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    Lost Books

    4.5 (177 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    I bought the one on the right, even though cropped tees make me feel like a baby. Wehh.

    I had a very LA day which included pilates, fancy bookstore, and Thai/Viet fusion food. Right? Lost Books if not considered fancy, is like the never broody, cup-is-half-full younger sister of dtla's Last Bookstore. You'll find parking easier, the place is brightly lit, EVERY plant is giving you oxygen, and the employees generally leave you alone unless you're ready to check out or they have to usher you out for closing time. I know that from personal experience (sorry Liz at the front register!). My favorite is the little reading nook that I learned is not meant for you to hide out like you are going to discover the bookstore version of Night at the Museum. The book selection is very decent although I would love to see some curated staff picks. I can't really speak on the vinyls because I was distracted by the apparel collaboration between Lost Books and Gimme Danger. Plus I don't have a record player or collection space, and I'm just not hipster enough to post records/covers as wall art. I don't love the drive to Montrose but it's an of-course-I'll-visit whenever I'm on this side of town. The stretch of stores on Honolulu Ave are so stinking cute. Bookmark it for the next time you want an LA day, away from helLA proper.

    T E.

    Came across this beautiful bookstore while exploring Montrose. The entire place looks and feels like a set from a fairytale. You walk in through a tunnel of plants. The entire bookshelf's are arranged like a labyrinth. I was a able to find a book that I had been searching for. I asked for help locating it and the gentleman working the counter walked me straight to the location. I will definitely be back next time I visit.

    Alizul Z.

    Stepping into this bookstore is like walking into a lush urban jungle. Verden plants spill from every shelf and corner, their vines weaving through an electric collection of bone chilling horror, vintage comics to intricate historical mysteries. At the heart of the store, a see-through mesh aviary houses a colony of small finches who are beeping and fluttering around inside. It is truly a paradise for any book lover. I recommend grabbing a cup of coffee and taking a slow stroll through the greenery. While you are there, be sure to check out the unique merchandise and T-shirts by the entrance. Though the prices of the books are quite steep, It is nonetheless a fun destination to visit.

    Vinyl
    Marcus C.

    Lost Books is a branch of The Last Bookstore. Having visited the DTLA and Studio City locations, I was curious about this Montrose location so I made a little road trip to check it out. There's plenty of street parking and there's a free public parking lot nearby, so no worries on finding a spot. Being a book nerd and an early bird (a double threat!), I showed up right when they opened. Out of the three The Last Bookstore locations, in terms of size I would say Lost Books is about on par with the Studio City branch. Definitely smaller than the original DTLA, but they make the most out of their layout. Lost Books is circularly designed like a spiral with a nice selection of books, vinyl, shirts, etc. If you're in the mood to get some reading done, there are a few reading nooks throughout the store. The book selection is a nice blend of new and old, all fairly priced. I snagged four books and the nice employee even threw in some free flower seeds - that's a first for me, but definitely appreciative since I have a green thumb mother-in-law! Overall I have to say that Lost Books is a nice bookstore. Considering how there's not a whole lot of bookstores anymore, it's always great to find one that offers a welcoming respite from the world. Getting lost in books is always a comfort for me, so if you're similar to me you need to visit Lost Books!

    Sit and relax
    Joyce G.

    I can't believe that when I lived in Montrose, I've walked by this place so many times and didn't realize what was inside!! Finally visited this place after seeing a few pictures and my daughter offered to take me for a visit. The pictures definitely look better than up close and personal depending where you take the shot. Plenty of books, and I liked how they displayed them. Definitely different from other bookstores that I've visited through the years. Some spots to sit while you decide to read a few pages before purchasing. Plenty of free parking and a few meters as well.

    Vipul M.

    Last Books is a branch of the famous bookstore The Last Bookstore in DTLA. Cool spot that has very different vibes almost feels like walking through racks of books in a jungle. Friendly staff who help you with any questions you may have. Cool day trip out of LA and the town Montrose has nice walkable streets with local shops and restaurants.

    Very large birdcage inside the store (with live birds) adds to the ambiance.
    Craig W.

