31 Awesome Independent Bookstores in Los Angeles

Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Updated for 2026

Looking for the best independent bookstores in Los Angeles? LA’s indie bookstore scene is thriving.

From Vroman’s in Pasadena (open since 1894) and Once Upon a Time in Montrose (the nation’s oldest children’s bookstore) to newer favorites like Annabelle’s Book Club LA, North Figueroa Bookshop and Octavia’s Bookshelf.

Many host free weekly kids’ story times, too (see our story time table below).

This list focuses mostly on shops selling new books, with a few new-and-used favorites mixed in. I’ve visited nearly every store on this list.

Where Are Kids’ Story Times at LA Bookstores?

Free story times we confirmed in October 2026. Schedules change, so check the store’s calendar before you go.

Day	Bookstore	Time
Monday	{pages}, Manhattan Beach	10:30am
Tuesday	Chevalier’s Books, Larchmont (babies and toddlers)	11am
Wednesday	Once Upon a Time, Montrose	11am
Wednesday	Vroman’s, Pasadena	11am
Wednesday	Village Well, Culver City	11am
Friday	Once Upon a Time, Montrose (PJ Story Time)	Check their website
Saturday	Village Well, Culver City (bilingual English/Spanish)	11am
Saturday	{pages}, Manhattan Beach	9:30am
Saturday	Children’s Book World, West LA (mini-concerts and author story times)	10:30am
Saturday	Village Well, Culver City	11am
Sunday	Chevalier’s Books, Larchmont	11am
Sunday	The Book Jewel, Westchester	11:30am

Monthly or occasional: LA librería (Spanish-language storytelling), Cafe con Libros’ “Cuentitos,” Tía Chucha’s “Lil’ Readers” (bilingual, ages 0–5), Casita Bookstore (bilingual and sensory-friendly), and Vroman’s monthly Saturday Musical Storytime.

Find an Independent Bookstore Near You

Area	Bookstores
Westside and Santa Monica	Children’s Book World, Diesel, Good Girl Books, Small World Books, Zibby’s
Culver City, Westchester and South LA	The Book Jewel, LA librería, Malik Books, Reparations.Club, The Ripped Bodice, Village Well
Hollywood, Los Feliz, Echo Park and Downtown	Chevalier’s, Book Soup (WeHo), Skylight, Stories, The Last Bookstore, Now Serving
Northeast LA	North Figueroa Bookshop
Pasadena, Montrose and the San Gabriel Valley	Vroman’s, Octavia’s, Once Upon a Time, Lost Books, Flintridge, Fables & Fancies, Cafe con Libros (Pomona)
San Fernando Valley	Annabelle’s Book Club LA, Tía Chucha’s
South Bay and Long Beach	{pages}, Saint-Ex Booksellers, Bel Canto, Casita

31 Awesome Independent Bookstores in Los Angeles, From A to Z

Annabelle’s Book Club LA
12200 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604 · (818) 683-7323

You’ll be charmed the moment you step into Annabelle’s Book Club LA. Annabelle Chang started it as a teenager, opening the store at 16 in 2022. This YA-focused bookstore “aims to spark imagination, inspire connection, and bring joy to people of all ages.” Author signings and discussions happen regularly. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11am–6pm.

Related: 15 Books About Los Angeles for Kids

Bel Canto Books
2106 E. 4th St., Long Beach, CA 90814 and inside
KUBO LB, 3976 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach, CA 90807

This woman- and BIPOC-owned shop, run by Jhoanna Belfer, offers a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction and children’s books organized around a theme of the month, especially celebrating books by women and people of color. Look for book clubs, Fourth Fridays and occasional story times.

Related: 20 Social Justice Books for Kids

The Book Jewel
6259 W. 87th St., Los Angeles, CA 90045 · (424) 750-9991

The Book Jewel in Westchester has fans all over LA, with a well-stocked store, helpful booksellers and comfy seating. It hosts a writing group, author signings, a monthly book club and a Sunday 11:30am children’s story time, and it regularly highlights local authors. Open Tuesday–Thursday 10am–6pm, Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–8pm and Sunday 10am–6pm. Closed Monday.

