I have driven by this store for years on my way to and from Hollywood and finally had the opportunity to check it out. Counterpoint has been in business since 1979. Inside you'll find vintage books, used & new vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, and more! They'll also buy from you too. Buying hours are from 1 - 6 pm daily. Every nook & cranny is packed with memorabilia, yet everything is well organized. You can spend hours here searching for that hidden treasure. Don't worry, the staff are friendly and will happily guide you in the right direction. They also host monthly events such as Mystery Movie Night and special sales like Vinyl Happy Hour. If you're a collector and looking for that rare gem you just might find it here. read more

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Thoroughly impressed with this store. Will totally be visiting again and spending a few hours just browsing

The negative yelp reviews of this store are the peak of where and how the internet has gone wrong and led us astray. Thankfully, Counterpoint records and books exist as a bastion of all that was right before things took a turn for..whatever they are now. The place is packed full of gems, including many 1st editions and out of print wonders which cannot be found elsewhere. Every time I go, I discover something new. There is a constant flow. The selection is clearly curated and intentional. It's not a traditional used bookstore. The shelves are not packed to the gills haphazardly. The books and records are neatly organized and they seem to avoid duplicate copies of anything. This is a bookstore and record shop for people that love beautiful things. I encourage you to visit. read more

I didn't get anything but these are some of my favorite albums that I have in my wishlist. Providing photos for people to get a gauge on their pricing. Seems fair. I thought they'd be cheaper cuz it's kind of a hole in the wall record store but it's LA so I get it lol. I will probably stop by next year and get these if they're still there. I can't comment on the service since I didn't ask for any but I was comfortable. They also have a player inside to preview what you want to purchase. read more

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I feel like this store has always been there and I just drove by and didn't notice. Anyhow, in addition to vinyl and CDs, they have a wall of used fiction books, an excellent selection and reasonably priced. The crime/mystery section is in the back in the middle facing the west wall. There, I found 10 or so Jim Thompson paperbacks, about $6 each. If you haven't read those, read them, even Jim Thompson's crummiest books are worth reading. I'll admit I haven't purchased anything here yet, but I will be back. read more

This bookshop/record store was way too expensive for me to shop in, I looked around and walked out. I loved the stock, not the prices. Aso they write in pencil on the books the prices. I don't want pencil marks on my books. read more

Tons of tapes for the vhs collector even some more rare titles! Worth a stop every time.

I brought in some books in to possibly sell with a good and respectful attitude and asked the counter lady if it's possible I can sell these books I have. She told me we only buy books at 6 and it was already 7 so I said ok no worries. After I turn away to look around at a dvd I was interested in buying she asked me if she can look at my books so I said sure why not. She didn't even look at my books she just glanced at them while I held them in my arm and said we wouldn't take those books anyway in a rude manner and I told her are you sure about that I bought a book at this counterpoint records and I'm trying to sell it back to counterpoint records. She asked in a surprised face really! I said yes and she said without even looking at the book no we wouldn't take it. So asked her if she was the owner and she said no I'm the buyer. I thought she was very rude, ignorant and very disrespectful because why ask to see the books without even looking at them or even doing research. I hope to speak to the owner of counterpoint records to make it clear that her employees are being disrespectful to customers. I was going to buy a dvd as-well before the employee rudely told me not to come back because we won't buy my books without looking at them insinuating for me to not go back to the store. I felt unwelcome because I'm a Latino male and honestly it felt sort of racist. I could have sold them somewhere else but I thought counterpoint records seem to have a decent collection of books etc and they would be interested in my books that are valued pretty well in eBay but I was rudely denied without a good reason and was excluded from this establishment. read more

Counterpoint Records & Books - Rude employees denied buying my books without even looking at them. - Bookstores Near Me - Hollywood, California

amazing selection! everything from philosophy to vintage magazines and tour posters, to some scandalous magazines (yes pls!) what couldn't you love? you can spend so much time here, so do NOT come with a little latte bc it can get a little overwhelming and we all know what happens when there's a lot of books + espresso am i right ladies??? some prices aren't listed though so on the bigger books i tried to buy i was definitely surprised. but i love supporting this place, very neighborly vibes and if you join their mailing list they host lots of events for the community! love! read more

Counterpoint Records & Books - great for a little photo op like omg i read books! - Bookstores Near Me - Hollywood, California

Has anyone told joey that he sounds like jesse Eisenberg? A sweet spot but maybe a bit overpriced for a used bookstore read more

