I am tired of seeing negative reviews for book stores like this. It was really great! When you walk into an independent bookstore you should understand the ambiance of the shop and adjust expectation accordingly. It's a smaller shop, with a curated selection and classic music playing with an overall introverted vibe. Any bookish person can respect this dynamic. It isn't the place to talk loudly or expect very outgoing jubilant conversation or expect a wide range of titles. Respect it for what it is ! I'll be back. read more

Patrick was very communicative by both email and in person. I also appreciate how curated his collection of books is and that the store isn't exploding with too many options. It's more of a quality over quantity type of deal. I sold several used books and bought two new ones. I saw plenty of books I love there. I enjoyed looking around and will be back. read more

This place is a total rip-off! The retail prices on the back of the books are covered in black sharpie so you can't see how much you're being overcharged for a USED book! Literally all these books are priced like $0.50 less than the retail price. Total bs. Don't give this place your money, totally undeserving. read more

I love a good used book store. Very clean, well-organized and curated bookstore with a heavy emphasis on academia, the arts, classical literature and great novels. I enjoyed going through the extensive social science collection (I'm an anthropologist) and the books devoted to art and fashion. I'm personally at a book ownership level that I seldom buy tangible copies of books unless they are art books or extraordinarily rare. I was tempted several times at this location, though I did leave empty handed. I will say that there are people who might find this book a little too highbrow for them. And that's ok. It's definitely a store aimed at folks who've been to graduate school. There's also little nook at the front of the shop devoted to children's literature with some very cool titles. Value is reasonable for a used book store. Most books were close to their original cost unless especially old or unusual. The clerk was a classic book store clerk. Focused on her own reading, but clearly ready to help. If I had the time I could spend a couple hours here. Definitely recommend. read more

Alias Books East - Book, books, books. - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I'm in agreement with most of the negative reviews written for this establishment - the service is terrible and unfriendly. No acknowledgment when entering the store, no smiles, nothing. Putting that aside, I was absolutely shocked when I asked to be directed to the 'books in Spanish' or 'Latin American/Spanish Literature' section and the girl told me they don't have any "because they don't have an audience for that." I almost wanted to slap myself to make sure I'm still in Los Angeles (where I was born and raised) where the Spanish language is pretty much like a second first language. I quickly walked out filled with indignation. I'm just here to drive the message of inclusivity especially in a setting like this one. Inviting the owner to reconsider and see a bigger picture here. After all, books = knowledge = community = unity = peace.... read more

This is one of the best used bookstores in town, especially considering the size, which is not big. Originally, there was an Alias Books on Sawtelle in West L.A. and I believe this store opened before that one closed. I have no idea, but if I had to conjecture, I would guess it's a family thing. The scene on Glendale Boulevard and in Atwater Village has grown exponentially around this store. I am particularly fond of fiction and the fiction wall always toots my horn. Get there early. They close at 6. read more

Terrific bookstore. They are obviously very selective in the books they buy and sell. It's not a huge store, but the selection is very interesting. Not your typical bookstore. And the young lady who was working there was very friendly. Overall, a very classy little shop! read more

After hearing from my Mother of how rude the people that work there are, I will never come into this place again. This is the addiude of the businesses and people that work her in Atwater Village and it needs to stop. My Mother came into donate some cook books and they said they don't take those, but with an undertone of: "How dare YOU bring these in. You're stupid for doing so." Okay, me and her don't have to come here anymore. I'm sure you'll be sad to not have our business anymore. Also, I've seen the tall guy with glasses buying books from Out of the Closet and going back to the Alias to sell those books. So you guys aren't as high brow as you like to think you are. Sorrynotsorry! read more

Small store with overpriced stock and unfriendly staff. There are much better used bookstores to choose from.

This place is loaded with a wonderful selection! They provide hand sanitizer at the front which is great too. I wish they wouldn't play such loud music though. I get that you don't want people to stick around too long inside, but my head was pounding trying to just read the synopsis of a book. They do sanitize every incoming book, but one of the workers did occasionally take his mask off indoors and it's a super tiny space. read more

Alias Books East - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Patrick has extremely refined taste. Always worth my visit. I know what I'm looking for and interested in. And, I always discover something/someone I didn't know about. This is NOT a typical used bookstore. This is more like coming into someone's well curated personal library, that's set up like a store. A rare gem. read more

