Believe it or not, people still read books. In fact, although a growing number of Downtown Patriots are reading e-books on tablets and smartphones, print books remain much more popular than their digital counterparts…and they just look better on the shelf inside our DTLA lofts. Here is a list of 10 Great Places for Books in DTLA…
1. The Last BookStore:
California’s largest new and used bookstore couples as downtowns most informative tourist attraction with over 250,000 books to choose from within its 22,000 sq. ft. space. A mammoth accomplishment for owner Josh Spencer, LBS features VINYL RECORDS, a cafe, book signings, specialty shops, mini galleries and live entertainment. Its huge labyrinth of books located in the mezzanine is coupled with so much creativity and knowledge it completely immerses your imagination within its realm. 453 S. Spring, LA 90013.=
2. Caravan BookStore:
After 64 years in Downtown, owner Leonard Bernstein, 71, called it quits. But not after throwing one hell of a going away party for bookworms everywhere. Originally meant to sell bibles, Caravan Bookstore became one of the oldest running novelty bookstores in downtown, creating a book haven for rare, out-of-print books on California, the Old West, and American travel. Adorned with antiques, old maps, original paintings, sculptures and even a few ships in a bottle the best memory visiting Caravan will always remain the heavily mustached Bernstein, a historian who enjoyed sharing random facts with his patrons. For those who didn’t get the chance to find that rare book at Caravan, Bernstein says you can send him a letter – Caravan Book Store, P.O. Box 550, 7162 Beverly Blvd., LA, 90036.
3. Kinokuniya:
Kinokuniya Bookstore was founded in 1927 in Tokyo, Japan. But you don’t need a passport for your speed fantasies this time. Kinokuniya’s 11 US locations include Little Tokyo’s Weller Court, now not only a place to eat, mix and mingle but a place to meet authors, artists, and illustrators showcasing their latest work. Kinokuniya’s wide variety of books, magazines, and stationery from Japan, including Manga, graphic novels, art and design books, cookbooks, travel books, children’s books, some in both in English and Japanese keep Little Tokyo’s literary scene looking and feeling more exciting. 123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka Street, LA 90012.
4. LA PUBLIC LIBRARY
So, if you follow #dtlaweekly on social media you probably know we love taking cracks at Los Angeles Public Library. Is it an ancient Masonic temple where secret societies gather, sometimes accidentally starting fires during their candlelight rituals? Or, is it just the countries largest resource for information and free books? Designed by Architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, who by the way designed the headquarters of the Wolf’s Head Society – a secret society at Yale University along with the notorious Skull & Bones and Scroll & Key – the two other secret societies found at Yale, (sips tea), the original Los Angeles Central Library called attention to the order of the ancient Egyptians. The central tower is topped with a pyramid of tiled mosaic, all-seeing sun god, sphinxes, snakes, and celestial mosaics. On April 29, 1986, fire stations across the county were called into battle against heat, flames and steam coming from atop our beloved Owl. Evacuations were swift and no one was injured but ultimately, 400,000 volumes, about 20% of the books were destroyed. Efforts were quickly underway to restore the library and when the curtain lifted it revealed an entirely new Tom Bradley Annex featuring eight levels of books, public artworks, study areas, and a vast computer lab adding again to the libraries historic figures, statues, chandeliers, and the historic four-part mural by illustrator Dean Cornwell which was completed around 1933.<<— 33 eh. Hmmm?
5. Library Bar
Hey, just because we’re bookworms doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a few signature cocktails in between pages. And what better merger than a reader who enjoys a drink and a bar that loves a book? The atmosphere is dim, so bring a reading light, or just enjoy skimming the numerous bookshelves that make up its interior. Order a cocktail, we suggest, THE LAST WORD with Beefeater Gin, green chartreuse, Luxardo maraschino, and lime. On any given night or happy hour for that matter, DTLA Patriots head over to the Library Bar for delicious appetizers to help soak up drinks made the old fashion way – strong. 630 W. 6th St. 116A, LA CA 90017.
6. Hennessey + Ingalls
Okay, we know what you’re thinking… More drinks? But no. Seems just because you share a name with a famous French scotch, doesn’t necessarily mean your bookstore is going to get you intoxicated. But, then again maybe it just might. Visitors and patrons of Hennessey + Ingalls should expect an intoxicating feeling knowing they’ve arrived at the largest art, architecture and design bookstore in the western United States. Tipsy or not Hennessey + Ingalls has become a landmark in the visual arts community and is quickly becoming surrounded by hundreds of enthusiastic bookworms now pouring into what was once a very sobering and baron literary wasteland. 300 S Santa Fe Ave M, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
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