"The Last Bookstore" wins global fame thanks to social media

[@grrayfox2300]

I live nearby The Last Bookstore and visit it frequently. I love seeing all the visitors come in but it bugs me seeing people just come in, take their Instagram picture and move on. This is still a business so I urge people who visit to at least buy something and support the store so more people can enjoy the store in the future

[@rubyanddelilahandnani]

Yes! At least buy a book! I mean come onnn.. you’re taking a photo surrounded by books, but are you even a …. Reader? I’m going in one week from Phoenix. I’m so excited to get 2 or 3 books from there to add to my growing collection ❤️

[@conneaness]

“Americans don’t read”- Alan Duelles.🤔

[@grrayfox2300]

@@conneaness some of us like reading comics 😂

[@conneaness]

Really, that’s nice 🙂 but the comic book industry has been losing money 💰 for awhile; so I guess you’re the only one who likes comics . Enjoy 😉.

[@grrayfox2300]

@@conneaness you're a lot of fun. Don't get what your point is and you seem intent on just being a downer. Enjoy being such 😂

[@robodoubtfire]

This place is a GEM! Support them by any means necessary! I love going here for vintage books.

[@johnhaxby306]

the Last Bookstore is totally worth a visit, housed in an old Bank in the Historic District in downtown LA it's beautiful and they host cool events. definitely worth checking out!!

[@BabaBooey99]

No.

[@kwnzgtube]

...sadly I just moved from SoCal and have missed out on visiting, experiencing these exceptional "vaults" of the printed word... definitely my loss...

[@madasahatter5514]

I bet it would be a cool venue to host a party or a wedding.

[@madasahatter5514]

At least you're in the same country Kevin. Alas, I live in the UK.. I'm wounded B-)

[@lvtiguy226]

I agree. This is one of our favorite places to go to when we visit LA.

[@nikki5095]

This is exactly the kind of wholesome content and places we need in the world.

[@paulg6527]

It's nostalgic and just like they said an experience. It's not like your typical Barnes Barnes Noble where you just have books on shelves.

[@mynameis11111]

They understand that people want an experience, that’s what will make people come back, awesome job 👏 👏 👏

[@Joy_esprida]

when my brother and i first heard that they were almost closing during pandemic, we immediately ordered merch and books to support. my late father who used to go to this bookstore before pandemic unfortunately passed away during pandemic. so in honor of him, we ordered several shirts to send to my faternity brothers who were all writers and avid readers.

[@milliemouse6525]

Yes! I love bookstores and libraries 😁! I was a juvenile bookworm too. Nothing like a good book or the joyful search of finding one. Let's hope this store will never close!

[@noughsaid7999]

That is by far the coolest looking book store. Nice job by the owner. City leaders need to push for more book stores throughout this country. After all, before the internet, we had bookstores.

[@LindaC616]

There's not much they can do. We have to buy the books. There was not even a Barnes and Noble left in the Bronx. Not sure how the Lit Bar is doing

[@AvecPoesie]

The sweetest and most dearly-held memories I cultivated in life with my father before he died were our weekly trips to the bookstore. My father worked so hard to support us and to buy me those books 📚 yet, was illiterate himself. I think of my departed father every time I purchase a book. In feeding my voracious appetite for reading as a little girl, he gave me a gift that will endure all my life.

[@007Julie]

Even though your father is gone he lives in you, thank you for sharing your story.

[@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548]

I have never wanted to visit LA but now I just might. I ❤ bookstores and miss them so much. I would spend my entire Saturday in one. We use to have about 3-4 back in the 90s-2000s in DC. They all closed. Finally we have one in DC and it's amazing. They have a section for kids to read, color and play which makes it even more Amazing. My husband brought me a kindle a few years back, made him send it right back. Nothing like reading an actual book.

[@0blivvy8]

I've always loved bookstores and libraries since I was a kid. This place looks amazing! I love the art, creativity, & that you can chill with a cat! What a brilliant idea to make an interesting & interactive space that people will advertise for you! *edit Wow the second store with the plants is amazing too!

[@jazzyd312]

I used to spend my Saturdays at the historic library in downtown L.A. After my children were born and the subway was completed, we would take the train to the library for Story Time then picnic in Pershing Square. My first visit to The Last Bookstore was so much fun. Another place to lose one's self on Saturdays.