Book Soup
8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 · (310) 659-3110

“Bookseller to the Great and Infamous” since 1975, Book Soup packs its floor-to-ceiling shelves with art, film, photography, music and literary fiction, plus plenty of signed books and author events. In September 2026, Book Soup and Vroman’s were bought by the Hoffman family, who plan to keep the staff and programming. Open Monday–Saturday 10am–9pm, Sunday 10am–7pm.

Cafe con Libros Press
280 W. 2nd St., Pomona, CA 91766 · (909) 469-1350

This nonprofit bookstore, community space and lending library works to “uplift and nurture all cultural expressions… from marginalized communities,” with reading for every age. Kids will love its “Cuentitos” story and craft series. Check the store’s Instagram for dates. Open Tuesday–Friday 1–6pm and Saturday–Sunday 11am–7pm.

Casita Bookstore
272 Redondo Ave., Long Beach, CA 90803

This Afro-Latina-owned bookstore began with a dream of being a children’s bookstore, and it still feels like home for young readers. It’s known for bilingual, sensory-friendly and drag story times. Casita moved to a smaller space just down the street in early 2026. Open Wednesday–Sunday.

Chevalier’s Books
133 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004 · (323) 465-1334

Called Larchmont Village’s oldest business, Chevalier’s is known for its friendly booksellers and personal recommendations. Little ones can come to story time on Tuesdays at 11am (babies and toddlers) and Sundays at 11am. Grown-ups can join book clubs and author events. Open daily 10am–6pm.

Children’s Book World
10580 1/2 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 · (310) 559-BOOK (2665)

Open since 1986, Children’s Book World has more than 80,000 titles. Its goal: “a world where every child sees themselves on our shelves and every adult feels like a child again.” Besides books, you’ll find activity books, science and craft kits, and a teen and adult section. Saturdays at 10:30am bring mini-concerts and author story times. Open Monday–Friday 10am–5:30pm, Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 11am–4pm.

Diesel, A Bookstore
Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Ste. 33, Santa Monica, CA 90402 · (310) 576-9960

Diesel is known for its “fascinating selection of titles, stunning author events, enthusiastically diverse staff, and urban California aesthetic.” Find bestsellers, fiction, nonfiction and a great children’s section. Under new owners since 2024, Diesel is staying right where it is. Open Monday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 10am–5pm.

Fables & Fancies
50 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024

Opened in March 2025, this charming shop carries new and used books and hosts weekly events, including story times and craft days, that make it a sweet stop for families in the foothills. 

Flintridge Bookstore
858 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 · (818) 790-0717

This family-owned shop is La Cañada’s only bookstore, and it’s a charmer, with books, gifts, toys, stationery and cards. It hosts author events, highlights local writers and runs a book club for grades 1–3. There’s ample free parking in back. Open Monday–Friday 10am–8pm, Saturday 10am–7pm and Sunday 10am–6pm.

Good Girl Books
12444 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066 (Mar Vista)

This women-owned bookstore opened in spring 2026 on Venice Boulevard, with children’s and middle-grade sections and a children’s story time on its events calendar. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm. This store is planning to open a cafe next door.

LA librería
4572 1/2 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016 · (310) 295-1501

LA librería offers “books for kids in Español.” Since 2012, it has championed Spanish-language children’s literature, specializing in books imported from Latin America and Spain: picture books, chapter books, poetry, graphic novels and more. It now has a new home on Adams Boulevard and hosts monthly storytelling events. Open Tuesday–Friday 10am–4:30pm and Saturday–Sunday 11am–5pm.

The Last Bookstore
453 S. Spring St. (ground floor), Los Angeles, CA 90013 · (213) 488-0599

California’s largest new and used bookstore fills more than 22,000 square feet with books, a record store, comics, art studios, a yarn shop, its famous book tunnel and “unexpected nooks of funkiness.” Kids love wandering the upstairs maze. Open Monday–Tuesday 11am–8pm and Wednesday–Saturday 10am–11pm.

Related: Things to do in Downtown LA with kids

Lost Books
2233 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020 · (818) 330-7073

The Last Bookstore’s Montrose “sister” feels like stepping into a wonderland of plants, vinyl and books, many of them used. Wander slowly; treasures are everywhere. Keep your eyes peeled, because there’s no outdoor signage.