Counterpoint Records & Books - Bookstores Near Me - Hollywood, California

I like the fact that they have a turntable on the side for you to listen to records before purchasing. More record stores should do this

My husband and I came across this spot when I was pretty pregnant. We immediately fell in love with the ambiance and atmosphere. We're huge fans of used books and there was an immense selection. They also have all sorts of media including Criterion Collection movies that we love to hunt. They have new stock every time we pop in. Everything is priced exceptionally well. And all employees are helpful over the phone and in person. It's now become a family outing to come check out this place every chance we get. read more

Love them I love their records and great selection for used bins and curated classics read more

My earlier review for Counterpoint 2008 edition more or less stands -- relatively speaking it def wasn't great for records in those days. But I also can see, once again, with the mellowing of age, that perhaps here was another example of the earlier world being judged with too much snark, too harshly. So I would like to revisit this quiet masterwork of self-determined independent book / periodical / paper / record / CD / tape / reel to reel buying and selling, and say that, as things grow a little darker with each passing year, the value and unrepeatable nature of such an establishment becomes ever more clear and bright. To followup my earlier review -- I do in fact come up on records (and books etc) here with great frequency nowadays. And more to the point -- price doesn't matter in the end -- just vibes. And so I call upon all persons of good will and intellect to vote as always with your last remaining tool of democracy and support this jewel of a store. Get your very reasonably priced gently used novel here, sell your stuff here (very chill), shoot your meet cute romcom or your reality TV program here, and hang out and get to know the staff who are genuinely the nicest people in all of Franklin Village. I mean come on, they've started to do beer and pizza socials what more do you people want. (Also to the peripatetic gentleman who hit them with one star for closing an hour early to spare said staff from the recent psychodrama happening next door at La Poubelle -- the only people who owe you an explanation or apology for anything are your parents. Seriously STFU) Viva Counterpoint Records & Books! ‍ read more

Used Bookstore Tour take dos/deux! So this one I ventured in on my own as I was literally wilting in that massive heat wave we had yesterday and I had dropped off my sister and her friend (visiting from Memphis) for a Hollywood Tour. Yelp handy app pointed me in the right direction for closest bookstore. It was air-conditioned GLORY HALLELUJAH! I didn't look for vinyls as my eyes were drawn to the YA section in the front that the books looked so pristine I thought for SURE they also sold new books too but NOPE 2nd hand book store. Prices were very affordable and the selection was great. I was able to find many books that I had pinned on my 'Books for Vacation Reading' board over on Pinterest... funny thing is a LOT of these books I have NEVER been able to find and they had them. SCORE FOR ME! The shelves are high so you betta have on 'dem glasses to see the tippity-top shelves and they also had used DVD/Blu-ray/VHS for sale at great prices too. Parking was conveniently in front if you are able to nab it and everything was in order not like some other shops that have everything every which way. Eleanore was helpful and friendly I will definitely make my way here again in the future. I might just make a special trip! Respectfully Reviewed #usedbookstoretour #bookstagram read more

Counterpoint Records & Books - YA Section cool beans! - Bookstores Near Me - Hollywood, California

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29 year peripatetic customer here & I concur with many comments about some of the current staff. After checking hours on Yelp & the website, I drove over for a browse, as I didn't have enough time last visit. Left at 6PM, arrived around 645 expecting a pleasant trawl, only to be told they were shutting at 7. I opined that I must have been mistaken, I thought they closed at 8! Well they are closing early. No general explanation, no institutional apology. I have front desked at bookstores and libraries: saying "sorry but" is common professional courtesy. Not here. Not this shift anyway. I dropped $15, less than I had budgeted for. Maybe they unexpectedly closed early to go to a party? Judging by their torpid conversation about what they would do if they could time travel, which contained not an iota of creativity or a tiny nano-second flash of wit, it would probably be a rather dull affair! Snooty rude dullards talking about their sneery Book Tok channels, perhaps. Mere speculation, but one does shudder. I have been haunting used bookstores in LA since 1995 and am delighted to report that the vast majority of clerks are cool, nice and helpful. Alas, sometimes we get sand in the bum crack when we seek beaming sunshine. Onwards and upwards. Anyway, do not make a special trip within 2.5 hours of closing time at Counterpoint! They may not be bloody well bothered to stay open. Despite the current infestations of few wee hobgoblins, I highly recommend the shop. EDIT: Susan P. Responded but there is no way to respond to her publicly. Note no apology. No acknowledgment that staff offered zero explanation. The protests (I see only one media covered event) were not evident that evening nor did the staff conversation reflect this. If they are nervous, that is not a good state to be in and I hope that this situation ends, but my point stands. Judging by Susan P's response, slack unprofessional behavior is a-OK. I therefore rescind my above recommendation of the shop. I would recommend used book stores Iliad (Burbank), Alias Too (Atwater), Book Alley (Pasadena) and Stories Books & Cafe (Echo Park) as more polite alternatives. read more