[@jazzyd312]

@Kevin T The N.Y. Public Library is on my bucket list. When the downtown L.A. Library caught fire in 1986 I was heartbroken. But the restoration was massive and impressive when completed. It's a must see for book lovers.

[@kristinb5121]

I live in Portland. This reminds me that I need to head down to Powells. It’s also a great bookstore that you can take hours to explore. Sometimes I get lost on purpose just to see what new topics I’ve stumbled across. This made me decide to send gift cards from a bookstore this season instead of ordering from Amazon.

[@joanreynolds955]

When the lockdown was in force, I sent out Powells gift cards. I moved away from Oregon, but Powells will always be my go to.

[@roseelley4470]

Exactly. Long live Powell's Books.

[@cremebrulee4759]

That's a wonderful idea! Bookstores need support. For me there is nothing as wonderful as the feel of holding a book in my hands. Reading off of a tablet or a cell phone just isn't the same. Plus, Amazon is becoming a monopoly, not to mention it's terrible terrible treatment of employees. It also isn't always the cheapest place. I find things on Amazon and then do a search. I try to find them somewhere else. Sometimes they're less expensive than Amazon.

[@steveconn]

Clerks used to be icy jerks, now more desperate and friendly Nice except for the spitting crackheads on Burnside on the walk over.

[@roseelley4470]

@@steveconn CB

[@LovinLife-pv7op]

I used to spend hours upon hours at the bookstore. I miss that part of my life.

[@kiki7222]

I'm absolutely putting this on my "Bucket List" of places to visit. Even though I'm in Boston now, I was born and raised in CA. See you in the Spring 📖📚😊📘📙

[@sabrina9333]

I just Google mapped it, 3 hours away 😁📚💗

[@tineegonzales7365]

How I wish I was in Boston rn.

[@wellesradio]

Been there plenty of times. You will be disappointed.

[@kiki7222]

@@wellesradio yet you've been there "plenty of times" 🤔

[@wellesradio]

@@kiki7222 Yeah. It’s 15 minutes from my place and where I used to work. Somehow I always got dragged into visiting it when I took a new friend to Grand Central Market or some other nearby hotspot. I love books and book shopping, but as far as being a bookstore goes, it’s got tourist trap prices and is always packed to the gills with Instagram selfie-seekers. Plus they have no air conditioning (it’s a rundown building downtown so it gets to a hundred degrees) and they play live DJ music all day long. No one is ever dancing so I wonder why they bother. A loud, hot, crowded, overpriced book store full of people taking selfies in a building that smells like urine. Oh, and the reason for that is that it has NO BATHROOM and very little seating.

[@Nan-59]

What a BEAUTIFUL BUILDING! Congratulations on a GREAT BOOKSTORE!

[@barokfin]

What an inspiring guy. He turned his tragic accident into something truly wonderful. He’s a great role model for all of us. Kudos to him and his elegant lady.

[@edreid7872]

I worked Barnes and Noble from 1980-87 in NYC.. Best job ever...📖

[@holidaze8998]

I didn't know about this bookstore but now I want to visit it for sure. And buy a book and plant. Love this man's creativity and philosophy.

[@lizhopkins6926]

I’m an independent bookseller and have been for five years. Bookstores aren’t going anywhere. Trust me. We’re all doing pretty well!

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

“Reading a dictionary…” a man after my own heart ❤️. My husband brought me home an old dictionary his office was getting ready to throw away. It’s the best gift he ever gave me without even realizing it. I still have this beat up book. It’s still one of my treasures. Unfortunately due to extremely limited space I haven’t been able to keep many books. I tend to read off my phone and since my “book” collection has reached over 2000, it’s best not to have that many physical books laying around. But oh, how I love having a good book to read. My son is an avid reader. He has a lawn care business. Instead of riding a huge mower all day, just running it over some huge piece of property, he listens to books. He doesn’t have time to sit down with a book so he gets his reading fix that way. But I know he loves a good book to hold onto as well. There’s nothing like it! I would go to LA just to visit his store. What an awesome way to restore 2 things at once. A gorgeous old bank and wonderful books!!

