2HTML>Bookstores in the Los Angeles Area
Bookstores in the Los Angeles Area
Last change:
18 Apr 2013
There are separate files for lists for the Southwest, the San Diego area,
the San Francisco Bay Area (San Francisco and north), the San Francisco Bay Area
(Berkeley, Oakland, and East Bay), the San Francisco Bay Area (Peninsula and
south), and the northwestern United States.
=============================================================================
Cities (listed geographically north-to-south, east-to-west) include:
Los Angeles CA:
San Fernando Valley
Downtown
Mid-City
Mid-Wilshire
Hollywood
Westside (West L.A./Westwood/Santa Monica)
Pasadena
Burbank/Eagle Rock/Glendale/Montrose
Malibu
Venice/Marina Del Rey
South Bay
Norwalk
Orange County
Riverside County
Ventura County and Central California Coast
San Gabriel Valley
Whittier
Unclassified
Comments
other geographic areas
[Note 1: This list includes cities in the Los Angeles area. Lists for San
Diego, Hawai`i, the San Francisco Bay area, and other geographic areas are in
separate files.]
[Note 2: I collected these comments from a variety of people. I personally
have no knowledge of many of these places and take no responsibility if you
buy a book you don't enjoy. :-) Phone numbers and precise addresses can be
gotten by calling directory assistance for the appropriate city. Call ahead
for precise hours, as even when I list them they are subject to change.]
[Note 3: If you can add information for any of these, in particular
addresses when they are missing, please send it to me. *PLEASE SPECIFY CITY
AND STATE*.]
[Note 4: Area codes change so quickly these days that these may be wrong.]
[Note 5: My listings for "superstores" are minimal; those are easy to
find, generally fairly standard, and not worth the time to keep
updating them.]
=============================================================================
------------------------------
Los Angeles CA:
[I have tried to divide this up by region. At the end are the ones
that I couldn't figure out where to put. Any suggestions?]
San Fernando Valley:
American Opinion Bookstore (11587 Blix, North Hollywood, 91602,
818-769-4019). Conservative politics, history, conspiracy.
Bargain Books (14426 Friar, Van Nuys, 818-782-2782,
http://www.bargainbooks-online.com). Used books,
general, academic, encyclopedia, cinema, technical, art.
Open Tue-Fri 12N-6PM, Sat 10AM-5PM.
Books On The Boulevard (13551 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, 91423,
818-905-0988, http://www.booksontheblvd. com). Used(?).
Mostly hardcover non-fiction, with emphasis on art and
cookbooks, also children's hardcovers and military. Metered
parking. Open Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM. [12/11]
Bookstar (12136 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, 818-505-9528). Open
9AM-10PM seven days a week. [12/11]
Continental Art Supplies (7041 Reseda Blvd, Reseda, 818-345-1044).
Large selection of art books.
Creative Play Resources (9420 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, 818-886-4150).
Superb collection of children's hard and soft cover books.
[06/03]
Front Theodore Musical Literature (16122 Cohasset, Van Nuys,
818-994-1902). New, used, rare, foreign books on music,
scores, recordings, videos.
Golden Apple Comics (8962 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, 818-993-7804).
Iliad Book Shop (5400 Cahuenga Blvd, North Hollywood, 91601,
818-509-2665, http://www.iliadbooks.com/) . New, used and
rare books, specializing in literature and the arts.
Featured in FREE ENTERPRISE. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM,
Sun 12N-6PM. [12/11]
Mags Inc (4645 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, 818-784-9559).
Psychic Eye Book Shops (13435 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks, 91423,
818-906-8263, FAX 818-906-7668, http://www.pebooks.com).
"A good range of New Age books, self-help material plus other
esoterica." Part of a chain. Open 7 days.
Storyopolis (16740 Ventura Blvd, Encino, 91436, 818-990-7600,
http://www.storyopolis.com/). "They have artwork for
sale (used to be original artwork, it looks like mostly
lithographs now), a large kids section, and great events
throughout the week & weekend." Open Mon-Sat 11AM-5PM,
Sun 11AM-4PM. [12/11]
Downtown:
Caravan Book Store (550 Grand Ave, 213-626-9944) "Step into the 1920s at
This last vestige of what used to be Bookseller's Row. Owner Leonard
Bernstein, who took the reins from his father 30 years ago, is a
bookseller of the old stripe, complete with Fleet Street mustache and
paisley tie. Customers like to see the 'blood, sweat and tears of a
small bookstore," he says." -- L.A. Times [10/03]
Cotter Church Supplies Inc. (1701 James M. Wood Blvd [formerly W 9th],
90015, 800-446-3366 or 213-385-3366, FAX 213-385-7206,
http://www.cotters.com). "A big store with a huge selection of
Catholic books of every kind." Open Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-2PM.
