Beyond Borders and Barnes & Noble, Los Angeles is home to a range of great independent bookstores. Some are practically cultural institutions, part of LA's short history and community. Others carry certain genres of books or collectibles. Often these indie booksellers host cool readings and book-related events.
Some worry that these smaller book retailers are at risk of extinction--being swallowed up by corporate bookselling giants and online shopping. When Dutton's Books of Brentwood (founded in 1961) closed its doors, a range of news sources like the Los Angeles Times and LA Observed, reported a wave of sadness among natives, and loyal customers like Dustin Hoffman and Diane Keaton.
Whether you're a book nerd or an occasional reader, a fan of fiction books or children's books, or someone who likes to support small businesses, you'll want to check out this small sampling of shops—if at least for their positions on LA's cultural map.
The Bodhi Tree Bookstore
Want to get the latest Eckhart Tolle book so you can infuse your life with positive energy? Or looking for a great power yoga DVD? Since 1970, the Bodhi Tree has been the hub for self-help and spiritually related books, DVDs and goods. Celebrities like Nicholas Cage, Claire Danes, Carrie-Anne Moss, David Boreanaz, and Rick Rubin have found their Zen, and then some here. The store's used books branch is located right behind the main new books shop. Their adjacent annex hosts readings and workshops on popular subjects like The Artist's Way and everything from the Mayan calendar to spiritual healing.
8585 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069-5199
Book Soup
This bookstore's motto sums it up: "Bookseller to the Great and Famous." Since the '80s, this incredible spot has been selling a range of new books to Angelinos in need of inspiration. One of its greatest assets might be its impressive collection of art books. Book Soup is also great for city guides and entertainment industry biographies. Just next door to the main shop, readings are held. Some past guests have included Mohammed Ali, David Mamet, Annie Leibovitz, Jena Jameson, Shaquille O'Neal, Robert Evans and Viggo Mortensen.
818 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Dawson's Books
If you want to bone up on your knowledge of LA History, Dawson's Book Shop in Larchmont Village is a great starting point. Literally a Los Angeles relic itself (first opened in 1905), the shop specializes in rare and out-of-print books about California history, Western Americana and photography. It boasts the title of oldest continuously open bookstore in town. Dawson's was founded in Downtown but moved to its current location in 1968. Also nestled in the back of the store is a gallery space, the Michael Dawson Gallery, where photography, which has included the work of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, is exhibited.
535 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Equator Books
You may have heard of the term "handpicked music," coined by respected radio station KCRW. Equator Books sells "handpicked books." It is a literary hub for West Side and Venice book fanatics. Equator features out-of-print collectibles with an emphasis on art, photography, literature, design, architecture and poetry. It boasts a good inventory of specialty books as well in the following areas: surf and skate culture, music, drugs and crime and even bullfighting. The airy charming shop also hosts events celebrating everything from small book publishers to photographers. Equator's in-store gallery showcases rotating art exhibits.
1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
Dragon Books
Written up in Vanity Fair, this small Beverly Glen/Bel Air retailer bills itself as "a rare and antiquarian bookseller." A collectors' paradise, it showcases books and book-related collectibles which may be a little rich for some people's blood. You may be flipping through some of the literary artifacts upstairs, for instance, and run across an item for tens of thousands of dollars. Handle with care! But Dragon Books also has far more reasonable volumes. The store is irresistibly charming in a nostalgic way, recalling an old-fashioned study, library or gentleman's smoking room.
2954 Beverly Glen Circle
Bel Air, CA 90077
Skylight Books
If you're an avid reader who lives on the East Side, chances are you've at least heard of Skylight Books in the Los Feliz area. The hip bookseller says it has a clientele of local artists, musicians, writer and scholars. Its inventory includes everything from literary fiction, music and children's books to graphic literature, film and theater, and LA local culture books. It posts a list of indie bestsellers as well as a list of cutting edge "next" indie literary works. Skylight also throws author events and fiction, non-fiction, poetry, solo and group readings.
1818 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
