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SPONSORED LISTINGS
Used Books in Los Angeles and Beyond!
- by elijay
- -
- April 27, 2009
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I don't know about you, but I don't really see the point in buying new books. I mean, it's not it's a pair of shoes that you want to look clean and pretty, it's a book for goodness sake! Who cares what it looks like! So unless a toddler has taken a Crayola to the pages, there's really no excuse not to buy used. And just think, you'll get to feel all smug that you're saving trees AND saving money.
Alias Books
1650 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
I used to live a hop, skip, and a freeway jump from this bookstore. But I do have a say, when you come here looking for something it’s a bit of a crapshoot. I was able to pick up a few books here for my book club, and my old roommate even found a signed, hardback copy of Nicole Krauss’ History of Love— a great book that I HIGHLY recommend. Otherwise, you probably won’t be able to find anything that’s currently on the NYT bestseller list. But if you’re looking for some random Phillip Roth book, you’ll probably be in luck.
I used to live a hop, skip, and a freeway jump from this bookstore. But I do have a say, when you come here looking for something it’s a bit of a crapshoot. I was able to pick up a few books here for my book club, and my old roommate even found a signed, hardback copy of Nicole Krauss’ History of Love— a great book that I HIGHLY recommend. Otherwise, you probably won’t be able to find anything that’s currently on the NYT bestseller list. But if you’re looking for some random Phillip Roth book, you’ll probably be in luck.
Alias Books
This place is a fraction of the size of Borders, but I love it just the same.
Iliad Book Shop
5402 Cahuenga Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
One word that comes to mind when discussing this NoHo book shop is well-endowed— they’ve seriously got a cornucopia of books. They have huge sections devoted to film, history, sci-fi, fiction, etc… And if that doesn’t win your heart, the bargain book table surely will, where you can pick up paperbacks for the low, low price of $2.
One word that comes to mind when discussing this NoHo book shop is well-endowed— they’ve seriously got a cornucopia of books. They have huge sections devoted to film, history, sci-fi, fiction, etc… And if that doesn’t win your heart, the bargain book table surely will, where you can pick up paperbacks for the low, low price of $2.
Used Book Shops in Los Angeles
I feel so used…
Stories
1716 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles , CA 90026
This bookstore/gift shop/cafe is right at home admist Echo Park’s hip, artsy residents. Boasting a selection of new and used books, as well as tsochkes that are ripe for birthday gift giving, this cozy place has won over many a book lover and foodie— the cafe sells fare like turkey pesto sandwiches and cous cous salad. And thanks to the wide variety of coffee drinks (and the outdoor courtyard), you’ll be hard pressed to find a reason to leave.
Stories
Used books? Check. Coffee? Check. Hipsters? Double check.
Brand Bookshop
231 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
This place is a local favorite (perhaps THE favorite) when it comes to second hand book shops. With its aisles of used books, this place calls San Francisco or New York to mind (see my list). And unlike other books shops in LA where you have to make do with what you can get your hands on, you just might actually find that title you’ve been looking for at Brand.
This place is a local favorite (perhaps THE favorite) when it comes to second hand book shops. With its aisles of used books, this place calls San Francisco or New York to mind (see my list). And unlike other books shops in LA where you have to make do with what you can get your hands on, you just might actually find that title you’ve been looking for at Brand.
Brand Bookshop
The closest you’ll get to a San Francisco or New York caliber used book store in Los Angeles.
Counterpoint Records & Books
5911 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
This used bookstore/record store is on the same block as the UCB Theater, Birds, and the Bourgeois Pig. So as you can imagine this place is ground zero for Hollywood hipster types. That being said I was more taken with the people watching than the book/music selection at this place. Maybe I’m just not hip enough, but I couldn’t find anything to tempt me the last time I was here
This used bookstore/record store is on the same block as the UCB Theater, Birds, and the Bourgeois Pig. So as you can imagine this place is ground zero for Hollywood hipster types. That being said I was more taken with the people watching than the book/music selection at this place. Maybe I’m just not hip enough, but I couldn’t find anything to tempt me the last time I was here
A & M Book Cellars
19801 Vanowen St Ste D, Winnetka, CA 91306
If you want to get a good deal on something in this city, you gotta suck it up and head to the Valley because the Valley is bargain city when it comes to second-hand goods. Not only does this place have a DELICIOUS pun in its title, but they practically give books away. If you spend more than $10 (which is pretty easy), they’ll give you a book for free! If that’s not bargain shopping, I don’t know what is.
If you want to get a good deal on something in this city, you gotta suck it up and head to the Valley because the Valley is bargain city when it comes to second-hand goods. Not only does this place have a DELICIOUS pun in its title, but they practically give books away. If you spend more than $10 (which is pretty easy), they’ll give you a book for free! If that’s not bargain shopping, I don’t know what is.
Read Books
4972 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
How could a hipster haven like Eagle Rock not have a used book store? This charming little place, is in fact little, but they make up for it with a good selection of newish releases. But what I love about this place (in addition to their 50 cent paperbacks), are the in-house events. They host book club meetings for all ages, story time for kiddies, and comedy nights.
