CBad bookstore Farenheit 451 looks for lifeline

The longtime Carlsbad Village bookstore’s lease will not be renewed as the popular independent shop seeks new location

A longtime staple of Carlsbad Village, Farenheit 451 Books, is looking for a new location as the lease will not be renewed. Owner Phil Phillips said the last day is July 15. Steve Puterski photo

CARLSBAD — The smell of paper wafts over customers seeking out an array of books, art, music and more at Farenheit 451 in Carlsbad Village.

However, the bookstore, which has become synonymous with the Village since its opening in 2006, is packing up its stock of pulp fiction, novels, vintage magazines and more as the shop must be out of its location by July 15, according to owner Phil Phillips. The store resides at 325 Carlsbad Village Drive and is just east of Big Pig Liquor on the southeast corner of Carlsbad Village Drive and Carlsbad Boulevard.

Phillips said a new management group purchased the two-story building, which houses several other businesses, and those ground-floor shops did not have their leases renewed. Instead, a food hall concept is expected to take their place, he said, noting he was told the “data” showed food as the best use for the space.

“There’s a whole range of people who shop here,” Phillips explained. “That’s what concerns me about the possibility of being in a small space. If I have to be … I’ll have to sell all my (excess) stuff just to pay the rent. I cast a wide net here, which I won’t be able to do if I have to move into a smaller place.”