[11/05]
Creation/Koma Books (1228 W 7th, between Union & Figueroa, 90017, 213-623-6995
or 213-622-0501, http://www.komabookstore.com). Unusual and
esoteric books. "...runs roughshod over conventional social values,
cheerfully specializing in everything that gets censored by the
arbiters of good taste. Also philosophical and political writings of
the Left. Open Tue-Sat. [Let me know if this is located
geographically incorrectly in this list.]
Kinokuniya (123 Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka St, Suite 205, 90012.
213-687-4480). Japanese-language bookstore. They also have
books in English on Japan, translations into English, Japanese
language textbooks, many periodicals, etc. They have branches
elsewhere on the West Coast. [02/09]
The Last Book Store (453 S Spring, 213-488-0599, http://lastbookstorela.com/).
Used books. "Relatively small but wide-ranging selection of
books, generally in nice condition. Comfortably spartan decor.
The sales desk is a wooden sheet held up by stacks of books.
Hosts musical and literary events in the evening." [What
happens if you want to buy one of the supports?!] Open Mon-Thu
10AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-11PM, Sun 10AM-6PM. [05/12]
Libros Schmibros (2000 E 1st, 90033, 323-302-9408,
http://librosschmibros.wordpress.com). Lending
library/bookstore. Open Wed-Sat 12N-6PM. [10/11]
Museum of Contemporary Art Store (120 S Grand Ave, 213-621-2766). Art books.
Mid-City:
Eso Won Books, Inc (4331 Degnan Blvd, 90008, 323-290-1048). Specializes
in African American literature. Frequent signings and community
events. [12/11]
Mid-Wilshire:
The Bookshelf at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art,
5905 Wilshire Blvd, 90036, 323-857-6000). Art and
architecture book store. [11/03]
CM Bookshop in Silverlake (2388 Glendale Blvd, 90039). Used books; Beat
books a specialty.
Chevalier's Books (126 N Larchmont Blvd, 323-465-1334,
http:// chevaliersbooks.blogspot.com/). General boookstore
with big children's selection. Open Sun-Thu, Sat 9AM-6PM,
Fri 9AM-7PM. [12/11]
Dawson's Books, 535 N Larchmont Blvd, 90004, 323-469-2186, FAX 323-469-9553,
http://www.dawsonbooks.com) . Used, specialized in Californiana (or
whatever the word is). Open Thu-Sat 11AM-5PM and by appt. [12/11]
Travel Bookcase (or Traveler's Bookcase) (8375 W Third, 323-655-0575,
http://www.travelbooks.com) . Travel books, I assume. Open
Mon 11AM-7PM, Tue-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 12N-6PM. [12/11]
Hollywood:
Aldine Books (4663 Hollywood Blvd, Los Feliz, 323-666-2690). [10/03]
Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum Bookstore (4700 Zoo Dr, Griffith Park,
323-667-2000). In addition to the obvious, its Native American
section tries to represent every tribe in the United States. Open
Tues-Sun.
Book Soup (8818 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, 310-659-3110). Good (new)
books. Frequently has readings and signed copies of books.
Well-lighted, decent people-watching. Open until midnight.
Cancer Book House (2043 N Berendo, 323-663-7801). Nutritional approach,
alternatives.
Cinema Collectors (1507 Wilcox Ave, 323-461-6516). Posters, photos,
and stills--few or no books. Open 7 days.
Collectors Book Store (1708 Vine, 323-467-3296). Movie posters, stills,
scripts, lobby cards, magazines. Closed Monday.
Cosmopolitan Bookshop (7017 Melrose Ave, 1/2 block east of La Brea,
323-938-7119). New and used. [12/11]
Counterpoint Records & Books (5911 Franklin Ave, 323-469-4465 or
323-957-7965). SF to philosophy, classical to rock. Late only,
seven days. [10/03]
Daily Planet (5931-1/2 Franklin). Small store with mostly new books and
magazines.
Dailey Rare Books (8216 Melrose Ave, 90046). Used.
Heritage Classics Motorbooks (8968 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood).
New books about cars, motorcycles, etc.
Houle Rare Books & Autographs (7260 Beverly Blvd, 90036, 323-937-5858).
Elliot M. Katt Bookseller (8568 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, 90069,
310-652-5178. Over 15,000 used, rare, and out-of-print titles
on cinema, musical theater, theater, and dance. Open Mon-Sat.
Larry Edmunds Cinema & Theatre Bookshop (6644 Hollywood Blvd,
90028, http://www.larryedmunds.com, 323-469-3273). Large
selection of new and used, weighted more towards movies than
theater. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM. [12/11]
Odium (7523 Sunset Blvd, 90046, 323-851-6661). Owned by the grandson of
founder of The Church of Satan Anton Szandor LaVey. "Odium is,
in a word, extreme. Odium is a store specializing in the darkest
nature of humanity. Categories include Celebrity Scandals, True
Crime, Witchcraft, Deviant Sex & Filth, Crazy Christians, Death,
Philosophy, Black Power, Fascist Studies, Conspiracy, Satanism,
UFOs, and the most complete Charles Manson & Manson Family
collection to date." Open 12N-12M.
Opera Shop of Los Angeles (8384 Beverly Blvd, West Los Angeles,
323-658-5811). Books about opera and ballet, scores, videos, etc.
Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM.
OpAmp Technical Books (1033 N Sycamore Ave, 323-464-4322). Enormous
selection of new technical titles: computer, engineering, film,
audio, video, TV, mechanical, civil, industrial, data books,
handbooks, trade, codes, business, management. Catalog for mail.
Sam: Johnson's Bookshop (12310 Venice Blvd, West Hollywood,
310-391-5047). One person writes, "Why the colon in the title I
don't know. Out-of-print/scarce/rare hardbacks. Well organized
and maintained." Another answers, "Because he believed a colon was
the proper punctuation to be used for the abbreviation of given names,
this was the way Samuel Johnson used to sign his name.] [10/03]
Samuel French Bookshop (7623 Sunset Blvd, 323-876-0570). Everything for the
filmmaker, actor, student, screen writer and film buff--acting,
producing, directing, auditioning, reference books. Open Mon-Sat.
[12/11]
Skylight Booksop (1818 N Vermont Ave, 323-660-1175, FAX 323-660-0232,
http://www.skylightbooks.com). New books, general, university and
small press literature. Open 7 days 10AM-10PM.
Soap Plant/Wacko (4633 Hollywood Blvd, 90027, 323-663-0122 or 323-663-0243).
"A funky store to add to your list. They carry unusual books on all
sorts of subjects. The store also has an art gallery, tons of
postcards, toys, neat stuff. Around the corner from Skylight
Bookshop."
Sportsbooks (8761 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, 310-652-9979). 40,000
titles and every issue of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED in the periodicals
section, which has 250,00 new and out-of-print titles. Also
memorabilia.
Michael R. Thompson (8312 W Third, Los Angeles, 90048, 323-658-1901,
MRTBooksLA@aol.com). Fine antiquarian and used scholarly books.
Very professional.
Westside (West L.A./Westwood/Santa Monica:)
Alias Books (1650 Sawtelle just south of Santa Monica Blvd, West L.A.,
90025, 310-473-4442). Used books. [04/07]
Angel City Bookstore & Gallery (218 Pier Ave, Santa Monica, 90405,
310-399-8767, http://ww.angelcitybooks. com. "New, used, rare, out of
print books on Dada & Surrealism, cinema, acting, music, drama,
Buddhism, Kerouac & The Beat, poetry, philosophy, religion,
modern art & world literature." Open seven days 11AM-7PM. [01/08]
Arcana: Books on the Arts (Helms Bakery, 8675 Washington Blvd, 90232,
310-458-1499). "Rare and out-of-print books on 20th century art,
architecture, design & photography." Open Tue-Sun 11AM-7PM.
[12/12]
Barnes & Noble (3rd, Santa Monica).
