This Enormous California Used Bookstore Is An All-Day Adventure
Step into a realm where books aren’t just books – they’re the gateways to an alternate universe. Last Bookstore is California’s colossal, mind-blowing temple of literature, stretching across 22,000 square feet of sheer book-filled magnificence.
With over 500,000 books and records stacked in a labyrinth of literary wonder, every corner is a new world waiting to be explored.
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, this isn’t just a bookstore – this is a place where imagination comes to life in the most jaw-dropping way possible.
Tunnels made of books? Check. Hidden rooms filled with rare treasures? Absolutely.
Whether you’re hunting for that elusive first edition, diving into a world of vinyl records, or getting lost in a maze of stories, The Last Bookstore offers an adventure unlike anything else.
Visitors don’t just shop – they embark on an unforgettable journey through an artistic, book-laden labyrinth that leaves them spellbound.
No wonder this iconic haven keeps readers, collectors, and wanderers flocking back for more. In California, it’s not just a bookstore – it’s the ultimate experience.
1. California’s Largest New And Used Book And Record Store
Walking into The Last Bookstore feels like stepping into a reader’s dream come true, with shelves stretching in every direction and books covering nearly every surface.
The store at 453 S Spring Street Ground Floor in downtown Los Angeles claims the title of California’s biggest new and used book and record store, spanning an impressive 22,000 square feet.
That’s roughly the size of a small grocery store, except instead of produce and cereal, you’ll find literary classics, contemporary novels, vintage records, and everything in between.
The sheer size means visitors can easily spend hours exploring without seeing everything the store has to offer.
Different sections flow into one another, creating a maze-like experience that rewards curious wanderers.
Book lovers appreciate the mix of new releases sitting alongside well-loved used copies, offering options for every budget.
Record collectors find an equally impressive selection of vinyl, with bins organized by genre and era.
The store’s dual focus on books and music creates a cultural hub that appeals to different types of collectors and enthusiasts.
Staff members know the inventory well and can often point visitors toward hidden gems they might otherwise miss.
The spacious layout allows for comfortable browsing even during busier weekend hours, though weekday afternoons tend to offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere for serious book hunting.
2. Founded In 2005 By Josh Spencer
Every great bookstore has an origin story, and The Last Bookstore began with one person’s vision and determination. Josh Spencer founded the store in 2005, starting with a modest collection in a small downtown loft.
His goal was to create a space where people could discover affordable books while experiencing the joy of browsing physical shelves in an increasingly digital world.
The name itself reflects Spencer’s concerns about the future of independent bookstores during a time when many were closing their doors.
Rather than being pessimistic, the name became a rallying cry for book lovers who wanted to support physical bookstores.
Spencer’s gamble paid off as the store quickly gained a loyal following among Los Angeles residents and visitors.
From those humble beginnings, the bookstore grew steadily, eventually moving to its current expansive location in the historic Spring Arts Tower.
The growth reflected not just business success but also a community’s desire for a gathering place centered around books and culture.
Spencer’s commitment to keeping prices accessible, especially for used books, helped build trust with customers.
Today, the store stands as proof that independent bookstores can thrive when they offer something special that online retailers cannot replicate – the experience of discovery and the joy of unexpected finds.
3. Over 500,000 Books And Records Available
Numbers alone cannot capture the experience of seeing half a million books and records gathered in one place, but they do hint at the incredible variety waiting inside.
The Last Bookstore houses over 500,000 items, creating an inventory that rivals many public library systems.
Fiction, nonfiction, rare books, contemporary releases, vintage paperbacks, and everything in between fill the shelves from floor to ceiling.
Collectors hunting for specific titles often find success here, while casual browsers discover books they never knew they wanted.
The record collection matches the book selection in both size and variety, with vinyl spanning decades and genres.
Jazz, rock, classical, electronic, and world music all have dedicated sections, and serious collectors often make regular visits to check for new arrivals.