Malik Books
Westfield Culver City, 6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 2640, Culver City, CA 90230 and
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. 245, Los Angeles, CA 90008 · (323) 389-8040

Since 1990, this Black-owned bookstore has specialized in African American books and cultural diversity, offering “conscious, hard-to-find, hot, and best-selling books.” Its strong children’s section reflects its belief in “the role of children in shaping the future.” Check the website for events at both locations.

North Figueroa Bookshop
6040 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park, CA 90042 · (213) 826-3226

Run by two LA independent publishers, North Fig connects readers with independent presses and carries California history and literature, Spanish-language titles and more. A 2025 expansion added an event hall and a bigger kids’ section. Check the calendar for author talks, poetry nights and workshops. Open daily 11am–7pm.

Now Serving
Far East Plaza, 727 N. Broadway, Unit 133, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · (213) 395-0627

Cookbook lovers, this one’s for you! Now Serving stocks cookbooks, aprons and kitchen tools, and it’s perfect for building a food-themed gift basket. Don’t miss the food-themed children’s books, including kids’ cookbooks. Open Sunday 12–5pm, Monday–Tuesday 11am–5pm, Wednesday by appointment and Thursday–Saturday 11am–6pm.

Octavia’s Bookshelf
1353 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104 · (626) 421-6222

This Black-owned, woman-owned bookstore highlights BIPOC authors. It’s a lifelong dream come true for owner Nikki High, inspired by Pasadena-raised author Octavia E. Butler. Besides a curated book selection, you’ll find gifts like socks and candles. Open Thursday–Sunday 10am–6pm, with shorter Tuesday and Wednesday hours this fall. Closed Monday.

Once Upon a Time Bookstore
2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020 · (818) 248-9668

Family-owned since 1966, “your family bookstore” calls itself the oldest children’s bookstore in the nation. It also carries adult titles and unique gifts. Story times run Wednesdays at 11am, plus PJ Story Time on Fridays. Open Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 11am–4pm.

{pages}: A Bookstore
904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 · (310) 318-0900

Founded by three local women in 2010, {pages} is a South Bay favorite for book launches, author signings and book clubs. Kids’ story time is in the courtyard on Mondays at 10:30am and Saturdays at 9:30am. Open Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 10am–5pm.

Reparations.Club
3054 S. Victoria Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90016 · (323) 591-0012

This Black-owned, woman-owned “concept bookshop and creative space curated by Blackness in Los Angeles” carries fiction, memoir, children’s books, cookbooks, history, music and more. Check the website for events.

The Ripped Bodice
3806 Main St., Culver City, CA 90232 · (424) 603-4776

Sister-owned, woman-owned and queer-owned, The Ripped Bodice is “devoted to the celebration of romance novels.” It opened in March 2016 and added a Brooklyn store in 2023. You’ll find yourself turning slowly in a circle just to take in all the charming décor. This one is best for grown-up readers. Open Monday–Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 10am–8pm and Sunday 10am–7pm.

Saint-Ex Booksellers (formerly Sandpiper Books)
4665 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503 · (424) 318-5110

Longtime Torrance favorite Sandpiper Books, open since 1992, has a new chapter. In 2026, new owners took over the space, remodeled it and reopened as Saint-Ex Booksellers. 

Skylight Books
1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 · (323) 660-1175

Since 1996, Skylight has anchored a Los Feliz block full of indie shops and restaurants. It carries literary fiction, arts and California history, graphic novels and a cozy children’s section. Kids may be distracted by the tree growing inside the store! Open daily 10am–10pm.

Small World Books
1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291 · (310) 399-2360

A Venice Boardwalk fixture since 1969, Small World Books is “dedicated to the principle that the book you want is the book you should have.” Expect titles from small presses, friendly staff and resident cats. 

Stories Books & Cafe
1716 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 · (213) 413-3733

This Echo Park favorite sells new and used books, with an on-site café and a charming back patio that often hosts events. Open daily 9am–9pm, and until 10pm on Fridays.

Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural
12677 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342 · (818) 939-3433

More than a bookstore, Tía Chucha’s works to “transform community in the Northeast San Fernando Valley and beyond through ancestral knowledge, the arts, literacy and creative engagement.” Poet Luis J. Rodriguez, Trini Rodriguez and Enrique Sanchez founded the original bookstore-café. Today it hosts workshops, film screenings, author readings and “Lil’ Readers,” a bilingual story hour for ages 0–5. Open Tuesday–Friday 2–9pm and Saturday 12–8pm.

Village Well Books & Coffee
9900 Culver Blvd., #1B, Culver City, CA 90232 · (424) 298-8951 ·

This “community-focused and impact-driven bookstore-café” nourishes mind and body with good books, good coffee and simple gourmet food. Families love the kids’ story times on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am, plus a bilingual English/Spanish story time on Fridays. Owner Jen Caspar also co-founded the LA Indie Book Crawl. Open Sunday–Wednesday 8am–6pm and Thursday–Saturday 8am–8pm.

Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 · (626) 449-5320

Founded in 1894, Vroman’s is “Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore.” The upstairs children’s department hosts story time Wednesdays at 11am, plus a monthly Saturday Musical Storytime. You’ll also find a big gift and stationery department, a holiday shop each season and an in-store wine bar for grown-ups. In September 2026 the Hoffman family bought Vroman’s (and Book Soup) and said the staff and programming will stay. Open Monday–Thursday 10am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 10am–10pm and Sunday 10am–7pm.

Zibby’s Bookshop
1113 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403 · (424) 387-1744

Founded by author, publisher and podcaster Zibby Owens (host of “Totally Booked”), this Montana Avenue shop organizes books “by emotion, by interest, and by identity.” Think “books that make you cry” or “books that make you laugh.” Check the calendar for author events and guest story times. Open daily 9am–6pm.

Which LA Bookstores Carry Bilingual and Spanish-Language Kids’ Books?

• LA librería: Spanish-language children’s books imported from Latin America and Spain
• Tía Chucha’s: “Lil’ Readers” bilingual story hour
• Village Well: Friday bilingual story time
• Casita Bookstore: bilingual story times
• Cafe con Libros: “Cuentitos” story and craft series
• North Figueroa Bookshop: Spanish-language titles

Which LA Bookstores Are Black-Owned or BIPOC-Owned?

Octavia’s Bookshelf, Reparations.Club, Malik Books, Bel Canto Books, Casita Bookstore and Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural.

Bookstore Events to Put on the Calendar

• Independent Bookstore Day: Saturday, April 24, 2027. Expect exclusive books and swag at participating shops.
• LA Indie Book Crawl: the first one ran July 24–26, 2026, with 13 bookstores and a passport stamp at each. A 2027 edition hasn’t been announced yet.
• For more weekend ideas, see our weekend family fun roundup and events calendar.

What Changed Since Our Last Update

• Closed: Gatsby Books (Long Beach), plus the storefronts of re/arte centro literario (Boyle Heights) and The Salt Eaters Bookshop (Inglewood; now online only).
• New name: Sandpiper Books is now Saint-Ex Booksellers.
• New owners: Vroman’s and Book Soup (Sept 2026) and Diesel (2024).
• New addresses: LA librería (W. Adams Blvd.) and Bel Canto Books (E. 4th St. and KUBO LB).
• New to our list: Casita Bookstore, Fables & Fancies and Good Girl Books.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the oldest bookstore in Los Angeles?

Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, founded in 1894, calls itself Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore. Once Upon a Time in Montrose, open since 1966, calls itself the oldest children’s bookstore in the nation.

Which LA bookstores have free story time for kids?

{pages}, Chevalier’s, Once Upon a Time, Vroman’s, Village Well, Children’s Book World and The Book Jewel all host free weekly story times. See the day-by-day table above.

Where can I buy Spanish-language children’s books in LA?

LA librería in West Adams specializes in Spanish-language children’s books. Tía Chucha’s, Village Well and Casita Bookstore offer bilingual story times.

What is the biggest bookstore in Los Angeles?

The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA is California’s largest new and used bookstore, with more than 22,000 square feet of books, records and art.

When is Independent Bookstore Day 2027?

Saturday, April 24, 2027.

Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).

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