TRENDY LITTLE STORE w/ GREAT FINDS! Central Library's "The Library Store" is a current, well-stocked gift shop with buzzy reads and stylish merch. I loved seeing their pocket-sized collection from their genre-specific books to celebrity finds. I spotted a Chappel Roan book among other favorites. Additionally, they had a selection of Heated Rivalry novels and other fan-favorites. I definitely see myself coming here more often, too bad my booklist is currently full. My Mom and I got a few items (a small version of Macbeth, socks, mug, etc.). Staff were pretty polite but a little awkward, I think they're on high-alert for shoplifters. The store was neat and tidy. Lighting was dim and the store wasn't packed. As this is a gift shop in LA, library-specific merch is slightly pricy. However, the quality of the goods are great. If you're entering through the backside of the library go straight down the entrance hallway a bit and turn to your right. The Library Store is hard to miss! read more

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I felt like a kid walking into a candy store while visiting this charming and well curated gift store in historic LA Central Library! When I heard the greeting, I said "im definitely walking out of here with a gift or two," I got four! And, why not? It feels good to support the Library and get something special too :) read more

The Library Store - LA Central celebrates 100! - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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So many cute knickknacks and books to choose from as stocking stuffers. The selection of items is comparable to most gift shops, so you'll definitely find something for even the pickiest recipient. The price range accommodates all budgets so don't worry. We purchased a few books and cards that we couldn't at all find anywhere else. Very happy we discovered this little hole in the wall. read more

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The Library Store DTLA is located to the right under the magnificent rotunda. The bookstore is small but has enough books and gifts to interest everyone: adults and kids. The store is clean, neat and organized. Staff were nice, friendly and helpful. Today, I want to look and see and maybe return later if I don't find 'the book' I want from other stores. This store is ideally located close to the financial district, close to Chaya, Drago, LiOrient 71Above and Patina...fabulous restaurants:) but I need to focus on books. read more

Bookworms and greeting card enthusiasts and library fans will love this little store inside the Central LIbrary in downtown LA. Whoever does the buying deserves a huge shout-out; every item is cute, classy, or interesting (or a combination thereof). Many of the greeting cards may have literary references, there are scarves and jewelry and knick-knacks and toys for the kids. I tend to give away a lot of journals; there's usually a lovely selection of super expensive diaries, as well as discounted notebooks to jot down your thoughts or start that food diary. I believe that the profits support the library; your shopping may not be a charitable donation but your purchase supports a good cause. Retail therapy and a win-win for the public good. What could be better? read more

This is a cute store right inside Central Library, easy to find, a few steps away from the Information desk (if in doubt, ask them, they'll nicely direct you to it). Even if I've gone to this branch on and off for years, I just found out about its store recently. So, during my last visit in DTLA, I had to stop by to check it out. It's small, they have various cute items for sale that would make nice gifts, home decor, stationary, and some used books if you're hunting for a bargain. They also have regular books, totes, planners, key chains, a bit of everything for book lovers. Cool gift ideas and it's a win - win situation. It could be a nice pay back to our local library. We all benefit so much from their wonderful services. read more

Ahh! Finally a store that sells a good amount of cute LA gifts (among other non-LA things)! I don't know why it's been SO HARD to find cute little LA souvenirs and cards that say LA on them! I've gone to Tweak (cute gifts but limited to no LA themed gifts), OK (also cute gift shop but very limited LA gifts), Paper Source, Barnes and Noble at the Grove, and the Farmers Market at the Grove (they have cliche 1990s themed LA souvenirs). FYI, another store that sells some LA-themed gifts is at the Los Angeles County Store in Silver Lake, just a trek for me. I ended up getting some LA/California postcards and cards, LA magnets, and some adorable avocado toast earrings. If you parked in the parking garage, the Information booth validates parking. read more

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Ok so I'm an idiot but I didn't actually realize this shop was inside the library. That probably should have been a given with the name. Ha but lots of cute and unique finds- unicorn banners, solar space erasers, mini donkey piñatas (!). A card wall that was legit . My advice is to come with someone's birthday in mind because otherwise you're just trying to find an excuse to buy random things. read more

