Calling All Angelenos (But Really Just The Ones Who Read)
I'm looking for a good used book store. I had my pick of them in major Texas cities, but I'm having a tougher time finding them out here, and when I do come across one it's usually overpriced and really just there to sell antique coffee table books that Westsiders buy so they can beat off over them and think about how cool they are.
So I need help. I'm looking for places to buy used books. It doesn't matter how big the store is, I just want it to be a good one. I used to live in Glendale, and remember going to a couple places down on either Central or Brand (it's been a few years). I also try and swing by the Iliad when I can, though its Cahuenga store can't live up to its old Vineland digs. Also, I live in Sherman Oaks, so it'd be nice to hear of some places in my corner of the Valley or in Hollywood/West Hollywood, since that's where I work, but I'm willing to make a longer journey if the place is worth it.
OK. Help me out.
Comments: 15
I used to go to Acres of Books, it's worth the drive. Brand Books is the Glendale store I used to go to- they had a nice trade-in policy. Sorry to hear about the Iliad, it was one of my favorites.
This would be so much easier if you lived in Manhattan! My favorite bookstore there is Mercer Books & Records- great rare and used book selection along with an awesome selection of vinyl. Also, The Strand is where any self respecting New Yorker goes to find rows and rows of $1 books along with a comprehensive selection of books in every genre. If you ever visit check them out!
There are 2 in old town Burbank on San Fernando. One is called Book Castle and they have old movie scripts in addition to books. The other is a smaller place about a block east.
lived in hollywood for ten years - have moved to australia now... but there was a great packed to the rafters used book store on melrose between labrea and sycamore (next to hot wings/anarkarli indian restaurant)
btw I love love love the Lost recaps you do for pajiba.... we're a couple of days behind the US airing down in here in Oz so it takes alot for me to not just read through your review of the latest episode.
Yea, i can't remember the name of the one Melrose by Pink's either, but I def found nice used titles there.
Also, wasn't there a good bookstore by 3rd St Promenade? It's on like 2nd, I think, on the Santa Monica Place end.
But seriously, the best "deals" I've found were online. Don't discount using Amazon Marketplace or genre society sites. They'll let you buy books for pennies (literally!).
I second the Amazon Marketplace suggestion. Still, I have a quiet appreciation for Book Alley on Colorado Ave. in Pasadena.
the one on san fernando in burbank is what you're looking for: used books at used book prices.
also good (if it's still there) is a little hole-in-the-wall on santa monica in west l.a. between the 405 and bundy (much closer to bundy, but can't remember exactly where) on the south side of the street.
(sorry...i've been out of l.a. for two years, so the street names are slipping)it's actually right up on the sidewalk and not way back in a strip mall, so it's easy to spot.
and, of course, there's that one in the valley, where lankersheim and vineland cross each other as they cross camirillo. it's painted funky. next to the video store that for forever advertised the paris hilton dvd on their wall.
(damn, i miss l.a.)
Near the Novel cafe in Venice is a straight up used used bookstore. The Novel cafe is also full of books, but in no particular order. I remember Los Feliz having tons of good bookstores, none of them used.
This has been great. I remember the Burbank stores now; I lived there for a semester in college.
And happy camper: The funky-painted store you mention is the Iliad, which is still around but has moved to a new building.
I was actually about to recommend Book Alley, as well. Except that I haven't found a single used Cormac McCarthy novel there since No Country came out.
This is not an ad for abebooks! If you go to abebooks.com you can use the search engine to find used book sellers in your area. It is a little roundabout though.
One of the places in Glendale is Brand Books - I think it's still there - it was on Brand Blvd. There are also 2 stores in Burbank on Olive(?).
If you're ever in SF - check out our used book stores
Remembered this post. I know, I'm retaining way too much info that the web is keeping for me. Discovered Kulturas in SaMo today: http://tinyurl.com/qmwbst
Also, would make a great name for a hardcore band.
I'm not an Angeleno anymore, but I was once, and I always wanted to make it out to this place:
http://www.acresofbooks.com/
It's in Long Beach, so yeah, serious drive from Sherman Oaks...but it appears to be a legendary locale for used books in the LA area.
May 13, 2008 1:09 PM