The bookstore itself has a lot of charm and my initial impression of them over the phone was positive. The store itself is nicely situated - near a coffee shop/cafe. It's exactly the kind of place I would wander in to while walking in the neighborhood. The employees are awfully snooty though. I sold a few books and bought a few - I watched one employee sharply reprimand a man who had set down a few books on a table that he wanted to peruse - she didn't seem to want him to pull down more than one book at a time. I suppose people probably do that and don't put them back; but that is the nature of a bookstore. But no need to treat him like an idiotic, errant child for doing so. Mostly, the employees just acted like they were doing me a great gift buying any of my books. I didn't need the money, but I should have been treated better whether I did need it or not. I just liked the idea of the books going to a good home. I don't think I'll be back even though there were a few more titles I wanted to buy. A bookstore should be open, warm and welcoming. Books are one of the few things that feel accessible to everyone, yet this place behaves as though you have to pass some sort of high-end sniff test to even set foot in there. read more

I had high hopes for this establishment based upon the reviews, but I was very disappointed when I brought some art books and records here to sell. The person I dealt with is Crystal, and she was very weird and moody. She was on a phone explaining to someone that they do not make house calls to give valuations. Pretty straightforward, right? Once she got off the call, she just went on a long rant to me about that caller - which is kinda startled me. In general it is not very professional to bitch to a customer about another customer, especially since I am a stranger. All in all, she was also very brusque with me - I assumed she was in a bad mood. I took her offer for the art books, and was told to bring my records back on Sunday. This pissed me off, because when I called a few day earlier, another member of the staff told me to bring my records in on Thursday @ noon. I decided there and then to take my really nice vinyl collection elsewhere. I got a fantastic price for them @ this excellent establishment in Burbank, and one of their customers agreed with me that the staff @ Counterpoint are totally rude and condescending. read more

This is a really good bookstore. They have records and cds as well. Even comics! And everything is priced really nicely! I got some really good deals here! read more

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Atop the friendly sales people this store has everything you could need when it comes to books, movies, music, and comics. The store was organized very well and everything was of good quality and well priced. I never got a chance to look at the cassettes but I regret not grabbing Billy Joel. For that, I will return to this shop。 read more

I came in by accident on my way to The Daily Planet -- maybe the staff picked up on that. I was initially greeted by a very friendly staff member as I adjusted my eyes to the onslaught of inventory. I was chuffed. I made my way to the books. I'm generally a pretty independent browser so I didn't mind that the staff in the books didn't acknowledge me. I was absorbed by the books in the back and found an outlet as my cell phone was rapidly dying (likely due to its constant struggle to find a signal in that area, but being my only method for calling transport, my ability to browse hinged upon being able to Uber out of there later). I was asked to move my drink that I'd mindlessly set down (it had a cap on it but I get why they asked). I don't blame the staff for their cautious attitude but even after this, I was not asked if I was finding everything ok and just got an overall vibe that I wasn't welcome which is an odd feeling to have as a customer. Later in between the staff flirtations (it's adorable so I'm trying not to be a total scrooge) I asked for help getting a Proust set down from up high and the staff member who helped me seemed surprised I couldn't just get it myself even though both ladders were being used by staff at the time. A few moments later I was told they wanted to hold my bags behind the counter instead of on the floor beside me. At that point I just wanted to leave, despite having only scratched the surface of their collection. My bags were causing no harm in no ones way. Like, their store doors being opened and letting LA air into their store is probably causing exponentially more harm on a daily basis. If I summed up the vibe: I just felt like how 10 year old kids must feel in a store when the shop owner perceives them as a nuisance who isn't going to buy anything. But maybe they did me a favor because although I only found 2 books before realizing it was just time to leave, my total was over $130. So thank you! read more

my favorite bookstore ever i literally spend hours in here getting lost theres a bit of everything what a paradise for any book or music lover. read more

