Don’t Judge this Article by its Cover

Courtesy of The Last Bookstore

Don’t Judge this Article by its Cover

by Laura McMahon
November 9, 2023

With the abundance of e-zines, online newspapers, and e-readers, there is still something magical about wandering the aisles of a bookstore, sliding into a cozy chair and holding a book in your hands. Los Angeles has an abundance of eclectic and independent bookstores that offer readers everything from the latest bestsellers to rare finds and are also architecturally intriguing. In this article we highlight some of LA’s coolest independent bookstores. The Last Bookstore
453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
An old bank building, The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new bookstore, with over half a million new and used books, according to their site. Spanning 22,000 square feet, with marble columns, giant doors and soaring ceilings, the two-story mecca to the printed word is a bibliophile’s dream. The mezzanine level is a ‘Labyrinth’ with a tunnel created from books, specialty themed rooms and unexpected nooks. The store boasts the Arts & Rare Book Annex featuring first editions, signed books, and books on art, architecture, and design. The space also is home to a record store, comic bookstore, art studios, and yarn shop. Hopefully, it won’t live up to its name! Skylight Books
1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
With a tree growing in the center of the main room, Skylight Books is a Los Feliz neighborhood favorite. It is a general bookstore with literary offerings in a wide variety of genres, and also boasts a large section on California and LA history as well as local magazines, according to their site. They host several book clubs and have a nationally recognized events program with author readings and signings. They are also a Certified Green Business. Now Serving
453 S Spring St Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Foodies flock to Now Serving in the Far East Plaza in Chinatown featuring gastronomical related books from around the world. Gourmands will find everything from cookbooks and cocktail tutorials to out of print culinary books and food magazines. They also sell a variety of merchandise including aprons, spices, and kitchen wares, and hold food related talks. The Ripped Bodice
3806 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232
Romance fans will fall in love with Ripped Bodice, a bookstore dedicated solely to the romance genre. The Ripped Bodice is “proudly woman and queer owned,” according to their site. The store hosts book clubs, comedy nights and writing workshops. In addition to romance novels, they also offer a selection of gifts and items with a “focus on supporting independent woman owned business.” Children’s Book World
10580 ½ W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
With over 80,000 books catering to children of all ages, parents and teachers, Children’s Book World celebrates diversity, and, according to their site, “believes every child should see themselves reflected in the books on [their] shelves.” They offer author appearances, cozy reading spots, mini concerts, and other activities. The store’s book recycling and “Readers and Writers Rock” programs underscores their commitment to making literature accessible to all by providing books and arranging author visits to underserved low-income communities. Mystery Piers Books, Inc
8826 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Located down a narrow passageway off Sunset Strip, the charming cottage known as Mystery Pier Books deals with First Editions, collectibles, true crime and film. The father and son owners have created an inviting atmosphere playing classical music throughout the rooms displaying coveted and rare editions. It is internationally renowned and has been described as more of a museum than bookstore. Other specialty independent bookstores include, but are not limited to: Dark Delicacies, the Burbank “Home of Horrors” catering to everything scary; Inglewood’s The Salt Eaters Bookshop, dedicated to books and magazines written and created by and about black women and girls; A Once Upon a Time, the nation’s oldest children’s bookstore and a Montrose icon; Hollywood’s Larry Edmunds Bookstore, founded in 1938 offering everything related to the history of film; and Vroman’s, Southern California’s oldest independent bookstore that also has a literature -inspired wine bar. Some of SweisKloss’ Favorite Architectural, Design & Art bookstores include: Hennessey & Ingalls; Arcana: Books on the Arts; and Artbook @ Hauser & Wirth, located in an historical flour mill. We can write a book about all our favorite bookstores, but we’ll stop here.