A Few Of Our Favorite Independent Bookstore to Explore in LA
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The Last Bookstore
Location: Studio City
Summary: The famous Last Book Store in Downtown LA has opened a second location in Studio City. With all the charm and whimsy of the original, this location is designed with a more outdoor feel with large potted plants and wood features. And yes, it has almost as many photo ops as the original so wear your Insta-best!
The Ripped Bodice
Location: Culver City
Summary: Whatever kind of romance captures your heart, you can find it at The Ripped Bodice. This women- and queer-owned bookstore stocks a variety of romance tales, intentionally selecting queer and BIPOC authors for a diverse cast of (fictional) characters. If you’re not sure where to start, choose a “blind date” book, wrapped with only a few clues as to what’s inside.
Lost Books LA
Location: Montrose
Summary: Explore this secret garden to find your new adventure, mystery, or romance novel. At this adorable shop you can browse new and used books, as well as a carefully curated vinyl collection. You can even make your way home with a new plant for your reading nook.
Octavia’s Bookshelf
Location: Pasadena
Summary: Named after famed dystopian author of Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler, Octavia’s Bookshelf is a pocket-sized respite from our own dystopia (2025 has not been kind to us). Beyond promoting diversity in literature, Octavia’s Bookshelf has been an active source of community support following the Altadena fires. Stop in to support small business, good people, and great books.
The Daily Planet
Location: Hollywood
Summary: Newsstand on the outside, bookstore on the inside - you might miss this hole in the wall if you weren’t looking for it! This unique spot features an eclectic collection of magazines, newspapers, music, and books and gifts. Stop in to find a special something you didn’t even know you were looking for.
Stories Books & Cafe
Location: Echo Park
Summary: Who can resist the urge to sit in a bookstore with a cappuccino just waiting for a beautiful stranger to ask what you’re reading? You may just get your very own meet cute at Stories, a bookstore and cafe offering indoor and patio seating. Their collection leans high-brow with genres including arts, literary fiction, poetry, and the like. Just wear your smartest glasses and you’ll fit right in.
Sideshow Books
Location: Crestview
Summary: If your friends would describe you as “a little bit wacky,” this bookstore is for you. Inside you’ll find full shelves and overflow stacks of used, well-priced books. Take your time because along the way you’ll find treasures and delights galore. Before you go, take a moment to strike up a chat with the owner, Tony, who has a reputation as a conversationalist. You never know what you’ll discover!
Annabelle’s Book Club
Location: Studio City
Blurb: Young indeed, Annabelle’s Book Club was opened by Annabelle Chang when she was just 16 years old. Although this bookstore focuses on the Young Adult genre, it’s not just for youngsters. Anyone young at heart will love the beautiful location, which features a gown made of book pages and a hidden reading nook. The shop merch is also something special, so be ready to spend on more than just books!
Malik Books
Location: Culver City
Summary: For a deep-dive into African American literature, look no farther than Malik Books. Since 1990, this bookshop has been serving up curated adult and childrens books by Black authors to celebrate diversity. These days, the shop has expanded to include a podcast (Malik’s Bookshelf) and a bookmobile.
Zibby’s Bookshop
Location: Santa Monica
Summary: The books at Zibby’s are just as beautiful as the shop, and curated to a tee for the vibe. The shelves are organized into relatable categories like “books that make you laugh” and “you can get through family drama.” If you are looking for a bookish community, Zibby’s also has a book club and podcast.
Counterpoint Records and Books
Location: Hollywood
Summary: Counterpoint Records and Books is a charming bookstore in the Franklin Village area of Hollywood known for its wide selection of second-hand books on literature, poetry, film, and philosophy, plus amazing vinyls! Its extensive record collection is known for its selection of jazz, rock, and soul pieces. A special section of the store features fine books, first editions, and collectibles. If you’re looking to liquidate your book collection, the store also buys back books in cash or store credit.
North Figueroa Bookshop
Location: Highland Park
Summary: North Figueroa Bookshop, a general interest bookstore in Highland Park, is a collaboration between Rare Bird and Unnamed Press, with support from Grove Atlantic and MCD Books. Serving Highland Park, Glassell Park, and Eagle Rock, it offers a curated selection focused on California history, literature in translation, Spanish books, and independent presses. The shop also operates a kiosk at Union Station, open Friday and Saturday, featuring California literature, new releases, and travel essentials.
Tia Cucha’s
Location: Sylmar
Summary: Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore, the only independent bookstore in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, provides culturally relevant books and literacy programs for a diverse BIPOC community. Focused on Xicanx and Latinx history, Indigenous knowledge, bilingual children’s books, and social justice topics, it hosts author readings, book clubs, and workshops. With over 7,000 books, it fosters literacy, cultural connection, and creative expression while working to close the literacy gap.
The Iliad Bookshop
Location: North Hollywood
The Iliad Bookshop, located in North Hollywood, is one of the largest used bookstores in Los Angeles, specializing in Literature and the Arts while carrying books on most subjects. Recognized by the LA Times and LA Weekly, it has over 150,000 books and has been featured in films, TV, and podcasts. With free parking, a bike rack, air conditioning, and two friendly shop cats, Zeus and Apollo, it offers a welcoming and charming literary escape in the city.
Reparations Club
Location: Jefferson Park
Reparations Club is a Black-owned concept bookshop and creative space in Los Angeles.Known for its thoughtfully selected titles and community-driven approach, it has collaborated with Well-Read Black Girl and Noname's Book Club and has been featured in major publications like The New York Times and Los Angeles Times. With a dedicated team ensuring an exceptional experience both online and in-store, Rep Club remains a cornerstone for literature, culture, and community.
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