GOING PLACES : Books With a Past

THE COMFY INTIMACY of the El Alisal Bookshop (formerly a guest bedroom), located at the historic Charles F. Lummis Home and Water Conserving Garden, allows you to lose yourself among the impressive collection of books on the history of Southern California--the state’s lore, art, culture, plants and gardens. Books on gardening and drought-tolerant plants are a specialty. Among the more than 200 titles in the El Alisal--its name means “the place of the sycamore”--are rare, out-of-print and university-press volumes. Readings, book signings and lectures are scheduled.

El Alisal Bookshop, 200 E. Avenue 43, Los Angeles; (213) 222-0546.