Editor’s Note: This comprehensive list, first compiled in 2024, has been freshly updated to add new bookshops and remove closed locations. We will continue to update it.
I thought it would be a good idea to assemble a list of Southern California’s independent bookstores. But even just writing down shops off the top of my head, I could see the list was going to be longer than I’d imagined.
I hit 10 stores, then 20, 35, 50. With some checking and a helpful nudge or two, I had tallied 70, then 80, then 90 bookstores and counting, new and used. And that didn’t include Barnes & Noble outlets, college bookstores, online-only sellers, rare book dealers, Friends of the Library shops or variety stores that also sell books.
Soon enough, we hit 100 bookstores and maybe a few more. I’d tell you exactly how many, except I’m certain someone will alert me to a store I’ve neglected right after I post this. (Note: Someone did.)
Why go to the trouble of making a map? A couple of reasons. One is that I like to know where the closest bookstore is at all times. If I’m running an errand or attending a social event and have a spare half-hour, then you’ll know where I am (and also why I arrived late).
Also, because I suspect that if you’re reading this, you care about independent bookstores as much as I do.
In 2024, I reached out to the American Booksellers Association about indie booksellers and the holidays, and Ray T. Daniels, the chief communications officer for the ABA, got back to me via email.
“When you support local independent bookstores, you are investing in your local economy. A 2022 Civic Economics report — Unfulfilled — reported that 29% of all revenue at independent bookstores immediately recirculates in the local economy. According to the report, that’s almost 5x the money circulated when you buy on Amazon.com and almost 3x when you buy from Barnes and Noble or big box stores,” said Daniels.
“Independent bookstores provide more than economic contributions; they are vital community partners who offer safe spaces and new worlds to the most vulnerable in every community.”
Here’s a list of 100-plus Southern California independent bookstores (in alphabetical order), which spans the area from Santa Barbara to San Diego and areas in between.
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ABRIL Bookstore
Armenian heritage books, music, videos and more.
1022 E Chevy Chase Drive, Suite C, Glendale. 818-243-4112, abrilbooks.com
A Good Used Bookstore
Hosts markets with local artists and food vendors on certain Fridays and Sundays.
307 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles. agoodusedbook.com
Alexandria II
Focuses on ancient and contemporary spiritual paths and religions.
170 S Lake Ave #100, Pasadena, 626-792-7885, www.alexandria2.com
All Power Books
A politically minded not-for-profit bookshop, co-working area, and event space
4749 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, allpowerbooks.org
Annabelle’s Book Club LA
Bright pink store founded by its teen namesake that focuses on YA, romance and gifts.
12200 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. 818-683-7323, annabellesbookclubla.com
ARTBOOK @ Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles
Specializes in books on 20th-century artists and collections.
917 E 3rd St, Los Angeles. 213-988-7413, artbook.com
Arvida Book Co.
This community-minded bookshop launched its own foundation to expand literature and literacy.
115 W Main St, Tustin. 714-253-7556, arvidabookco.com
A Shop Called Quest
Comic books, graphic novels, gaming, apparel and collectibles. Two locations.
101 N. Indian Hill Blvd., c2-202, Claremont. 909-624-1829, and
5 E. Citrus Ave., #101, Redlands. 909-798-1262, ashopcalledquest.com
Autobooks-Aerobooks
Bookstore focusing on cars and automotive history.
2900 Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, 818-845-0707, www.autobooks-aerobooks.com
Bart’s Books
The world’s largest outdoor bookstore with 130,000 new and used books.
302 W Matilija St, Ojai. 805-646-3755, bartsbooksojai.com
The Battery Books & Music
Used, historic and vintage books and music.
26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. 323-833-3821, thebatterybooksandmusic.com
Bay Books Coronado
Specializes in new, indie, military history, YA and children’s books.
1007 Orange Ave., Coronado. 619-435-0070, baybookscoronado.com
Beach Town Books
New and used books.
99 Avenida Serra, San Clemente. 949-492-1114, beachtownbooks.com
Bel Canto Books
This Filipina-owned independent bookshop won the 2023 BIPOC Bookseller Award for Innovation.
Retro Row location: 2106 E 4th St, Long Beach. 562-294-3319, belcantobooks.net
KUBO LB location: 3976 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach. 562-294-3319
The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs
A general interest bookshop opened in 2022; its owner is the author of “The Confessions.”
180 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. 760-935-6467, bestbookstore.com
Black Cat Fables
Bookstore, coffee and gift shop run by former librarians focusing on romance, fiction, fantasy and more.
415 S Myrtle Ave., B, Monrovia. 626-269-3129, blackcatfables.com
Black Lantern Books
A bookstore and legacy library of founder Kwazi Nkrumah’s collection.
6533 West Blvd, Inglewood, 323-524-7987, blacklanternbooks.com
Bluestocking Books
General interest fiction and nonfiction books for kids and adults.
3817 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 619-296-1424, bluestockingbooks.com
Book Alley
A classic used bookshop (with a selection of new books, too) and a range of adult and children’s titles.
1252 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-683-8083, bookalley.com
Book Carnival
Specializes in mysteries, suspense, and author events.
348 S Tustin St, Orange. 714-538-3210, www.annesbookcarnival.com
The Book Catapult
Specializing in literary fiction, short stories and narrative nonfiction.
3010-B Juniper St, San Diego. 619-795-3780, thebookcatapult.com
The Book Den
New, used and out-of-print books since 1902.
15 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. 805-962-3321, bookden.com
The Book Jewel
New and gently used books.
6259 W 87th St., Westchester. 424-750-9991, thebookjewel.com
Bookman
Used, unique and out-of-print books.
320 E. Katella Ave., Orange, 800-538-0166, ebookman.com
The Book Shop
Rare book shop and historic ephemera and photography archive.
134 N. Citrus Ave., Covina. 626-967-1888, johnsonrarebooks.com
Book Soup
A beloved Southern California institution on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood (and LAX).
8818 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, 310-659-3110, www.booksoup.com1 World Way, Los Angeles, 424-800-2262
Café con Libros
Founded by Latina educators, this nonprofit focuses on arts, literature and culture.
280 W. 2nd St., Pomona. 909-469-1350, cafeconlibrospress.org
Camino Books: For The Road Ahead
The shop has a diverse staff that hosts author events and celebrates guilt-free reading.
12843 El Camino Real, Suite 104, San Diego. 858-925-7078, caminobks.com
Casita Bookstore
This Long Beach shop specializes in books for children and focuses on the traditions and stories of People of Color.
272 Redondo Ave, Long Beach. 562-588-4992, casitabooks.com
Cellar Door Bookstore
This stalwart all-interest Riverside store has book clubs, events, open mic nights and a resident dog.
473 E. Alessandro Blvd. Suite B, Riverside. 951-787-7807, cellardoorbookstore.com
Century Books
This snug spot has loads of books and offers curated collections of books for building home libraries.
1031 E. Green St., Pasadena. 626-344-6411, centurybookstoreofpasadena.com
Chaucer’s Books
This iconic woman- and veteran-owned Santa Barbara store has 150,000 titles on offer.
3321 State St., Santa Barbara. 805-682-6787, chaucersbooks.com
Chevalier’s Books
Known for its children’s section and wall of dog photos, this 1940-launched shop is L.A.’s oldest indie bookstore.
133 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles,. 323-465-1334, chevaliersbooks.com
Children’s Book World and CBW Teens and Adults
Offers 80,000+ titles for children, teens, parents and educators.
10580 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles,. 310-559-2665, childrensbookworld.com
Claremont Forum Bookshop
This nonprofit shop’s sales benefit the Prison Library Project, providing books to incarcerated adults.
586 W. 1st St., Claremont. 909-626-3066, claremontforum.org
DBZ Books ‘N’ Records
A used bookstore with a large selection of vinyl records.
317 W. 6th St., Corona. 951-393-0106, dbzbooks.com
des pair books
Sells new releases, film, and art books and exhibits work by local visual artists.
1543 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles. 213-604-3953, despairbooks.com
DIESEL, A Bookstore
Diversely staffed and community-centric neighborhood shop.
225 26th St., Suite 33, Santa Monica. 310-576-9960, dieselbookstore.com
Downtowne Bookstore
Woman-owned since 1979, the shop sells new, used and rare books.
3582 Main St., Riverside. 951-682-1082, downtownebookstore.com
dym — book & boba shop
Family-owned bookshop with a popular boba tea counter and well-curated books.
2057 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, dympasadena.com
Fables & Fancies
New and used books (and a huge indoor tree) in the heart of Sierra Madre.
50 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. 626-665-8856, bookshop.org
Farenheit 451 Books
Books, appraisals, repairs and more, located near the Pacific Ocean in Carlsbad.