How could a hipster haven like Eagle Rock not have a used book store? This charming little place, is in fact little, but they make up for it with a good selection of newish releases. But what I love about this place (in addition to their 50 cent paperbacks), are the in-house events. They host book club meetings for all ages, story time for kiddies, and comedy nights.
More Book Worm Love
I Just Bought a Crapload of Used Books, Now What?
You join Good Reads, of course! An online community for bookish nerds, Good Reads lets you review and rate books, while making friends with fellow book worms— like yours truly.
The Best Books I Have Bought in Used Book Stores:
- A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
- Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida
- Naked by David Sedaris
- Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name
I bought my copy of this book (which is awesome, you should definitely read it) at Green Apple in San Francisco (see below for deets).
My Favorite Non-LA Used Book Stores
I’ll admit it, Los Angeles isn’t really a reading city. Since we don’t really have public transportation (I take that back, since nobody really uses public transportation), I feel that most people have closer relationships with their blue tooth ear pieces than their library cards. That being said, LA isn’t my favorite place to shop for used books. Here’s where I’d rather browse.
Strand Book Store
150 William St, New York, NY 10038
When I came here for the first time I had been walking around Manhattan all day. I was tired, dehydrated, and my feet had swelled to the size of Venus Williams’. So when I got here, I was like dear God, I don’t have the energy to even begin to look at all these books! It was so sad. I looked at some display books on the tables at the front of the store, and I left. I just couldn’t deal with the Strand. I’m such a wimp!
When I came here for the first time I had been walking around Manhattan all day. I was tired, dehydrated, and my feet had swelled to the size of Venus Williams’. So when I got here, I was like dear God, I don’t have the energy to even begin to look at all these books! It was so sad. I looked at some display books on the tables at the front of the store, and I left. I just couldn’t deal with the Strand. I’m such a wimp!
Moe's Books
2476 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704
I went to Cal for four years and this book shop was one of my favorite haunts in the Berkeley, and one of the places I miss the most. I could literally spend hours in here. If they built a cafe in here, I would never leave!
I went to Cal for four years and this book shop was one of my favorite haunts in the Berkeley, and one of the places I miss the most. I could literally spend hours in here. If they built a cafe in here, I would never leave!
Moe's Books
A poor college student’s dream come true.
Pegasus & Pendragon Books & Music
1855 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707
Pegasus has a couple of locations in the East Bay, but the one on Solano is my favorite (plus it doesn’t hurt that you can browse here while waiting for your table at Zachary’s Pizza). They have a great selection here, and even though it’s not nearly as big as Moe’s, there’s something about this place that just makes you want to stay and look around (even after your table at Zachary’s is ready).
Pegasus has a couple of locations in the East Bay, but the one on Solano is my favorite (plus it doesn’t hurt that you can browse here while waiting for your table at Zachary’s Pizza). They have a great selection here, and even though it’s not nearly as big as Moe’s, there’s something about this place that just makes you want to stay and look around (even after your table at Zachary’s is ready).
Green Apple Books & Music
506 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
I discovered this book store during an extended stay in San Francisco and I fell in love. Since this place is so big, it takes up two storefronts and in this instance bigger IS better. They have an awesome selection of fiction books here. The first time I came I parked at a meter and that was a BIG mistake. The next time, I learned my lesson and found some 2 hour parking a few blocks away. But be warned— the used and new are mixed together, so you might be disappointed when you find that book you really wanted is list price!
I discovered this book store during an extended stay in San Francisco and I fell in love. Since this place is so big, it takes up two storefronts and in this instance bigger IS better. They have an awesome selection of fiction books here. The first time I came I parked at a meter and that was a BIG mistake. The next time, I learned my lesson and found some 2 hour parking a few blocks away. But be warned— the used and new are mixed together, so you might be disappointed when you find that book you really wanted is list price!
Green Apple Books & Music
One of my favorite spots in San Francisco.
Where to Find Used Books on the Internetz
Buying used books from a Mom & Pop shop in INFINITELY better than helping Amazon make its ten billionth sale, but sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do. So here’s where you should do it. And by it, I mean buy used books.
Abe Books
If you’re looking to stick it to the man you might want to buy your used tomes here.
Half.com
If you’re an eBay fanatic this is probably the best site for you.
Amazon
Throw in a toaster and a DVD player and you’ve got yourself free shipping.
Alibris
While they do peddle pricey rare books, this site is also a great place for a bargain. I just found a copy of Eat, Pray, Love for $1.99.
Barnes & Noble
Similar to Amazon in scope— but if you’re anything like me, you’re more likely to have a bevy of gift cards to B&N thanks to your mom.
Powell's Books
An Oregon-based indie book shop, this site offers author interviews and quirky staff picks.
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I love used bookstores (and bookstores in general) but I often make the best finds at Goodwill — just last week I bought a Virginia Woolf novel and America: the Book for $4 total!
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