This locally owned bookstore is the best. Shwa and Sugar do so much for the community, and deserve all the support for their amazing bookstore. They have an amazing selection, with reasonable prices. They also feature so many Vegas artists, authors, and poets. It's so nice to see a business that consistently puts in effort to promote local artists. Avantpop also hosts events! I recently went and enjoyed their Cosmic Q poetry night, which featured a bunch of local poets reading their work to us. It was such a nice event, that really showcased their support for our community. Please, stop in and support such an amazing local business!! Shwa and Sugar absolutely deserve all the love! read more

A local, world-renowned chef in Sin City, Chef Boy Satan, passed away. This rare original issue of Propaganda circa 1994 was formerly his, but Shwa Laytart of Avantpop gently passed the torch into my possession. RIP, mate~ // I have always fancied the solitary aspect of immersing in literary works. It is, however, concurrently delightful to strike up a conversation in an independent bookstore with fellow overzealous ''reading freaks,'' as noted in a reflection one is bound to catch in its chambers. 'twas such a pleasure witnessing Laytart being equally as enraptured as me when he spoke about death, oddities, and literature, hah~ x // When geomagnetic storms ignited luminescent polar auroras and when the lines of magnetic force between Earth and the sun intersected with one another, the center of the "X" spot where the lines met was where a magnetic portal formed: Avantpop Bookstore. Anyhow, if you are ever in Sin City, fire up your rocket's spark igniters and make your way to new land. Quoting Aunt Ida from Female Trouble (1974), ''The world of the heterosexual is a sick and boring life.'' Upholstered with revolutionary scholars, the Beat Generation, Gonzo journalism, political defiance, banned classics, local artists and activists, rare gems, individualistic figures of all sorts, and the filth of John Waters, you are, rest assured, in for a ''Divine,'' queer experience. Parallel to that thought, if you ever synthesize a penchant for somber, witty poetry, luxuriate yourself in some of Avantpop co-owner, Laytart's, written works-best served with a joint in hand. In the course of frolicking around the shelves, you may wonder how much your birth mother despises you, but ahhh, you need not fret for you will be reminded Gaia loathes your guts just as much. When asked to solve for x, the Chris Korda piece that lies before you hints the solution: X = Save the planet; kill yourself. *Whistles Dada in the streets of Boston to the tune of The Smiths' ''Panic on the streets of London.''* At some point, I am quite certain you will start to hear Rod Serling narrate your life. Where has this review even gone? Oh, the places you will go~ x Overall, you will be departing from the shop glowing in the dark, developing an itch you cannot scratch, which forms a gaping hole in your torso, and leaving you to wonder if the intestine emerged before the tapeworm~ x read more

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I've followed this place for a while on Facebook, and I ordered from them online 3 years ago. But I finally managed to visit in-person for their one-year anniversary. What an awesome place! They group books in such interesting ways - when you're there, note the awesome William S Burroughs shelves and the partially-hidden Ayn Rand nook - and boast unique art and unique copies of books. I found an epic copy of Silence: Lectures & Writings by John Cage as well as a cool publication of an anti-establishment vegan cookbook pairing the perfect song with each recipe. I'll definitely make sure to return to explore more! read more

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Amazing book store! I loved every book they had there, I would buy it all if I could! The owner is so friendly as well. Top bookstore in my opinion! read more

This is such a sweet little hidden gem ! They have an amazing selection of reading material and I love how I feel I'm in my basement or something . The owner was super friendly and helpful and I can't wait to go back & see what else he gets in. read more

Anytime a new independent bookstore opens we should all rejoice! We found out about Avantpop at the New Orleans Square and had to check it out. We confirmed we could donate some used books and met the owners last week. I am always glad to see what is on hand. There is a friendly welcome, first of all. My husband found a great art anthology and another book on the Mafia. We really enjoy that local artists are appreciated. Special books by artists are published here and the events to date include book signings. I have preordered some items (do you see what I did here) so as to find a good reason to come back really soon! They have a website and an eBay page as well. Communication with Sugar and Shwa is so easy. Publishing is right here, same town, making the neophyte authors very welcome. Do make it a point to stop in and say I sent you, for bookstores should always be revered, right? read more

Avantpop Bookstore - Avantpop Books - Bookstores Near Me

I was given a leather-bound book of John Steinbeck novels in terrible condition. The binding had been torn loose and many pages had been damaged. I wasn't sure the book could be saved. Based on the recommendations from two used book stores, I took the book to Shwa Layart at Avantpop Books. Shwa assured me that he could restore the book to its original condition and he did. He is truly a master. He worked magic. He made a new leather binding and new leather covers, he repaired the damaged pages and presented me with a fully restored beautiful book read more

I've lived in Las Vegas for 36 years and this is one of the best small businesses I've ever frequented. Avantpop books is a great source for books on music, counterculture, activism, and cannabis. The owners Sugar and Shwa are very friendly and welcoming to both new customers and returning ones. They have curated a great selection of pre-owned books, including some great first edition and signed copies across many subjects. Located in The Commercial Center, Avantpop Books is one of many small businesses that has helped foster the re-emerging local scene of authors, poets, and artists. Avantpop has also provided a forum for these local poets and small publishers. With intimate poetry events local poets have been given the opportunity to showcase their words. Small publishers and authors have also been given a venue to host and in many cases sell their zines. As a repeat customer, I am glad to recommend this store and hope they continue to thrive. read more

Good small businesses. Friendly staff that was helpful with anything I needed. Also, they had a wide selection.

New favorite bookstore in Las Vegas. Shwa and Sugar were so sweet and genuine. Last time I was here I got two books for a total of $8 and they're both absolute gems. I will definitely be coming back to support the local artist scene. read more

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I came by here last week and bought a book on classical musicians. I was here for a while and had a great time kicking back looking at all the cool books they have. The vibe there is so chill and the owners were super friendly & knowledgeable. Definitely coming back again soon. Highly recommend! read more

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Super friendly, well curated, I bought a copy of The Last Nurse by a local author Dani King. Combine a trip to a cool bookstore with a meal at one of the restaurants in the mall. Thanks for letting us in early! read more

Great addition to the community, great unique selection, great vibes! I recommend this place to all local weirdos and curious readers alike

One of my favorite bookstores in town! Not only do they have rare selections that tap into any and all interests but they support local artists, authors, poets, and all creatives alike! A stellar spot to get to know the heart of Las Vegas and to lose yourself in your own reader world. Thank you Avantpop! read more

AvantPop is very well stocked with all kinds of books (both fiction and non-fiction, plus first-editions and signed copies), but for those who love social studies, pop culture, the counter-culture, and music, you are in for a real treat! Not only are the prices very reasonable, but the owners Shwa and Sugar are knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming. Being in the store, whether it's for one of their events or just a casual browse, makes you feel like you're part of a wonderful community. read more

A true independent, community bookstore! Incredible selection, fair prices, and an insane art collection, all sold by the kindest people in town. Love their workshops and special events as well. A must visit for all locals and visitors. Sugar and Shwa will welcome you with open arms! read more

I love this place! Friendly, unique, inexpensive also with original local art and frequent events!