When the Last Bookstore debuted in 2005, the name was meant to be ironic. Now, in a world of Kindles and iPads, digital books (or at least digital bookstores) are the norm, and brick-and-mortar establishments such as the Last Bookstore are a dying breed. That hasn’t stopped this Downtown L.A. icon from growing. The shop still buys, sells, and trades new and used books and vinyl records just as it did when its doors first opened over a decade ago, and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Come in to browse the store’s impressive collection, to hang out for an afternoon, or to catch author talks and more. The Last Bookstore puts on some killer events, and past speakers have included the cast of Portlandia, How to Kill a City author Peter Moskowitz, and Holocaust survivors. Oh, and they occasionally give away free concert tickets on their Instagram account, so it’s worth a follow even if you’re not a die-hard bookworm.
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Browse New and Used Books in Downtown L.A.
When the Last Bookstore debuted in 2005, the name was meant to be ironic. Now, in a world of Kindles and iPads, digital books (or at least digital bookstores) are the norm, and brick-and-mortar establishments such as the Last Bookstore are a dying breed. That hasn’t stopped this Downtown L.A. icon from growing. The shop still buys, sells, and trades new and used books and vinyl records just as it did when its doors first opened over a decade ago, and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Come in to browse the store’s impressive collection, to hang out for an afternoon, or to catch author talks and more. The Last Bookstore puts on some killer events, and past speakers have included the cast of Portlandia, How to Kill a City author Peter Moskowitz, and Holocaust survivors. Oh, and they occasionally give away free concert tickets on their Instagram account, so it’s worth a follow even if you’re not a die-hard bookworm.
Browse New and Used Books in Downtown L.A.
When the Last Bookstore debuted in 2005, the name was meant to be ironic. Now, in a world of Kindles and iPads, digital books (or at least digital bookstores) are the norm, and brick-and-mortar establishments such as the Last Bookstore are a dying breed. That hasn’t stopped this Downtown L.A. icon from growing. The shop still buys, sells, and trades new and used books and vinyl records just as it did when its doors first opened over a decade ago, and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Come in to browse the store’s impressive collection, to hang out for an afternoon, or to catch author talks and more. The Last Bookstore puts on some killer events, and past speakers have included the cast of Portlandia, How to Kill a City author Peter Moskowitz, and Holocaust survivors. Oh, and they occasionally give away free concert tickets on their Instagram account, so it’s worth a follow even if you’re not a die-hard bookworm.
Lovely Books
This gem in Downtown LA is one of my favorite places after a nice coffee at Coffee Bar. You could literally spend hours in this place. The first floor has a great selection of new and used books for all readers, while the second floor is a huge maze of bookshelves filled with hundreds or even thousands of books. Browse around or grab a seat, but I guarantee you won’t leave empty handed.
All Things Analog at DTLA's Last Bookstore
When wandering downtown, make sure to step into the Rabbit Hole that is DTLA’s Last Bookstore, one of the largest independent bookstores in the world. When you step through the old 1914 Citizens Bank facade, you will be transported to an analog world where over 250,000 new and used books, vinyl records, and graphic novels line two stories with high, ornately-decorated ceilings that are supported by grand marble columns. The upper level contains all things odd, hippie, and unique: the wrap-around mezzanine is home to bohemian gallery shops and a literal tunnel of books that takes you to a room of 100,000 $1 books. Check the bookstore’s calendar for events ranging from readings to concerts.
