Rare but Well Done : Old is never out of style at these used-book stores.

When it comes to bookstore happenings, used-book stores seldom come to mind. Still, if you love old books, holding a Lord Byron first edition or a copy of the Pennsylvania Journal & Weekly from 1780 is a happening. These serendipitous discoveries occur in such used-book stores as the Calico Cat Bookshop in Ventura or Bart’s Corner in Ojai.

“It’s a labor of love,” Peter Margenat says of the small shop on the corner of Main and California streets in downtown Ventura. Tourists and locals have browsed in the shop for more than 25 years; Margenat has owned it for the last 15.

Besides rare and used books, he specializes in the history of Ventura County. A 1590 New Testament may be his oldest book, with a 1616 treatise on the strategy of war a close second. He will show you that 1780 Pennsylvania Journal if you aren’t too grabby. He buys from estate sales, auctions and other dealers, and is always on the lookout for good collections.

Bart’s Corner at Matilija and Canada streets in Ojai has been around even longer, nearly 35 years at the same location. It’s easy to find--just look for outdoor bookshelves, accessible after hours.

Gary W. Schlechter, its owner for 22 years, concentrates on an eclectic selection, some dating back to the 1600s--with a large occult section. His inventory often comes from book scouts--people who buy from sources at prices they won’t reveal. It’s a mini-mystery along with the lock of hair he found in an acquired book.

As for holding events, he tried musicians and artists. “My regular customers didn’t pay any attention--it was a distraction,” he says.

Since used-book stores tend to come and go, it’s reassuring to see old-timers alive and well. Meanwhile, anyone opting for events--read on.

HAPPENINGS

Today at 2:30-3:30 p.m. “Return to Wholeness: Embracing Body, Mind and Spirit in the Face of Cancer” by Dr. David Simon. Book signing and discussion at Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 446-2820.

Monday: 7:30 p.m. Cast of “Titanic: A New Musical” will perform numbers from the production and sign autographs. Barnes & Noble, Thousand Oaks.

Tuesday: 7 p.m.: Pepperdine University professor Michael Collings will lead a poetry writing workshop at Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159; 7 p.m., UCLA professor and Native American scholar Paula Gunn Allen will discuss and sign her new book, “Off the Reservation” (Beacon Press), Borders, Thousand Oaks.

Saturday: 2 p.m. Charles Hillinger will discuss and sign his newest book, “Channel Islands,” at Barnes & Noble, 4360 E. Main St., Ventura, 339-9170; 7 p.m., Pajamamania will introduce Delta’s Corner for Kids, an alternate month book group celebrating African American literature. Borders, Thousand Oaks.

Catch you next week.

* Information about book signings, writers groups or publishing events can be faxed to Ann Shields at 647-5649, or e-mailed to anns40@aol.com