While larger book chains have been slowly going out of business, or at least reducing their store numbers, the small independent bookshop remains king in Los Angeles. Each of these neighborhood gems is as different as the book genres they represent. Some represent niche markets in first edition coffee table books; others are bargain hunter treasure troves where limited editions or out of print books are as popular today as they ever were.
Los Angeles also hosts the largest literary event in the USA. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is an annual event held since 1996 and located on the UCLA campus. Tens of thousands of authors and their fans are drawn to the event each year: http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/
Barnes & Noble
A popular chain that has managed to retain a niche in the market. There are half a dozen stores in Los Angeles, each one oozing with a scholarly vibe that hasn’t waned since the onslaught of tacky bargain basement competitors. The vast collection of titles is only surpassed by an impressive online catalogue.
The Grove at Farmers Market
189 The Grove Drive Suite K 30
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 525-0270
Visit their website for the location near you.
http://www.bn.com
Skylight Books
Skylight Books is one of Los Angeles’ best and most respected independent bookstores. Located in Los Feliz’s pedestrian area, the store is heavily loaded with literature and film titles to service the area’s creative talent while weekly book signing and literary events are popular with students and writers.
1818 N. Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-1175
http://www.skylightbooks.com
Book Soup
Book Soup is a Sunset Strip institution that attracts A-list celebrity authors, including Hollywood celebrities turned authors. Previous author book signing events included Annie Leibowitz, Lily Tomlin, David Mamet, Norman Mailer, and Al Gore. Foreign newspapers and foreign language books can also be found here as well as some of best coffee table books in the city.
8818 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069-2125
(310) 659-3110
http://www.booksoup.com
Angel City Bookstore & Gallery
This store has one of the best collections of used books in the city and has great foreign language section covering all subjects. Browse their website for titles.
218 Pier Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405 USA
(310) 399-8767
http://www.angelcitybooks.com
Los Angeles Store for Books & Fine Art
Located in the Miracle Mile district, books, movies, CD’s, and fine art are up for grabs in this highbrow store. French and German language titles available.
5820 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 525 1948
http://www.paperview.com/store
Bodhi Tree Bookstore
The “New Age” bookstore that specializes in health and wellness of your body, mind and soul. Spiritual accessories, incenses, essence oils are also available. This is a place to go with an open mind.
8585 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90026
(310) 659-1733
http://www.bodhitree.com/
Samuel French Bookstore
Founded in 1830, this bookstore specializes in theater and film. It is a MUST resource for actors, producers and directors alike.
11963 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-0535
http://www.samuelfrench.com
