From our perspective, there’s nothing better than a well-stocked, friendly-staffed bookstore, as it immediately conjures up visions of a cozy nook punctuated by a warm roaring fire, gentle snowfall just outside a window and perhaps a steamy hot beverage in a favorite mug. Of course, this being 2023, there aren’t many places still in business that can be described in this fashion – and, in Southern California, we’re not going to get much of the fluffy white stuff – but amazingly enough, Los Angeles boasts a plethora of great independent retailers offering everything from art books and travel guides to political tomes, children’s tales and even the random trashy romance novel for the beach.

Check out any of the following bookstores in Woodland Hills for the best bargains, out-of-print titles, author readings and community events. They’re great places to discover gift ideas, escape a sweltering – or rainy – day or pick out your next favorite story.

The Open Book, located at 6316 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Suite 2180, offers shelves of various books, many heavily discounted, including new bestsellers and award-winners, in addition to aisles of gifts, toys and more. You’ll also be surprised to find some unique items such as vintage books, a table with antique goods, plates, cups and vintage posters – in other words, some of the most interesting knick-knacks this side of the Village at Topanga. Open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.

The Book Cellar, located at 29901 Ladyface Court in Agoura Hills in the basement of the Agoura Hills Library, boasts a friendly volunteer staff, great selection, amazingly inexpensive prices and an incredibly accommodating team willing to add you to a waiting list if you’re looking for a particular book. From paperback and hardcover to children and adult-oriented titles, CDs and more, The Book Cellar is often called “simply the best bookstore” by its legions of return customers. Cash only. Open Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

Books on the Boulevard, located at 13551 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, was established in 1995 and specializes in quality out-of-print books, with most titles in fine-to-very good condition and all dust jackets covered in Mylar wrappers. The shop also buys books, from hardcover non-fiction to recent textbooks and clean oversized softcovers. Books on the Boulevard has been selling used, rare and out-of-print books to Los Angeles bookworms since its inception in the mid-90s, and you’ll find a little bit of everything at this small store with a large selection. While most books fall into the hardcover non-fiction category, a plethora of other types are always available, ranging from classic literature and poetry to a smattering of best-selling newer releases. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Crown Books, located at 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard Suite 1340, isn’t the fanciest bookstore you’ll ever visit, but its staff is super-friendly and helpful and you can find some popular titles at almost half the price of other shops in town. Known for its children’s books and classics, Crown sits at the heart of Westfield Promenade and offers an abundance of eclectic mixed used, new release and overstocked items, the shop remaining a community store that boasts local author shelves and welcomes writer’s groups, performers, book signings and book clubs. Open Monday through Wednesday and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm and Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm.

Next Chapter Books, located at 21616 Sherman Way in Canoga Park, has been the premier used bookstore for the city of Canoga Park and the surrounding areas since 2006, functioning as a local family-owned-and-operated business dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and high-quality books for its valued customers. Next Chapter also specializes in buying, selling and trading used books, and regularly maintains over 1,000 titles including both paperback and hardcover variants ranging from the latest releases to collectibles. If you are looking for special genres, you will most likely find it here – whether that’s U.S. military history, biographies, aviation, space, science fiction, travel, religion or fantasy, among many more. The priority at Next Chapter Books is creating a friendly, down-home atmosphere where you can locate your most coveted title. Open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 6 pm.

As the most filmic of cities (for obvious reasons), Los Angeles may not immediately strike one as a town bustling with bookworms, but hidden away from the red carpets, flashing paparazzi bulbs and sexy black gowns lies a small collection of shops hearkening back to the meditative act of bookstore browsing. Get involved in finding the best bookish bargains in Woodland Hills, as well as the various opportunities for community events, book readings and more.