Barry R. Levin (720 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401,
310-458-6111, http://www.raresf.com). Collectible SF and
fantasy. Truly nice stuff. Open Sun 12N-5PM, Mon-Thu
10AM-5PM, Fri 10AM-2PM. [08/11]
Bay City Books (1615 Wellesley Ave, West L.A., 90025). Used.
Children's Book World (10580-3/4 W Pico, West LA, 310-559-2665
(310-559-BOOK)). 38,000 titles. "Terrific for children's books.
The store has recently doubled its space so there's more room for
... strollers. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to
please. They do everything from helping people select books to
start a classroom or preschool library to book fairs. It is *very*
rare that they don't have a book in stock. The children's art book
collection is superb; I am an art docent at our local school so I
know what's available on the market." Open Mon-Sat.
Children's Bookshelf (1039 Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, 310-459-0063).
A decent small selection and prices are nothing special. "There is
a good deli down the street to relax in after you've bought your
books and Baskin Robbins across the street."
Every Picture Tells a Story (1311-C Montana Ave, Santa Monica, 90403,
310-451-2700, FAX: 310-451-7177, http://www.everypicture.com).
Children's books and gallery-bookstore. [04/04]
Golden Apple Comics (8934 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, 310-274-2008).
Hennessey & Ingalls (214 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 310-458-9074,
FAX 310-394-2928, http://www. hennesseyingalls.com). Art and
architechture: large stock (over 80,000 titles), new, used,
out-of-print, imported.
Kenneth Karmiole Bookseller (509 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 90401). Used.
Kulturas Books (1700 Ocean Park Blvd. Santa Monica, 90405, 310-450-8707).
Used books, Specialties are art, photography, philosophy,
performing arts and history. Also vintage clothing and a
gallery space. Open daily 11AM-7PM. [03/08]
Mandala Bookstore (616 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, 310-394-7323). New
Age and metaphysical.
Michael R. Thompson Bookseller (8312 W 3rd, West Hollywood, 323-658-1901).
[10/03]
Pauline Books and Media (3908 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, 90230,
310-397-8676, FAX 310-397-8366,
http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/bookcenters/losangeles).
"Another fairly large Catholic bookstore (though much smaller than
Cotter's). Open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM. [11/05]
Pettler and Lieberman Booksellers (2345 Westwood Blvd, 90064). Used.
SideShow Rare and Remarkable Books (11323 Idaho Ave btwn Sawtelle Blvd and
Corinth Ave, about 50 yards away from Alias Books down on Idaho Ave,
310-428-4631). Open Tue 12N-7:30PM, Wed-Thu 12N-10PM, Fri-Sat 12N-12M,
Sun 12N-6PM). [05/12]
UCLA Bookstore (Student Center on the Westwood Campus).
Wilshire Books (3018 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 90403, 310-828-3115).
Used. [10/03]
Pasadena:
Alexandria II Bookstore (170 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, 91101, 626-792-7885).
New Age books. Has over 16,000 titles. [06/12]
The Archives Bookshop (1396 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, 91104,
800-204-2063 or 626-797-4756, FAX 626-797-5237,
http://www. archivesbookshop.com). "Devoted entirely to
theology, philosophy, and related subjects." Open Mon-Sat
10AM-6PM. [11/05]
Barnes & Noble (Colorado in Old Town).
Book Alley (1252 E Colorado Blvd at Chester, Pasadena,
626-683-8083). "A decent used book store." "Arguably the most
inviting used-book store in all of L.A. County -- L.A. Times"
Open Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-7PM. [08/08]
Book'em Mysteries (1118 Mission, South Pasadena, 626-799-9600). Mainly
mysteries, with some branching out into "dark fiction" and anything
the staff thinks their customers might like. Frequent author
signings.
California Institute of Technology Bookstore (San Pasqual St, 626-395-6161,
FAX 626-795-3156). Specializing in scientific and technical books.
Cliff's Books (630 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, 626-449-9541).
Well-stocked (over 250,000 titles) used book store near
Caltech. Excellent selection of technical and SF books. Lots
of collectibles. Also carries comics and records. Open until
midnight 7 days.
Distant Lands (62 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, 626-449-3220). Books,
maps, and travel accessories.
Janet Jarvits-Cookbooks (1388 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, 91104,
626-296-1638, FAX 626-296-3231, http://www.cookbkjj.com).
Cookbooks only.
