On a rainy October Sunday in LA, what could be better than sauntering through California’s largest bookstore, while simultaneously viewing eclectic, Halloween-themed artwork?
The Last Bookstore is just the place!
This amazing downtown LA loft, brimming with used and new books, vinyl records, and several art galleries on the second floor, opened in 2005 by owner Josh Spencer. It is a treasure trove for lovers of the eclectic, noting the unique furniture comprised of books that can be found throughout the place.
There’s truly something for everyone here. In addition to over 250,000 new and used books (which includes the new Arts & Rare Book Annex), The Last Bookstore contains thousands of vinyl records, graphic novels, and the second floor Labyrinth, where you can find the Gather Yarn Shop (a knitters haven), and the Spring Arts Collective gallery shops.
Since Halloween is my favorite time of year, I had to explore their Horror Story Art Show. Throughout the store, you can find spooky artwork, inspired by classic horror novels, such as Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury, The Bad Seed, by William March, and Pet Sematary, by Stephen King.
Artwork and the books that inspired the artist, on display during my visit included:
Andrea Bogdan, Eric Bouffard, Micah Brenner, Kenny Chapman, Champoy, Robey Clark, Chris Grun, Lori Hall-Araujo, Liz Huston, Brent Johnson, Zachariah Jones, Helen Kim, Mark Kulakoff, and many more!
The Last Bookstore will be celebrating all month with spooky events, including LA’s only horror-themed reading series, Shades and Shadows. Suffice it to say, a visit to The Last Bookstore in October is a must! Here are the basics:
453 S Spring St. – Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Hours of operation:
MAIN STORE
Mon-Thur 10a-10p
Fri-Sat 10a-11p
Sun 10a-9p
ARTS & RARE BOOK ANNEX
7 days, 12-8p
$1 SALE ROOM
7 days, 10a-6p
If you have fond memories of The Last Bookstore, we’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
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For more on Pastimes for a Lifetime’s Art Curriculum or Piano Curriculum, founder/instructor Linda Wehrli, or office manager Jessica Lee Sanders, visit the website or Facebook page.
I’ve been committed to continuing lifelong learning and inspiring creative thinking through art and music since 1989. I’d love to meet you! You’re welcome to chat with me on Zoom or stop by the studio. Just shoot me an email at Linda@pastimesinc.com and I’ll be glad to set up a mutually convenient time.