I doubt these hermit-like bibliophiles even check their digital reviews/reviews in general, but I'm leaving one nonetheless. I was in here a few weeks back or so with a friend shopping for some birthday gifts (which we didn't find, but that's beside the point). The miserable and lackluster excuse for an employee in the form of a white girl with mousy untamed hair was plopped at the front, staring at her phone like she was waiting for lottery results that would be her ticket out. She stared at the both of us for a good 5 seconds, blankly and dismal, annoyed that she had to potentially do what she was hired for. I was about to say "hello" until she nearly scoffed and looked back down as a slave to the screen. Immediately thrown off...is this who we want representing the front of our store? Selection was okay, but it felt awkward from that point on, so we left within 5 minutes. Of course, while she clocked back into the physical realm while we were leaving, we did not happen to receive a "thank you" or farewell. It's also just coming to mind how awful her appearance was...I get that it's Atwater Village, but please. Unkempt, rude, and miserable employees are not a good look for any business. Perhaps a career as a grocery store stocker with her AirPods on? Eek. read more

I like to come here to check out their art books. They have a great selection of all sorts of different styles and some cool books by really influential artists. It's such a shame, though, because in the 10 years I've been coming here I've never had a good customer service experience. Neither the owner nor the sales associates look like they want to be there helping customers so that makes me not even want to be there. Major bummer read more

a beautifully curated, deeply interesting shop. i love the art and the owner, and i always find books i want to buy. i want the couch, too, but it's not for sale :/ read more

I love book stores but not this one. First off I walked in and said hello to the worker and didn't even get a hello or a welcoming gesture back. I was in the store for a couple minutes with my best friend browsing through books just to see what we wanted. We got interested in an art book and right as we were going to go buy it the worker came up to us and said "You know that's what a library is for?" Truly makes me never wanna pick up another book again. I would've bought it if it wasn't for the rude worker. Just disappointed. read more

This is the spot for any book lover. You will find a great selection, more than reasonable prices, and a laid back yet helpful vibe from the staff. Definitely worth checking out! read more

We love Alias!! They always have an amazing selection of thoughtfully curated art books and the owner is so knowledgeable! I stop by regularly to check out what great new finds they'll have. read more

Beautiful shop! Carefully curated selection. You can tell it's owned by someone who loves books. read more

Alias Books East - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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BIPOC or people who don't pass as hipster beware - Wandered in with over 20 minutes before closing to browse with no one else in the store. A young woman came out of what must have been the employee room and didn't greet me or acknowledge I was there. Fine, it's not like I need a red carpet, I'm here to browse. I collect a specific type of rare art books and ephemera, so I continued to browse the back section where the art books are. The employee came into the back room and started "working on" a shelf near me. I say "working on" because it seemed she didn't really have an express purpose other than to pull out individual titles and put them back where they were. Not sure what was so urgently needed in that particular section near me when the shop is almost closing. This ticked me off to the familiar feeling I was being carefully watched. As a BIPOC who doesn't look like the typical rare book collector, this is something I'm used to. Weird but not unusual so I continue browsing. Note - they do have an interesting selection in artist biographies and writings! Eventually though I feel her presence being more passive aggressive. I had only been there for a few minutes but wanted to respect their closing time. I asked her what time they opened the next day and she answered without turning around. It was at that point I decided I felt my patronage wouldn't be appreciated. No security cameras in store, so it would make sense if they rely on employees to check for theft. It may have been this one employee, though it seems others have had issues with other employees as well. This visit felt uncomfortable and was not an enjoyable experience as a serious buyer. read more

This is an amazing bookstore, easily one of the best in LA. They have the best selection of extremely rare fine art books that you just won't find anywhere else. The quality of the books are fantastic. The owner is also a kind, friendly, and helpful guy. He seems to have an encyclopedic knowledge of books (as, indeed, you'd expect an owner of a bookstore to have). That said, he can recommend to you amazing books if you're unsure of what you're looking for like, say, a gift. The prices on all the books that I've seen are fantastic, even better than what you'd find used on Amazon. Also, you'll get a great deal on any books you sell to the bookstore. If you have any rare books you'd like to sell, this is absolutely the place you want to be. I've already sold several books here and always got a very fair price for all of them, even better if it's for store credit. The last time I sold a group of books, the owner gave me credit for $60. There was one rare German Dusseldorf School of Photography book that he had that I was eyeing, but it cost $65. He simply knocked off $5 for me and let me have the book. I can promise you that this type of scenario would never happen at any other bookstore. Keep in mind, though, that this is an independent bookstore; don't come in here and ask to knock $10 or $15 dollars off a $40 book (and subsequently make a fool of yourself). Before you go to any other bookstore in LA, come check out this place first, especially if you live in or near Atwater Village. You won't regret it. Also, it you're the type of person who likes to support independent bookstores (like me) you can't do better than this amazing gem of a place. I wish more of these types of independent bookstores existed, but then again, I'm already so extremely happy with this place that I'd always come here first anyway. read more

Ten minutes didn't pass before the person working the register approached my friend and I and said, "You know that's what a library is for?" I'd like to acknowledge the fact that my friend and I were looking through books for fashion and photography; Items you would normally collect, not read, since there are little to no words. My friend was interested in the Dior book but after his rude commentary we left without spending a penny. Not sure if the man was the owner or just an employee but that was my first & last time in that store. read more

Don't bother unless you know the owner. Didn't acknowledge me when I walked in (I said hello first and he acted like I was a distraction from whatever he was doing). I found a really interesting looking book on opium smoking in China, which would be great research for some of my own books, but I'll be damned if I give these hipster snobs my money. There are way better bookstores out there. If this is how they treat all the customers who aren't regulars, I can see why their other location closed. read more

Here's a seeming oxymoron: a used bookstore that's clean, not dusty, and immaculately kept, with a keenly and tastefully curated selection -- but without being ridiculously overpriced. Yes, the best of all worlds is possible at Alias Books. The very selective owner only chooses well-kept books from a limited (but excellent) selection of authors. There may not be a ton of titles in each section, but generally, what's there is gold -- and not buried amidst piles of dog-eared copies of last year's best-sellers. I can't speak for every section, but the Mystery / Sci-fi and Horror sections are small, but dense with all-time classics and esoteric rarities. (If you're a true genre fan, you could pull blindly from these sections and end up delighted with whatever you've discovered.) read more

Pleasant, well-organized store with books that are meticulously curated. I can always find something good when I pay a visit. They are selective with their books. All the ones I have pulled off the shelves have been in near perfect condition. No musty pages here. They also have older run editions or editions from international publishers. Really cool to find a book you love with a cover you've never seen before. The atmosphere is a quiet retreat from the bustle of Atwater Village. I didn't have the same customer service issues as it looks like other Yelpers have experienced. Yesterday when I went in, the person at the register was friendly and engaged in conversation with me. Other times I have gone in, I was happy to browse in silence and not be bothered. Not sure why others are hung up on not being greeted at the door. What a strange gripe. You're shopping at a used book store, not an Aeropostale. Will you find the books cheaper on Amazon? Yes. I have to ask: if that is a concern for you, why are you going into a used book store at all? The extra price you pay is a premium for thoughtful curation and selection. I'm happy to patronize used book stores like Alias and keep them in business rather than throwing more money into the maw of the ever-churning book-selling/empire-building machine that is Amazon. One last point, are there any used book stores out there that aren't considered "hipster"? What does that word even mean anymore? Pretentious? Snobby? Having an opinion? Having standards? Alias takes pride in the books it picks and sells. If that's "hipster" then consider me one. read more

Excellent selection of children's books in a nook where I can sit and spend time looking through the collection for a few diamonds. Not your usual dumbed down books but some you surely wont find in the Target or big box aisle. Other family always finds a great book on photography or woodworking. Appreciate small physical scale of this well organized store with lots and lots of stock. read more

Great little independent book store in Atwater with a great selection. We came here by happenstance and ended up staying a while. They have a good selection of art and architecture books here. Priced well too! I ended up getting a book on Rene Magritte for only $25. Service is helpful as I originally asked about a book by Francoise Sagan I didn't get any of that rude snobbery that some places have... It's a small book store but well organized and neat! They have a great system as to finding books you are looking for and nothing is hard to find. read more

Everyone knows this is the best used/rare bookshop in LA because Patrick's taste is something people respond to. To me, what is important to mention is that this is the place to go if you have interesting books (in nice condition) that you're looking to sell. Forget the hassle of selling online, if you have good books, you're better off taking them to Alias. They are definitely more selective than other shops, but if they want what you have they will pay more fairly. I've always been happy selling books to them. Note: Call ahead to see when the buyers are in as there are two now, or be prepared to leave them and come back. read more

This is a small used bookstore (sister location is on the West Side near where the Nuart theater is located) but the selection they have is great. In particular they have a great photography, poetry and music section. Though the books are used they are in very good condition. I bought a book of essays by one of my favorite authors (J M Coetzee) for $7. Lots of cute stores on the same strip so you can walk and see cool stuff too. Plenty of metered parking as long as it isn't a busy time of day or night. They are open until 10PM yea!! You can sell your books certain times and days of the week for either cash or store credit too so that's awesome. read more

I juuuuuuust fell in love. I have never been to a bookstore that has an inventory stocked with every single author that I like, used no less. Small store that holds a wide gamut of books; they keep it small by only keeping it with the best selection possible. Whoever maintains this place has absolute killer taste. The condition for all of their stock is impeccable. Called today to find a book by Raymond Caver and they found it and held it for me to pick up later. The clerk (Skip, I believe) was incredibly nice and showed me some of the rare first editions that a bibliophile like me could only dream of owning someday when finances permit. Second day as an LA citizen and I think I found my go to used book store. read more

