SK’s 2nd Annual Guide to Independent Bookstores

Photo courtesy of Annabelle’s Book Club LA

SK’s 2nd Annual Guide to Independent Bookstores

by Sweiskloss
October 17, 2024

October is National Book Month and that means it’s time for SweisKloss’ 2nd annual guide to independently owned bookstores in the Los Angeles area. From a store brimming with plants to a club dedicated to YA selections to a haven for Spanish children’s books, this year’s list of independent bookstores offers something for every type of reader and for those who just like to soak in the ambiance. Lost Books LA (https://bookshop.org/shop/lostbooksla)
Little sister to The Last Bookstore, Lost Books LA is a nature and book lover’s paradise filled with plants for sale, new and used books and a curated vinyl collection. Wander through the garden-like maze of books and greenery in this Montrose hidden gem. Transform your home reading space into a literal oasis (pun intended) with their selection of ferns, succulents, palms, and more. Annabelle’s Book Club LA (https://annabellesbookclubla.com/)
Founded by 18-year-old Annabelle Chang, Annabelle’s Book Club LA (ABC LA) is a young adult-focused bookstore in Studio City that filled a gap in this expanding niche market. What began as an Instagram account and blog of her favorite YA novel recommendations during the pandemic, has evolved into a thriving bookstore that celebrates inclusivity, promotes dialogue, and community. ABC LA also carries children and adult offerings. La Liberia (https://www.la-libreria.net/)
Addressing the limited availability of high caliber Spanish language children’s books in Southern California, La Liberia offers quality books in Espanol for kids. Dedicated to promoting children’s literature in Spanish, the store imports books from Latin America and Spain and features a curated selection of chapter books, poetry, comics, and graphic novels for ages 1-15. They also promote cultural events and partner with organizations for various social programs to encourage reading in Spanish. Octavia’s Bookshelf (https://www.octaviasbookshelf.com/)
Black-owned, woman-owned, Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena specializes in BIPOC writers (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). Understanding the importance of providing “books written by people who looked like [her],” Octavia’s Bookshelf is meant to inspire readers of all ages, “just as the store’s namesake, local author Octavia Butler, was an inspiration to owner Nikki High.” Zibby’s Bookshop (https://zibbymedia.com/)
Zibby’s Bookshop evolved from Zibby Owens’ podcast “Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books.” The charming Santa Monica bookstore features a curated collection of books organized by emotion, interest and identity – Think “Books that Make You Laugh”, “For the Wannabe Camper”, or “She Moves in Mysterious Ways”. With a strong book club presence and in-store events, they host weekly author readings and signings, creating a tightknit community of book lovers. Need more inspirations? Here’s what SK staff are currently reading:

1. A lover of historical fiction, Laura is going back to 1920’s Russia in Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow. Another recent favorite was Jodi Picoult’s Mad Honey, a heartbreaking tale about love and acceptance, and the secrets we keep.
2. Jessica is, fittingly, reading Trans Atlantic by Colum McCann for her book club of friends scattered around the country, as well as Ask the Dust by John Fante, a tale taking place in 1930's Los Angeles, written in the Jack Kerouac style of first-person-narcissistic-spasmodic.
3. A reiki master and hypnosis practitioner, Patricia is reading Becoming Supernatural by Joe Dispenza and Teaching of Law of One (Book One) by Dolores Cannon.
4. Anthony prefers to listen to audiobooks on his commute and is listening to sci-fi thriller Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.