Gavin's Books

Philip Henderson

2024-02

On my first visit to this gem of a bookstore I fell in love with the quality of the collection. I usually read more than 30 books every year. I write for Rural Heritage magazine and need to keep reading to improve my skill as a writer. This is a terrific old-fashioned bookstore. Packed from floor to ceiling are used and new books carefully selected by their owner who is a lover of books. I moved to SLO about nine months ago and this is the best bookstore I have visited. I purchased two new books, but I expect to be a regular visitor of this gem. The owner is friendly and knowledgeable. I named two books I was looking for and he walked to them less than one minute. Great prices, friendly people, huge selection of books . . . everything a good bookstore needs. Decades ago, I used to hang out at Papa Bach's bookstore in West Los Angeles, now fifty years later I found a modern-day version of a real bookstore. If you love reading, make your way to this special place.

Carol Moreno

2024-03

My family and I have frequented this small local business for quite some time now and had enjoyed the selection etc., however, after many occasions and spending quite a bit of money in there, we will no longer support this business, and it all boils down to one thing and that is Gavin's selective treatment of some of his customers. On every occasion we've gone, we have watched Gavin chat and be friendly with just about every customer except our family. I can't wrap my head around why he is so rude to us, we are a very kind and friendly family, we are clean and my children are very well behaved, not to mention the fact that we spend a good deal of money in there. Well, we will no longer be lining Gavin's pockets, he doesn't deserve it if he can't treat all of his customers with kindness and courtesy. Even when we're handing him our money he has been rude, when the customers ahead of us were treated like old friends. There was once a very nice and helpful female worker there, who always assisted with a smile on her face, sadly she no longer works there, perhaps Gavin was rude to her too. I just want people to be aware of how some customers are treated.

Zach Roper

2021-05

Excellent store with and ever changing selection. They are just what I love from used book stores: over stocked, but decently organized. I love seeing stacks of books everywhere. The staff is also friendly and helpful. They can pretty easily tell you what they do and do not have in stock.

Adriana Belhachmi

2024-02

One of the best used bookstores I’ve ever been to, very good prices for high quality used books. Owner is lovely and has a great atmosphere 😄

E Jordan

2024-02

Great Bookstore. My kids and I visit here often. Gavin is always awesome and helps to find or order the books we are looking for.

Penny Cox

2024-04

Great selection and prices on used books; can’t wait to come back

Alexis Gonzales

2023-09

My favorite bookstore in SM. Prices are great. They have new and old books. New and used books, that might as well be new. They had books I didn't think they had. Did I mention they have manga. If I had the space and money to buy books. I would be going on a spree here. There is just so much here. Sadly they don't take 100 dollar bills but thats my fault. I do wish they have the first book/manga from a series. Maybe some music to create an atmosphere here. Also a change in location since it's pretty small in there to move around. Highly, highly recommend this place for books.

Kelsey Smith-Coyle

2021-05

Never a dull moment at Gavin's. 😍 I love this store SO much and I'm so happy they've open back up! Books are always in wonderful condition and for very good prices.

D

2023-08

Prices range from excellent to overpriced (mostly excellent), book selection is good, and the staff is friendly.Prices:Somewhat older and less popular books are generally a great deal. They're cheaper or equal to what you'll pay online. However, many of the recently published books (those published within the last 1-4 years) can be found cheaper online.Often you'll find the same quality books with different prices. I also found serval older books (like The Time Machine by HG Wells) that were low quality and wayy too expensive.Tldr -- prices are mixed, but mostly you'll get a good deal.Selection:They have a good selection of books. It's a smaller book store, so they don't have everything. But if you come in with several books that you're looking for, then you will probably find one you want.If you're looking for a popular sifi or fantasy series, they are likely to have it.Call to ask if they have what you're looking for.Staff/atmosphere:The staff were very friendly and helpful. The store is small and quiet. You may have to wait your turn to look at popular sections if you go at peak hours.

Christy Hudson

2023-05

I was very happy to have a local bookstore here in Santa Maria and I was extremely grateful for the effort Gavin put into finding the special orders I was requesting. The customer service is outstanding!In a world that has becomes more and more electronically driven, thank you for the simple pleasure of turning the pages!

Cellee Hall

2023-08

I can never walk out with just one book! I leave with a box full of books... He has such a good collection and more. I highly recommend Gavin's Books!

Vanessa Dorethy

2022-05

Personally my favorite bookstore to go to! Been a customer since 2010 and now take my kids into the store with me as well. The customer service is awesome and the book selections are of a great variety! I always find what I'm looking for or something that catches my interest. I always walk out with a great purchase experience and shopping experience.

Sarah

2020-05

Just Amazing!Could I get some of these books off Amazon? Technically, yes.But that does that come anywhere near the delightful experience of chatting with the VERY helpful and knowledgeable owner, getting customized book recommendations, and wandering through the troves of well-priced and great condition books to pick out my next exciting find? Nowhere near it.Proud to support this local bookstore. Top notch customer service, speedy shipping for books not in store, and wonderfully friendly owners. One of my favorite places in town!

