Updated for 2024
While some might immediately think of the silver screen when thinking of Los Angeles, books, and independent bookstores, are alive and well! Old favorites continue to welcome us back again and again, and new shops have opened (some even during the pandemic)!
The list primarily includes bookstores offering new books, though some listings do include shops offering both new and used titles. And the author has visited all of them!
32 Awesome Independent Book Stores in SoCal From A to Z
Annabelle’s Book Club LA
12200 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 683-7323
You’ll be charmed as soon as you step into Annabelle’s Book Club LA. Annabelle’s Book Club LA was founded by 17-year-old Annabelle, and describes itself as a YA-focused bookstore that “aims to spark imagination, inspire connection, and bring joy to people of all ages.” Special events, including author signings and discussions are regularly scheduled at this popular spot. Open Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Related: 15 Books About Los Angeles for Kids
Bel Canto Books
(Located inside The Hangout)
2122 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, CA
Bel Canto Books is a woman- and BIPOC-owned independent bookstore in Long Beach. This unique bookstore offers a “curated selection of fiction, nonfiction and children’s books, organized around a theme of the month, in particular celebrating books by women and people of color.” Bel Canto hosts a variety of events including book signings, bookstore field trips, discussions, book clubs, and more. Open Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Related: 20 Social Justice Books for Kids
The Book Jewel
6259 W. 87th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045
(424) 750-9991
The Book Jewel, in Westchester, has fans all over Los Angeles. You’ll find a well-stocked store, helpful employees, and comfy seating areas. Throughout the year, The Book Jewel hosts a number of special events including a writing group, author signings, a monthly book club, and children’s story time. The shop also regularly highlights local authors, creators, and artists. Open Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Book Soup
8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 659-3410
Book Soup, in business since 1975, describes itself as the “Bookseller to the Great and Infamous.” You’ll find much that catches your eye among their floor to ceiling shelves. There are over 60,000 titles, “specializing in art, film, photography, music, and literary fiction.” Book Soup hosts a variety of author events, offers many autographed books, and has a special kids section as well. Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sundays 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Cafe con Libros Press
280 W. 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766
(909) 469-1350
Cafe con Libros Press is a bookstore, community space, and lending library. The non-profit organization’s mission is to “uplift and nurture all cultural expressions, such as literature, poetry, music, and art from marginalized communities,” and features a variety of reading materials, for every interest and every age. They host monthly events including a children’s story time and craft (on the 2nd 4th Saturdays of each month) as well as live musical performances (on the 2nd Saturdays of each month). Open Monday through Friday 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Chevalier’s Books
133 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 465-1334
Chevalier’s Books is located in Larchmont Village. They’ve been in business since 1940 and are very well-known in the community. You’ll find helpful booksellers who are happy to assist customers and offer personal recommendations. They host a Fiction Book Club which meets once a month as well as a number of author events throughout the year. Open seven days a week 10 am to 6 pm.
Children’s Book World
10580 1/2 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 559-BOOK (2665)
Children’s Book World has been open since 1986 and offers an extensive collection of children’s books (over 80,000 titles!). It is the goal of Children’s Book World to “celebrate diversity, knowledge, and enrichment. A world where every child sees themselves on our shelves and every adult feels like a child again.” In addition to books, they offer activity books, workbooks, cookbooks, science kits, craft kits, and more. They also host a number of special events throughout the year. Open Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Diesel, A Bookstore
Brentwood Country Mart
225 26th St. Suite 33, Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 576-9960
Diesel, A Bookstore is “known for their fascinating selection of titles, stunning author events, enthusiastically diverse staff, and urban California aesthetic.” Helpful staff are eager to assist you in finding the “perfect” book(s). They offer a large selection including bestsellers, fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books and regularly host a number of special events including many author discussions and signings. Open Monday through Friday 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
(FYI – if you have ever dreamed of owning a bookstore, Diesel, A Bookstore is for sale. More information is available on their website.)
Flintridge Bookstore
858 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 790-0717
Flintridge Bookstore, a family-owned business, is La Cañada’s only bookstore, and what a charming store it is! You’ll find a large selection of books as well as gifts, toys, stationery, and greeting cards. Flintridge Bookstore hosts a number of author events and signings as well as children’s story time. They also proudly highlight local authors. Ample free parking available in the back. Open Monday through Friday 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.
