The Last Bookstore

The Last Bookstore is an independent bookstore at 453 S Spring Street in the Historic Core of downtown Los Angeles, California. It occupies the ground and mezzanine floors of a former bank building and claims to be the largest new and used bookstore in California. Entry is free. The soaring ceilings, marble columns and old bank architecture are filled with shelves of used and new books, vinyl records and art. The best-known features are the book tunnel, a walkway arched with curved book shelves, and a sculpture of suspended books hanging from the ceiling, both of which draw photographers. The Horror and Crime vault, housed in the former bank safe, holds spooky titles and is another favorite. Upstairs, the Spring Arts Collective hosts artist studios, galleries and small shops, giving the visit a broader arts feel. The store also sells rare books, and a one dollar section offers inexpensive reads. A typical visit takes 30 to 60 minutes, longer for serious browsers. Weekday afternoons are quieter, while weekends and evenings can be crowded, particularly around the popular photo spots. Hours run roughly from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though checking the website is advised. The shop sits near Grand Central Market, the Bradbury Building and Angels Flight, so it fits neatly into a downtown walking route. The Metro B and D Lines stop at Pershing Square station, a five-minute walk, and nearby garages charge parking fees.