Camelot Books
Owner: Dale
Founded: 1974
Camelot Books is what I like to call a dive bookstore. It doesn’t have a lavish store front, or an expansive interior; it is tucked inside a small shopping center in Fountain Valley with Dunkin’ Donuts across the street. But this store truly embodies the aphorism “Don’t judge a book by its cover!”
Not only is Camelot Books one of the only remaining independent bookstores in Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley area, but there are many small treasures and gems hidden inside that make it worth traveling to (yes, even down the 405!)
THE STORY
Dale is not the original owner of Camelot Books. In fact, she has been a loyal customer for over 25 years. She used to visit this bookstore with her father, his “favorite” bookstore, to pick up a few books after lunch.
Unfortunately, the previous owners decided to close and liquidate the store back in March. Retired and already a volunteer for the store, Dale couldn’t stand to watch it disappear:
“Now all these years later when faced with watching yet another bookstore close - and this time mine and my family's and friends- I found myself attempting to save his "favorite" store and for years, since that first visit, mine too.”
Dale purchased the book inventory and signed a lease for the space, taking over a landmark that had been there for over 45 years.
The store itself was its own project to take on: cleaning, organizing, painting, resurfacing, and many more handyman projects. When Dale was volunteering, she was responsible for the fiction mass-market paperback room. She had to physically count 33,400 paperbacks to take inventory, and realized the terrific base of books (many titles discontinued and harder to find). Camelot Books fiction section is one of the best places to find rare novels.
They had a huge clearance sale of old inventory and are now in the process of replenishing the stock. The store is small, but it is homey and inviting, and Dale has made incredible progress with the design, layout, and character of the store. The vintage decor and unique selection of cards, dictionary art, and children’s books make it a must stop visit!
Dale writes:
“Please bear with us while the store is in transition. It has been and is a huge undertaking, but I am dedicated and determined to keep a "good" bookstore in our area.”
You might meet Lucy meandering around the bookshelves- she loves attention (and treats!) This beautiful cat used to be a stray, until she wandered into the store one day while Dale was working and found her permanent home between book stacks. Funny enough, the old bookstore’s logo had a black cat perched on books, and it was almost a prophecy that came true with Lucy!
This is one of my grandma’s favorite bookstores. We often come here during the week, as it is very close to her home and we have plenty of lunch places to choose from next door. My grandma is whom I inherited my love of books. In fact, she has read every mystery book from A-Z in the Fountain Valley Library and the Huntington Beach Library!! Though, she still always somehow seems to find a new mystery book in the little section corner of Camelot Books.
NOTABLE SECTIONS:
Other than Camelot Books’ incredible selection of fiction paperbacks, there are also many beautiful collector books. Whether you are looking for a decorative piece or are interested in Henry James and John Stuart Mill, these books are in great condition and are fun to admire on the shelf. Recently, I found a copy of Harvard’s Classics “Prefaces and Prologues to Famous Books” which was also in a 50% off section!
They also have vintage dictionary art, with different types of art work, animals, flowers, and quotes painted on them. On the right is a photo of my own copy- Audrey Hepburn with the saying “I may be wrong, but it’s highly unlikely.” Apparently I picked the most popular design because I snatched the last one! But don’t worry, there will be a new stock soon… all the more reason to go and check out Camelot Books.
Website: http://www.camelot-books.com/index.html
Used Books: ✓
Rare Books: ✓
Sell Books: ✓
Cafe: ✕
Wifi: ✕
Pets: ✓ (if cat friendly!)