It’s no secret that since the advent of the internet, most people moved from hard copy books to online stories, e-readers and other more “convenient” methods of consuming their favorite literature. But much like the recent vinyl record resurgence – seemingly coming out of nowhere – the concept of reading an actual hardcover or paperback book has come back into fashion in certain circles, perhaps never at a better time given all the tension everyone seems to be enduring lately.

 

Indeed, there is something so relaxing and magical about curling up with a good book under some good lighting, kicking back while sipping on your favorite wine, and if you share this sentiment, the following recommended bookstores around Woodland Hills will help you indulge in your next special find.

 

Flip Side Comics/Records, located at 19950 Ventura Boulevard, offers a huge selection of modern and vintage comic books, vinyl records, collectable toys, books and so much more, the shop’s comic inventory in particular constantly garnering the attention of collecting fanatics across the Golden State. With over 200,000 books to choose from spanning decades, you are bound to find all those long-lost back issues you’ve been looking for – or discover new treasures. Flip Side also carries a massive selection of CDs, tapes, concert posters and music memorabilia.

 

David Kaye Books and Memorabilia, located at 22745 Ventura Boulevard, specializes in rare books, original film posters, celebrity autographs and other unique entertainment memorabilia, often referred to as “the best book and collectibles store in Los Angeles dealing in first editions, rare autographed copies, books about Southern California and autographed motion picture posters” by its legions of fans. Perfect for the discriminating collector of literary and show business ephemera, David Kaye and his shop has been in business for quite some time, along the way garnering a reputation for being fair, honest and accommodating.

 

Next Chapter Books, located at 21616 Sherman Way in Canoga Park, has been the premier used book store for the area since 2006, offering a local family-owned-and-operated business experience dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and high-quality used and rare books for its cherished customers. This outstanding service was recognized in 2010 when Next Chapter was voted the Best Book Store in the Daily News Readers Choice Awards, the venue boasting tens of thousands of titles over a wide range of subjects and types including hardback, paperback and audio books ranging from the latest releases to collectibles. Some specialties of the store include U.S. military history, aviation and space, biographies (U.S. presidents/music/film/general bios), mysteries, science fiction and fantasy, westerns, religion and the fine arts.

 

$10 Or Less Bookstore, located at 8727 Tampa Avenue in Northridge, is helping keep the spirit of classic bookstores alive by way of the personal touch only a brick-and-mortar shop can provide. If you long for the “bygone” days of mom-and-pop-operated, privately-owned businesses that weren’t part of a big franchise system – a sector on the ever-widening endangered species list – you’ll love $10 Or Less. The shelves here are restocked daily, so there’s always something new to look out for, and the shop offers a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction titles in addition to CDs, DVDs, vinyl and cassettes. Visit the Antiques Room to rifle through old magazines, photographs, jewelry and more, and if your home is filled with accelerated readers, there’s a whole kid’s section for children and young adults.

 

Spiral Staircase, located at 128 Old Topanga Canyon Road in Topanga, sits in an iconic spot in the hub of the town and is attached to The Inn of the Seventh Ray. Here, you’ll find gifts, books, jewelry, stones, statues and other fun “new age happy” items, making Spiral Staircase so much more than just a bookstore; intimate and whimsical, this is truly a unique business kissing the border of ritzy Malibu, though the vibes here are much more laid-back. Exuding an atmosphere of romance, free minds and curiosity, Spiral Staircase offers some of the best-curated selection of books about creativity, purpose, the sharing economy, meditation, spirituality, self-development, pop sociology, relationships, new and creative ways of living, self-actualization and pretty much every kind of nonfiction book you’d want to read.

 

Want to do your part in supporting a locally-owned-and-operated business in L.A. – especially now since most business owners of this type are just picking up the pieces following the pandemic? You can start by browsing any of the overtly charming bookstores we highlighted above.