books for

the people

A hand-drawn illustration of a blue bird with brown legs, an orange beak, a brown eye, and pink wing details.
Two women standing close together in a bookstore or library, one holding a pink book titled 'Smart Women'.
Display of multiple books on a wooden table with a shiny disco ball at the center, followed by a potted plant, in a room with white walls and bookshelves filled with books in the background.
Illustration of a butterfly with teal wings and pink markings.
Illustration of a brown oak leaf with blue veins.

Olivia & Daisy is a bespoke, neighborhood bookshop for all ages in the heart of Carmel Valley Village.

We carry literary fiction, historical fiction, non-fiction, memoir, thriller, nature writing, cookbooks, puzzles, children’s books, self-help—you get the gist. Find bestsellers and new releases prominently featured alongside hidden gems and sleeper hits that are sure to inspire, challenge, and delight. 

“We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” ― Joan Didion

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“Many people, myself among them, feel better at the mere sight of a book.” ― Jane Smiley

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“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” ― James Baldwin

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“Think before you speak. Read before you think.” ― Fran Lebowitz

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“We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” ― Joan Didion • “Many people, myself among them, feel better at the mere sight of a book.” ― Jane Smiley • “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” ― James Baldwin • “Think before you speak. Read before you think.” ― Fran Lebowitz •

  • Green tote bag with pink text that says 'Read Banned Books' and smaller text with names and location, surrounded by pink icons of flowers, a butterfly, an owl, a sun, a bird, a hand with an eye, a feather, a book, a horseshoe, and stars.

    RBB Mega Tote

    live and let read

    shop

ABOUT
O&D

Illustration of a brown flower with a pink center, green leaves, and an attached flower bud on a black background.

The bookstore is helmed by a Kelsey (not an Olivia or Daisy), whose namesake are two spunky village burros. The girls have since moved down to Santa Barbara, but the shop's appellation and donkey spirit remain our guide. Known for their strong will, determination, and resilience, donkeys have long been a cornerstone of human existence, propping up entire communities since 3000 BC. 

The burro also reminds us that we never have to shoulder the burden alone. We hope that you find a book, conversation, or connection at our stoop that leaves you better than you found us.

Across the digital-attention chasm, Olivia & Daisy Books hopes to serve as a sanctuary and 'third space' and heartbeat for Carmel Valley Village’s creative and intellectual life.

In 2025, we were honored to be included in The New York Times '36 Hours in Carmel, California' travel column!

See you offline and in the shop.

A young girl with red hair, lying on a yellow patterned couch, smiling, holding an open book.
A quote about buying books from people, with emphasis on not colonizing the moon, by Olivia & Daisy Books in Carmel Valley, CA.
Illustration of a pink horseshoe with decorative patterns.
Person holding a stack of books in a cozy, well-lit bookstore with wooden shelves filled with books in the background.
A storytelling session taking place in a bookstore with children and adults sitting on chairs, bean bags, and the floor, while a woman reads a picture book. Balloons are hanging from the ceiling, and bookshelves are visible in the background.
Scenic view of the rugged California coastline with green hills, rocky shores, and ocean waves under a partly cloudy sky.
A table displays a stack of books, a bouquet of flowers, a selection of silverware, and a handwritten note with a wine list, all arranged for a book signing or event.
A hand holding a book titled 'We All Want Impossible Things' by Catherine Newman, with a background of books on shelves.
A cartoon illustration of a blue owl flying with pink eyes and accents, and dark blue feather details on its wings and tail.

Upcoming events.

Stay informed about our exciting bookstore events, such as author signings, book club, children's storytime, and other fun gatherings that align with your interests.

Join our newsletter for updates on newly added events or schedule changes to maximize your bookstore experience!

Life is better offline! Join us at the hub of culture and community in Carmel Valley.

A woman signing a book at a bookstore, with stacks of books on a table in front of her, and bookshelves in the background.
Illustration of a blue feather with a pink central quill on a black background.

indies > bezos

buy your books online: www.bookshop.org

A drawing of an open blue envelope with a small black heart on the flap, holding a pink card with green cursive writing that says 'I love you'.
A bookstore window displays books with a quote written on the glass that says, "The fact that we cannot save everything does not mean we cannot save anything, and everything we can save is worth saving." The window is decorated with string lights and some plants, with books visible inside.
A woman with curly hair making a skeptical or unimpressed facial expression.
Illustration of a single brown oak leaf with blue veins.
A group of people gathered in a cozy bookstore or library space, listening to a speaker seated at the front. The setting features white walls with colorful butterfly decorations and bookshelves filled with books.
A colorful illustration of a blue and purple feather with a pink and purple central shaft.
Illustration of a pair of train tickets, pink and green in color, with the word 'TICKET' visible on one of them.
A group of women gathered in a cozy room with a large patterned rug, playing cards and board games, with bookshelves filled with children's books on the walls.