[@earthmother4397]

Josh & Jenna Spencer, you are both amazing, beautiful people. Thank you for pouring all you had into these book stores! I am so proud of you guys. God bless you both! ❤

[@TeenyLogic]

Literally was just here! Just so happened to pass by it while visiting LA. It's great! Got 3 books despite knowing I didn't have the carry on space lol

[@DonnaPiaVocci]

favorite meme of mine. walk a mile in my shoes and you'll find yourself in a bookstore.

[@davidj8658]

Literally, wow, that makes it an even more compelling anecdote, literally. Much more than if you had figuratively just been there, literally.

[@sophial.6633]

We have an old book store in our town. It’s called Book End bookstore, it’s been around longer than I’ve been alive. It has stacks of books, all the way to the ceiling, old and new. Everyone goes there. It’s just a simple whole in the wall store but it’s a staple of our community. Books ignite your curiosity and imagination. So it’s nice to see when folks keep these small but important things alive.

[@VibeVixen02]

It would be interesting to know the science of keeping the humidity high enough for the plants, but low enough for the books 🤔

[@Alexandriafrancescakiel]

I agree! Super interesting thought!

[@ogadlogadl490]

I bet they haven’t gotten that far yet.

[@racheljolley26352]

OH! MY! GOODNESS! I am in absolute awe of this stunning bookstore, just wish it wasn’t so far away from England ☹️. I would give anything to see this and spend a whole week going in every day...sigh. Truly sorry though that the man had to go through such a life changing accident first but, what a beautiful thing to create, I cannot tell you just how much I love this 🤩🏆🥰♥️

[@karenmyrie6215]

I visited a great bookstore downtown London while I was there for a brief visit at the end of September. It reminded me of an American Barnes & Noble.

[@lalaland6847]

I always see amazing bookstores outside of the US. I wish they would make a comeback.

[@princesslisamarie7860]

These places are like heaven! I love a library. It’s like when you walk and you feel surrounded by the warm hug of books

[@aVinylDaniel]

This is what they said about vinyl when cassettes and CDs came around... Look how popular vinyl is again now!!!

[@Khloe_dancer_model]

I LOVE that fact!❤️❤️

[@dorcaspowellpowell5971]

Im stuck in the 90s. I love the feel of pages brushing my finger tips. TOTALLY Tangible.

[@farmergiles1065]

Great to hear of places like this. It is not alone, also a great thing. If you're in the Portland, Oregon area, check out Powell's. The main store is a city block in size, multiple floors, but it overflows into other locales, too.

[@yeverino1970]

That is so amazing, I love reading. I had taken a reading class in high school because I needed an extra credit. That teacher made me want to read. I could get lost in a place like that.

[@LindaC616]

Kudos to the teacher! Tell us their name!

[@hd-xc2lz]

A reading class being something other than a class covering the literature of a period, nationality, or author(s)?? Focussed solely on the experience of reading? Can you provide a bit of detail please?

[@yeverino1970]

@@hd-xc2lz my teacher would read to us, rather than have us read. She spoke about how it not only improved your reading skills, but the meaning of words, improving your vocabulary, and so much more. She made me realize that reading could take you to another world by using your imagination. And that was the start of love for reading.

[@hd-xc2lz]

Interesting. Thanks for responding. And so was reading aloud a homework assignment as well? Any other assignments?

[@yeverino1970]

@@hd-xc2lz she never gave us homework. That was something I was surprised about. But I guess some of the students did not read well, so I’m not sure if that was the reason.

[@sharonwalker8]

I haven't been in a real Bookstore in many years. This is so great to see in this world that we all live in right about now.

[@viberaeip7143]

Besides how cool the place is… much respect to the owners… he’s inspiring … there is never suffering in life, only joy if that’s what you want, and put ur mind to it… exemplary

[@anthony19723]

I teach students literature. Books the old fashioned volume in hand are back for the latest generation, and they are quite angry about ebooks and disappearing bookstores. Please stay open and acquire more books.

[@Bookspine5]

Everybody by Olivia Laing looks like a good read. The book was feature on an front-end near the end of the video.

[@periwinklestardust]

This report just reminded me my library books are overdue 😅

[@danielmayorga4812]

too many customers are taking pictures and very few actually turning the pages in a good book .

[@marysawyer4041]

Amazing Book Stores and what this young man did to make a difference in life .

[@nanetteperry4128]

I started to help fight the proliferation of the chain bookstores back in the 80s. Independent bookstores are a reflection of the owner's interests and ideals. You have NO IDEA how many have been LOST FOREVER.

