A Store That Covers the Globe

What’s the newest country in the world? Just ask Barbara or Sheldon Mars.

They own the California Map Center and can answer that question and many more about our ever-changing world.

Maps are just one of the items sold at the Santa Monica store, which specializes in travel books and accessories. The shop offers one-stop shopping for travelers.

Customers can browse through a collection of 10,000 travel books or inquire about one of the more than 20,000 types of maps available, including topographical, travel, relief, antique rendition, hiking, biking, geological, earthquake and boating maps. Prices range from 90 cents to $500.

“Our store has tremendous depth. . . . It’s like going to a supermarket,” said Sheldon Mars. “If we don’t have it, it’s going to be a hard item to find.”

The Marses have always enjoyed travel, so opening such a store seemed natural. The couple purchased a small shop that sold only a few travel books and specialty maps.

“I didn’t know what a topographical map was when I came in (to the store),” Sheldon Mars said.

But over the next few years, the Marses studied the travel hobby and the business expanded. This month, the store celebrates its fifth anniversary.

Many customers consider the store a critical part of their travel plans.

“They have a comprehensive collection of books,” said Pacific Palisades resident Steven Roth, who bought a couple of books on France. “They have a great selection and the service is warm and personable.”

Each month, the California Map Center also offers slide shows and discussions conducted by international travel authors and photographers. Scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Friday is author Leon Kolankiewicz. He will give a slide presentation on the natural history of Alaska and discuss his book, “Where Salmon Come to Die.” Admission is free.

By the way, trivia buffs, Eritrea on Africa’s northeast shore is the newest country in the world, according to the United Nations. It became independent from Ethiopia in an April, 1993, referendum.

The California Map Center is at 3211 Pico Blvd. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Information: (310) 829-6277.