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Presents are tough, but the library store has come to the rescue. This is the place to buy gifts for your sisters, mothers, and female friends and it never disappoints. From scarves to jewelry to mugs to whimsical art to posters and cards, it's one stop shopping. They even have a section in the back with cute kids games, toys, and books. You will impress, trust me. Located on the mezzanine of the Central library. I believe you get an hour free parking (or super cheap parking) if you validate at the circulation desk with your trusty library card. read more

The Library Store - Book nerds--this store is for you! - Bookstores Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love libraries and I *love* a good library store and this is one of the best. They change out merchandise and themes on a regular basis. Things can be pricey, but all the proceeds go to the Library and that is fantastic! I have purchased many things and have never been disappointed in quality and I love window shopping here as well. Check it out! read more

I've been told many times that I look like a sexy librarian. Well this is my sexy little store. The amount of interesting, quirky and unique treats you will find in this place will make you drool with desire and cause your wallet to throw it's proverbial panties at the cashier...who happens to be a nifty little gal who's sweet and also happens to look like a sexy librarian. Now I know librarians are supposed to be quiet, but this place makes me want to yell to everyone "COME HERE! THERE IS SOME COOL SHIT TO BUY!" read more

I have a deep, lasting love for the downtown branch of the L.A. Public Library. I've been inside the branch several times in my adult life, and for large chunks of the past two years, I've worked right across the street. Yet until recently, I ignored the Library Store like I would any unobtrusive gift shop. I had no idea what a gem it was until I needed to buy a birthday card during a lunch break. That lunch break took place right before the holidays, and my birthday card excursion took the whole half hour and cost about $150 to boot. I got my birthday card, but also a book of L.A. maps for my husband, a baby Moby Dick book for a friend's new baby, a signed copy of MaddAddam for me. I picked up small gift items for a family gift exchange that we thought we'd have to go out of our way to buy later. I got a little set of Moby Dick toothpicks for the house. And honestly, I showed quite a bit of restraint. I wanted everything in the store. The selection is heavily geared towards book lovers, with literary jewelry and book-themed tote bags, notebooks, iPad cases, etc. There's a sizable section for kids' gifts, which is nice, but most of the store is designed for the spendthrift reader - perfect, really, since shopping here directly supports the L.A. Public Library. A couple walls are devoted to a neat selection of high quality greeting cards. The Library Store must be the best place to buy cards downtown, and I'll default here for every card-giving occasion. I see many lunchtime impulse purchases in my future. I went back yesterday to check out the post-holiday sale and picked up a couple fun notecards - Albert Einstein and James Joyce in paper doll form. All the holiday stuff and a random assortment of non-holiday items were 50% off. The staff is friendly and they do a splendid job wrapping presents. I'm not sure if this is a holiday-only or year-round service. My guess is I'll find out soon enough. read more

This was one of my fav places to stop into in DTLA! I was recently there for a short trip, but wanted to find cute and useful souvenirs for some friends. Thankfully, this place has pretty much EVERYTHING cute and fun. I wish i got pictures of the place, but there are tons of key chains, stickers, planners, notebooks, and cute trinkets. It's worth stopping by - it's kinda cool since it's located inside the public library. The workers there were also super nice and had suggestions for me! Would visit again if i could! read more

Love the library store. They have an interesting selection of things, and I like stopping by here and getting cards for events and other gifts for people. read more

My first trip to the store and I am in love. Previously I had encountered the Library Store on Wheels at an event, so I knew that the stuff they had was super cute. The store is newly expanded, it's bright and clean and instantly appealing. They sell a lot of adorable book related merchandise, like return card mugs, Edgar Allen Poe air fresheners (which I had to pick up) as well as notebooks, cute desk supplies, and t-shirts to name a few. The man who was running the store at the time was super sweet and helpful pointing out things I might like, wrapping a gift I bought (no charge) and having a nice conversation with me and my friend. Highly recommend browsing when you're next at the Central Branch. read more

Lousy product and service. The "ClearSeal™ Immediate Tack Laminating Film" of brand TLS is totally unusable the film and the paper base got suck so tightly that even using the knife point and spending hours still could not make it work, It left paper bit stain and multiple tears of film. I have abort the effort and yank the unsuccessfully, partially adhesed film from my brand-new soft cover,, resulting in damage to the cover. I called their customer care with leaAnn -- totally not helpful. Gave one star for otherwise would not allow the post. read more

Great gifts, wonderfully curated, cleverly organized. Kudos to the buyer. I wanted everything!

