The best bookstores in Los Angeles

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.

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 L.A.'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.

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 is 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.

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.

This store carries more than 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.

This comic book and graphic novel shop has shelf upon shelf of illustrated stories, as well as beautiful art books and local zines. If you're into illustrated stories, this is the place to go—the shopkeepers will geek out with you over the newest issue of Aquaman or the sophomore effort of a graphic novelist. They can also recommend great stuff for first-timers, as well as gift suggestions for anyone on your list.

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 in Culver City ought to keep you busy for at least a few hours.

Surrounded by bad beach food and throngs of people, this little shop is an oasis of literary calm. Their local author selection is right up front, so check out the local talent before perusing the aisles, where you'll find a number of hard-to-find independent imprints, along with the more usual suspects such as McSweeney's. They also have a little Mystery Annex, if you're into that sort of thing. Note: You may feel as if you're being watched like a hawk, but it is Venice beach after all, so cut the staff a break.

This is an intimate bookstore and print shop that specializes in fiction, art and new works from local presses. Books are lined up on wooden shelves on rolling casters, like an elementary school library. Behind the bookcases, a small studio holds weekly instruction in classes such as screen-printing, zine-making, baby sign language and more.

This art and architecture bookstore also sells children's books, rare and out-of-print titles, maps, guidebooks and culinary books, along with a huge selection of Moleskine notebooks, journals and planners. It's a store with highbrow merchandise, without the intimidation factor; the staff is friendly and helpful, and there's something for everyone here.

This small, family-owned bookstore—located in the historical Leimert Park—carries a wide range of books, from New York Times best-sellers to small-press releases. It specializes in books from the African American experience and the African Diaspora. They have regular community events including readings, guest speakers, debates and public forums. 

The variety of stock at Book Soup is huge and diverse, even if the space itself is a little squeezed (it's easy to get lost!). The newsstand is well-stocked with domestic and international papers and magazines. Tip: make sure to check out the impressive section on L.A. history, architecture and lore.

This children’s bookstore, bakery and “enrichment center” is a sweet spot to bring the under-8 set. It’s divided into three kid-friendly areas: a bookstore/interactive reading room for “read to me daddy!” snuggle time (all the books are also for sale); a kids' cafe selling fresh-baked cookies, milk and all sorts of healthy and allergy-sensitive snacks; and an events and activities space where baby sign language, arts & crafts and other enriching classes go down. Check the website for event details.

Down a tiny corridor off Sunset is an adorable old house, home of Mystery Pier Books, Inc. Being in this bookshop is like being at a museum where you get to buy the exhibits—beautiful, rare first editions; collectibles; out-of-print and signed books populate these shelves. The staff is more like gracious hosts than salespeople, and have the answer to literally any question about their stock and beyond. If you have a collector's item in mind, this is the place to find it—plan to spend a decent amount here, accordingly. Mystery Pier is just down the street from Book Soup, so you can hit both stores in the same day (we think you'll walk out of here a bit more wowed, if a bit more broke).

This new and used bookstore just off the beach has the funky feel of a vintage shop, in part due to its best kept secret—the vast new and used vinyl selection, plus vintage record players, speakers and amps. Listen to records for sale as you peruse the aisles—Angel City offers books in every genre, and even has specialized book catalogs to help you find what you're looking for. There's also a gallery inside the store that features contemporary fine art from local beachside artists.