Beyond the unmistakable scent of a brand-new car that has just rolled off the assembly line, is there anything better – from an olfactory perspective – than the smell of freshly printed pages when a book is cracked open for the first time? We’re having a hard time thinking of something. Few activities are more relaxing and enriching than getting lost in a labyrinth of novels and taking home a new addition to the shelf…while expanding our minds.

Bibliophiles, rejoice – because in this roundup, we’ll be showcasing the best local bookstores in Woodland Hills that you’ll definitely want to check out.

The Open Book, located at 6316 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Suite 2180, is an independently-owned bookstore with a selection of titles to suit all ages and interests while providing an authentic bookshop experience. From handpicked selections of books to an unbeatable customer service approach, The Open Book sells new, like new, and gently-used books for half the original retail price – or less. If you have great books that you would like to sell or donate, the Simi Valley and Canyon Country locations offer a buy-back policy. Open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday/Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm.

David Kaye Books & Memorabilia, located at 22733 Ventura Boulevard, specializes in rare books, original film posters, celebrity autographs, and other unique entertainment memorabilia, with many loyal customers describing the shop as “pure magic” and “their favorite place in Los Angeles.” A treasure trove for those who love books, David Kaye remains a super-knowledgeable and welcoming individual on L.A.’s bookstore scene, always leaving patrons feeling like they’re walking out with a bargain. Let’s put it this way: buying books here is about as far away as you can get from the soullessness of Amazon. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm; closed Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday. 

Next Chapter Books, located at 21616 Sherman Way in Canoga Park, has been the premier used book store for Canoga Park and other cities in the San Fernando Valley since 2006. As a local family-owned-and-operated business dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and high-quality used and rare books for its valued customers, Next Chapter was recognized in 2010 when it was voted the Best Book Store as part of the Daily News Readers Choice Awards – but beyond that, the store boasts tens of thousands of titles spanning a wide range of subjects, including hardback, paperback and audiobooks ranging from the latest releases to collectibles. If you are looking for specific genres, you will most likely find it at Next Chapter Books. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 6 pm; closed Sunday and Monday.

Books on the Boulevard, located at 13551 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, opened in the spring of 1995 for in-store and internet sales and continues to specialize in quality used books – primarily hardback non-fiction and fine literature. The shop offers thousands of titles in various subjects, from art and military history to cinema and cooking, and the owners will always help you find a particular topic or author. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, by appointment Sunday and Monday. 

Barnes & Noble, located at The Commons at Calabasas Park, 473 Commons Way in Calabasas, is an instantly recognizable name in the realm of book lovers everywhere, and the Woodland Hills location is no different. Serving over 600 communities in all 50 states and on BN.com, Barnes & Noble sells millions of unique physical book titles while offering 4.5 million eBooks and 190 million physical books annually between retail stores and online operations. As one of the world’s largest booksellers, B&N provides a leading selection of titles along with cozy reading spots throughout the store – so come in, grab a caramel macchiato from the Barnes & Noble Café and curl up to a good read on a NOOK Tablet…or enjoy hours on end shopping for everything from books and magazines to vinyl records and children’s toys. Open Sunday through Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm and Friday/Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm.

As the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles may not immediately strike one as a metropolis full of bookworms, but hidden away from the red carpets, body-hugging sequin gowns, and flashing lights lies a small army of bibliophiles bringing back the meditative act of bookstore browsing at the best bookstores in Woodland Hills.