[@nikig2891]

At this point, I’d be happy for a chain bookstore where I live. 🥺

[@solotron7390]

How satisfying to watch a piece that's not political or twisted, but rather wholesome and encouraging--like a glimmer of hope in an otherwise darkening world.

[@hunnerdayEDT]

Books soothe my soul. I love bookstores. They make me happy

[@andrewbest6929]

So cool. I love books. Visiting used bookstores are so much fun!! You never know what you can discover🙂💙🙏

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Absolutely wonderful..everyone I know will, does not read books anymore..or just read period.Thank you for this piece.!!!

[@ArtMom5boys]

Went yesterday Gotta go back I loved it!!!!

[@Dawghome]

To me what stood out was the guy who said you feel the history, like you're connected to your own history. I have and will listen to audio stories but I like nothing better than to sink into a comfortable chair or sofa, snuggle down and escape my stressful life where I feel I'm allowed to experience the feeling of time standing still.

[@ardakkumerian8088]

I was at the last bookstore today. There is now an electric chair in the vault.

[@jd-hj5ed]

Wonderful. This really touched me. My late husband was paralyzed. I am glad he is going on with life. Also, we have a bookstore here that is wildly popular called McKays. It is always crowded. It is the one store that I want to go to when I am in Knoxville.

[@jimvinespresents...8463]

I've been to The Last Bookstore many times (and will be going many more times in the near future). It's a unique and wonderful place. If you've never been there, definitely stop in for a visit.

[@athenapappa1340]

Nothing beats the smell and feel of old books.

[@joniheisenberg6691]

There is nothing like reading a good book. 📚

[@miriamsheaffer5219]

I’m lucky to live near Time Enough books located on the docks of Ilwaco, Wa. It’s a wonderful book store , there’s even a golden retriever to greet you!

[@superchick4994]

I’d live to visit this store. I would stay there all day.

[@starman2089]

Me too! Let's go!

[@myoldvhstapes]

Do NOT go in hot weather! No air conditioning, it's insufferable.

[@Defender_messenger]

Love this place! Cheap used books and comforting atmosphere

[@callingcardbooks3668]

We appreciate the commitment and drive of Independent bookstores like this one. Congratulations on bringing your vision to life! We wish you continued success and will keep an eye out for that elusive electric chair prop.

[@heidiavera5071]

Books are a way to see the world and the story at the same time

[@ivyvelasquez4156]

What a great Story Amidst the turmoil we hear of on a daily basis. This is golden and yes so tangible. Books can create the world in our minds as well as outside. Congratulations to this couple for both stores and dream fulfillment. Thank you CBS keep bringing us more positivity so nice.😊🙏🏻😊

[@judya.shroads8245]

You can travel and never leave your house, by reading a good book.

[@BlackStorm555]

So true!!🙂🥤📚

[@patriciagurwitz509]

We need book stores. We need to touch them and value the contents👏👏👏

[@saynotop2w]

The reason physical books died in the first place was because of the space and price they took up. It wasn’t because bookstores were unpleasant to be at. This might work for that particular store, but it’s not the fundamental solution.

[@angbeebee1]

What a great story!

[@que5359]

I wish there was one on the east coast!

[@williamlarmer6745]

Thank you so much..what a wonderful human interest story

[@pathfinderstravelmagazine2903]

Books changed my life. " Nothing sweetener than a great read."

[@ematuskey]

TLB is a "must visit" stop every time I visit LA nowadays--and when I can't visit, I order off their online store. Love this place--glad to see others do as well!

[@tyrannosaurusburke]

Forget the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I want to visit this place!

[@truegrit7697]

I refuse to get a kendel. There is nothing like holding a book in your hands, flipping the page, dog-earing important pages, underlining important lines, etc. I love books and will always continue to buy them.

[@veritorossi]

I love going to bookstores. I live 3 blocks from one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. El Ateneo in Buenos Aires. I prefer going to the store, touching and looking at the books in person than just buying them online.

[@laxmigurung6007]

thank you

[@charlotteg8626]

Keep BOOKSTORES AND LIBRARIES ALIVE!!

[@davidlang1125]

I love this place. I’ve spent hours there. A great place for a first date! I only date readers.