The 2016 YELP 500, Review #129: This is a great little books store with an incredible volume of everything they sell. I was looking for Shakespeare titles in the book area and I could plainly over hear a couple looking through the record albums. I was amazed at the variety of albums they had on hand and they also have 45 RPM records, as well as Blu-ray and standard DVDs. While browsing I spotted a set of collectible Kiss action figures mounted high upon the wall. SHM... they have a lot of stuff! NOTE: This is a place I still need to go back into maybe 2 more times, before making it a routine stop about every other month. read more

Counterpoint Records & Books - Massive amounts of stuff. - Bookstores Near Me - Hollywood, California

I'm very fond of Counterpoint Records and Books on Franklin. There is always something great to find in their book selection. At the time of my visit, they had a great selection of fiction titles. Think of the Last Bookstore, but more likely you will find gems among the obvious titles. The vinyl here are excellent. Probably the best location to locate Classical music on vinyl. I'm very impressed with their deep catalog of various composers, and I like how they arranged their sections, by instrument as well as composer. In that sense, it does remind me a bit of Disk Union in Tokyo. Also an interesting selection of 10" records and a superb soundtrack/jazz as well. It's the unexpected find here that is so wonderful. For instance, I bought a Japanese Ventures album where they arrange and perform Japanese pop music. This album is even hard to find in Japan. They also have a really good rock section, but it's the classical, jazz, world music, and 20th century classical that impressed me the most. Do go. read more

Okay "Susan P" I actually am not upset at all we sold our books somewhere else for a higher price with friendly staff. And I'm unsure if you notice but even your comment back from my review is condescending. The entire experience you were rude and condescending as a costumer I'm not just making that up. For a "business owner" you def did not handle either situation like a business owner. read more

I went in yesterday and the guy behind the counter was yelling at some women who didn't speak English very well. The lady seemed totally harmless - she asked him a few questions and the guy behind the counter said "I have a lot of work to do. Are you going to buy something?" Dude. Your shit stinks. I don't want to buy records or books from someone who treats other humans like garbage. read more

Good selection tion of comics from 70s -80s bought at least 80$ of atlas seaboard periodicals from 1975.

I have only looked at their books. Huge philosophy and fiction selections. Reasonable prices. The only annoying thing is the shelfs are so high it can be difficult to see the titles or look at them. read more

This was one of my dad's favorite bookstores. He had quite a large collection in his studio. They also carry vinyl - a pretty eclectic selection too. I loved to stop in when me and my husband lived nearby back in the day read more

You know what they say about Goodwills in wealthy neighborhoods? Supposedly, since rich people buy a lot of nice clothes, their discards, often barely worn, are golden. You can apply similar logic to a used bookstore in Los Feliz. The young people who live in this area often have literary pretensions. Hence, they like to buy good books. Sometimes they read them, but sometimes they just keep them on their shelves for a while and sell them in mint condition to Counterpoint. Case in point - the multiple copies of "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay," practically unopened and marked down to one-digit prices. There was a whole stack of these, and I understand why. It's a thick book by a well-regarded, accessible author, the presence of which makes your bookshelf look smart yet not too pretentious. But it's long and not particularly fast. Hence, the wide availability secondhand. Snark aside, Counterpoint really is an excellent used bookstore. I'm particular about the condition of my books, and I won't buy used books that look beaten up in any way. Most of the books here look great. As for content, I tend to evaluate bookstores on fiction alone, and the selection here is beautiful. The better part of a huge wall is devoted to novels, and the variety and quality of titles is really impressive. The shelves are littered with McCarthy and Roth, and I walked out with a pristine copy of Joan Didion's first novel for a nominal $6. There are also a lot of DVDs and all sorts of books in other genres. I noticed there's a whole section on improv, which seems appropriate considering the bookstore's location right next to the Upright Citizens Brigade. As I checked out, I noticed a $5 copy of one of my favorite bad movies ever, "Crank." Apparently, prices vary, but the cashier said most DVDs hovered around the $5 mark. He was very friendly, and rounded out a great bookstore experience. I love used bookstores and Counterpoint is one of the best around. I will make a point of coming by for a browse whenever I can, hopefully to buy rather than sell unread books. read more

Being that this is also a bookstore I'm really surprised at how amazing there selection was. It's like a miniature scale Amoeba. I was seeing album's I've never seen at other store's and finding out about band's I've never even heard of. Not just in there collection but coming out of there speaker's. I recommend having Shazam installed on your phone Most of the album's I flipped through we're either 5.00, 10.00, or 15.00. A bit high for some common album's that I've bought elsewhere for less but I do believe there's a positive side to this. To me it means a record that I passed up because of the price is going to be there for the next person who "really" wants it Parking can be terrible after 7 since the neighboring businesses turn most of the storefront parking into valet. There's alot of designated stalls on the West side of the block but be warned they fill up read more