Mitchell Books (1395 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, 626-798-4438,
http://www.mysteryfiction. com). Used crime, detective, spy,
and mystery fiction. Over 25,000 titles. Open Tue-Sat.
[04/07]
The Mystic Sisters (417 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016).
Vromans (695 E Colorado, Pasadena, 800-769-2665; 3729 E Foothill
Blvd, in the Whole Foods shopping center,
http://www. vromansbookstore.com). Since 1894. Large
(more than 100,000 titles), new books, office supplies, etc.
They have a bit of everything, including a cafe. The Foothill
store is smaller. [05/07]
Burbank/Eagle Rock/Glendale/Montrose:
Another World Comics and Books (1615 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock,
323-257-7757).
Autobooks Etc (3524 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, 818-845-0707). Books,
magazines, repair manuals, posters on cars, trucks,
motorcycles, airplanes, models.
Aviation Bookstore & Pilot Shop (3723 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank,
818-845-9322). Aviation books, pilot supplies, videos.
Book Castle's Movie World (212 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, 91502,
818-846-0459). Mostly movie books, posters, and other
memorabilia. Open 7 days, but someone thought it was closed
Mondays. [04/04]
Bookfellows Fine & Rare Books (238 N Brand Blvd, Glendale,
http://www. abebooks.com/home/bookfellows).
Used general fiction and mystery. Across the street from
Brand Bookshop and near Weinstein.
Brand Bookshop (231 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, 91203, 818-507-5943).
75,000 used, out-of-print, rare books, 200 categories. "I'd
just like to say that of the thirty or so used book shops I
visit in southern California, this is my favorite--the one, if
I had my choice, that I'd most like to own. It has a large
selection of titles, both hard cover and paperback; its books
have a relatively rapid turnover rate; it is located in a
fairly well patronized central business district; it offers
free parking in a nearby building; it has floors covered by
carpets and attractive shelving; its owner and employees seem
to like books; and its sound system provides classical music
to soothe the soul." Another person writes, "Brand Books is
an old time favorite. Clean, well lighted, with a good
turn-over of stock. I've been going there for a good five
years. The owner seems to favor buying books, as long as he
needs that particular stock, with the notion that if he
doesn't buy from a person now, when he doesn't need stock,
then when he does, that person may not come back to sell.
Brand has a very solid poetry section, European and American
history are standouts as well. The philosophy section could
use shoring up from time to time, but still all major titles
seem to be covered. His general Lit and fiction section is
likewise well stocked. Prices are modest, I've seen higher.
Book quality is generally good. Staff is always helpful. The
owner, Jerome, is charming to talk with. Highly recommended."
Open 7 days. [07/04]
Dark Delicacies (4213 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank). "Everything horror."
Geographica Bookstore (4000 Riverside Dr, Burbank, 818-848-1414).
Foreign, domestic maps, charts, guides, books, atlases,
globes, language tapes, travel accessories.
Movie World (212 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, 818-846-0459). See
Book Castle.
Once Upon a Time (2284 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, 818-248-9668). Children
books, special orders.
Psychic Eye Bookshop (1011 W Olive Ave, Burbank, 91506, 818-845-8831,
http://www.pebooks.com). "A good range of New Age
books, self-help material plus other esoterica." Part of a
chain.
Read Books (4972 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, 90041, 323-259-9068,
http://www. readbookseaglerock.com/). Used books; also a newsstand
with new magazines. Open Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun 11AM-5PM.
[02/08]
Reader's Edge (2329 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, 91020). Used.
Survival Books (11106 Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, 818-763-0804). Over
10,000 titles. "Something to offend everyone." Books on
self-defense, weapons, credit, revenge, alternate ID,
electronic law enforcement, wilderness survival, and rape
prevention. Also carries a line of earthquake supplies.
Marlon Brando has been seen here looking for books on deserted
islands!
Twice Told Tales (3427 W Magnolia, Burbank, 91505, 818-841-0652).
Used. Sat-Sun 12N-4PM or by appointment.
Weinstein Fine Books (142 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, 91203,
818-547-3700). Used books. [10/03]
(Pick up a free map to other bookstores in the area at most
Burbank/Glendale stores.)
Malibu:
Diesel (Malibu Country Mart, 23410 Civic Center Way, 90265,
310-456-9961, http://www.dieselbookstore.com).