The store’s buying process keeps the inventory fresh, with new items arriving daily from people selling their personal collections.
This constant turnover means every visit offers something different, giving regular customers a reason to return frequently.
Rare and collectible items occupy special sections where prices reflect their value, but the majority of books remain affordably priced.
Staff members maintain organization across this massive inventory, making it possible to find specific sections without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices available throughout the store.
4. The Famous Labyrinth With 100,000 Dollar Books
Hidden on the mezzanine level, the Labyrinth lives up to its name with winding paths and surprising discoveries around every turn.
This special section contains over 100,000 used books, each priced at just one dollar, making it a treasure hunter’s paradise for budget-conscious readers.
The bargain pricing doesn’t mean low quality – many excellent books end up here simply because the store has multiple copies or needs to make room for new inventory.
The Labyrinth’s layout creates an adventure-like experience, with narrow passages and unexpected corners that encourage exploration.
Book tunnels constructed entirely from stacked books form archways overhead, creating photo opportunities that have made this section Instagram-famous.
Hidden rooms branch off from the main paths, each filled with more dollar books organized loosely by category.
Visitors often arrive with empty bags and leave with them bulging, having filled them with far more books than they initially planned to buy.
The one-dollar price point makes it easy to take chances on unfamiliar authors or genres without financial risk.
Students, teachers, and avid readers especially appreciate this section for building personal libraries affordably.
The Labyrinth tends to get crowded on weekends, so weekday mornings offer the best opportunity for leisurely browsing without navigating around other treasure hunters searching through the stacks.
5. Unique Art Installations Throughout The Store
Books aren’t the only attraction at California’s The Last Bookstore – art installations transform the space into something between a library and a gallery.
Artists have created permanent and rotating installations using books as their medium, turning the written word into visual sculptures.
These installations add layers of creativity that make the bookstore feel more like a cultural destination than a simple retail space.
Some installations play with perspective and structure, building impossible-seeming shapes from carefully balanced volumes. Others incorporate lighting, paint, or mixed media to create entirely new contexts for old books.
The artistic approach honors books while also reimagining their physical presence in unexpected ways.
Photography enthusiasts find endless inspiration in these installations, which provide striking backdrops and interesting compositions.
The store welcomes photographers, though visitors should remain mindful of other shoppers while capturing images.
Art students and design professionals often visit specifically to study how the installations use space and materials.
The installations change periodically, giving regular visitors new visual experiences alongside their book browsing.
This blend of literature and visual art creates an atmosphere that appeals to creative people across different disciplines.
Even visitors who don’t consider themselves art fans find themselves pausing to appreciate the clever ways books become building blocks for larger artistic statements throughout the store.
6. Located In The Historic Spring Arts Tower
Architecture and history add another dimension to the bookstore experience, as The Last Bookstore occupies space in the historic Spring Arts Tower.
The building itself dates back to Los Angeles’s earlier commercial era, with high ceilings, large windows, and architectural details that modern construction rarely includes.
These features create a sense of grandeur that suits the store’s impressive inventory and ambitious vision.
The building’s downtown location places the bookstore within walking distance of other cultural attractions, restaurants, and public transportation options.
Visitors often combine a bookstore trip with lunch or coffee at nearby spots, making it easy to plan an entire afternoon in the area.
Street parking and nearby lots provide options for those driving, though availability varies depending on the time and day.
Inside, the building’s bones show through in exposed elements and original architectural features that the store has preserved and highlighted.
The combination of historic structure and contemporary bookstore creates a unique aesthetic that feels both timeless and current.
Natural light from large windows illuminates the main floor during daytime hours, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a pleasant atmosphere for browsing.
The building’s history as part of downtown Los Angeles’s commercial district adds context to the bookstore’s mission of revitalizing urban spaces through culture and community gathering places.
7. Rare And Collectible Books Section
Serious collectors and literary enthusiasts find plenty to explore in the rare and collectible books section, where first editions, signed copies, and out-of-print treasures await discovery.