Gatsby Books
5535 E. Spring St., Long Beach, CA 90808
(562) 208-5862
“Gatsby Books has been the literary heart of Long Beach since 2010.” You’ll find new books here as well as gently-used books, gift items, and Ruby, the store cat! Be sure to check the website to see upcoming events, including a monthly writers group. Open Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
LA librería
4732 1/2 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
(310) 295-1501
LA librería offers “books for kids in Español.” Established in 2012, La librería promotes children’s literature in Spanish, specializing in “imported books from fine publishing houses in Latin America and Spain.” You’ll find fiction and nonfiction here, as well as poetry, graphic novels, comics, chapter books, and more. They are eager to work with teachers, librarians, and administrators to help bring Spanish-language books into classrooms and into the hands of young children. Open Wednesday through Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Last Bookstore
453 S. Spring St. (Ground floor), Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 488-0599
The Last Bookstore is California’s largest new and used bookstore. They occupy 20,000 square feet of space and feature a “record store, comic book store, five art studios, an epic yarn shop, a famous book tunnel, a mammoth head, and unexpected nooks of funkiness.” Plus, you’ll find lots and lots and lots of books! Open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Related: Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles with Kids
Lost Books
2233 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA
Located in charming Montrose, Lost Books is the “sister” of The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA. Stepping into Lost Books is a bit like stepping into a wonderland. A wonderland full of plants and greenery and books and more books and vinyl records. Keep in mind, many of the books are used. But take your time, slowly wander around the store and you never know what treasure you may find. And, keep your eyes open — you may walk right by the shop because there is no outdoor signage (also no website or phone number). Open Monday through Friday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Malik Books
Westfield Culver City
6000 Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 2470, Culver City, CA and
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall
3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Suite 245, Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 389-8040
Malik Books, established in 1990, is a Black-owned independent bookstore specializing in African-American books and cultural diversity. “The bookstore prides itself on offering conscious, hard-to-find, hot, and best-selling books, catering to a wide range of interests within the African American community.” You’ll also notice a strong focus on children’s books which goes hand-in-hand with recognizing the “importance of education and the role of children in shaping the future.” Be sure to check their website to keep up-to-date on their many events.
North Figueroa Bookshop
6040 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park, CA 90042
(213) 424-3954
North Figueroa Bookshop is a joint venture of two Los Angeles-based independent book publishers which “seeks to connect the independent publishing community with readers, booksellers, authors, and book lovers.” While North Figueroa is a general interest bookshop, you’ll also find books with a focus on California history and literature, books in Spanish, and books from independent presses. Be sure to check their online calendar; they regularly host community events such as author talks, poetry nights, writing workshops, and more. Open daily 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Now Serving
Far East Plaza
727 N. Broadway Unit 133, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 395-0627
Those of you who love cookbooks will definitely want to check out Now Serving. Now Serving offers a wide variety of cookbooks, aprons, and a small assortment of kitchen tools. If you’re looking to put together a food-inspired gift basket, you can do all your shopping in one location. Don’t forget to check out the food-themed children’s books (including biographies, picture books, and cookbooks for kids). Seasonal store hours; call ahead to confirm. Currently they are open six days a week, open on Wednesdays by appointment only.
Octavia’s Bookshelf
1365 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 421-6222
Octavia’s Bookshelf is a Black-owned, woman-owned, independent bookstore highlighting BIPOC authors. The shop is a life-long dream come true for owner Nikki High and was largely inspired by the speculative-fiction author Octavia E. Butler, who was born and raised in Pasadena. In addition to a curated selection of books, you’ll find non-book items as well including gift items such as socks, candles, and much more. Open daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Once Upon a Time Bookstore
2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020
(818) 248-9668
Once Upon a Time, family-owned and operated, is known as “your family bookstore.” Established in 1966, it describes itself as the “Oldest Children’s Bookstore in the Nation!” While they are predominantly a children’s bookstore, they do also sell some adult titles as well as unique gift items. Throughout the year, they host a large number of events including children’s story times. Open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.
{pages}: A Bookstore
904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 318-0900
{pages} was founded by three local women back in 2010 and since then has become a popular independent bookstore. They regularly host many special events including book launches and author signings, weekly children’s story time, and five monthly book clubs. Open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.
re/arte centro literario
2123 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Boyle Heights, CA 90033
re/arte centro literario originally opened in 2021 and has been in its current location since 2022. More than a bookstore, re/arte is “proud to serve the community” with many different special events including book launches, story time for kids, food and clothing giveaways, poetry readings, film screenings, and more. The selection at re/arte focuses on Social Criticism, Chicanx/Latinx Studies, and Latin American literature. Open Tuesday through Friday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Reparations.Club
3054 S. Victoria Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90016
(323) 591-0012
Reparations.Club is a “concept bookshop and creative space curated by Blackness in Los Angeles.” This independent store is Black-owned and Woman-owned. The large selection of books — including fiction, memoir, children’s, cookbooks, history, music, and more — means there’s something for everyone here. Be sure to check their website for information about the events they regularly host.
The Ripped Bodice
3806 Main Street, Culver City, CA
(424) 603-4776
The Ripped Bodice is a Romantic Bookstore, “devoted to the celebration of romance novels” and proudly Woman and Queer Owned. (The owners are sisters.) The Ripped Bodice opened back in March 2016, and their second location in Brooklyn opened in August 2023. In addition to a large selection of romance novels, you may find yourself standing in one spot, slowly doing a 360 degree turn, just so you can take in all the charming, decorative touches. Open Monday through Friday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. (Holiday hours may vary.)
The Salt Eaters Bookshop
302 E. Queen St., Inglewood, CA 90301
The Salt Eaters Bookshop is a woman-owned independent bookstore “prioritizing books, comics, and zines by and about Black women, girls, femmes, and gender expansive people.” More than a store, The Salt Eaters Bookshop serves as a community gathering space. The shop’s name is a tribute to Toni Cade Bambara’s novel of the same name. Open Wednesday through Friday 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Saturday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.
Sandpiper Books
4665 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 371-2002
Sandpiper Books is a warm and inviting bookstore offering both new and gently used titles. Customers speak highly of the friendly and helpful staff. Sandpiper Books doesn’t “just want to sell you books; we want to help you to live your best bookish life.” And, it might surprise some to learn that this quiet bookshop has actually been in business since 1992. Open daily 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Skylight Books
1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-1175
Established in 1996, Skylight Books is an independent bookstore in a Los Feliz neighborhood home to many other independently owned shops and restaurants. Skylight Books carries a curated selection of a wide variety of books including literary fiction, books on the arts and California history, graphic novels, nonfiction and essays, and more. There is also a cozy children’s section, though children may be distracted by the tree inside the store! Skylight Books hosts a variety of special events including readings, discussions, and author signings. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Small World Books
1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-2360
Small World Books has been a fixture on the Venice Boardwalk for more than fifty years. Small World Books describes itself as “an unusual purveyor of literature dedicated to the principle that the book you want is the book you should have.” They carry a wide selection of books, including books from smaller presses. Friendly staff – and cat. Open daily 10 am to 8 pm.
Stories Books & Cafe
1716 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 413-3733
Stories Books & Cafe offers both new and used books. They also have an on-site cafe as well as a charming outdoor patio area, which is frequently used for special events. Open daily 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural
12677 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342
(818) 939-3433
“The mission of Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural is to transform community in the Northeast San Fernando Valley and beyond through ancestral knowledge, the arts, literacy and creative engagement.” More than a bookstore, Tía Chucha’s was established by esteemed poet Luis J. Rodriguez, his wife Trini Rodriguez, and their brother-in-law Enrique Sanchez. This Cultural center and independent bookstore, the only independent bookstore in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, host a number of special events throughout the year including workshops, film screenings, art exhibits, book clubs, author readings, and much more. Open Monday through Saturday 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Village Well Books & Coffee
9900 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA
(424) 298-8951
Village Well Books & Coffee is so much more than a bookstore. Village Well describes itself as a “community-focused and impact-driven bookstore-café,” a place where both mind and body are nourished through “good books, good coffee and simple gourmet food.” (There is an on-site cafe.) Village Well regularly hosts events including children’s story time, book club, author signings, open mic nights, board game nights, creative workday events, and more. Their newest endeavor is their nonprofit, the Village Van, “a mobile bookstore seeking to put new and relevant books into the hands of people in underserved communities.” Open Sunday through Wednesday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Thursday through Saturday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 449-5320
Founded in 1894, Vroman’s Bookstore is “Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore.” Each year, Vroman’s hosts more than 400 free events including children’s story times, book launch parties and signings, craft classes, and much more. The children’s section is housed on the second floor of the store. They offer weekly story times, a Kids Birthday Club, and more. You won’t just find an incredible selection of books, here, but you’ll also find a large selection of gift items as well as a large pen and stationery department. And this time of year, you’ll also find a charming Holiday Shop on the second floor. And, Vroman’s is unique in that it has an in-store “book lover’s wine bar” known as The 1894. The 1894 offers “craft beer, wine, and literary themed cocktails to perfectly pair with your favorite novel.” (Note the Wine Bar’s hours differ from the store’s hours. The 1894 is open Wednesday and Thursday 3 pm to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 1 pm to 9 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 7 pm, closed on Monday and Tuesday.) Vroman’s Bookstore is open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday 10 am to 7 pm.
Zibby’s Bookshop
1113 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403
(424) 387-1744
Zibby’s Bookshop was founded by Zibby Owens (and partners Sherri Puzey and Diana Tramontano), the woman behind Zibby Books and the popular “Moms Don’t Have Time to Read” podcast. Zibby’s Bookshop is unique in that it features a highly curated collection of books, organized “by emotion, by interest, and by identity.” (Think “books that make you cry,” “books that make you laugh,” etc.). The Bookshop also hosts multiple events each week, including children’s story times and author conversations and signings. Open daily 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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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