Warning: once you enter this store you will keep on wanting to return over and over and over..... They have a huge selection of unusual items! Some are arty, some are clever, and most are adorable. If you are looking for a unique gift for a friend, a child, your pet, your home, or yourself you'll find it here. And with an inventory that switches out often you'll want to return. The front of the store is also a meeting location for the library's free tour so make sure to get there a little early to check this place out. Highly recommend!! read more

Love it! It's super cute and has lots of little trinkets and books! Staff is all super friendly!

The Los Angeles Central Public Library has two conveniences I've never seen at a library before--a food court featuring a Panda Express and a TCBY and this gift shop (The Library Store). The Library Store is small but nice. The Library Store feels a lot like a museum gift shop; therefore, some nice-looking gifts but probably stuff you do not need. Unlike museum gift shops though, what I saw there was not outrageously overpriced (but still kinda pricey). I picked up a skunk hand puppet there (pretty good quality and a decent price). Other animal hand puppets were also available. Service was friendly and good. There was a sign outside indicating that all revenue from The Library Store benefits the Los Angeles Public Library. The Library Store is located near the checkout and while it might not be the greatest store, it may be a decent time-killer if you are with someone who has to wait in line to check out books (which can get long as this is a very busy/popular library). By the way, if you haven't been to this library before, it is quite nice (great collection, great architecture and front garden, great design and flow). There is a parking structure attached to the library. I am not sure how the parking validation works here. Getting validation here would be important because parking is expensive. Other parking lots are nearby and they can go as low as $5 per day (depending on when you arrive and/or how far you are willing to walk). read more

I LOVE the Library Store. There are such unique items you can purchase there. I love to buy my greeting cards and Xmas cards there. If you have to shop for small children they have some really cool and often educational toys and books. read more

THIS IS THE COOLEST GIFT SHOP I HAVE BEEN TO IN MY ENTIRE LIFEEEEEE. Not kidding. It's small so every corner is CRAMMED with neat little trinkets, small books, plant growing kits, book lights, book marks, tote bags, literary t-shirts, guide books, moleskins, bottle openers, key chains, funky pencils and pens, buttons, gem stones, finger puppets, lotions, candles, jewelry. This kind of sounds like a description of every gift shop there ever was but this one is set apart because everything is slightly smarter, cooler, more unique than the average trinket. I found two unique gifts here that I already regret not buying: a rubber duck tea infuser- looks like a rubber duck is floating in your drink! and a make-your-own-music-box thing. You can write your own music box melody. I have never seen or heard of either thing before but this shop is LOADED with totally unique stuff like this. It's pricy but the complete uniqueness of (almost) everything in there makes it worth it, IMHO. I spent like 30 minutes just LOOKING at everything. It's like a spencers but replace the vulgarity with hip/sophisticated/nerdy literary types and you get this gift shop. LOVE! read more

This spot!!! So many cool gifts, so little time. If you're in downtown LA- you must pay a visit to the central library. As you're walking in the main doors- you'll find on your right hand side, The Library Store filled with all sorts of gifts for your book nerd friends, as well as knickknacks for the boozers, tourists, & trendsetters. read more

OMG!!!! How the heck do they fit all this cool stuff into such a tiny space? Autographed books? Check. Vintage silk Japanese scarf to buy for your mother-in-laws birthday? Check Unique, beautiful, eco-friendly greeting cards? Check An AWESOME selection of kids toys and gifts, even for a baby shower? Check (the kids section is easy to miss as it is way back in the corner, be sure not to miss it). Stationary galore? Check Ties for your grandpa? Check Quality candles for yourself? Check A necklace for your sister's birthday? Check And MUCH MUCH more. This is the BEST place to grab a gift in DTLA. Hands down. They have something for everyone! And the do a lovely gift wrap for free! The best part is that all proceeds go to our Public Library! I LOVE you Library Store!!!!! read more