Hyper-organized, thoughtfully curated selection. My only beef is that each time I come into the store, I am never greeted. It's such a small place that you really can't miss a visitor. Do I look so busy and intent on looking at books that I turn staff off from saying hi! Certainly hope not! I live by Alias West, and in their own quirky way, the staff there welcomes me. Lately here though, there have been a few local things on display and for sale at the cashier desk, including a locally authored book by the lovable, British curmudgeon over at Stories. My friend will loop me in on how that read turns out. PS - there's also a not-so-secret-but-kinda-secret bathroom available to staff and customers behind one of the bookshelves. Just ask. I only found out about it because I wanted to wash my hands. read more

Best bookshop around. No fluff only quality and at great prices. Patrick is the real deal and it flows from there. Looking for great photos books you're covered. Poetry? Novels? If you can't find it here you're not reading the right stuff. read more

Dropped in while waiting to brunch at Canele's and boy, am I glad I did. Alias Books is, as other Yelpers have pointed out, a real gem of a shop. The selection of books for sale are perfectly curated, the condition of everything is good, if not great, and the prices are totally reasonable. Left with three books for my little one (there's a cute nook for book-lovin' munchkins). Love this place. read more

This place is small and beautifully designed and well laid out and the staff is great (no jaded book vendors with 1000-pages-per-week egos). Alias has the very best selection of the types of books that no one really enjoys or reads, but likes to own and have on their shelf. If you are looking for that type of book (I am talking to you grad students and wanna-be French intellectuals) then this is the place for you. That said, it is also great for kids (cool little kid nook) and Alias has some really nice art books and a nice selection of non-post-structuralist and non-post-reading-for-enjoyment stuff too (no one really enjoys reading Baudrillard, Zizek, or Donna Haraway, nor have they ever really read one of their books in its entirety... ever). I like this place and I am glad it exists. read more

Freaking. Good. Bookstore. I never have a bad recommendation from the shop clerk. I always find something I want. Prices are cheap because they are mint condition used books. You can sell them something you don't want anymore. They have fun art shows and readings. Hand picked quality books in a cute, warm store. LOVE that they are in my neighborhood now! read more

Love Love Love Alias Books East! 9 out of 10 times I walk in and find exactly what I'm looking for, granted it's usually a classic (Cats Cradle, Old Man and the Sea, 1984, etc) or best seller (Interpreter of Maladies) but still--Wow! For a little used bookstore it has a great selection and reasonable prices, $6 for paperback fiction. Oh also love that it's open until 10pm and walking distance from my place! I really hope the business does well especially since independent (used) bookstores sometimes struggle to compete with big chains like Barnes and Noble and Borders. Well I'm all about the small independently owned businesses. Vive independent bookstores! read more

I know I've found a gem when I can't start grabbing books off the shelves. I'm very picky about book stores, but this one is aesthetically pleasing and there is something exciting in every section. Seriously could have stayed here for hours. If I wasn't broke, I would have literally walked out with at least 5 books today. The prices are really not bad at all, and the books are in great condition. Did they hire a curator to manage the interior? Seriously, it's laid out perfectly. Every shelf, everything in its perfect place. I could literally walk right through and not jump around from bookcase to bookcase. It was exhilarating and relaxing at the same time, and that is why I will DEFINITELY be back. Soon. So soon. read more

A truly great shop-around-the-corner, this joint has a great diversity, a great turnover of new stock, and an overall bad-ass quality for the incredible art books they have. Which I will - perhaps, one day - be able to afford. Check out the staff recco's - they pretty tight. read more

Alias Books East - Only the most recent find at this brill joint. - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Wow, this place is awesome! A great little shop with a ton of eccentric and niche selections. I've been in bookstores before where I talk with the guys walking the aisles and I get a blank stare when I ask about something a little obscure. I asked Patrick about his selection and it was like he had this encyclopedic knowledge of everything in stock and was able to offer a few suggestions. He helped me find not only a few research materials that paid off well, I found a few other topics of interest while I was there. This was a breath of fresh air after a few long and frustrating days, and highlights why I still like going into brick and mortar stores instead of just ordering online, as I often don't know what I'm looking for until I find it! read more

My family and I have been long time customers of Alias West. We were delighted to find out that they opened a second location in Atwater Village. We trekked on over there yesterday. We could have spent all day in the store. The selection is PRIME. We each walked out with a few books and scoped out several more that we were interested in. Definitely one of our favorite new used bookstores! It's a small, well packed store at fabulous prices. Unbelievable selection of tempting books. We'll be adding this store to our regular book hunting grounds! I almost feel like writing, we have found a secret top notch bookstore which we will reveal more about AFTER we go buy all of the books that we saw that we wanted. ;) I can't wait to go back! read more

You never know what you'll find, and I was pleasantly surprised. Once I looked closely, I found some very early and first prints! Check it out! The employee there was also friendly and helped out; the ancient was also pleasant. It's worth a stop if you're in the area. read more