. It is filled with everything from those geeky cat calendars to cookbooks to car books to self help books. They also have a great magazine stand in the back and even a little area for kids to sit and read in the children's section. And for all of you film buffs there is a huge section of books on that subject. In LA...go figure ;)
In addition to the aisles upon aisles of words, there are usually really cute people here too...not that I come here for that, I mean, I am all about the knowledge, but it doesn't hurt when the cutie in Suspense is checkin ya at ;)Listed in: Los Angeles Shopping, Los Angeles Bookstores
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Review from Jess R.
6/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Bookstar is basically a Barnes and Nobles.
It's inside of an old movie theatre, so it's a great atmosphere.
The selection is a little less than, say, a larger dedicated Barnes and Noble. They used to not carry Communication Arts, I'm not sure if they've updated that dilemma. :)
The staff is ok, not awful, not great. They are there to do their job. They keep the store clean and organized, and they take your money.
Free parking behind the bookstore!!! -
Review from Amy S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/17/2007
I know this is just a Barnes and Noble with a different name, but I'm a sucker for a gimmick, and I just goshdarn love that this B&N is inside an old movie theatre.
But gimmick aside, the staff is always helpful, they've special-ordered items for me before in a timely manner, and their magazine selection is fairly kickass. -
Review from Nicholas M.
Sherman Oaks, CA
4/14/2008
Bookstar is really just a Barnes & Nobles built inside an old movie theater on Ventura Bl. near Laurel Canyon. When I was a kid my uncle took me here a couple of times and I was amazed by how large the selection was... this was compared to the local used book shop I was accustomed to in Canyon Country. I'm not even sure that Bookstar was owned by B&N at that time. Well, the world always moves on. Today there are giant bookstores wherever you go, but Bookstar wins points for nostalgia and character. The selection may not be great but I pop in for a book every once and a while.
If you are a local I suspect that you have already been to Bookstar. It is worth patronizing simply to keep some culture on Ventura Bl. -
Review from Josh P.
Los Angeles, CA
9/5/2011
Thanks Bookstar. Easy to work with and available when you need them. Helped me track down a book with a hold today. No offense to The Grove, but it's much easier to reach this location. Storefront is fantastic as well. Embrace this store while we can.
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Review from Joanna R.
2/4/2010
Yeah I know this is actually owned by a big bookstore chain but Bookstar is truly unique! An old movie theatre converted into a book shop- how very cool!
It's not huge, but the selection is great and I've spent plenty of hours sitting cross-legged in a corner reading or thumbing through magazines that I'd never dream of buying.
Love this place, but wish they might consider dimming down the lights a bit. I know that makes it harder to read, but the fluorescent light really messes up the funky atmosphere! Otherwise, thumbs way up. -
Review from Nita J.
Los Angeles, CA
4/3/2011
BOOKSTAR..What can I say? Great store and the people that work there are wonderful and very helpful. If your looking for something and its not in the store they will order it for you and mail it to your home...how great is that? The best thing of all is on Saturday morning starting @ 10:30 until about 11:00ish there is book reading. Our book reader is LINDY and she is the best. I'm 50 something and i enjoy it as much as the kids, it's therapy for me I love it......KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND READING LINDY YOUR THE BEST ;)
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Review from Casey M.
Portland, OR
6/1/2007
this place automatically gets four stars because how the hell can you hate on the little bookstore that could???
this little thing is nothing compared to a border's or even a full-scale barnes and noble. i get nervous at the fact that i can't really get 'lost' in this place. however, that ensures a bit more intimacy with a bookseller when it comes to asking for help and/or information. the clerks always have time to lead you to the book you are looking for, and if they don't have it, they will personally call up other surrounding stores and find one for you.
i park my car behind this bookstore for work every morning and i feel safe knowing that if i suddenly feel the urge to make an impulse purchase on some new fiction (which is likely the case), i don't have to go far at all.
smiles* -
Review from Eli B.
CA
5/28/2007
I agree with my fellow Yelpers that somehow this has a touch more character than most B&N's...and somehow I feel that the new release tables and staff picks are better chosen and laid out as well. Given my druthers (what ARE druthers, anyway?) I would shop my local independent bookseller, but if I'm driving by Bookstar I'm v. happy to stop in. Also....I don't really have a local independent bookseller...sigh.....but I do try. B&N stores have also started selling very excellent tea, for some reason.
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Review from Mico G.
