of general selections with some special appeal

Every week a celebrity or authority in a particular field is interviewed for this column. Topics cover a wide range of interests, with suggestions for columns coming from writers and/or editors.

Today’s column is a departure from the usual in that the 10 independently owned bookstores listed are favorites of a small group of Times’ staff members who became enthusiastic when the selected column topic was bookstores.

Because of the popularity and wide exposure of Southern California bookstore chains, such as B. Dalton Booksellers, Crown Books and Waldenbooks, they are not included in the listing.

Vroman’s, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (818) 449-5320. Monday through Thursday and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Large stock includes more than 35,000 titles on 50 subject areas. Also in stock are stationery and office-supply items. Operated by the same family for three generations, this store was included in Kevin Starr’s book about historical California, “Inventing the Dream.” There are also Vroman’s in Santa Anita Fashion Park and in Eagle Rock Plaza. Words & Music, 3806 4th Ave., San Diego, (619) 298-4011. Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. The “Words” of the shop’s name represent the large selection of new and used books, and the “Music” stands for the grand piano that is on an elevated stage in the store. All new books are discounted, and there is a sliding scale of discounted prices for new books based on how many used books are purchased. Co-owner Victor Margolis regularly plays the piano for customers and participates in the Saturday night concerts, which in addition to the classical music performances, include folk and jazz concerts. There is also a print gallery. The large, two-story store is the recipient of the San Diego Orchid award for architectural design.

Earthling Bookstore, 1236 State St., Santa Barbara, (805) 965-0926. Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. A drive up the coast, lunch at the Zia Cafe (New Mexican food) and an afternoon of leisurely browsing make a nice Saturday outing. The wide selection in paperback and hardcover includes used and old books in good condition at superb prices. Also, collector’s editions. A selection of books by local writers emphasizes the arts. A fireplace and chairs make a cozy reading spot. Owned by husband and wife Terry and Penny Davies.

George Sand Books, 9011 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 858-1648. Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight, Sundays 4 p.m. to midnight. In addition to a general selection, there are poetry books, foreign fashion magazines and international newspapers. Chairs and music help create a cozy atmosphere. The tiny but popular store is owned by Charlotte Gussay, who will special order books. A recorded phone message before the store opens outlines upcoming events there.

Dutton’s Books, 5146 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood, (818) 769-3866. Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This family-owned bookstore, which is not related to the publishers of the same name, carries best sellers, old, rare and out-of-print books, plus titles in every subject area with emphasis on the arts. There are branches in Brentwood and Burbank.

Alhambra Bookstore, 225 E. Main St., Alhambra, (818) 289-4601. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The more than 10,000 square feet of floor space, including a balcony, has a large selection of books. There are English imports and an expansive magazine selection. Upstairs are the children’s and car-repair books. A 25% discount is offered on some hardcover best sellers.

Chelsea Bookstore, 2501 E. Broadway, Long Beach, (213) 434-2220. Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This full-line bookstore, housed in a large, old, two-story house, specializes in arts and literature. Foreign-language magazines and out-of-state newspapers are carried. Poetry readings, films, lectures and concerts are sporadically scheduled here.

Chatterton’s, 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 664-3882. Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays noon to 6 p.m. This mainstay literary bookstore, known for its many poetry readings and other events, fell on hard times but recently had a grand reopening. The collection includes university-press books and some Eastern philosophy. Chairs and plants help make a very casual atmosphere. Many of their customers are from the immediate neighborhood and drop by regularly.

Acres of Books, 240 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, (213) 437-6980. Tuesday to Saturday 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. This store lives up to its name: In its 13,000 square feet of space, there are tons of used books, plus some new ones. It is one of the largest collections of used books around. The general stock includes a large supply of fiction, science fiction and religious titles.

Bart’s Corner, 302 W. Matilija, corner of Canada Street, Ojai, (805) 646-3755. Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays. For book and collectible buffs, this store has about 100,000 titles of mostly used books, including occult, fiction, travel and business plus new books, such as remainder stock. There are prints, photographs, 5,000 National Geographics and autographs of Richard Nixon, Aldous Huxley and others. The 10,000-square-foot shop is mostly outside; books are in cubicles on shelves on a brick patio and there is an oak tree in the center of the patio. A separate room houses more fragile books, such as first editions. Some bookshelves are outside the store and are approachable from the sidewalk. Patrons use the honor system to pay.