Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Summer Guide to Bookish LA
()
Here's the thing: we've had a two-week back and forth LAist email about our favorite bookstores. Behind-the-scenes-planning-style. We've waxed poetic about the locations, the staff, the cats (with or without tails), the super-secret nooks and crannies of our best loved LA indies. Why did we email about this? Why were we making a list of favorite bookstores and checking it twice? Because we were going to do a nice little post on Indie Bookstores in L.A.
However: LA Weekly scooped us. Big time. They also used the word "bookish" which is, kind of, our word. Whatever.
Instead of wallowing in irritation (because let's face it, that's what we did yesterday), we realize it would be wrong of us to simply pretend it didn't happen. There are many excellent bookstores in LA and, well, you should check them out. LA Weekly highlights the heavy-hitters and a few newcomers that are well worth your time: Book Soup, Vroman's, Skylight Books, Dutton's, Family, Malibu Diesel and other neighborhood favorites.
Support for LAist comes from
We would add:
+ Acres of Books: a massive acre-long bookstore in Long Beach that's ideal for hunting book treasures both old and new...just bring a flashlight (really!)
+ Book Alley: a new, used, rare bookstore in Pasadena that has the perfect used-book atmosphere -- creaky but never creepy with great music and a Famima! right next door.
+ Hennesseey + Ingalls: a gorgeous bookstore with gorgeous books that cover all things art, architecture, design, fashion, and photography-related.
+ Samuel French: every play you've ever needed for that next audition, every script you've ever wanted to shoot.
+ Earth 2: best Sherman Oaks selection of comic books, graphic novels and the like.
+ Portrait of a Bookstore: a funky bookstore inside a funky cafe - a perfect marriage of funk!
+ Traveler's Bookcase: a great selection of travel memoirs and discounted travel books when the newest version comes out.
Support for LAist comes from
+ Every Picture Tells a Story: the art of illustration - books, art, fantasy, cartoon, you name it, they've got it.
+ Bodhi Tree Bookstore: yes, it's hippy-dippy, but if you're seeking a higher plane, this is the bookstore for you.
When all else fails and we simply cannot find that much-needed book at the indie bookstores scattered across our fair city, the Bookstar on Ventura in Studio City seems to have what we need every time. Not quite indie, not quite big box, but they always cure our fix.
What's your favorite LA Bookstore?
Note: Future LAist guides to bookish LA may include: libraries, neighborhood guides, book clubs, LA as character, local readings, bookstore profiles, author interviews, and other things of this nature. In case, you know, LA Weekly gets to it first.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist