If you’re looking for a list of indie bookstores in Los Angeles County, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve featured 10 below for you.
1. Skylight Books
Located in the historic Los Feliz neighborhood of central Los Angeles, Skylight Books is an independent bookstore specializing in literary fiction, children’s literature, and graphic novels. They also have a great selection of Californian history and culture books, as well as political titles and other non-fiction titles.
As well as novels, Skylight Books has magazines, gifts, stationery, and more. They also have a great calendar of events, with some well-known authors as well as local writers showcasing their work through readings, book releases, and signings. While their books can be browsed online, their store is open from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm on weekdays, and 10:00 am until 8:00 pm on weekends. Contact Skylight Books for more details.
2. The Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore is California’s biggest bookseller of new and used titles. Not only do they have an amazing selection of new and used titles to choose from, they also have a separate comic book store, record store, art studios, and so much more. Situated in a century-old building in downtown LA, the ambiance can’t be beaten.
The Last Bookstore has a great set-up for ordering online – you can order single books, or their fantastic, curated bundles. For bundles, choose your price range, genres you’re interested in, your favorite authors, and The Last Bookstore will create a bundle just for you and ship it right to your door. It’s also worth browsing in-store so you can check out their rare books and other unique finds. Contact The Last Bookstore to learn more.
3. Chevalier’s Books
Established in 1940, Chevalier’s Books is Los Angeles’ oldest independent bookstore. Located in central LA, they offer books of all nature – any genre, any topic, any age group. They have some rare books, lots of great new releases, and a wonderful selection of children’s books.
The team at Chevalier’s Books accepts pre-orders for new releases and are happy to order books for you that aren’t currently in stock. They also have signed books, e-books, gift cards, merchandise, and more. Contact Chevalier’s Books to find out more.
4. Book Soup
Book Soup has one of the most famous locations in the world – Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. The store was first created by Glenn Goldman in 1975 and has a rich history thanks in part to its illustrious location. Currently, Book Soup has more than 60,000 books in stock and specializes in music, photography, film, and art books, as well as literary fiction.
As an independent bookseller, Book Soup strongly believes in the importance of supporting small publishers, and their shelves are full of rare, unique books that are difficult to find at other locations. As well as their exceptional selection of books, they have records, gifts, and friendly team members who can help you find your next read. Contact Book Soup to find out more.
5. Small World Books
Despite their name, Small World Books is actually a spacious bookstore located right on Venice Beach in Los Angeles. As a general bookstore, they feature works from both small and large publishers and have an extensive online catalog where you can place orders and receive books shipped right to your door.
Founded in 1969, Small World Books has been a Venice staple for decades and is known for their unbeatable selection of art books, graphic novels, music books, and general literature/fiction titles. Contact the team at Small World Books with any questions.
6. Eso Won Books
Eso Won Books is a black-owned, independent bookstore based in south Los Angeles. Open six days a week from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm (closed Sundays), they specialize in books relating to African American culture, history, and politics. They also have graphic novels, books for kids, and a wide range of other literary options. Their books can also be ordered online – contact Eso Won Books to find out more.
7. The Iliad Bookshop
The Iliad Bookshop is a large, independent seller of second-hand books based in the Los Angeles neighborhood of North Hollywood. They primarily offer literature and books relating to the arts, but honestly their enormous store has something every avid reader will love. There are over 150,000 books on the shelves, and comfy couches where you can peruse a title or two.
The Iliad Bookshop has been serving both local customers and those from afar for over three decades, and is currently open from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Contact The Iliad Bookshop to learn more about their store.
8. Hennessey + Ingalls
Hennessey + Ingalls is an independent, family-owned bookstore located in the arts district of downtown Los Angeles. They have a great selection of bestsellers and new releases, but their specialty is art, design, and architecture books.
As well as offering a great selection of visual arts books to the public, they also sell books to museums, design facilities, galleries, and more. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next design project, or a beautiful coffee table piece, Hennessey + Ingalls is well worth a visit. Contact Hennessey + Ingalls for further details.
9. DIESEL, A Bookstore
With two SoCal locations (one in Brentwood, LA and one in Del Mar, San Diego), DIESEL, A Bookstore is a great, independent book purveyor with more books than you could possibly imagine. As well as their staggering number of books, they have hosted some impressively famous authors for readings and events, including Chuck Palahniuk, David Byrne, Michael More, David Sedaris, and lots of others.
DIESEL, A Bookstore has books for all readers – children’s picture books, teen fiction, and plenty of both fiction and non-fiction titles for adults. Whether you’re looking for a graphic novel, a sci-fi classic, or a good biography, they have your every need covered. Contact DIESEL, A Bookstore for more information.
10. Sideshow Books
Sideshow Books is located north of Culver City in western Los Angeles. They have a fascinating, quirky selection of books to suit those with eclectic tastes. They also have a fantastic array of artwork, photographs, posters, and great gift ideas.
While their exact catalog can’t be browsed online, they do offer customers the option of choosing a mystery bag – you name the price and provide some of your favorite subjects/genres/authors, and they will create a bag of goodies, hand-picked to suit your taste. Contact Sideshow Books for more details.