Spotlight on Bookstores: *Los Osos Book Exchange* in Los Osos, California

Amy from The Black Sheep Dances submitted this essay to the Spotlight on Bookstores giveaway (and, thanks to the luck of random.org and the generosity of HarperPerennial, she won a $10 Chipotle gift card!).  In the spirit of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, I encourage you to visit The Black Sheep Dances, where you’ll find book reviews and reading challenges that focus on literary fiction, global poetry, and translated works.  And, of course, if you’re in or near San Luis Obispo, head over to Los Osos to visit the Book Exchange!

My favorite local bookstore has the worst name ever, “Book Exchange”.  Yep, it’s not too creative, but that’s possibly because they used up all their creativity in designing the shop, which is located in Los Osos, California.  It’s a hole-in-the-wall on a strip mall, but once inside you are in book and cat heaven.  For one thing, the “staff” of two cats serve a purpose-they don’t want mice nibbling on the books.  The front window which faces the sun has perches for the cats, as well as lots of cat accessories (clocks, toys, greeting cards, stationary, etc).  Then there’s the overhead walkways that allow the cats to escape annoying customers and possibly scan for shoplifters.  Tunnels abound, over and under the stacks, which are very high and have a comfy perch randomly located. 

The store itself sells both new and used books, which is unique for our area.  And they shelve them together, so you don’t have to search two sections.  It works well.  They have an eclectic children’s book section, though small, and feature old classics and new picture books.  They don’t appear to have any of the typical youth ‘series’, just great kids books.  They also have a stellar collection of Scandinavian crime.  On a recent visit, I was able to buy two new Henning Mankell’s, a used Jo Nesbo, and my husband found a out-of-print Mandarin dictionary that was on his wishlist for years.

The humans that run the place are very sweet and helpful, and they don’t rush you or push recommendations that you don’t want.  I love that they are relaxed with children in the store, and many neighborhood visitors stop in for coffee and chatter.

Thanks for sharing the Los Osos Book Exchange with us, Amy!  I especially like the “staff” of two cats and “the humans that run the place” … I suppose the cats only let the humans *think* they’re in charge!