The crazy, beautiful, idiosyncratic bookstores of Los Angeles

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The Last Bookstore in downtown Los Angeles houses more than 100,000 books. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

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

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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)

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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)

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

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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)

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

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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)

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

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

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

By Carolyn Kellogg

Nov. 17, 2014 11 AM PT

Los Angeles has glorious beaches, stunning cityscapes and more than its share of highly photogenic human beings. And though it may not be known for its bookstores, they too are out of this world.

Some are extraordinary and unusual. Others are humble or handsome. One has a tree growing in its center.

What these diverse shops share is a pride of ownership. They’re all independents, run by people who believe in print books, no matter what any futurists may say.

Take a look at the crazy, beautiful, idiosyncratic bookstores of Los Angeles.

Book news and more; I’m @paperhaus on Twitter