[@Thisworldisagoner]

So much character in one single place. The bookoholic in me is quaking

[@nancyloomis3046]

Ooh I’d love to visit…. I think the desire….the satisfaction of turning a paper page instead of swiping one is related to the same reason we love REAL wooden floors and why they’re so valued in houses now. It’s that connection to something REAL….that connection to the earth that we’re all a part of. And how friggin great that kitties are around and will sit in your lap while you’re there! Too cool !😽😻👍

[@Marchant2]

There's a Barnes and Noble just up the road from me that's doing very well.

[@Khloe_dancer_model]

I am so HAPPY to hear that.Down here in South Florida,not much to see…I love NY for that reason as well,book stores everywhere!

[@brandywiNe001]

Been here numerous times. Love it!!

[@akelk1720]

Book stores are here to stay

[@eddiearmenta5248]

What a blessed story thanks very much for sharing. I just read some of the Bible today in between homework. It’s true what they say reading opens up your imagination, is healthy and the knowledge is always overflowing. Thanks again very much for sharing.

[@hungrysoles]

Bookstores will continue to exist because a lot of people want to hold a book and take time reading instead of reading off a screen. There will probably be more small book stores, as well as libraries selling their extra books and thrift shops. It's nice to have online book dealers when you know what you want. I haven't been Barnes & Noble for years. I give the owner a lot of credit to not letting being confined to a wheelchair stop him from making his dream come true.

[@tiffanyb.7596]

I hope I can visit there. I adore bookstores! This one looks amazing!!! Thank you for this beautiful video!!!!! 😊🦋

[@maryaldaco7228]

Thank you both for this Great gift to people. Would like to walk through your store & spend an afternoon just looking for treasures in binding. Unfortunately not able to make the trip. May God Bless you both.

[@irisrussell2831]

I loveeee books… nothing like cracking it open and finding a whole new world!

[@THEREVOLUTION-0.1]

they don't even read books, they're just there for a photo-op

[@shttc900]

Fabled Books in Waco, Texas is also worth a visit after you've spent time at the Silos.

[@andyroo9381]

The architecture of the books is great but the owner looks handsome as well.

[@Me97202]

The last bookstore? Hardly. Check out Powell’s in Portland.

[@XVeganDaveGodFreeX]

I clicked expecting the video to be about Powell's!

[@Me97202]

@@XVeganDaveGodFreeX me too!

[@KS-cl8br]

Last Bookstore is the name of the bookstore

[@Franaflyby]

Who says you cant judge a book by its cover....I do it all the time at the Last Book Store.

[@wj3186]

The feigned need for humans to be "seen" is so dreadfully abysmal.

[@rakiytzakari]

You can really get lost in here, it's amazing!

[@rabrab3]

Priceless!! Cannot wait to visit! Carry on!

[@leiajiang7877]

I went there because of the tourist destination reputation it has. It was super underwhelming. You have to seriously convinced yourself to like this place. Its one of those places that you are supposed to like but you don't so you do some serious mental gymnastics to like it so you can be like everyone else.

[@earthmother4397]

Sounds like it wasn't for you, that's okay. I hope you find a place that you love and people who agree with you. 😊

[@xyriusd832]

Don’t you dare take away my Barnes and Noble! That’s the one store that makes me feel happier when Iam sad. Unfortunately, that’s the only book store in my city.

[@joltjolt5060]

Sometimes you actually have to look at the physical book to see if it's what you need.

[@Angbwillinspireu]

"2nd & Charles" is another great, last of the brick-and-mortar bookstores around; where new & old books embrace row after row. But the "The Last Bookstore" seems like an amazing place.

[@daveodell700]

Powell’s books in downtown Portland

[@silverflame2501]

Just wait when graphene replaced the paper page of those books....... New Era of books baby

[@BookJedi84]

I wish I could work here

[@myoldvhstapes]

No air conditioning. It's insufferable in the summer.

[@cameo668]

I have a ton of ebooks, but nothing - NOTHING - beats the fun of holding a real book in my hands and the smell of paper and ink. You don't get any of that from a digital book.

[@voncileminter9473]

This made my day!

[@kl656]

What a lovely alliteration " literary labyrinth "

[@ematuskey]

Oh and for fellow West Coasties: The Last Bookstore is LA's version of Powell's Books--if you like one, you'll like the other!