I was hoping for a larger store with more books. I was dissapointed they had such a small selection. Cute items to buy but I thought this library store would be more centered around LA history and LA writers. Odd shaped and found more gifts items in the back. No one said hello or asked if I needed help. Walked out without buying. read more

This shop has a lot of unique postcards,interesting books about Los Angeles, a lot of cute little things! Love it! read more

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Had to stop by and visit this place when I was at the LA Central Library, and I'm glad I did! It's a pretty small store but that doesn't really matter since it's packed with lots of neat books, knick knacks, cards, pens, bookmarks and other fun items. They had some stuff for easter since the holiday is coming up, and the little baby chick finger puppet was so cute! I found A Tale of Two Cities for only $5 so I couldn't pass that one up. They have a nice cook book section and lots of reading accessories for those of you that are bookworms. I'll definitely be back when I get a chance! *Near the entrance they also have a cart for things that are on sale. 50% off? Heck yeah! read more

This is a great place to pick up unique gifts and cards. Whoever is the buyer for this store is very talented and has an eye for quality merchandise. The workers are always very polite and let you take your time browsing. It's my go to place for beautiful cards. read more

I LOVE the library store! They have a lot of fun items here. They sell Out of Print t-shirts here, "Reading is Sexy" stickers and buttons, great postcards and cards, and really cool gifts. They usually have a sale bin. I picked up a lot of holiday cards at 50% off recently. The best part is that proceeds support the library! At least check it out when in the area. read more

Pricey, but I love going in here. They have the most interesting little things. Most are book/reading/author (ie. Edgar Allen Poe, Jane Austin, ect) related but not everything. They even have a little rack of puppets, and a tiny area with kids stuff. I love going in, looking at everything, but I really do think it's too pricey. read more

Really cool with some great literary-themed gifts but also some unique LA-inspired gifts, as well as some all around interesting things to browse and purchase. The store is pretty small but worth a stop in if you're nearby or need something new for that special someone. read more

YES! the artful taste of the store cuator & LA themed products are awesome. my go to place for gifts-ranging from birthdays to baby baptism. the staff are thoughtful and they wrapped my gifts beautifully. read more

This store is your secret weapon for finds your giftee hasn't seen elsewhere. The buyers have a wonderful eye for both fun and serious gifts. One Christmas, I'd found the loveliest hand puppet here. It was beautifully made to look just like a life-sized magician's black top hat. Putting your hand into the "top" of the overturned hat made a furry white rabbit hand puppet come to life, who'd then rise up from inside the hat. I'd longed to keep it for myself! (There was only one) Instead, I bought it for my co-worker's young daughter, and it was reported that she was enchanted with it. The store's featured jewelry was also unique and beautifully made. read more

A gem for finding unique gifts! This is my go-to store for hard to buy for people or for folks that would appreciate a special little something that isn't seen everywhere else. I love their selection of California gifts too. Highly recommend popping in! read more

This store is one of the best gift shops I have ever been to. The selection is AMAZING, it will not disappoint! Equally amazing is the service--a shout out to Chris who was so helpful and patient! I took advantage of the complimentary wrapping and walked out with 9 gifts and al wrapped--Chris was encoraging, helped me narrow my gift selection and so easy going. Many thanks!! read more

Love it!!! Best one-stop gift shop downtown.... Incredible, clever, hilarious, on-trend, beautiful hoo-dads and wot-nots and books packed into a tiny little nook. Proceeds benefit the public library! read more

This little store is filled with so many trinkets. Everything in here is so interesting. Some things are pricey, but as I understand all sales from the store support the LA Public Library. The staff is also very friendly. I love this place! read more

Cutest little store in downtown! Great place to spend a lunch hour or wrap up a trip to the library. Enchanting collection of cards for every occasion and special gifts. Nice staff and 'stuff'! read more

Awesome store with all the best gift ideas. A little bit pricey, as these sorts of places always are -- but it's worth it for the convenience of having a nicely curated set of stuff that is easily accessible on a lunch break. Also, proceeds support the LAPL so no need to feel guilty! :) They often have sales on a selection of merchandise -- great for picking up out-of-season holiday cards for next year. read more

Best place downtown to buy super cute and arty gifts and cards! Brain- shaped ice cube trays! Black cat post-it's! Cookbooks, jewelry and more! read more