The 10 Best Bookstores in Los Angeles

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this upcoming October, Children’s Book World matches youngsters with the perfect literary experience. The store boasts a multicultural selection of over 80,000 titles, high-profile author events, story-times, and mini-concerts by favorite children’s performers. Dedicated to serving the entire city’s young readers, Children’s Book World is involved with the Children’s Book Recycling Center — which donates books to low-income schools and programs — and Readers and Writers Rock!, to bring authors to low-income children or children to Children’s Book World events.

Children’s Book World, 10580 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

The only bookstore in Beverly Hills, Friends Book Shop is connected to the Beverly Hills Public Library to benefit the library’s programs. Friends has been around since 1991 and, because it relies on book donations, has a wide selection and great prices. Browsing the packed shelves can yield first editions, beautiful coffee table books, children’s books, DVDs, CDs, and much more. Bargain hunters will love the $0.25 and $1 sections. Friends Book Shop accepts hardcover and paperback book donations if you’re looking for a worthy place to donate those dusty books.

Friends Book Shop, 444 N Rexford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Iliad Book Shop is located in North Hollywood, and has one of the largest used book collections in the Los Angeles area. They specialize in books on the arts and literature, and are also known for their selection of graphic novels. Iliad buys, sells and trades used books so avid readers can reinvest their book collection. Film and television buffs may appreciate a visit, as Iliad Book Shop has been featured in projects such as ‘Storage Wars,’ ‘Up All Night’, ‘Bottom Feeders‘, and even commercials for AT&T, among others.

Iliad Book Shop, 5400 Cahuenga Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Located in Los Feliz’s central shopping area, Skylight Books has been a Los Angeles favorite for years. Skylight boasts an exceptional book selection, with a special focus on performing and visual arts in the next-door Arts Annex, as well as a nice selection of graphic novels and other unique finds. They also host book groups and attract authors for regular events. Skylight Books’ central locale allows visitors to pick up coffee or a meal before heading inside.

Skylight Books, 1818 N Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027

Small World Books carries a large selection of all genres, and is sure to hold the perfect find for every beach reader. Located along the boardwalk of Venice Beach since 1976, this shop displays a strong sense of community. Small World can be seen exhibiting art as part of the bi-monthly Venice Art Crawl. They participate in book drives, and recommend books of the week on their active Facebook page. Escape into Small World Books for a little quiet along the boardwalk, then wander next door to the Sidewalk Cafe for a refreshing beverage.

Small World Books, 1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

A Los Angeles treasure, The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles is more than a bookstore: it’s an experience. Located in a 22,000-square-foot space, this bookstore is home to more than 250,000 new and used books, records, and more. There’s also the Arts and Rare Book Annex, Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore, Gather Yarn Shop, and Spring Arts Collective gallery. The Last Bookstore hosts a wide range of creative events, such as The Last Book Review series. As much a cultural destination as a shop, The Last Bookstore is a must-see.

The Last Bookstore, 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Appropriately situated in the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles, Hennessy + Ingall is the visual arts hotspot of the western United States. Hennessy + Ingall has been family-owned since opening in 1963, and has remained the go-to source for out-of-print architecture books. Now, the store specializes in art, architecture, and design books, with an extensive collection and knowledgeable staff. Though Hennessy + Ingall provides books to professional clients such as museums, galleries, and schools, those looking for beautiful visual centerpieces for their book collection will find exactly what they want.

Hennessy + Ingalls, 300 S Santa Fe Ave Suite M, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Once holding the distinction as the largest bookstore west of the Mississippi, Vroman’s Bookstore (since 1894) has earned its place among the elite in Los Angeles. The store calls Pasadena its home base, with satellite locations at Los Angeles International Airport. Beyond a wide selection of books, Vroman’s offers textbook rentals, cards, gifts, and stationery. They also host hundreds of free community events each year, including fun activities such as story-time, crafts, and bake-offs. Author signings have become a signature; with Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Ray Bradbury, Barbara Walters, Anne Rice, and Neil Gaiman present in their visitor guest book.

Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101