I have spent thousands of hours of my life in book stores, from quaint mom and pop independents to giant chain stores. My heart aches a bit whenever I hear about a bookstore closing its doors for good, or see someone reading from an e-reader
or tablet instead of a proper paper and ink bound book. With every novel that’s downloaded on a Kindle or Nook, I feel like we’ve taken another small step toward the grave for the bookstores business
That’s why I was so delighted when I walked through the doors of downtown Los Angeles’ The Last Bookstore for the first time. In an era when so many bookstores are going the way of the Dodo bird (and record shops!), this store, which opened in 2011, is trying to keep the book selling trade alive. And it’s doing it with style. The Last Bookstore is an amazing space. First, it’s enormous, think cathedral instead of retail space. Second, its owner, Josh Spencer, has designed the store so you feel like you’re stepping into a different world when you walk in off of busy 5th Street.
He’s also trying to show how bookstores can survive and prosper in the digital age by becoming a community crossroads for their neighborhoods. The Last Bookstore does that by hosting musical performances, parties, community meetings, and, of course, poetry and book readings.
The Last Bookstore is located in an old bank building on the corner of 5th and Spring in DTLA. The massive floor space, tall columns and arched ceiling give it a cathedral-like feel. Along with selling books, the store’s also turned into a kind of community center for the growing downtown community, hosting musical performances, book and poetry readings, and neighborhood meetings.
More photos below:
Josh Spencer is the founder and owner of The Last Bookstore. His dream was to always open up a brick and mortar new and used bookstore, as an expression of his love for literature. He’s also designed the interior of the store, taking his inspiration from Steampunk and Hollywood movies. As you can see, Josh is wheelchair-bound, but he says that hasn’t been an obstacle when it comes to running the store. He worries more about just keeping his head above water financially.
The second-floor of The Last Bookstore is filled with design and decorating features, but the star attraction is this walk-through tunnel made from (what else?) books. Josh designed it himself with help from his dad.
The store is filled with folk art, antiques and just weird things, like this shelf with books taking flight. Harry Potter or Dr. Who would feel very much at home here.
The Last Bookstore is in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of downtown L.A. To make books avaialable to those who don’t have much money to spend, all the titles on the second floor, shown here are sold for a dollar.
I never had an appreciation for consistent book reading until I was recently gifted with a Kindle. I think that if you’re into gadgets, like myself, e-readers are great. The thing I like most about Kindle is that I have small hands and it has a cover so that I can easily hold it with one hand through a built-in strap. The download process for new daily deals is quick and seamless!
I will pass along your store info to my friends who still enjoy bookstores. It’s funny, though, I still enjoy the ambiance of a bookstore.
Kind regards,
Terri
Great bookstore in the heart of DTLA. A must visit for any Angeleno or tourist. Here is a link to the store… http://goo.gl/maps/fFUuF
I was photographing downtown when I ran across this bookstore. Because I refused to leave my rig at the front desk, I was perceived to be a thief and not allowed to enter. I'll stick to Book Soup, thank you.
I'm working with a college intern, voracious book lover who discovered the bookstore on a lunch break. She was ecstatic and overwhelmed but eager to go back again and again.
This bookstore sounds fantastic, but I did have to clear up one thing about e-book readers:
My husband and I love books, so much so that our extensive library has become slightly more of a burden than a joy, especially when moving and/or downsizing to a smaller living space. That's why using a Kindle or iPad to read e-books has been great for us, especially in terms of saving space and not having to lug around a heavy book. I still buy actual books when I have the money – especially art or photography books that wouldn't be as fun to peruse on a screen, or favorite classic novels printed in special hardcover editions. I won't give up my library, but it's nice to be able to store more of my collection on a small device.
Looks amazing, will check this out.
There's a grammar error in the article: your/you’re.
It has been some time since I visited website with such high quality information. Thank you so much for providing such helpful information. This is really informative and I will for sure refer my friends the same.
Wow cool! Thanks, didn't know bout this!
So many good used bookstores are vanishing and this one (in the face of extinction) is actually expanding its inventory.
I never soon these type of store where u know such a good and so many books you have like u know now day people go for online books type in pdf and any other way where they can read it at every point of time with the help of Computers and Technology this is possible but i think these are very precious as the book always be which is going to be good otherwise its not going to give you a good pillars of knowledge.
I've just been catching up on Dean Wesley Smiths posts and he seems to have come up with an idea that could be the future for book stores.
To sum up his post the idea is to sell gift cards that have your ebook cover on the front and your name, blurb for the book, code for downloading your ebook and the address of where to get it from on the back.
As the requirement for the traditional book becomes less, these ebook gift cards could be sold within the book stores alongside normal books.
Could make sense …
Man this annoys me if Spray Foam was used as a stock.
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He’s also trying to show how bookstores can survive and prosper in the digital age by becoming a community crossroads for their neighborhoods. The Last Bookstore does that by hosting musical performances, parties, community meetings, and, of course, poetry and book readings. alexis vaussenat
This is a beautiful bookstore in this age when people prefer looking up things on Internet
crazy book archway ha. its a shame as i haven't been in a book store in a decade either
I love it when someone comes up with a unique idea like this. Amazing book store. House Reading
He’s also designed the interior of the store, taking his inspiration from Steampunk and Hollywood movies. As you can see, Josh is wheelchair-bound, but he says that hasn’t been an obstacle when it comes to running the store. blog in japan
The store is filled with folk art, antiques and just weird things, like this shelf with books taking flight. Harry Potter or Dr. Who would feel very much at home here. http://www.bestessay
I will pass along your store info to my friends who still enjoy bookstores. It's funny, though, I still enjoy the ambiance of a bookstore. best essay au
The massive floor space, tall columns and arched ceiling give it a cathedral-like feel. Along with selling books, the store’s also turned into a kind of community center for the growing downtown community, hosting musical performances, book and poetry readings, and neighborhood meetings.cigarette electronique paris
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it’s enormous, think cathedral instead of retail space. Second, its owner, Josh Spencer, has designed the store so you feel like you’re stepping into a different world when you walk in off of busy 5th Street. produits redken
The second-floor of The Last Bookstore is filled with design and decorating features, but the star attraction is this walk-through tunnel made from (what else?) books. Josh designed it himself with help from his dad. high school homework help
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Excellent Job for the The Last Bookstore…hoping you would last, so even the younger generation still get to feel the paper's fiber as they turn another page and get to experience a different feeling about instead of just relying to electronic gadgets now a ways. It is still best to do it the olden ways especially when it comes to reading, it just has a certain magic!
Cool! As a bookworm, this looks like heaven to me.
I completely agree with what you wrote, seems like a unique way, moving forward
It is truly enormous. I too enjoy reading from a book rather than a screen; it just feels more natural to me and in the case of a good novel somehow it helps to enrich the experience of the story. I hope the store will last.
Nonetheless, fascinating post and I would check back once more soon and get myself more updated.
Reading makes a complete man.
Love the rustic smells, vintage atmosphere of a retro bookstore like this. The ultimate man store
Wow this book store looks like it came right out of a magic card. All I can imagine when I walk into the store is that it'll feel like opening a new mtg booster box. That feeling of excitement and awe. The arch of books looks especially amazing! Physical poetry ;)
I long for that day when I can find a job that can make me stare at a huge pile of books and help people find good ones. This better be it.
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Awesome photos. Loving the shots with HD
The decorations on the second floor look likesemi permanent eyelashes. I love the arches and shapes there.
Gotta love the shapes and weird visuals of the books available here
I really like the interior design of the book. It makes you feel like "I am reading books and getting into the fantasies!" Very cool idea.
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I love books and this looks Heaven to me..And Awesome artwork there.
That picture with all of the books forming a wave is unbelievable! You could sell some of those books and start making money in college. Some really great designs with the books though!
This is something I have been thinking about for a long time and you really captured the essence of the subject.
I am happy when reading your blog with updated information. Thanks a lot.
Excellent Job for the The Last Bookstore…hoping you would last
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Loving the photos! Love the HD shots :)