3352 Stillwater Ct, Carlsbad, 760-518-3771, www.farenheit451books.com
The Frugal Frigate
This popular children’s bookstore has been operating since 1988.
9 N. 6th St, Redlands. 909-793-0740, frugalfrigate.com
Floodway Books
Gently used books.
24818 Redlands Blvd., Loma Linda. 909-677-3339
Get Lit Books & Things
New and used books celebrating underrepresented voices.
12125 Day St. E303, Moreno Valley. 951-807-2191, getlitbooksandthings.com
Godmothers
New, farmhouse-style bookstore, cafe and events center.
2280 Lillie Ave., Summerland. 805-696-2340, godmothers.com
Hennessey + Ingalls
Founded in 1963, the shop specializes in rare, out-of-print architecture books.
300 S. Santa Fe Ave. M, Los Angeles. 213-437-2130, hennesseyingalls.com
The Iliad Bookshop
One of the largest used bookstores in Los Angeles.
5400 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-509-2665, iliadbooks.com
In Bloom Bookery
Specializes in romance of all varieties, plus there’s a store dog named Winnie.
42031 Main St. C, Temecula. 951-331-2002, inbloombookery.com
Laguna Beach Books
General interest books for adults and children.
1200 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach. 949-494-4779, lagunabeachbooks.com
La Playa Books
Used and rare books, cards and gifts.
1026 Rosecrans St, San Diego. 619-226-2601, laplayabooks.com
The Last Bookstore & Last Bookstore Studio City
California’s largest used and new book and record store. Two locations (and Lost Books, too.)
453 S. Spring St., Ground Floor, Los Angeles. 213-488-0599, lastbookstorela.com
and 4437 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 747-205-2230
Le Chat Noir Bookstore & Cat Lounge
Books, cats and coffee.
19 E. Citrus Ave. 104, Redlands. 909-328-2015, lcnbooksandcats.com
Libélula Books & Co.
Barrio Logan shop sells books, art and gifts by and about Chicanx and Indigenous peoples.
950 S. 26th St., San Diego. 619-775-4040, libelulabooksandco.com
LibroMobile Bookstore
Owner and founder Sarah Rafael Garcia highlights work from Black, Latino, Indigenous and LGBTQ communities.
1150 S. Bristol St. A3, Santa Ana. 657-205-9907, libromobile.com
The Libros Lincoln Heights
This shop sells used books, cards and poetry, many by local authors.
3422 N. Broadway, Los Angeles. thelibrosbookstoreandlegacypub.godaddysites.com
Libros Schmibros Lending Library
Bilingual lending library and community center.
103 N. Boyle Ave., Los Angeles. 323-604-9991, librosschmibros.org
Lido Village Books
General-interest bookshop.
3424 Via Lido #103, Newport Beach. 949-220-7632, lidovillagebooks.com
Lore Leimert Park
A Black-owned store and community space dedicated to art and design.
4334 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, www.instagram.com/loreleimertpark
Lost Books
New and used books, plants and vinyl albums.
2233 Honolulu Ave., Montrose. 818-330-7073, bookshop.org
Malik Books
This store focuses on African American books, calendars and gifts.
3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. 245, Los Angeles. 323-389-8040, malikbooks.com
Meet Cute Romance Bookshop
This LGBTQ-friendly shop sells a wide range of romance novels, books and gifts.
8235 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. 619-439-7707, meetcutebookshop.com
Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore
Specializing in fantasy, sci-fi, young adult, mystery and horror since 1993.
3555 Rosecrans St., Suite 107, San Diego. 619-539-7137, mystgalaxy.com
Newsboy Books
An eclectic mix of books, magazines and newspapers.
215 N. Euclid Ave., Ontario. 909-984-0714, newsboybooks.wixsite.com
North Figueroa Bookshop
This bookstore and gallery in Highland Park is a joint venture of publishers Rare Bird and Unnamed Press.
6040 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. 213-826-3226, northfigbookshop.com
Now Serving LA
A range of rare cookbooks and culinary-themed books.
727 N. Broadway #133, Los Angeles. 213-395-0627, nowservingla.com
Octavia’s Bookshelf
Named for Pasadena author Octavia E. Butler, Nikki High’s store specializes in BIPOC books, gifts and more.
1353 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena. 626-421-6222, octaviasbookshelf.com
Once Read Books
Hard to find, out of print, used, and rare books
5422 E Village Rd, Long Beach. 562-420-1034, www.oncereadbooks.com
Once Upon A Time Bookstore
Founded in 1966, this much-loved community landmark is recognized as America’s oldest children’s bookstore.
