Yes – I am alive and yes, it’s been a while (six months) since my last offer of discovery. Sometimes, that’s the way it goes. Writing & reading are consistent in my life, but sharing it is not. I’m still adapting, still learning and still discovering.
This one doesn’t require much wordplay. I offer a visual dialogue of what I believe is the most unique bookstore I’ve ever seen.
The Last Bookstore is located on 5th & Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles. Standing tall on a corner lot, on what I believe to be — the most diverse and socially conscious street downtown.It’s located in a former bank building complete with a refurbished second floor vault. How can I describe it?
A few years ago, I went to a Tim Burton exhibit at LACMA, which provided insight into his mind as a young artist. If you gave Tim an empty space with a 30 foot ceiling and said, “design a book store” – The Last Bookstore would be his vision. A funky appeal and incredible reasonable, the bookstore operates on a pay-it-forward business model. Most books are priced at $1.00 to $10.00. They also replenish their shelves by buying books like a vintage clothing store in the La Brea/Melrose corridor (the way I should be earning a living – vintage clothing entrepreneur).
The vision of independence is what strikes me the most. I couldn’t imagine another store like it. If you’re looking for the rarest copy of a book on photography or, Dave Brubeck on vinyl, they might have it. It’s a treasure hunt – for anyone who enjoys the hunt. I enjoy the hunt.It’s also the “go to” spot for intellectual stimulation and consciousness (I’m not sure I really understand the meaning of every word in the previous sentence). There’s no Wifi for a reason. Your attention can’t be diverted.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- JUN 30 Sun
- JUL 1 Mon
- JUL 2 Tue
- JUL 8 Mon
I’ve never walked in the store looking for a book, but a book always seems to find me.
Currently reading: Steal Like An Artist – 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, by Austin Kleon.
My goal is to keep this place a secret so please don’t tell anyone.
453 S Spring St Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 488-0599
Russell Reid
Always inspiring,THANK YOU!