Also has branches in Oakland and Brentwood. Open Mon-Fri
10AM-7PM, Sat 9:30AM-6PM, Sun 10AM-5PM. [11/11]
A Different Dimension (Malibu). Books on "recovery and enlightenment."
Rizzoli Bookstore (332 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, 310-393-0101).
"They had a number of readings and signings coming up, but I
don't know if this is regular practice or just part of their
grand opening. They have new books and remainders, a small
selection of international newspapers, and a cappucino/espresso
machine." Mon-Thu 10AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-9PM.
Venice/Marina Del Rey:
Discount Reader (Lincoln Blvd in Westchester just north of LAX). A fair
general collection, particularly good on classics since they serve
as the school bookstore for Loyola Marymount University. They'll
special order with no fee and give you their usual discount (10% on
paperbacks, 20% on hardcovers, I think) if they can get the book
from their local distributor.
Recyclepedia (1707 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, 90291). Used.
Ships Store, Inc (14025 Panay Way, Marina del Rey, 310-823-5574). 500
titles on yachting, including how-tos, logs, navigation, design,
and repair, as well as "yachting fiction."
Small World Books (next to the Sidewalk Cafe on the Venice Promenade,
1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, 310-399-2360,
http://www.smallworldbooks. com). Has a "Mystery Annex."
South Bay:
Adventures Unlimited (5267 E 2nd, 310-433-2204). Sports and outdoor
literature.
Book Again (5039 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, 310-542-1156). Extensive
collection of used paperbacks. Also some used hard cover.
Book Connection (10932 Pine, Los Alamitos, 90720, 562-430-5578,
info@bookconnect.com. Used books.
Book Emporium (5539 Stearns, Long Beach, 310-431-3595). General store with
strong childrens and romance sections.
The Carpenter (1820 Pacific Coast Highway, Lomita, 310-325-3787). Christian
Bibles and books as well as many other Christian items.
A Castle of Books (4302 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, 90807, 562-448-2262,
http://www.aCastleofBooks. com/). New and used books, comics,
magazines, movies, etc. "A rather small shop with not a
huge variety of books. But fairly well organized." Open
Mon-Wed 9:30AM-6:30PM. [05/10]
Dave's Olde Book Shop (2123 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, 90278, 310-973-1300,
http://www.davesoldebookshop.com/). "The largest used book
store in the South Bay." Open seven days 10AM-6PM. [05/12]
Joshua's Christian Stores (18533 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, 310-793-1131).
Christian books as well as other Christian gifts.
Norman Book Co. (3044 W. Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, 310-539-1978). Chinese
books (Mandarin). Many subject areas. 2000+ titles.
Once Read Books (5422 Village Rd, Long Beach, 90808, 562-420-1034, FAX
603-804-7792, http://www.oncereadbooks. com/. Used books.
"It's not huge, but it is enjoyable, and I have found several
excellent books on their 25-cent table. I've also found
pleasant surprises in their very small foreign books section.
Very unpredictable." [01/08]
Psychic Eye Books (3902 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, 90505, 310-378-7754,
FAX 310-378-9964, http://www.pebooks.com). "A good range of New Age
books, self-help material plus other esoterica." Part of a chain.
Sandpiper Books (NW corner Torrance Blvd and Anza, Torrance, 310-371-2002).
Used books. Many rare and collectible books.
Scholar's Bookstore (El Segundo, 310-322-3161). Tiny but has a good s
selection of technical books, particularly engineering and computer
science.
Third Planet (3631 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, 90505, 310-791-6227). New
books, mentioned as having a good fantasy section. Someone else
says it's maninly fantasy comic books.
Williams' Book Store (443 W. 6th St, San Pedro, 310-832-3631). New.
Norwalk:
Aviation Book Mobile (12032 E Firestone Blvd, Norwalk, 310-864-4116).
Orange County:
Altair-4 Collectibles (870 Tustin Ave, just a few doors north of the Bookman,
Orange, 92867, 714-639-5736). SF, military, and aviation books.
Barnaby Rudge Booksellers (1445 Glenneyre, Laguna Beach, 92651, 949-497-4079,
FAX 949-376-3111, http://www.barnabyrudge.com). Antiquarian
rare and illustrated children's books. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5:30PM.