2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose. 818-248-9668, shoponceuponatime.com
The Open Book
New, used and rare books in four locations.
9301 Tampa Ave. #126, Northridge,. 818-701-0047,
6316 CA-27, Suite 2180, Woodland Hills. 747-226-0334,
2880-A Cochran St, Simi Valley. 805-584-8979,
19188 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita. 661-255-1400, theopenbook.net
Pages: a bookstore
General-interest bookstore with events for children and adults.
904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. 310-318-0900. pagesabookstore.com
Page Against The Machine
Progressive, activist, political and socially conscious bookstore.
2714 E. 4th St., Long Beach. 562-588-7075, patmbooks.com
Paper & Clay
Primarily new curated books, along with unique gifts for book lovers.
23872 Lake Dr., Crestline. 909-619-3430, instagram.com/paperandclaybooks
Planet Books
Used books, vintage toys and collectibles. Temporarily closed as of May 2026.
1855 Freeman Ave., Signal Hill. 562-985-3154, planetbooksarchives.com
The Pop-Hop
New and used books co-op and arts/education space.
5002 York Blvd., Los Angeles. 646-330-8401, thepophop.com
READ Books
In Eagle Rock for nearly 20 years, this snug shop has used and first-edition books.
4972 N. Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-259-9068.
Reigning Pages Book Shoppe
A curated selection of new books from modern classics to children’s literature.
26890 CA-189, Blue Jay. 909-668-4629, reigningpage.com
Renaissance Book Shop
Specializing in books on history, philosophy, science and economics.
3772 Elizabeth St., Riverside. 951-369-8843, yelp.com/biz/renaissance-book-shop-riversiderenbook.com
Reparations Club
An independently Black-owned and operated business that specializes in books and gifts.
3054 S. Victoria Ave., Los Angeles. 323-591-0012, rep.club
Reverie Bookstand
A bookstore in Echo Park.
1519 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. 213-619-6681, reveriebookstand.com
The Ripped Bodice
This independent shop is the first romance bookstore opened in the Northern Hemisphere.
3806 Main St., Culver City. 424-603-4776, therippedbodicela.com
Sandpiper Books
New, used and out-of-print books.
4665 Torrance Blvd., Torrance. 310-371-2002, instagram.com/sandpiperbooks
Skylight Books
This beloved, well-curated bookstore also sells zines, shirts and gifts.
1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. 323-660-1175, skylightbooks.com
Small World Books
General bookstore with extensive mystery, poetry and noir sections.
407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. 310-399-2360, smallworldbooks.com
Space Cowboy Books
Specializing in new and used science fiction, literature, literacy and print media.
61871 29 Palms Highway, Joshua Tree. 760-905-6939, spacecowboybooks.com
Stories
A snug, well-curated bookstore with a popular cafe.
1716 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-413-3733, storiesla.com
Sunny’s Bookshop
A family-run bookshop run inside its sister store, a flower shop.
18604 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana. 818-600-8175, www.sunnysbookshop.com
TBR Books
This romance-centered bookstore features a wide array of books and a Dark Room for romantasy titles.
987 W Foothill Blvd, Suite 104, Claremont. 909-541-5002, www.instagram.com/tbrbooks.claremont/
Timeless Pages: The Book Place
The store is currently for sale (as of May 2026).
12126 California Street, Suite A, Yucaipa, 909-653-0775, timelesspagesthebookplace.com
Underdog Bookstore
This new and used bookstore provides community support and amplifies underrepresented voices.
312 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. 626-415-1031, underdogbookstore.org
Verbatim Books
New and used books from small and micro-presses, local authors and zines.
3793 30th St., San Diego. 619-501-7466, verbatimbooks.com
Village Well Books & Coffee
Socially conscious bookstore-café focused on reforming the criminal justice system.
9900 Culver Blvd. #1B, Culver City. 424-298-8951, villagewell.com
Vroman’s Bookstore
Opened in 1894, this institution is California’s largest and oldest independent bookstore.
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320, vromansbookstore.com
Warwick’s
Opened in 1896, it’s America’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated bookstore.
7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. 858-454-0347, warwicks.com
Zibby’s Bookshop
This is a women-owned bookshop and boutique publishing house.
1113 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. 424-387-1744, zibbymedia.com
Additional reporting by Sarah Batcha and Pam Kragen.