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Banned Books Week: Bookstores in L.A.

Banned Books Week runs September 25 to October 2 and I can think of no better way to celebrate than by getting lost in the pages of a good book (banned or not) from a local bookstore or library. That's right, I like good old-fashioned black and white print on paper, in a book I can hold in my hands. Judy Blume's "Forever"--yes, I've got that, with the naughty pages dog-eared. Below, favorite independent bookstores (and a library and thrift store) within driving distance.

Updated: October 04, 2010

Favorite Independent Bookstores (and My Library)

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Skylight Books

1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)

This Los Feliz spot is a fave for the indie-reading set.

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Book Soup

8818 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (map)

You can forget the glitz and glamour of the Sunset Strip when you duck inside this shop (with a healthy selection of titles on showbiz, if that happens to be your thing).

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Bookhouse

1026 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 (map)

It's possible to spend hours in this old house with creaky floors and used books everywhere you turn.

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Vroman's Bookstore

695 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101 (map)

The largest independent bookstore in Southern California is also one of its oldest, with a selection that always impresses.

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Bart's Books

302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023 (map)

Okay, this one is not in LA. But it's worth the drive to Ojai. Bookshelves outdoors!

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Venice-Abbot Kinney Library

501 S Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

There's joy in borrowing from the local library (and reserving a book online).

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Council Thrift Shops

11801 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (map)

Recycling at its best: buying from a thrift shop. There's often a gem on the shelves here (and at the other locations of this local thrift chain).

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Small World Books

1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Near Muscle Beach on Venice's freaky-fun stretch of Ocean Front Walk is this surprisingly low-key, well-stocked bookstore.

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