Book Carnival (348 S Tustin, Orange, 714-538-3210). One of the best
mystery *and* SF stores in Southern CA. New, used, and rare, with
lots of signed books and lots of author signings in the store.
Mailing list.
The Book Faire (1878 N Placentia Ave, Placentia, 92870). Used. "A
lot of books, but they are *very* poorly alphabetized, and, to
a lesser degree, categorized. You must check bags at the front
desk." [04/07]
Bookman (840 N Tustin Ave, Orange, 92867, 714-538-0166, 800-568-0166,
http://orange.ebookman.com) . They have two storefronts worth of space,
and also have such memorabilia as autographed pictures of
famous movie stars. "I find this store always to have an
exceptional collection of nonfiction books, especially in
Americana and US History. I have found many books there
after fruitless searches through dozens of other stores."
Another poster says, "Large selection and very reasonably
priced." Has a branch in Huntington Beach. Open Mon-Fri
10AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM. [11/09]
Bookman Huntington (19111 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, 92648, 888-735-2665,
http://www.bookmanhb.com). No longer related to The Bookman
in Orange. Had a "Liquation Sale" banner in 06/09, but
appeared still well stocked then. [06/09]
Camelot Books (18838 Brookhurst, Fountain Valley, 92708, 714-963-3122;
964 N Tustin Ave, Orange, 92867, 714-771-5882). "General used-
book shop. Unalphabetized. Very reasonable prices."
Don Cannon Books (406 E Commonwealth Ave, #3, Fullerton, 714-449-1739,
FAX 714-449-0810). Film, television, performing arts, SF, fantasy,
mystery, and adventure. Hours by appointment.
Irvine Sci-Tech Books (4040 Barranca Pkwy, #140, Irvine, 714-733-1002).
Technical books.
Kinokuniya (3030 Harbor Blvd, Suite G3, Costa Mesa, 92626,
714-662-2319). Japanese-language bookstore. They also have
books in English on Japan, translations into English, Japanese
language textbooks, many periodicals, etc. They have branches
elsewhere on the West Coast. [02/09]
Lorson's Books & Prints (116 W Wilshire, Fullerton, 714-526-2523). An
interesting partnership--Joan Lorson sells children's books (new),
while her husband Jim Lorson sells used and rare adult books. They
also have some interesting art available.
Paperback Trading Company (27601 Forbes Rd #9, Laguna Niguel, 92677).
Used books. Open Tue-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-4PM. [09/07]
Psychic Eye Bookshop (18225 Brookhurst, Fountain Valley, 92708, 714-593-2800,
http://www.pebooks.com). "A good range of New Age
books, self-help material plus other esoterica." Part of a chain.
Reading Rhinoceros (24000 Alicia Pkwy, Mission Viejo, 714-588-0898). A
neighborhood children's book store.
Sandcastle Books (16582 Gothard, Unit E, Huntington Beach, 92647,
714-847-9944). "General used-book store. Alphabetized."
University of California, Irvine Bookstore (200 Student Center, University
of California, 800-829-BOOK or 714-824-BOOK, FAX 714-824-8545,
http://www.book.uci.edu). About 70,000 books, academic,
general, technical and medical.
Whale of a Tale (4187 Campus Dr, #M173, Irvine, 714-854-8288). A nice
neighborhood children's book store.
Books Redux (18508 Yorba Linda Blvd, 714-970-2957). Small store with a
small but diversified collection of fiction and non-fiction.
Shelves are well organized, but aisles are cluttered with piles
of books.
Riverside County:
The Book Quest, Inc. (26440 Hazelcrest Ct, Suite M413, Moreno Valley, 92555,
951-924-2649, FAX 951-222-0248, http://www.thebookquest.com).
New and used books in a roomy store with oak bookshelves.
Downtowne Bookstore (3582 Main, Riverside, 92501, 951-682-1082). Used and
rare.
DragonMarsh (3643 University Ave, Riverside, 92501, 951-276-1116,
http://www.dragonmarsh.com) . Historical, herbal, metaphysical,
and aromatherapy books. Open Sun-Fri 11AM-6PM, Sat 9AM-6PM.
[02/09]
Paperback Junction (5184 Arlington Ave, Riverside, 92504, 951-688-1836,
FAX 951-688-2936, http://www. paperbackjunction.com). Used.
