5 Cool Used Bookstores in Los Angeles You Need to Visit

Shopping for books may not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think about visiting Los Angeles, but you may be surprised.

Local Angeleno Maggie Torsney-Weir shares her guide to the best quirky bookshops and used bookstores in Los Angeles, from children’s books to travel tomes, to independent bookstores that have become LA literary institutions, such as the iconic The Last Bookstore:

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The common misconception that “nobody reads in LA” definitely rings false when you consider the LA Times Festival of Books, or just note how many people at the millions of local coffee shops and breweries have a novel or self-help book sticking out of their designer beach tote.

Where do these people shop for their books?

Naturally, we Angelenos like our bookstores to be friendly, comforting and independent. You know, like could be found on your typical Main Street USA, or at least the backlot Main Street set. Fortunately, we have our choice of options. Here are the five best bookstores in Los Angeles for new and used books:

The 5 Best Bookstores in Los Angeles

1. Skylight Books
2. Vroman’s
3. Once Upon a Time
4. Distant Lands  (update: we’re sorry to say that Distant Lands has permanently closed)
5. The Last Bookstore

1. Skylight Books: Your Friendly Neighborhood Book Store

Nestled in downtown Los Feliz, the decidedly hipster indie vibe from the street spills over into the stacks here at Skylight Books. A tree in the middle of the bookstore stretches its branches to the eponymous skylight, making the shop one of the most beautiful as well as one of the best independent bookstores in LA.

There is no coffee shop here, but several can be found along Vermont Ave. Skylight Books frequently hosts guest readings and several book clubs. Once a month, the local Coyotes Book Club meets to discuss books traditionally considered challenging, which makes for a lively discussion with like-minded people.

2. Vroman’s: A Local Chain with Charm and Integrity

Founded in 1894 by Adam Clarke Vroman who moved to Pasadena, California, to help his invalid wife, Vroman’s Bookstore remains Southern California’s oldest independent bookstore. Because it has been around for so long, its history is the history of our state.

Vroman’s donated books to Japanese Americans in internment camps during World War II and currently continues a legacy of philanthropy through the Vroman’s Gives Back program.

As well as being one of the best indie bookstores in Los Angeles, Vroman’s also supports local LA artists by displaying their work in store, offers writing workshops and goes above and beyond to support local book clubs.

On the second floor of the flagship store in Pasadena, there is an entire stationary store, event space and large children’s books section.

Interestingly, this is also the only bookstore on this list that has an in-house coffee shop. But I know you didn’t come here for the coffee! As befits its history, they have a wide range of local authors and host several readings and events (in addition to a weekly children’s story time).

3. Once Upon a Time: America’s Oldest Children’s Bookstore

For the kid in all of us, head to Once Upon A Time in picturesque Montrose, Los Angeles. Didn’t you have a favorite children’s bookstore when you were a kid? Where there are books and play mats and story times and Clifford the Big Red Dog?

Add in a resident cat named Pippi to torment and/or delight your little ones and you have the heart of this charming bookstore.

Founded in 1966, America’s oldest children’s bookstore has more than your beloved Ballet Shoes. The store has a wall of mysteries and adult books, as well as a wall of local authors. Once Upon a Time frequently promotes local children’s book authors and illustrators, and has a summer camp series.

I wish I could have gone to a summer camp at a bookstore!

4. Distant Lands: A Travel Bookstore for Wanderlusters

This is a travel blog, so why not mention a full-on travel outfitter? Beyond the Lonely Planets, this store sells everything you could need for an upcoming trip. Guidebooks, maps, luggage, and a selection of novels and non-fiction memoirs about your next destination.

In addition to being the best travel bookstore in Los Angeles, Distant Lands also functions as a travel agency, if you have need of that. I love their collection of maps; there’s something very comforting about a good old-fashioned map.

5. The Last Bookstore: Literally the Last Bookstore you may ever need

You may have already seen downtown LA’s The Last Bookstore without even realising it. Its Instagrammability has led to a prominent sign that reads: “If your photography is interfering with other’s reading, you may be asked to move.”

Still, although there may be more than a little hipster pretension with its in-house DJ surveying the vinyl collection, the steam-punk labyrinth helps preserve books. The Last Bookstore has a Rare Book Annex and used copies intermingle with new bestsellers.

If you enjoy hunting for that rare gem that you remember vaguely from a college course 15 years ago, you may just find it here; maybe hidden in the book tunnel or tucked away in the horror vault.

More than just one of the best used bookstores in Los Angeles (perhaps even the best), upstairs you can find an art gallery and an eclectic mix of shops, from a knittery to a knickknack emporium. They even have a separate nook for graphic novels and a popular event space.

The Last Bookstore continues to buy, sell and trade books, boasting the title of one of the largest remaining independent bookstores in Los Angeles.

Best Bookstores in Los Angeles, Honorable Mentions

Of course, these five best bookstores in Los Angeles are just the tip of the iceberg. Furthermore, Alias Books East in Atwater Village specialises in secondhand books and out of print titles, particularly on the subjects of art, film, and literature (I have a soft spot for their cookbook collection). You can stock up on your caffeine and pastry needs at Proof Bakery across the street before or after you browse.

Literary Los Angeles

Hopefully I’ve convinced you that Los Angeles is more than just standup paddleboarding, yoga and juice cleanses. Sometimes we Angelenos buy a book while sipping our kale matcha smoothie en route to the beach!

I hope this list of the best used bookstores in LA and quirky bookish hangouts has inspired you to find your next great read in one of LA’s many independent literary institutions.

Maggie is a working mom of one with a serious case of wanderlust. She blogs about family travel and parenthood at From Toddler to Travel. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more on bookstores, read The Best Bookstores in Birmingham (UK) and The Best Bookstores in Mexico City. For more on Californian literature, read The Best Quotes from Wild by Cheryl Strayed.

For reading ideas check out this list of books written by Native American authors:

7 Books by Native American Authors Everyone Needs to Read