Jeanie Haupt

2018-05

Great bookstore! The owners have put a lot of effort into building a really good collection. Staff does as much as they can to keep it organized for you. That's the problem I have had trying to shop elsewhere. The clutter & disorganization gives me anxiety. Overall I think it's quite a gem & I love perusing because I never know what kind of treasure I will find!

Taulin Bundy

2021-05

Wonderful bookstore full of all kinds of work. It appears small but the selection is grand from obscure to recent releases, even audiobooks and comic strips. A helpful, friendly staff who are more than willing to help you find a book or even put in an order. They even have a rewards program! Check out Gavin's Books you WONT be disappointed.

Kathryn Scott

2020-05

There is nothing more relaxing than reading a book. Kindle just doesn't cut it. This is a cool used book store. I found two books I didn't know I needed. The prices are good. I got a $40 retail, beautifully illustrated, Encyclopedia of Fairies for $10. I didn't have time to explore the entire store but I will go back. I see books in my gifting future.

Isabela Garcia-Lopez

2020-05

Even when this little shop was named The Bookworm, it has been the best little bookstore a girl could dream about. The owner of Gavin's Books is charismatic and genuinely wants to help you find what book you are looking for. This shop is one that I will continue to support because I cannot stop pondering the shelves and picking up a new book. Go and support a local business, especially if you are a book lover.

Michael Johnson

2020-05

I purchased a book from this company via Abebooks. But, there was no way to post a review there, and they deserve a compliment. The order arrived quickly and Very Well packaged. I could have taken it out of the postal box and stuck a bow on it and called it done. The book was well protected and looked exactly as described. 5 stars all the way, I will seek them out in the future.

Brandon Berryhill

2012-05

The owner is the only person who works there as far as I know and she is amazing. She knows her inventory like the back of her hand (which is amazing because the store is packed floor to ceiling with books).I have made this my permanent book buying location. Also she buys back books. Pretty cool and helpfull if you don't want to keep your books after you finish them.

Robert Jeffers

2013-05

Great little used bookstore! The owner knows her inventory and directed me to where I needed to look. Even more amazing, this book was available! The prices were very reasonable and even a tag-along with me found a few books she was looking for too. Highly recommended, even as an avid Amazon shopper, before you hit them up give this place a look over.

Megan Puga

2019-05

The people at the bookworm are so helpful and inviting. Their prices are great! You even can find some new copies of books for a discount. They will spend time with you if they can to help you find the perfect book. I was looking for books for my 7 year old and they helped me with a lot of great suggestions.

Patrick Wineman

2019-05

The Bookworm is a great local bookstore. He has a large variety of books, new and used, for all ages. There is a solid selection of young kid and older kid books in the back. If he doesn’t have your book, he can order it and get it within a couple days. I like having a physical bookstore in town and we can always find a book to try there.

Anthony Uribe

2020-05

It is a very nice place, has kind employees, a large selection of books in about all categories.At Gavin’s they also have some of the books I’ve read before like “The Circuit,” “Percy Jackson,” most of the series and also comic books in the back with the kids books. And if you enjoy reading manga they also have a section near the kids section for manga of multiple genres. I bought 2 volumes of One Piece there yesterday they were $3.75 each, the manga there are usually $5 each which is a discount to the original price. The manga are in very good condition along with many other books. They also update their stock on books every week.I hope you will enjoy this place and continue to come here

Sonja Wittlieb

2021-05

Love this place! They have such a great selection, but if they don't have what you want they work to get it for you. The used books are in great condition. And I love the rewards program!

Mom

2020-05

I write this in hopes that we as a community can always support this locally owned treasure.During this self isolation time, my daughter needed a book for her English class. I contacted Gavins Book through Facebook and he responded right away. I asked about the book, he had options from used to new and decently priced. He delivered it that day!I started texting friends to share the great customer care this place obviously has."There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." – Walt DisneyThank you.

Catherine Castillo

2021-05

They had the Skeleton book i needed . They took the time to help me over the phone. There were very nice when i went to pick up the book. Best of all the book was way cheaper in there store than online. It was used but perfect condition. Thanks catherine

Heidi Macomber

2019-05

Great little book store tucked in a plaza. Don’t miss it. Tons of great quality used and a sprinkling of new books. I was looking for kids Spanish books for babies and hit the jackpot! Very friendly staff.

Alex Raymond

2022-05

Very nice little book store, lots of books that are well organized and in really good condition. The people running the store are polite and helpful.

Michael Woods (Gothiegal)

2019-05

Love this store! Newer books and all those you've loved since childhood. Plus rarities, special covers and a panoply of others. Check it out!

Renea Nicodemus

2022-05

Amazing selection, also incredibly organized and every single item has a price on it which is so helpful. Love this little gem of a shop.