Summer days are made for lazy lounging, perfect for cracking open a good book. There’s nothing like the latest bestseller, an addictive mystery novel, or a literary classic to while away a relaxing afternoon. Our city is a bibliophile’s paradise, from local treasures like The Last Bookstore to collectible destinations, museum bookstores, and interesting specialty shops, many not far from Circa. Patronizing an indie bookstore is also a great way to support local businesses and connect with other book lovers. So untether from your digital devices, find a nook, grab a book, and let your imagination soar!
The Last Bookstore 453 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Last Bookstore is a growing network of spaces dedicated to books, vinyl, and art — each built inside historic buildings with a life of their own. With thousands of new, used, and rare books, plus hidden rooms, installations, and records you won’t find anywhere else, they’re a place to browse, explore, and get lost. Whether you’re searching for a collectible, a quick read, or a strange discovery you didn’t see coming, every location offers its own version of the unexpected. Step inside and find what you didn’t know you were looking for.
Los Angeles Central Library 630 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90071
An essential DTLA resource, the Central Library is both a leading public research library and a major architectural landmark. Beyond the astounding collection of more than 2.8 million books, you can’t believe what you get with your library card! Benefits include free access to video streamer Kanopy, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, podcasts, zines, and the The Octavia Lab, allowing library cardholders unlimited access to state-of-the-art design, fabrication, preservation, and story-telling technologies.
The Library Store 630 W 5th St. Los Angeles, CA 90071
The Library Store is a non-profit gift shop located inside the historic Los Angeles Central Library (LAPL), and part of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, which supports the Los Angeles Public Library. The store offers an eclectic collection of books, tees, totes, greeting cards, keepsakes and more. Much of their LAPL merchandise is designed in-house, and their inventory is sourced from a wide array of vendors and small businesses, including local artists and cause-related organizations, making them a favorite shopping destination for Angelenos and visitors alike.
Hennessey + Ingalls 300 S. Santa Fe Ave. Suite M, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Since its founding in 1963, Hennessey + Ingalls has grown to become the largest art, architecture and design bookstore in the Western United States. Located in DTLA’s booming Arts District, the store is a landmark in the visual arts community. Hennessey + Ingalls counts many of the country’s leading architectural firms as clients, along with museums, collectors, art galleries, students, interior designers, graphic design firms, and schools. Even if you’re not an industry professional, it’s fun to browse the store’s in-depth selection of books, including art, art history, architecture, photography, interior design, graphic design, and landscaping.
Artbook @Hauser & Wirth 917 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Artbook is an arts and culture bookstore inside the Hauser Wirth & Schimmel gallery, located in a converted historic flour mill in the DTLA Arts District, Bringing an experimental dynamic to book selling, Artbook devotes a large portion of its retail space to spotlight selections that change every several months, focusing in great depth upon different movements and themes in contemporary and 20th-century art. Complementing current exhibitions as well as new developments in art practices and writing, these rotating thematic displays include new releases in addition to important backlist books, indie press titles, imported catalogues, and out-of-print selections.
Now Serving Far East Plaza 727 N Broadway, Unit 133, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Founded by Ken Concepcion, former chef de cuisine at Wolfgang Puck’s CUT, and his wife Michelle Mungcal, Now Serving is the only dedicated cookbook shop in Los Angeles. The store carries a melange of new and used cookbooks, including out of print editions, organized in geographical departments such as the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Europe, and categories like pastries and baking, beverages, general food writing, and reference books. Now Serving also offers gourmet kitchen tools like Japanese knives, new and vintage cast iron pans, and chef’s apparel. Check their event schedule for in-store author appearances and book signings.
These Days 118 Winston St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Owned and operated by longtime DTLA residents Stephen and Jodi Zeigler, These Days is a gallery, store, and publisher located in downtown Los Angeles. Since its first exhibition in 2014, the gallery has exhibited a diverse range of work including painting, photography, drawings, and fiber art. Though their interests are varied, These Days’ embrace of nonconformist culture is apparent. The store features new and out-of-print photography books, zines, art and design objects.
Skylight Books 1818 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Skylight Books is a general bookstore serving the historic Los Angeles neighborhoods of Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Downtown. Their curated selection features the best of literary fiction; graphic novels; children’s books; California history and culture; political and social sciences; essays and nonfiction; and books on art, photography, film, and music. They also feature hand-picked magazines and zines, along with a selection of stationery and gifts. Skylight Books’ events program is nationally recognized, and features major touring authors, local favorites, and debuts.
MOCA Store 250 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
Located at The Museum of Contemporary Art on Grand, MOCA Store presents an array of eclectic offerings including art monographs, exhibition catalogs, posters, rare and out of print art books, and an interesting collection of cookbooks. You can also find apparel, creative office accessories, art supplies, kids’ toys and gifts, and more. Every purchase you make supports MOCA. Members receive 10% off any purchase every day.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: The Last Bookstore
Photo #2: The Last Bookstore
Photo #3: Los Angeles Central Library
Photo #4: The Library Store
Photo #5: Hennessey + Ingalls
Photo #6: Artbook @ Hauser & Wirth LA
Photo #7: Now Serving
Photo #8: These Days
Photo #9: Skylight Books
Photo #10: MOCA Store