This curated area showcases books that hold value beyond their content, whether through historical significance, limited availability, or association with notable authors.
Prices in this section reflect market values for collectible books, ranging from moderately priced signed editions to investment-grade rarities.
Staff members with expertise in rare books can provide information about specific items, including provenance, condition details, and why particular editions hold value.
This knowledge helps collectors make informed decisions and adds educational value to the browsing experience.
The section attracts book scouts, collectors building specific collections, and people searching for meaningful gifts with literary significance.
Condition matters greatly in the rare book world, and the store takes care to accurately describe each item’s state.
Protective cases and careful handling preserve these special books while still allowing customers to examine them.
The inventory in this section changes as items sell and new acquisitions arrive, rewarding regular visits from serious collectors.
Even browsers without plans to purchase can enjoy seeing rare editions up close and learning about what makes certain books valuable beyond their reading content.
The section serves as an informal education in book collecting and publishing history.
8. Regular Author Readings And Literary Events
The Last Bookstore in California functions as more than a retail space – it serves as a community hub for literary culture through regular author readings and events.
Local and touring authors stop by to read from new releases, discuss their work, and connect with readers in an intimate setting.
These events attract book club members, aspiring writers, and fans eager to meet authors whose work they admire.
The store posts event schedules on their website and social media, making it easy to plan visits around specific readings or book launches.
Event attendance varies depending on the author and day of the week, with some readings drawing large crowds while others offer more intimate gatherings.
Seating fills up quickly for popular authors, so arriving early ensures a good spot.
Literary events create opportunities for readers to ask questions, get books signed, and hear authors discuss their creative processes.
These interactions add depth to the reading experience and help build connections between writers and their audiences.
Local writing groups sometimes meet at the store, using it as a gathering place for critique sessions and literary discussions.
The event programming reflects the store’s commitment to supporting literary culture beyond simply selling books.
Attendees often browse the store before or after events, making these gatherings beneficial for both community building and introducing people to the store’s extensive inventory.
9. Live Music Performances In A Literary Setting
Music and literature intersect at The Last Bookstore through live performances that transform the space into an intimate concert venue.
The store’s extensive vinyl collection and commitment to cultural programming naturally led to incorporating live music into their event offerings.
Local musicians, touring acts, and emerging artists perform in settings where bookshelves provide both backdrop and acoustic treatment.
Performance styles vary widely, from acoustic singer-songwriters to jazz ensembles, electronic artists, and experimental musicians.
The literary setting attracts performers who appreciate the cultural context and audiences who value both books and music.
Show times typically occur during evening hours, after the store’s busiest browsing periods, allowing the space to shift from retail to performance mode.
Attendees can browse records before shows or shop for books between sets, creating a hybrid experience that combines shopping with entertainment.
The store’s size allows for performance areas that don’t completely disrupt browsing in other sections, though music naturally draws crowds toward the performance space.
Some shows require tickets or suggested donations, while others remain free and open to anyone in the store.
The acoustic properties of a space filled with books create surprisingly good sound quality, with the thousands of pages absorbing echoes and creating warmth in the audio. Music lovers appreciate discovering new artists in this unique venue setting.
10. The Plant Wall In The Famous Book Tunnel
In 2021, California’s The Last Bookstore added an unexpected element to their already famous book tunnel by installing a living plant wall.
This green addition brings natural elements into the constructed environment, creating a striking visual contrast between organic growth and literary architecture.
The plant wall has become a destination within the destination, adding another layer to the store’s visual appeal.
Visitors photograph this feature constantly, as the combination of books and living plants creates an almost fantastical atmosphere.
The greenery softens the tunnel’s constructed feel while adding color and texture to the monochromatic rows of book spines.
Plant care staff maintain the wall, ensuring the vegetation stays healthy and lush despite being indoors.
