Lido Village Books
/I love purchasing my books off of Amazon. I’m a sucker for instant gratification and knowing that my books will be on my doorstep the next day is almost too good to be true. But, as much as I love the speed and convenience of Amazon and other big retailers, there is something special about small, independent bookstores. Lido Village Books in Newport Beach, CA is the perfect example of one of these irresistible shops. I was excited to find this bookshop and I’m grateful that my family has been able to make visiting a semi-regular event. I know books often cost more at independent bookstores, but I use these trips as a teaching moment to encourage my little ones to support small businesses and local sellers.
It is a literal hidden gem, nestled at the end of a small, covered walkway in Lido Village Marina. Inspired by London and Paris, this tiny independent bookstore is home to a curated selection of books ranging from new releases to classic favorites for both children and adults and, despite its size, it seemed to have everything in between as well.
Lido Village Books strikes the perfect balance of having a fancy atmosphere without feeling too intimidating. It’s small, but its size shouldn’t fool you – there’s tons to do and see. From author book signings (which will hopefully pick up again in a post-COVID world) to weekly storytimes for kids, there’s no shortage of experiences to be had here. The effort they put into creating not just a bookshop, but a book buying experience, is clear. The set up of all the books is well-done and organized. Their children’s corner is a perfect place for your little rascals while you browse the adult books. They also celebrate author birthdays every month, and even offer a discount if you purchase works by that author. My favorite section is called “Take an adventure with a book.” It’s this shop’s take on a “blind date” with a book! You get to see the genre and a short description, but you don’t know what book you’re getting until you take it home and unwrap it.
When I go with my family, I like to make it an experience – I suggest you do the same for you and your little ones. Sometimes, we bring food and picnic down by the harbor. Other times, we stroll through the nearby shops and pick up food or a treat there. There’s the cutest ice cream/coffee shop just around the corner, right on the water. If you’re really up for an adventure, you have the option of taking a boat ride nearby. It’s a great way to spend the day with your family.
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We Love Books!
Most of our family adventures lead us back to a bookshop.
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Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 8.
