Used Books for Christmas

(Flickr pic by Melle Music.)

Sadly, Los Angeles doesn't boast as many used book stores as it once did (blame the Internet, I suppose, as well as megastores like Barnes & Noble and Borders, not to mention big box stores like Wal-Mart). But we're still lucky to be close to two decent survivors.

For Angelenophiles on your list, the Los Angeles sections of both stores contain some treasures -- books about our fair city that are no longer in print, including several printed in the 70s and 80s that feature photos of now-destroyed landmarks. (As you might have guessed, I picked up a few gems the other day.)

The Iliad bookstore recently moved locations (from Lankershim to Cahuenga, about a mile east) after the original location's landlord jacked up the rent. Rumor has it the Iliad owns its new location, which is admittedly smaller but at least means a little more stability.

The Iliad Book Shop, 5400A Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood



As for Brand Bookshop, as Los Angeles magazine recently noted, it's by far the best-organized used book store you've ever seen. There's still plenty joy of discovery there, but it's nicely assisted by books placed in well-labeled sections they're supposed to be in. It's definitely one of Glendale's treasures.

Brand Book Shop, 231 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale