The Pearl’s Favorite Bookstores for Summer Reading
The summer heat is on, and one of our favorite ways to chill is browsing a friendly, well-stocked bookstore. LA boasts some of the best independent retailers west of the Mississippi, offering everything from bestsellers to art books, travel guides, vintage & rare titles, comics, and memorabilia. Beyond books, some establishments also have galleries, coffee shops, event spaces, and even wine bars, many not far from The Pearl. Patronizing an indie bookstore is a great way to support local businesses, connect with other book lovers, and discover unique gifts and collectibles.
Here are some of our go-tos.
Skylight Books 1818 N Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Skylight Books is a general bookstore serving the historic Los Angeles neighborhoods of Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Downtown. Their curated selection features the best of literary fiction; graphic novels; children’s books; California history and culture; political and social sciences; essays and nonfiction; and books on art, photography, film, and music. They also feature hand-picked magazines and zines, along with a selection of stationery and gifts. Skylight Books’ events program is nationally recognized, and features major touring authors, local favorites, and debuts.
Owl Creek Books 3507 W Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019
Specializing in rare and vintage books, Owl Creek Books is a bibliophile’s paradise, covering an alphabet of topics from Adventure to Vellum. Founder Nathan Gabbard has been collecting books for years with a collection that includes approximately 13,000 volumes of rare and vintage books, ranging from antiquarian and fine leather tomes, to modern firsts, poetry, and plays. They also buy books, and regularly purchase individual books, collections, and libraries that fit specific criteria. Generally, they look for first editions of famous books in exceptional condition, as well as fine and rare books, autographs, manuscripts, and bookplates.
Secret Headquarters 3137 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039
Secret Headquarters has been specializing in comic book culture for 20 years. At their Atwater Village shop, and at their webstore, they offer a sophisticated take on the traditional comic book store, featuring the best in graphic novels, trade paperbacks, monthlies, art books, apparel, and tchotchkes.
Stories Books & Cafe 1716 W Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026
Stories Books & Cafe is a cozy shop off Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park, crammed to the ceiling with new and used titles. There’s a little cafe in the back and an outdoor patio, serving coffee, tea, beer & wine, and a selection of salads and sandwiches. If you’re looking for an obscure title, chances are they’ll have it. You’ll also find gift items and collectibles, such as greeting cards, coloring books, magnets and mugs. Events include readings, signings and comedy nights.
Book Soup 8818 W Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069
Book Soup is a full-service bookstore located on the world-famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Founded in 1975 as a “Bookseller to the Great and Infamous,” the store boasts an expertly-curated selection of books (fiction, non-fiction, music, film, memoir & biography, art & design), as well as signed and autographed collections, vinyl records, toys, and unique gifts. Home to 60,000+ titles, and host to more than 300 author events and signings each year, Book Soup is a historic Los Angeles landmark, and an iconic shopping destination for locals and tourists alike.
Vroman’s Bookstore 695 E Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101
Founded in 1894 by Adam Clark Vroman, Vroman’s Bookstore is Southern California’s largest and oldest independent bookstore. Vroman’s is famous for its world class author signings and events, presenting over 400 free community events a year including children’s story times, craft classes, special launch parties, and hosting literary icons such as Upton Sinclair, Octavia Butler, Ray Bradbury, Anne Rice, Salman Rushdie, Dr. Seuss, and Joan Didion. Throughout the years, the store has supported a variety of causes and institutions through food drives, holiday gift drives, pet adoption days, school book fairs, and the Vroman’s Gives Back program.
The Last Bookstore 453 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Last Bookstore is a growing network of spaces dedicated to books, vinyl, and art — each built inside historic buildings with a life of their own. With thousands of new, used, and rare books, plus hidden rooms, installations, and records you won’t find anywhere else, they’re a place to browse, explore, and get lost. Whether you’re searching for a collectible, a quick read, or a strange discovery you didn’t see coming, every location offers its own version of the unexpected. Step inside and find what you didn’t know you were looking for.
Now Serving Far East Plaza 727 N Broadway, Unit 133, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Founded by Ken Concepcion, former chef de cuisine at Wolfgang Puck’s CUT, and his wife Michelle Mungcal, Now Serving is the only dedicated cookbook shop in Los Angeles. The store carries a melange of new and used cookbooks including out of print editions, organized in geographical departments such as the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Europe, and categories like pastries and baking, beverages, general food writing, and reference books. Now Serving also offers gourmet kitchen tools like Japanese knives, new and vintage cast iron pans, and chef’s apparel. Check their event schedule for in-store author appearances and book signings.
These Days 118 Winston St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
Owned and operated by longtime DTLA residents Stephen and Jodi Zeigler, These Days is a gallery, store, and publisher located in downtown Los Angeles. Since its first exhibition in 2014, the gallery has exhibited a diverse range of work including painting, photography, drawings, and fiber art. Though their interests are varied, These Days’ embrace of nonconformist culture is apparent. The store features new and out-of-print photography books, zines, art, and design objects.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Vroman’s Bookstore
Photo #2: Skylight Books
Photo #3: Owl Creek Books
Photo #4: Secret Headquarters
Photo #5: Stories Books & Cafe
Photo #6: Book Soup
Photo #7: Vroman’s Bookstore
Photo #8: The Last Bookstore
Photo #9: Now Serving
Photo #10: These Days