On the surface, Los Angeles doesn’t seem like a good spot for book lovers on account of how the city is generally viewed as the glamour capital of the world. Nothing could be further from the truth, at least when you know where to look. In fact, Los Angeles is home to a massive number of independent bookstores and world-class libraries, some of them world-renowned.
Throw in the fact that many celebrities are known to frequent the city’s bookstores to look for material that may provide information and inspiration for future film projects, there’s no question that the literary community in Los Angeles has an aura of glamour about it. If you have plans of going to Los Angeles soon and want to indulge your literary sensibilities while you’re at it, here are 7 places in Los Angeles you might want to visit.
Los Angeles Central Public Library
Built in 1926, the Los Angeles Central Public Library (originally named Richard Riordan Central Library) has been a cultural landmark in Los Angeles for decades. With over 6 million volumes of books housed within its carefully sectioned shelves, the public library is the third largest public library in the United States in terms of book holdings. It’s also home to many rare volumes dating back from the 15th century, all of which can be found in the Central Library’s Rare Books Department. The public library also hosts a series of programs called [ALOUD] where brilliant cultural luminaries visit regularly to share their expertise and invaluable insights with the city’s most curious minds.
Book Soup
For over 30 years, Book Soup has been a cultural hub-spot among the literati who visit West Hollywood and the Sunset Strip on a regular basis. Even from a distance, you can already tell that Book Soup is no regular bookstore thanks to two golden dog statues guarding the entrance. Enter the premises and you’ll find yourself surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stacked with an eclectic collection of books. The iconic independent bookstore houses 60,000 titles, spanning a huge range of genres, be it literary fiction, genre fiction, art, philosophy, photography, and more. The collection is bolstered by the store’s nice selection of signed books and hard-to-find books, drawing in book collectors always on the look-out for rare gems.
Literati Cafe
Readers, wherever they are, are predisposed to look for a nice spot where they can bury themselves in a book. That is why most voracious readers are naturally drawn to cafes like moths to a flame. Cafes are a popular spot for reading especially those that provide a creative atmosphere. And no cafe provides a better spot for indulging yourself in a book than Literati Cafe. The cafe’s gardens, combined with the interior’s comfortable and warm atmosphere, add to the reader-friendly ambiance. The cafe’s menu is a delight, providing an interesting selection of organic tea, coffee, pastries, fresh salad, and sandwiches. And don’t forget to bring your tablet or laptop to take advantage of the free WiFi!
Storyopolis
Recognized as the Best LA Bookstore by Los Angeles Magazine in 2008, Storyopolis has made quite a reputation for itself as one of Southern California’s premiere bookstores. It’s not your regular bookstore, either. For one, it’s a bookstore specifically made for children. The famed bookstore has a massive collection of children’s books ranging from classics to contemporary, nursery rhymes to adventure tales, and everything in between. There’s also an enormous story-time room furnished with art galleries as well as soft couches where children can sit comfortably and listen to live readings performed by authors and illustrators who come regularly for a visit. Storyopolis is a magical place where adults and children alike can go to celebrate their love of art and children’s literature. What brought the popular children’s bookstore more renown in Southern California, however, are their custom made book baskets which make perfect gifts for any occasion. Buy some for your loved ones back home and get a kick out of seeing the look on their faces when they see the gorgeous designs!
Larry Edmunds Bookshop
Having been in business for over 70 years, Larry Edmunds Bookshop is the oldest bookstore in Los Angeles. Specializing in film books and memorabilia, the iconic bookstore boasts an inventory of 500,000+ movie photographs, 6,000+ original movie posters and 20,000+ motion picture and theater books. If you are seeking out anything specific related to Hollywood lore, chances are you can find it from the bookstore’s large collection. It’s also a place where locals and tourists alike can bask in the glow of Hollywood’s history as represented by the massive archive of movie and theater paraphernalia put up on display along its walls.
Distant Lands Bookstore
If you’re a wanderlust, the Distant Lands Bookstore is sure to delight you in more ways than one. The place is packed to brimming with books related to traveling, ranging from travel guides to maps, from travel apparel to backpacks – just about anything that will catch the attention of any frequent traveler. The store’s staff are accommodating and are very knowledgeable. And there’s an attractive rewards program that provides shoppers special perks each time they come back to the store.
REDCAT (the Roy and Edna Disney/Cal Arts Theatre at the Walt Disney Concert Hall)
Most voracious readers are receptive to art in general and have a taste for the avant-garde, which is why many literary types in Los Angeles take the time to visit REDCAT. REDCAT is an interdisciplinary contemporary arts center where many great artists across different disciplines showcase their creative talents through exhibits, performances, screenings, and literary events. Attached to the back of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the REDCAT theatre is a versatile and technologically-advanced venue that provides performers a lot of room for innovation, all the better to provide the audience the aesthetic thrills they’re looking for. If you are in need of some refreshments, they have a beautiful bar at the back offering a nice selection of beer, wine, coffee, and hard liquor. And the night wouldn’t be complete without taking the time to visit the REDCAT bookstore in the lounge area where you can browse through a nice selection of books.