The installation reflects current interest in bringing nature into urban spaces while also demonstrating the store’s willingness to evolve and add new features.
Environmental concerns about book storage and plant watering systems were carefully addressed during installation to protect the books while supporting plant health. The result successfully balances both elements without compromising either.
Social media posts featuring the plant wall have introduced countless new visitors to the bookstore, proving that thoughtful additions to existing attractions can generate renewed interest.
The installation shows how physical retail spaces can stay relevant by creating Instagram-worthy moments that online shopping cannot replicate.
11. Membership Program With Special Perks
Regular visitors can deepen their connection to The Last Bookstore through a membership program that offers benefits designed for frequent shoppers.
Members receive special sales access, discounts on purchases, and invitations to exclusive events not open to the general public.
The program creates a sense of community among the store’s most dedicated supporters while providing tangible benefits that offset the membership cost for regular buyers.
One particularly enticing perk gives members access to secret areas of books not available to casual visitors.
These hidden sections contain special inventory, advance arrivals, or curated collections that members can browse before items reach the main floor. The exclusivity adds an element of insider access that book lovers especially appreciate.
Membership levels may vary, with different tiers offering different benefits depending on commitment level and cost.
The program helps the store build sustainable revenue while rewarding loyalty from customers who already shop there regularly. Members often report that their discount savings cover the membership cost within just a few visits.
The store provides membership information on their website and at the checkout counter, making it easy to sign up during a visit or online before arriving.
For people who live nearby or visit Los Angeles frequently, membership makes practical financial sense while also supporting an independent bookstore’s continued operation.
12. Hidden Rooms And Secret Spaces To Discover
Part of what makes The Last Bookstore feel like an adventure is the presence of hidden rooms and secret spaces tucked throughout the building.
These areas don’t announce themselves with obvious signage – instead, they reward curious explorers who venture beyond the main paths.
Some hidden spaces contain specialized book collections, while others serve as quiet reading nooks or simply exist as architectural surprises.
The thrill of discovery adds a game-like quality to visiting the store, especially for first-time visitors who don’t know what to expect.
Regulars sometimes share tips about secret spots, though part of the fun lies in stumbling upon them independently.
The building’s size and layout make these hidden areas possible, with corners and alcoves that might go unnoticed during a quick visit.
Photography enthusiasts particularly enjoy finding and documenting these secret spaces, which often feature interesting angles, lighting, or architectural details.
The spaces create natural stopping points during long browsing sessions, offering places to pause and flip through potential purchases.
Some hidden areas contain seating where visitors can read for a while before deciding whether to buy.
The store’s staff sometimes point out hidden features to curious customers, but they also preserve some mystery by not revealing everything upfront.
This approach encourages exploration and makes each visit feel like a personal journey through literary landscape.
13. A Destination For Book Lovers And Art Enthusiasts Alike
The Last Bookstore has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination that appeals to multiple audiences beyond just book buyers.
Literature fans come for the extensive inventory and affordable prices, while art enthusiasts visit to experience the installations and creative use of space.
Photographers treat it as a location for shoots, and tourists include it on their Los Angeles itineraries alongside more traditional attractions.
The store’s popularity on social media has introduced it to international audiences, with visitors from around the world making special trips when visiting Southern California.
This diverse appeal keeps the space vibrant and interesting, as different types of visitors bring different energy and perspectives.
The bookstore functions as a cultural landmark that represents Los Angeles’s creative community and independent business scene.
Local residents use the store as a regular hangout spot, meeting friends for browsing sessions that might stretch across several hours.
The combination of affordability, atmosphere, and variety makes it suitable for both serious shopping and casual exploration.
Teachers find classroom materials, collectors hunt for specific editions, and casual readers simply enjoy being surrounded by books.
The store’s success demonstrates that physical retail spaces can thrive by offering experiences that online shopping cannot match.
The Last Bookstore proves that when a business creates genuine value and memorable experiences, people will make time to visit in person.
