Iliad – North Hollywood – @iliadbookshop

Iliad is THE ruling second hand bookstore in all of Los Angeles. Iliad is neatly organized and full to the brim of every type of book you could possibly imagine; from fantasy to children’s literature, cookbooks, theatrical plays, and books on the knight’s templar.  Take a moment to say hello to Zeus and Apollo, the feline managers of the joint, then hop (safely) on one of the store’s many rolling bookshelf ladders so you too can feel like Belle from Beauty and the Beast as you search for your next literary adventure.

Stories Books and Cafe – Echo Park – @storiesbooksandcafe

Looking for a place to enjoy a perfect ‘meet cute’ with a hipster hottie, look no further than Stories Books.  With their adorable storefront they carry both new and used, though their used is more of a higher quality vintage;  not quite rare, but not a $1.  Their eclectic cafe attached is perfect for sitting to write that screenplay, swipe through Hinge, or sit and peruse your freshly acquired novel whilst enjoying a perfectly brewed cup of joe!

Lost Books – Montrose – @lostbooksla

The sister shop to The Last Bookstore located in DTLA, Lost Books in Montrose makes every shop on this list green with envy.  With its stunning plant arch entryway, you are magically teleported into a labyrinth of literature.  As you wander around their book maze, you’ll hear birds quietly chipping while you search for your heart’s desire.  The books are intermingled and only assorted by category, so you’ll find both new and used in each section.  The real winner is the selection of odd serial paperbacks, with covers as silly as their titles.  And yes, all the plants are for sale.

The Ripped Bodice – Culver City – @therippedbodice

Truly unique and inspired, The Ripped Bodice celebrates the romance novel.  Queer and Woman owned, The Ripped Bodice has acquired an amazing collection of every type of bodice ripper you could possibly dream of;  friends to lovers, fairytale and fae, second chances, and love triangles.  More importantly within each of these categories they include tales that are inclusive to race, gender, and sexuality.  Whether you’re into a Hallmark style ending with a closed mouth kiss or heavy bondage with an enemies to lovers story arc, The Ripped Bodice has a wondrous and all knowing staff who is always there to guide you towards your next romantic escapade!

Skylight Books – Los Feliz – @skylightbooks

This perfect little bookshop around the corner, Skylight Books is a local book lovers delight.  Their fantastic staff can help you find whatever it is you are looking for, and if it’s not in store, they will happily order it for you to pick up!  Be sure to check their monthly calendar for book signings and events.  For all your journaling and screenplay note-taking, they have a picturesque section of notebooks and greeting cards for all occasions.  Skylight transports you to a lovely little neighborhood bookshop in Manhattan, where you can whittle away the hours before heading home to snuggle up with your chosen book.

Book Soup – West Hollywood – @booksoup

Open since 1975 on the Sunset Strip, Book Soup is the film & TV lovers’ favored haunt.  With its dashing floor to ceiling bookshelves, they host a marvelous collection of  rare and limited edition books.  Be sure to keep your eyes open for celebrity sightings, but don’t call TMZ and ruin this perfectly quaint shop for the locals.  Don’t forget to check out their events calendar, which boasts more than your local book club, with fascinating discussions on the impact of music and film throughout history.