Best shops in LA: The city's best independent booksellers

The Last Bookstore

• Critics choice

If The Last Bookstore downtown were really our last bookstore, we'd be in good shape. Currently housed in what used to be an old bank building (complete with marble columns and giant doors), the store first began in a loft apartment and has since expanded to include a record shop, coffee bar and "Labyrinth" mezzanine level soley dedicated to $1 books. It's now the largest independent bookstore in Southern California. You can sell or trade old books here, pick up new ones, grab a record or a cup of joe, and attend a myriad of events including readings, book signings, writers groups, open mics and live music. It's a true community hotspot, bringing like-minded literary folks together to create, inspire and share in a space that's as open as your mind will be when you visit.

ARTBOOK @ Paper Chase

This design book showroom is housed in the historic Art Deco Paper Chase building in Hollywood, and has some of best and most beautiful titles in the genre, including books on photography, architecture, film, music, fashion and culture. The space also hosts art book events, temporary installations and a program of talks, lectures and other book-related gatherings. The showroom is open by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead.

Traveler's Bookcase

• Critics choice

If you're looking for a travel-related book (be it guide, history, map or novel), travel no further than Traveler's Bookcase. Here you'll find great resources for your next trip, tomes to satiate even the strongest wanderlust, and gifts for any adventure lover, including travel knick-knacks such as passport pouches, translator guides, plane comfort kits, etc. There's even a kids section for pint-sized explorers. The selection is vast and the service is friendly and expert; the owners have traveled to more than 90 countries (their books travel too—they ship across the globe, naturally).

Children’s Book World

This store carries over 80,000 titles, as well as music, audio books, DVDs, puppets, stuffed animals and craft and science kits. The book selection is open-minded (gay-friendly, multi-cultural) and well-organized, divided into age-appropriate sections. There are cozy spots to snuggle up and read in, as well as play areas for the wee ones; peek around the corner of any aisle and you'll find a happy kid with her nose in a book. Regular events include book signings and story hours.

Stories Books and Cafe

Stories Books and Cafe is a funky, cozy spot off Sunset Boulevard, with new and used titles packed floor to ceiling. There's a little cafe in the back with good coffee and fresh food, and an outdoor patio popular with the freelance crowd. If you're looking for an obscure title, chances are they'll have it here. There's also a good selection of gift-y things such as greeting cards, coloring books and magnets and mugs (our favorite have a hot librarian graphic and the words "reading is sexy"). Regular events include readings, signings and open mic comedy nights.

Vroman's

• Price band: 2/4
• Critics choice

The largest independent bookshop in Southern California was founded over a century ago, and continues to provide welcome competition to the big box options in the Valley. The stock is strong and the staff are very helpful. They sell so much (too much?) more than books: coffee, music, luggage, jewelry, cookware and candles. Keep an eye out for the regular readings and the book signings.

Skylight Books

• Price band: 2/4
• Critics choice

This much-cherished, cozy neighborhood bookstore in Los Feliz strikes a neat balance between intellectual crowd-pleasers and more unusual fare, including a large selection of local zines. Open since the mid '90s, it bucked book-industry trends by expanding into neighboring premises a few years ago. It now houses readings, signings and some of LA's best book clubs, including one dedicated solely to Ulysses, and another for YA (young adult) novels. Tip: If you miss a reading, check their website for a podcast version.

Revolution Books

Revolution Books (Libros Revolucion) is a radical, visionary bookstore with inspiring titles in science, poetry, philosophy, nonfiction, leftist politics and a wide range of -isms. There are sections of books in Spanish and a hefty Latino focus (hence its name). If you're looking to expand your knowledge of micro or macro politics or social issues, this is an indispensable stop, but be aware: the staff can be a bit overbearing. They'll try to turn you on to local activism, which can be great if that's what you're looking for, but perhaps too much pressure for those just perusing.

Diesel, A Bookstore

• Price band: 2/4
• Critics choice

Diesel is keeping bookstores hip, with its modern aesthetics, eclectic selection, and online presence—including a video channel with author events, book recs and other visual ephemera, such as a "30 videos in 30 days" project, celebrating National Poetry Month.

Arcana Books on the Arts

Stocked with more than 100,000 rare, obscure, and out-of-print volumes—not to mention a staff that's eager to help you track down exactly what you're looking for—this art, photography and design book emporium ought to keep you busy for at least a few hours.