The greater LA area used to be a haven for ethnic enclaves. With the decline of first generation…read moreimmigrants these vibrant cultures have been diminishing or at least shifting geographically. This gem is still located in the heart of the SGV. Thanks to the kind owners it remains an outlet for a different form of entertainment. Both English and Chinese manga are available, and custom orders can be made. There are quite a few series that are hidden gems, and the owners are very helpful with any questions. It's clean, organized, reasonably priced and even has a large meeting room for events for manga loving fans.

I cant believe Ive passed by this place so many times without noticing it. Like most stores in my…read morearea, It is truly a hidden gem that serves the locals. Me and my gf stopped by after we noticed it while driving and we were appalled by the aesthetics of the store. You walk in and its like you just entered the secret store in an rpg. The store offers rental services as well as purchasing books. Most of the manga/comics are in Chinese, however, they are currently expanding their english catalogs. There is a sitting area with comfy chairs where you can read their manga like a library. The owner was very nice and welcoming. We chatted about things and the store has been in his ownership for about 6 months. I look forward to not having to drive all the way to LA just to buy manga.

Walking into The Last Bookstore feels less like entering a shop and more like stepping into a…read moredifferent world. Housed inside a former bank, the space already carries this grand, historic energy that sets the tone before you even start browsing. What makes this place unforgettable is how it's designed to be explored, not rushed. There are cozy spots scattered throughout where you can sit and get lost in a book, but the real magic is upstairs. It opens into a maze of rooms, each with its own personality, filled with carefully arranged books that feel more like art than inventory. At times, it genuinely feels like you've wandered into a dream. One of the highlights is the famous tunnel of books, which adds to that surreal, almost cinematic experience. Everywhere you turn, books are used as decor in the most creative ways, and it creates this quiet moment where everything else fades out. Upstairs also holds one of my favorite parts, a row of art studios featuring work from local artists. Every piece feels intentional, unique, and thoughtfully placed. Right nearby, there's a small coffee shop surrounded by beautiful artwork, making it an easy place to pause and take it all in. This isn't a quick stop kind of place. Plan to spend a few hours here, wandering, discovering, and just enjoying the atmosphere. It's one of the most iconic bookstores I've ever been to, and it absolutely lives up to the reputation.

from my experience, the last bookstore is one of those places that, if you've seen it on instagram,…read moreyou already know the one. it's definitely more of a destination than a practical bookstore you'd go to shop at. my instagram feed has seen a few cameos from friends and strangers who've visited, and after seeing it pop up a few times, a friend and i decided to stop by a little while back. that said, i wouldn't really recommend it if you're going in search of a specific book. it's less "grab a book and go" and more "wander and hope something finds you." everything feels pretty scattered, so if you are looking for something in particular, be ready to spend a good amount of time browsing. it does get unbelievably hot inside, especially when the weekend crowds pick up for photos in the iconic book tunnels, shelves, and art installations upstairs. it's definitely a unique shop, but it really leans more "experience" than "practical bookstore." it feels a bit like a bookstore where the real plot is the decor, and the books are almost supporting characters in their own store. i did find it funny how they call out shoplifters with signs outside the entrance though. i've been once, took my photos (bc duh), checked it off the list, and happily moved on.

I was in the mood to check out this used bookstore and was able to get 3 paperbacks and 1 hardcover…read morebook for $9! That price was a steal! It's a small and compact space but all the books are organized by categories and there are some pretty good titles to get. Staff was friendly and I saw them also organizing donations.

Incredible Service! Love the selection of books! Can't wait to come back! I think there's a lot of…read moreavailable educational books in here and even books you wouldn't be able to find elsewhere where.

What an adorable book and stationary store. Our first time here and we loved it. It is not large,…read moreit is somewhat small, but it is so cute and they have a nice selection for a smaller store. They also sell other things and if you need to buy a gift, you will find one here. They also have a website that is great. Their prices are fair and the service is ever so nice. I really liked this place and will stop by again when in town.

When I called to ask about children's books in Chinese, the lady rudely said that they don't sell…read morebooks and hung up. Very strange.

Vroman's is the place we come to browse before a movie at the Landmark theater next door. Today I…read morehad fun taking pictures of a comical kitchen towel, a wooden plaque, and a clever bookend. It was packed with happy shoppers. They must change the window displays every month or two because they're always different: folktales, everything to do with cooking, and a best dressed section. Worth checking out! Highly recommend!

I visited Vroman's Bookstore during a girls trip to Pasadena, and it turned out to be such a fun…read moresurprise. We initially expected a typical bookstore, but it's so much more than that. As one of the oldest independent bookstores in California, it has a really special charm. Inside, there's a wine bar, a coffee shop, and even a cute gift shop upstairs, which makes it easy to spend a lot of time browsing and relaxing. While I was there, I got to listen to an author present her book and answer questions, which added such a unique and memorable touch to the visit. The store was busy, and you could really feel how much people enjoyed being there. The layout is well organized, making it easy to find books by genre. Upstairs, there's a spacious children's section, which is great for families. I also loved the section featuring Orson Welles books and posters. It was a really cool and unexpected addition. Overall, Vroman's is more than just a bookstore as it's an experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

When I travel, I can't resist popping into a new book store to see if they have anything…read moreinteresting. I can tell you that KinoKuniya is checked the "interesting" box. This store is all things Anime - Manga and more. It also puzzles, stationary, small character related collectibles, and a fairly extensive pen/fountain pen collection. The staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. Pricing was reasonable for DTLA. I would definitely visit this store again.

Take a look, it's in a Kinokuniya Bookstore and this is one you definitely want to explore…read more Located at The Bloc in Downtown LA, Kinokuniya Bookstore - DTLA has an extensive collection of books, manga, magazines, posters, art, art supplies, novelty items, stationary, gifts, collectibles and more. Since its birth in Tokyo, Japan, during the age of the roaring 1920s to its overseas reach in the late 1960s - Kinokuniya has been gracing the world with emporiums of knowledge w/ some flare. I hadn't been to the Bloc in a minute, but making more of an effort to explore the city I was born in and our Downtown area, especially at social hubs like The Bloc. And I love some novelty items, art and tools for/of reading, even more so when it's very affordable. The Studio Ghibli is pretty nice as are various sections for music, history, spiritual and comic related things. Literally was whelmed with great finds, but decided to make my first trip (of many) in a leisure one to get familiar with the store. Great stationary. Great service and just great overall. Some of the isles can feel a little congested when there's an influx of foot traffic, put are still easy to navigate through as well as around. Kinokuniya has events, contests and updates on their website for their various locations. They also offer magazine subscriptions you can pick up in person. More incentive to stop inside for all the in-person bliss this book space has to offer. Open from 11AM to 8PM, seven days a week.

I drove here since I had to get a book for my brother. He needs it for his high school project. An…read moreemployee found the last copy for me and another employee who was helping me. Truly amazing!

Lazy Sunday usually means getting lost in an independent bookstore--but with many of them closed, I…read moreended up at Barnes & Noble in Fullerton instead. This location is in the Target shopping plaza, and getting in and out can be a bit of a headache. The traffic flow feels confusing, and drivers don't always seem on yielding, which makes the experience a little more stressful before you park! :((( Inside, the setup is pretty standard--nothing particularly unique compared to other Barnes & Noble stores. Prices also seem to be creeping up, and the "Last Chance" section isn't what it used to be, with fewer paperback deals and more generic selections. You need MORE sales and promotions!! I did leave with a book, but honestly, it also made me want to swing by the library next time. :(((

I love a good bookstore, even if it's a Barnes & Noble and this location in the Americana is so…read morecool. It's multiple floors with lots of big windows that overlook the Americana. I came during the holiday season so it perfectly overlooks the giant tree and we even had a live Christmas performance right outside Everything is so well organized and has books for everyone and even some retail items like CDs and trinkets. There are a ton of places to sit and read a preview before buying any books. I loved how everything was organized and could wander around here for hours.

Although my in-person experience was initially positive, on a different day, several issues…read moreultimately left me feeling unsettled and unresolved. I was promised validated parking, yet I still had to pay the full parking price. I also intended to purchase the more affordable option, but it was out of stock at the time. My biggest concern was my phone interaction with Marie. She came across as rushed, apathetic, and unprofessional, and the call became increasingly frustrating toward the end. The level of service felt minimal and dismissive, and I ended the call feeling uneasy and without resolution. I am still uncertain whether my order was properly completed. Marie stated she was "pretty sure she clicked it" regarding my emailed receipt, but I have not received when I was on the call with her. I followed her instructions and checked both my spam and trash folders, with no success. She did say the email should be in my inbox, spam, or trash by the end of today. Additionally: * I was not given a total before my card was charged * I was not asked whether I am a Barnes & Noble member, which I am; I later had to call back to request a partial refund, and the way this was explained to me was confusing * The prices were $10-$20 higher per book, which was only explained after I questioned the charges Finally, rather than resolving these issues directly, I was referred to 1-800-THE-BOOK.

Walking into this place feels like stepping into another universe -- one made entirely of stories,…read morehistory, and quiet magic. The moment you walk through the door, you're surrounded by towering shelves and beautiful, chaotic stacks of books that feel lovingly curated rather than cluttered. It's the kind of space where time slows down and you forget about your phone because you're too busy discovering something unexpected. Every corner feels alive. The warm lighting, the golden walls, the endless spines of books -- it's cozy, nostalgic, and deeply comforting. You don't just shop here; you explore. And the owner? Truly an angel. Kind, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. You can feel how much heart and soul they've poured into this space. They don't just sell books -- they share stories, recommendations, and genuine warmth. The customer service alone makes you want to come back again and again. If you love books, hidden gems, or places with real character, this is one of those rare magical spots that reminds you why independent shops matter. I'll be thinking about this place for a long time.

There is no other bookstore quite like Century Books, the owners Judith and Steve are some of the…read moremost wholesome people I have been fortunate to meet. Me and my partner love to visit & chat with them about books, plays, and other things while looking around and they are so accommodating, it almost feels like we are their guests in their home. More than reasonable prices and have plenty to choose from.

To start off with this store is a great place everything is organized and neat. The owners are very…read morenice and friendly they helped me out with questions I had. If u want English manga there is very limited but they can order it for you which is a W for me. Also not bad in pricing it's not overly overpriced, so I would come back and buy. Overall for me it's a 10/10 and I would come back here

Great place to go to rent/buy manga, manhua, and Chinese light novels…read more I am not Chinese nor do I read/speak Chinese, so 95% of what they had here wasn't really applicable to me, but I do appreciate that they have a LOT of books. It's really neat that they have layers and layers of sliding bookshelves. There's also some cute character merchandise for sale, a sofa area to sit and read at (looks like they also have karaoke?), and a very small English manga section that's currently 15% off. It was mostly shonen series like Vinland Saga, HxH, Chainsawman, Attack on Titan, etc. It seems like they have a membership service too. If you can read Chinese and enjoy light novels and manga, this is the place for you!