This a great used book and music store. Prices are fair and the collection is wonderful. .. With books both rare and popular. Also... they will buy books if the item is right. It is hard to find parking but once you do it is worth the trip read more

Counterpoint Records & Books - Bookstores Near Me - Hollywood, California

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I've been going to this place for years. It's a nice record store, they sell a bit of everything- books, CD-s, records, etc. They have a great selection of things, less mainstream, prices are OK. It's a nice place to browse, see what's new, pretty laid back vibe. Customer service is good. Decent location in Franklin Village, but as you can guess, it makes parking a hassle. If you love books, music, check this place out! read more

I'm torn. As a rather pointless VHS collector, I was super excited to see their extensive collection of tapes in such a small place. They have an impressive inventory, and they sell quality movies as opposed to several copies of Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigalo that you might see at thrift shops or elsewhere. The downside is that with this curated collection of award winning films comes a relatively hefty price tag. While nearly everywhere else in the city prices VHS tapes at $1 or less, I was pretty bummed to see that VHS tapes here cost $3, $4, $5, or more. Counterpoint had me by the balls though, because I have been looking for a copy of Raging Bull for a very long time and couldn't find it anywhere but they had it. I had to bite the bullet and shell out $4. It hurt a lot. Honestly. But I'm happy it's in my collection now. So if you're a film snob hipster pile of trash like me, trying to find critically acclaimed gems on VHS and you have a lot of money to spare, this is your spot. Go nuts. If you're just casually looking for VHS tapes for fun, save your money and go anywhere else. read more

Just sold some books here y'all. I'm a minimalist so I am declutterin' my life. New year new me! So if ya wanna buy some Kurt Vonnegut books or even the original Star Wars trilogy please look no further than Counterpoint Records. I sold all my books for a dollar each. I tried to sell Amy Poehler's "Yes Please" but the sales clerk said "No Thank You!" Not Amy's fault though. My copy was a little damaged. So anyways, if you want a copy of Amy Poehler's Yes Please hit me up in those DM's y'all! I'll getcha a great novel. Mason Brooks Yelp Elite read more

I loved this place! Super selection of the most obscure albums and books! You want a Bruce Willis album??? Head here! The smell was amazing really what you want your vintage album/novel store to smell like. I can't wait to go back and make my way through the rows and rows of history. read more

Counterpoint Records & Books - Bookstores Near Me - Hollywood, California

Counterpoint seems like a bookstore for people who smoke mids. It's great if you're out for an evening walk and want to stop in to kill some time. You might even find a book/record/movie; likely though, you will not. Despite their relatively large inventory, the selection is stale, poorly organized, and overpriced--check the art history/theory section for the pinnacle of such incompetence. Since they never--literally never--mark down inventory that's been on the shelf for months and even years, things just pile up, the crap of the crop. The staff is unpleasant, overtly bored, and lacks (or at least fails to share) the expertise that sometimes makes such disaffection charming in this sort of cultural institution. And if you're trying to sell books, don't do it here-go to Amoeba, or if you have anything even rare-adjacent go to Alias; the buying practices at Counterpoint are inept, unethical, or both. My theory is that they've grown complacent with the steady foot traffic by those who stumble in after an ice cream, date night, or comedy show--"Wow," says their customer base, "a place that STILL sells books and records." For those who look for and appreciate the ever rarer experience of reputable brick-and-mortar purveyors of cultural goods, this place is not worth your time and does not deserve your patronage. Do better, guys--a bookstore is a terrible thing to waste. read more

They do not have the best selection in literature but you will occasionally find what you are looking for. I give it four stars because even if they do not have what you are looking for, they will have what you didn't even know you wanted yet! I love a good used book store, staff seems knowledgeable about books and not dependent on a system to see if they have it in stock. I go like 2 times a month, so yah I reccomend it. read more

Grabbed dinner next door and had to walk into this awesome place... Always ready for a good dig session and discovering a Record Store. Great place, solid selection and variety, well categorized, relax vibe and walls lined with books. Solid record store looking forward to coming back! read more

Counterpoint Records & Books - Bookstores Near Me - Hollywood, California

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Cool vibe, feels like the record shop in pretty in pink, hah! Really bummed that they have no inventory of the used books they have, so if you're looking for something in specific, plan an hour to really try to pour through the books. read more