A Guide to LA's Indie Bookstores

In a time when Amazon reigns supreme in the world of books and more people are trading paperbacks for Kindles, bookstores seem like an endangered species—particularly in Los Angeles. Some of the biggest booksellers in the world are closing their doors, which tends to make readers worry about the independent ones. Here are six great indie bookstores in Los Angeles that deserve support.

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Skylight Books

Bookstore, Shop

Skylight Books in Los Feliz, Los Angeles is a hidden treasure. The indie bookstore, conveniently located near Hollywood, Silverlake, and Echo Park, opened in 1996 and is a favorite of local artists and writers. Skylight hosts meet-and-greets and signings with authors and carries a wide variety of books, from literary fiction to science and history books. Next door, Skylight even has an Arts Annex specializing in comic books, graphic novels, and books about media.

The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles

Bookstore, Store

The Last Bookstore is California’s largest new and used book and record store. Not only is the selection incredible, the store is practically a piece of art in and of itself. There’s an arch of books and secret passageways and hidden rooms in the huge, two-story shop. The Last Bookstore also hosts events and touring authors.

Vroman's

Bookstore

Located in Pasadena, Vroman’s is Southern California’s oldest independent bookstore. The cozy store is a favorite meeting space for writers and bookworms alike. In addition to a robust selection of books, Vroman’s offers workshops and classes and offers ten different book clubs for adults and children. The store hosts more than 400 free community events every year.

Small World Books

Bookstore

Located on the bustling Venice Beach boardwalk, Small World Books is governed by the principle that the book you want is the book you should have—and the store’s staff is dedicated to making that happen. They’re so dedicated to that mission, in fact, that they invite potential customers in search of their next great literary love to email them for suggestions. If patrons send the bookstore a list of books they like, the staff will work to craft custom recommendations.

Arcana: Books on the Arts

Bookstore

Arcana: Books on the Arts has been open in Culver City, California since 1984. The shop specializes in new, rare, and out of print books on 20th- and 21st-century photography, art, design, architecture, fashion, cinema, and music. With an extensive stock of more than 100,000 items, Arcana has just about everything an art or culture lover could ask for.

Book Soup

Bookstore, Store

Located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, Book Soup carries more than 60,000 titles in a range of genres from the arts to literary non-fiction. The store is a favorite among avid book collectors thanks to the signed book copies it carries and the and the robust calendar of author events it hosts. Book Soup, open since 1975, is even known to serve celebrity clientele.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.