I used to live in LA and plan to move back there soon. And while it’s still quite some time until that happens, LA is never not on my mind so I thought I’d make a list of a few literary places that I haven’t visited before and would love to visit when I go back. From bookstores to libraries to cafes, here are a few literary spots in my favorite city that I’d love to get lost in.
Bookstores
Photo Credit: The Last Bookstore LA Instagram
The Last Bookstore
The aesthetics are what I’m most excited about seeing. At first, I was perplexed that this wasn’t on my radar before when I lived in LA but it turns out this independent book store made the move to downtown LA (where I lived) after I moved back home to Jersey. Had it been there before, I would have known seeing as how I would have walked by it many times! I can’t wait to check it out and make it one of my go to bookstores when I move back! I hear it’s the LA version of The Strand. We shall see.
Photo Credit: Booksoup Instagram
Booksoup
I knew about this bookstore when I lived in LA but for some reason I never got around to visiting. They have a ton of events here so I’d love to attend a few events to see how organized their events are and such and determine if this is a bookstore I’d love to become a regular at event wise because really, they have so many guest authors stopping through for readings/signings! Pretty much everyday. So I’m bound to want to go to at least 3 events every month. Have you been to an event here? How did you like it?
Photo Credit: Children’s Book World Facebook
Children’s Book World
This is the bookstore that you will become a regular at if you’re a fan of YA and/or MG books. Not only is their collection exactly what you’re looking for but so many of my favorite authors have had events here so I know I’m in for a treat when I move back. I’m not saying that one day I’m going to be on a first name basis with everyone who works there but it’s possible. Take all of my money, Children’s Book World!
Photo Credit: Mystery Pier Books Facebook
Mystery Pier Books
Not far from Booksoup is Mystery Pier which is a small gem of a bookstore that specializes in first-edition books. Aka this is my dream store to shop at without a budget when I win the lottery one day. Ha ha ha!
Photo Credit: The Samuel French Hollywood Bookshop
The Samuel French Hollywood Bookshop
This seems like a mecca for theatre people aka heaven so I cannot wait to visit the bookstore and see what it has to offer both in books (especially hard to find ones) and events.
Photo Credit: Skylight Books Twitter
Skylight Books
This seems like another great indie with a wonderful collection of books as well as a great roundup of authors for readings/signings so I could definitely see this becoming a regular book shop in my book outings.
Photo Credit: Vroman’s Bookstore Facebook
Vroman’s Bookstore
Vroman’s is Southern California’s oldest & largest independent bookstore and that alone is reason to visit. I can’t wait to get lost in this store and of course attend a few events here!
Photo Credit: Iliad Bookshop
The Iliad Bookshop
This is a small, cozy independent bookstore that I could definitely see myself spending an afternoon in finding a few gems! It’s in Noho though so unless I make more visits to this arts district (which I’d like to but who knows what will happen), I don’t seem myself making regular visits here but I think it’s worth checking out at least once!
Libraries
Photo Credit: The Huntington Library Instagram
Huntington Library
The botanic garden makes for one relaxing mood setter that’s for sure. I’d love to check this library out and scope out the best day to sit and read in the garden.
Photo Credit: Santa Monica Public Library Facebook
Santa Monica Public Library
When I used to live in LA, I always went to the LA Public Library in Downtown LA but I definitely want to visit the Santa Monica library on the other side of LA as well, especially since Santa Monica library seems to be very friendly with YA authors. In fact, YallWest will be there this Spring for its first year so that is very, very exciting! Looking forward to visiting!
Photo Credit: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Facebook
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
This isn’t in LA but it’s nearby and it sounds all kinds of awesome. A library and a museum with permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions not to mention a cafe, pub, community events, etc… This is definitely a day trip worth planning, that’s for sure. After checking out the website, I think I’m most interested in seeing a piece of the Berlin Wall.
Cafes & Lounges
Photo Credit: Literati Cafe Facebook
Literati Cafe
This seems like a good place for a peaceful morning writing session. I believe this cafe also hosts a book club so that also might be worth looking into.
Photo Credit: Hemingway’s Gallery
Hemingway’s Lounge
Lounges/bars are not my scene so I’m probably only going to visit the place once for a short period of time (it’s open 9pm to 2am) but I’m going to enjoy every minute, ordering Hemingway themed drinks and marveling at the decor all around me like the book geek that I am.
Local Non-profit:
Photo Credit: Writers Bloc Twitter
Writers Bloc
I’d love to attend a future speaking engagement that Writer’s Bloc hosts at various places around LA. They’ve had some pretty amazing guests in the past so I definitely want to check them out.