“walked in thinking it’d be a quick stop for one gift but ended up spending almost an hour in the cozy back corners. the staff member near the poetry section noticed I was lost and actually asked what I was looking for instead of just nodding past me which was a nice change. found this amazing collection of poetry books I wouldnt have seen in a big store its definately my new spot for grabbing gifts for freinds. the place has an open, quiet energy that just feels different than other stores, kind of like everyone inside is on the same wavelength. didn't get rushed out even when they were busy which is rare these days. grabbed a couple things for myself to because they had a small display of local journals and I couldn’t resist the hand drawn cover im a sucker for that kind of detail. I will absolutly be coming back next time im in town”
10:30AM - 6:30PM
8401 Pioneer Blvd, Whittier
Book Stores
“Great variety great for gifts and churches I have bought a number of items for church use from the Santa Fe springs location on pioneer blvd right under the freeway and I’m very happy with my purchases”
“I just discovered this place. I love it! They have a good selection of classic literature. I've gone back twice in less than a week. Prices for paper back are very reasonable. Hardcovers are a bit more expensive but they are in really good condition. The staff is very kind and helpful.”
“Zina is always helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. She takes the time to answer questions and even wraps my books, which I really appreciate. Great customer service and one of the reasons I enjoy coming back to this bookstore.”
“Book lovers, collectors, definitely a great place to visit, feels like your inside a different spacetime. You ate able to enjoy the great arquitecture and creativity. If you are visiting LA, recommend yo visit this bookstore. Take your picture in the light book tunnel to capture a memory.”
“Very cute bookstore with occasional different exhibition. Great news are lots of them come at free entrance so certainly worth exploring when in the area. If you’re into art, the collection they sell are plentiful as well. If you’re just a passer-bys like me, they sell cute cards and stickers. Pricing wise is similar to typical bookstores.”
“I love this book store. I randomly stopped by to buy some Armenian stickers for my dance students and I ended buying two amazing books: Tigran the Great (slicks collectors edition) and a book on the life of Komitas. Both book are in English I was looking for these two books all over Armenian and was not able to find them. Amazing store with so many great Armenian books! I’ll be back again soon! Check them out!”
“Book Alley has a great selection of art and architecture books, a nice collection of first editions and truly enticing bargain racks outside, where I found my $2 copy of Barbara Tuchman’s The March of Folly what a score especially to read in 2026 AHEM. Very friendly staff as well but they need to make some tote bags to sell!!!”
“This location has 3 stories, so I would assume you're able to find something you're interested in given your interest isn't too niche. Staff are hospitable. Must make a purchase, includes Starbucks, according to the clerk to have parking validated with <2hr being free at the nearby carpark.”
9AM - 5:30PM
3852 1st St, Los Angeles
Book Stores
“I fell in love with this place!!! Excellent service, excellent prices... the lady who was serving... a total sweetness!! And I... I didn't even ask his name... but I thank him for his patience and kindness... the place was extremely clean and tidy.... beautiful... extensive variety of books... I will definitely return and I recommend them!!!”
“Always a pleasant place to go to with the customer service. I like the fact that if we need something or are looking for a certain item, suggestions are made if we can't find it.
Thank you for being bilingual you do help my momz out allot.”
“Always appreciate curation and specificity. In this case, everything is cooking/food related and they had some products that I'd been looking for (cooking handsoap, etc.).”
11AM - 8PM
101 San Pedro St, Los Angeles
Book Stores
“Pretty big selection of books and knick knacks. Their new location is organized and clean. Things can be pricey, but have exclusive stuff that I haven't seen in other bookstores.”
“While I've never personally visited, I live in another state, I wanted to say just how friendly and awesome this company is. I reached out via Instagram asking a question about a certain book I wanted and they replied very quickly and were incredibly helpful. I hope I'm able to actually visit sometime in the future.”
“Amadeus rocks! Small bookstore that carries books from Unamed Press as well as an assortment of new and used books. Book selection varies from classics to modern. They have more alternatibe narratives and authors than most bookstores. Great neighborhood and great staff.”
“I would 100000% give 5 stars to STEPHANIE SHE IS AMAZING. Goes above and beyond and is so sweet cannot speak highly enough of her. Why I rated 4 stars … the rest of the staff … jeez.. Prindell, relax and watch your tone dude. What is your actual problem. Also doesn’t know how long his lunch break is when I asked to speak to someone to praise them he was very dismissive and rather rude. Horrible energy, made me want to leave immediately. Get a new job if you don’t like it there! anyways Stephanie CARRIES that whole team on her back she is outstanding.”
10AM - 9PM
400 S Baldwin Ave E17, Arcadia
Book Stores
“Kinokuniya in Santa Anita mall is a great location to shop for Japanese manga, books, stationary, and most importantly Smiskis and Sonny Angels! I got a Smiski Toothbrush Holder for only $16.95. Prices are not marked up. Staff were very attentive and nice! Would come back for sure”
“Very nice manga store! Have both Traditional Chinese and English manga~ the owner are super nice and helpful~ they even host some anime/manga related events sometimes~”
“I ordered an old 1840 book from their website and it arrived the next day. As soon as I ordered I got a personal email from Kelvin and Javier letting me know what to expect and an immediate reply when I followed up with a concern. The book arrived carefully wrapped and beautifully packaged. Great selection, top-notch shipping, and impeccable customer service. It is refreshing seeing someone take such pride in their business. Thank you for such a great experience!”
“Nice little bookstore. Clean and welcoming atmosphere! A lot of books are used but in great condition. Great selection, especially in fiction and fantasy. They had a good amount of vinyls but I didn’t look into those.
Prices were great.
I’m excited to go back and support them!”
“Love this store! Rooms full of books and curriculum for homeschooling at great prices. There’s even a “free” section. Carolyn and Marty are so friendly and helpful. There are also classes, field trips and park days. Highly recommend!”
“Beautiful store! Everything you could ask for, books, icons, incense and gifts for every occasion. Lovely customer service and I can't wait to stop by again soon!”
12 - 4PM
1937 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia
Book Stores
“I'm a volunteer that works in the office there. I am on the BOD committee, we're the ones that are in charge of the office. When I haven't been of service to the office I have been going there for 28 years now, being involved with many of the different committees.”
10AM - 6PM
9060 Telstar Ave #205, El Monte
Book Stores
“Staffs are friendly, they have Chinese and English bilingual bibles, Bible covers, and all the Bible study stationeries. I hope to see a bit more verses decorations. They have a tons of mugs. And primarily books.”
“I called this bookstore looking for a particular book. Gentleman was very helpful and kind. He ordered one since he didn’t have one in stock and called me in few days. I will definitely go back to this place.”
“Overall good store - needs more options in clothing especially for female customers.
A few decent options for kids — but it left something to be desired !”
“Whoa a true gem of a bookstore not just for highland park but for LA. The kind of place I see myself going to once a month at least.
Selection is top tier and very diverse from rare Japanese art books to vintage philosophy etc. Truly something for everyone. The community-focused vibe of the place encourages conversations between not just with the friendly shopkeeper but also between patrons.
The stationary selection is also excellent- not many places that carry Mnemosyne for example.”
“Best bookstore in so cal, hands down. I love shopping here and will go out of my way to drop in. They have a massive selection of books on a wide range of topics. They're my primary source for my home library. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable.”
“Awsome. I didn't know that there is a Christian book store around my block! !!! ! ! ! I got a question, does this store sells Action Bibles? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? for how much do you sell them for? ?? ? ? ? ? ? Because I've been looking for this book for a long, long, long time. And I been trying to look for one at Barnes and Noble book store, but I couldn't find it anywhere at that store. so.?.... do you? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? hehehehe.”
“Amazing location, I drove from Long Beach since it was highly recommended to me by a friend I served in the Marine Corps with. Everyone was so pleasant and it felt just right in there. I will definitely be coming back again. Thank you.”