Plans to expand their SF section. [11/06]
Renaissance International Books (6639 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, 92501,
951-369-8843). New and used.
Romantically Inclined (3410 La Sierra Ave, Riverside, 951-354-9743).
Romances. one assumes.
Ventura County and Central California Coast:
Adventures for Kids (3457 Telegraph, Ventura, 805-650-9688). One of
the largest and best children's book stores in the LA area.
Bart's Books (Ojai, 45 miles NW of Los Angeles). "Ojai is a beautiful
area (it was Shangri-La in the film "Lost Horizons"), and the
store is mostly open-air, with a huge selection of all kinds
of used books (one room is for "rare" books.) You can come by
at night and browse the outside shelves, and drop a quarter in
the slot for every one you take."
Chaucers (in an outdoor shopping center at the corner of Las Positas
and State, 805-682-6787, http://www.chaucersbooks.com).
[This is apparently not Ventura County, but it has the same
area code.]
Ventura Bookstore (522 E Main, Ventura, 805-643-4069). A good general
bookstore in Ventura.
San Gabriel Valley:
The Book Shop (134 N Citrus Ave, Covina, 91723, 626-967-1888
http://www. bookshopllc.com/../index.html). "An excellent
second-hand and antiquarian book shop." [01/08]
Huntley Bookstore (175 E Eighth St, Claremont, 909-621-8555). College store
(Claremont Colleges), but lots of general interest books as well.
Mrs. Nelson's Toys & Books (1030 Bonita Ave, LaVerne, 909-599-4558). One of
the larger children's book stores around.
San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe (2475 Huntington Dr, San Marino, 818-795-5301).
Another large children's store. As of 2/94 they were supposedly
moving to a larger building across the street. [02/94]
Whittier:
Dharma Center Bookstore (7007 Greenleaf Ave, suite 201, 310-907-5873).
Zen, Buddhist, metaphysical books. Tues-Sat 1PM-8PM, Sun 1PM-6PM.
Insomnia (13013 Philadephia, 310-698-9595). Literature, beat poetry,
surrealism, original art. Sun-Sat 10AM-10PM.
Little Old Bookshop (6546 Greenleaf Ave, 90601, 310-698-1934). Over 100,000
used books in stock. Sun-Sat 10AM-10PM.
Pegasus Hobbies (6545 Greenleaf Ave, 310-907-4663). Comic books, hobby
supplies. Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, SAT 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-4PM.
Unclassified:
[Area codes may be wrong.]
Imaginarium, a quality toy store chain which is in the LA area, has a small
but decently selected book section in each of their stores.
[Much of this part contributed by T. Goodman and Charles Trachtenbarg.]
=============================================================================
------------------------------
Comments:
There are also Book Hunter Press's USED BOOK LOVER'S GUIDE TO [various
regions], seven regional guides to over 7,900 used, out-of-print, and
antiquarian book dealers in the United States and Canada. The complete
database is online and can be searched by location, dealer name, specialty,
and type of dealer. Access to the database is available on a two tier basis:
partial access is free, full access is by subscription.The web page also
includes free access to regional and city maps showing locations with used
bookstores. For more information or a free catalog, check their web page at
http://bookhunterpress.com/.
===========================================================================
Copyright Notice
Information contained in this FAQ is compiled from many sources. The
compiler accepts no responsibility for the comments contained herein.
The comments are provided "as is" with no warranty, express or implied,
for the information provided within them.
This FAQ is not to be reproduced for commercial use unless the party
reproducing the FAQ agrees to the following:
1) They will contact the FAQ maintainer to obtain the latest version for
their collection.
2) They will provide the FAQ maintainer with information on what collection
the copy of the FAQ is in, and how that collection may be obtained.
3) They will agree, in writing, that the FAQ will be included in the
collection without modification, and that acknowledgements of
contributors (if any) to the FAQ remain in the FAQ.
4) They will agree, in writing, that the collection including the FAQ will
be distributed on either a non-profit basis, or have some percentage of
profit donated to a non-profit literacy program. Project Gutenberg
counts.
To support this, this FAQ is Compilation Copyright 2013 by Evelyn C. Leeper
(the FAQ maintainer).
=============================================================================
Evelyn C. Leeper (eleeper@optonline.net)
Go to my home page