Conan the Librarian, Small World Books' shop cat. 

Small World Books, an independent bookshop on the Venice Boardwalk, known for its large selection of Beat poetry and its adorable shop cat named Conan the Librarian, will celebrate its 40th anniversary this weekend with a party on Saturday, August 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Mary Goodfader, the owner of Small World Books and the adjoining Sidewalk Cafe, was recently profiled in The Argonaut, and said, “I have a quality bookstore with high-quality employees and high-quality customers. My passion is books, and I’ll do this as long as I’m able.”

Small World Books // 1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice 90291