Claremont, CA
8/28/2011
My favorite b&n. While I like to visit independent bookstores more, if I need to buy some last minute books for school for my younger sister and b&n is the only store thats open (this happens way too often), I always head to this one. The atmosphere is great (old movie theater? awesome!) and it always looks inviting. It does have rows and rows of bookshelves but I like it because I always find people lounging in corners and reading. I don't know, but it makes me happy. The sections are smaller than your average b&n but it gives it a cozy feel. The children's section is fun too - with stuffed animals hanging around between books and little tables. I always seem to run into people reading books at those tables, or engaged in a serious conversation, and I like it. The neighborhood is fun too. Oh, and there's parking in the rear. It's free. You do have to walk through a tiny alley to get to the store if you choose to park there.
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Review from Skylar L.
Van Nuys, CA
5/8/2008
I remember coming here when it first opened. It was so exciting that the old movie was turned into a bookstore. I knew I loved it when I passed the ticket booth that was converted into a display case. This love grew when I saw that half of the old movie screen was left on the back wall.
Sixteen (+/- a year or two) years later it is still a good bookstore. It was bought out by Barnes and Nobles and so it got a little more corporate. It has aged, and not too well which is sad. Yet, with the stains on the floor and some of the bookcases a little beat up, the selection is still high quality. Unlike the vast selection of books at megastores, Bookstar has to be more selective. Sure, I sometimes have to go to another bookstore, but usually what I'm looking for is there.
I also like that faces stay the same. I'm pretty sure one of the women there has been there for over a decade. Staff is personable and willing to make a suggestion if you're lost on what to read next. I like when the cashier looks at my selection and goes, "I liked this, but have you read ______________?" OK, I don't usually take their suggestion as I never write anything down and forget it later, but it's reassuring to know people in bookstores actually read. I know for a fact that this isn't always the case.
So if you're in the neighborhood, stop on by. Maybe you'll find something new. Maybe you'll be able to escape the summer heat that is quickly approaching. Maybe you'll not really like it, but whatever, you were just checking it out anyway. You never know... -
Review from Collin O.
Sherman Oaks, CA
4/14/2009
Ok lets be real. This is just a Barnes and Noble sister store inside of an old movie theater. It's a great retail location though and if you have to go to one of the big chain stores (which I always use as a last resort) then this one is a great choice. The staff here is very knowledgeable and always has great recommendations. Customer service is the whole reason I gave this business a 4 star rating. If they don't have the item you're looking for they will hunt it down happily and if its not local you can even get it sent to your house free of charge ! Can't really complain there. Just expect the Barnes and Noble prices...
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Review from Adrienne D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/2/2006 1 photo
The Barnes & Noble at the Burbank Media Center is always crowded and there's usually no seating available, so I go to Bookstar in Studio City instead. There are chairs by the magazines in the back, plus the kiddie tables. They should get a few comfy chairs, too. It's next to the brand new Urban Outfitters and other trendy boutiques. Parking is in the back, and Starbucks is just down the street. Bookstar was an old movie theatre so it has the cute old school feel with the ticket box outside (now a place to display books). The staff is always friendly and they have a good selection.
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Review from Raffe L.
Burbank, CA
9/6/2008
This place is great. Not only is the place really close to my house, but it is never busy in there. Besides, the old theatre building is really cool for a bookstore. The prices are a little high, but what can we really expect from a Barnes and Nobles...
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Review from Elizabeth W.
Manhattan, NY
8/5/2009
I LOVE this B&N. It looks cool since it is in an old movie theater. And even though it is right on the busiest part of Ventura Blvd, (Laural/Ventura) it is never crowded in there. It always has what I go in looking for, and has very nice staff. There is just a good vibe in here. There's probably about 3 or 4 B&N's that are closer to me, but I always come here.
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Review from danny s.
Los Angeles, CA
4/14/2010
I remember when this store was a movie theater. It brings back memories when I go in the store. My beef is that it seems that they never seem have in stock what i am looking for. The store is also a bit camped.
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Review from Sammy D.
San Fernando Valley, CA
3/3/2010
I really like this place. Everyone knows it's really just a Barnes and Noble, but when you walk in, you'd never really know it. It's not at all like the other massive Barnes and Noble's you see everywhere...such as, The Grove location. This one is unique and you can almost pretend that you're in a local bookstore, getting away from it all. I love it here!
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Review from OpinionBam S.
North Hollywood, CA
10/23/2010
cool place, but they need seating. the benches by the mag rack and the kiddie seats & table don't cut it. would be awesome with arm chairs to sit and read in and amongst the cool atmosphere. add some chairs, and you'd get five stars. but as it is......
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Review from susan r.
CA
2/3/2009
My Bookstar bookseller, Blanche, has recommended outstanding books (The Fencing Master), as have Ramiro (Like Water for Elephants). Leslie knows me by name when I call. It doesn't get better than this Bookstar.
