The bookstores of Los Angeles

A reading at The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

James Fugate, co-owner of Eso Won Bookstore. In addition to fiction, the store has a robust selection of left-leaning political books.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Denice Diaz and Adam Bernales opened the intellectual and literary Seite Books in her grandmother’s dress shop in East LA.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Steve and Judith Marosvolgyi stock new and used books in their Pasadena shop, Century Books.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Owner Harvey Jason with some of the thousands of first editions for sale at Mystery Pier Books in West Hollywood.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Iliad books in North Hollywood has more than 100,000 used and specialty books, including books for kids.  (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times)

Founded by David Kipen after he left the NEA, Libros Schmibros is a bookstore and lending library located in Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

A detail of The Labyrinth at The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The Last Bookstore is in the space of a former bank; an old vault houses science fiction books.   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

At the Last Bookstore: Two art pieces unite in the form of flying books and typewriter.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)