Read On: L.A.'s Best Bookstores

1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)

As good for the people-watching as it is for discovering new authors, this fiercely independent Los Feliz bookseller hosts a continuous schedule of in-store readings and book clubs.

12348 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (map)

Oprah may have named it her favorite place to find a baby shower gift because of the "Bushel of Books," but don't listen to anyone who tells you that this is a kids-only bookstore. There's plenty for the little ones and their accompanying adults.

436 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

Pop culture savants, neo-beatniks (and posers looking to add some street cred to their coffee table) peruse the rows of neatly stacked books at this well-stocked shop located in the middle of Fairfax Village. There's also a handful of CDs, local artwork and T-shirts.

214 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Don't bother trying to spell the name--just get inside this sprawling space for the absolute best selection of books on the visual arts. After all, it is the largest art and architecture bookstore in the western United States.

8375 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

Travel far, travel wide before even buying a ticket. Like a docent in your pocket, this shop offers something for the mainstream tourist and obscure adventurer alike.

1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Is it a garage or a bookstore? Well, you might not find any garage-sale prices 'round these parts, but this Abbot Kinney hybrid gallery-shop is where the beachside beatnik culture thrives.

8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (map)

The grandaddy of L.A. bookstores, this literary landmark proves that the Sunset Strip is more than just late-night rockers and hard-partying starlets. (Although there's plenty of that to be found in the books and magazines of this tiny shop.)

695 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101 (map)

It may look like Borders, but this 106-year-old Pasadena bookstore is still hanging on to its indie literary charm.

8373 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

An ode to all things epicurean, this aptly named boutique is where to get the story on good eatin'. At last--foodies have a bookstore to call their own.