    I am a sucker for bookstores, new, used, gently used, pre-owned, pre-washed, whatever. This one, I believe, is a sister to the absolutely fabulous and incredible LAST Bookstore in DTLA. This bookstore (no signage out front, it's LOST, get it?) is located along the delightful main drag of Montrose. It's got real birds chirping away in a cage, classic jazz vocalists on the sound system, plants, and a very well curated selection of books. I believe they are all used. I found some real gems here that I have been looking for forever. The store itself is not huge but there are more books here than you may think and the organization of the aisles is funky but not maddeningly so. I spent far more time (and money) here than I thought I would spend. But don't misunderstand: the book prices are not unreasonable. I just purchased a lot of books. They also have vinyl records and CDs, too. Montrose is really far from just about everywhere but this is an excellent bookstore in a very cute town and if you love books, put this delightful store high on your list.

    Sylvia L.

    One of my favorite independent bookstores! They have such a large selection of new and recycled reads, vinyls, merchandise, etc. They have multi floors and seating areas. Creative art displays that integrated in their shelving/walkway areas. Upper levels offer small boutiques with art galleries, comic book selections, and other independent finds. A book lovers paradise. I teach little ones and was so happy with the children's book area. Found titles I wouldn't have found elsewhere and I'd much better support a bookstore then online. walked out with a bag full. I appreciate recycled books that have a history of past enjoyment for others. Spent a an hour and could have spent more. Employees are helpful and value is great. Truly a treasure and I can't wait for my next visit.

    Isaiah G.

    We were on vacation found this place on yelp and decided to stop by. It's on a street with a lot of shopping and restaurants. This place is absolutely gorgeous even from the outside pictures don't do it justice. There's books and seating outside. They have a million plants here and they are all real. Extremely amazing how they keep them alive. There's a big fish tank and a giant cage with little birds. I loved how the shelves are located. They turn and swirl so you can see all the books. This place had amazing prices. I purchased a book for $3. The service was also fantastic. If you love books this has to be on your bucket list. Absolutely beautiful!

    Sidewalk seating
    Connor L.

    First time in this outstanding bookstore today. I've been wanting to visit the venue for quite a while. It was worth the wait. In the area with the bestie and we were looking for some wholesome touristy fun so we hit this Montrose Street shopping area. I didn't expect it to have all of the shops and restaurants that it did and for it to be spread out over three blocks. It was great! We walked up and back down and almost missed Lost Books. The signage is small but you cannot miss the arch on the front of building and the plethora of plants placed around the front and the door. When you walk inside there entryway is also arched and covers the entire archway. Signs do say to not touch the plants so keep your hands to yourself. We moved around the curved aisles separately and together and took it all in. Initially I was so transfixed by the design and decor I forgot I was there to look at books and the vinyl. The vinyl section is in the back of the store and they have a lot of options both older music and newer spanning most genres. There was seating near the racks and in a couple of other areas in the back. It was great to be in a bookstore that actually drew us in and created all of these niche moments so people would and could sit and read and relax. We spent about an hour moving around the space enjoying every inch. We both came away with a book or two to add to our collections. Thank you, Lost Books for sharing this warm and welcoming experience with us!

    Handmade lamps
    Mike C.

    This store is so adorable. They sell both used and new books, vinyl and plants. The design of the store is warm and inviting. Lots of places to sit and peruse. They will also buy your used books and/or accept donations.

    Crystal K.

    A cute used bookstore with unique finds in Montrose on a street filled with unique independent businesses. I love the plants, unique seating options, and curated list of books on the shelves. There's also some birds inside the bookstore! Definitely picture worthy place to visit as well as to read a chapter here and there

    Natalie J.

    An absolute paradise! A must visit bookstore if you are ever in the area. You would get lost in all they have to offer, with both used and new books. They even have a vinyl selection! The place itself is just cozy and inviting. With how easy it is to purchase books online, it's nice to see people still support actual bookstores. The staff was kind. The prices were reasonable. This will be a for sure stop anytime I am in the area.

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    4 days ago

    Great selection of books for all ages. Great value, get a book you will enjoy and share for under $10!

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    A fantastic selection of new and used books. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend.

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    Ask the Community - Lost Books

    Are little dogs allowed to accompany their owner on a short visit?

    Yes.

    Hello! What is the email address to contact to sell books?

    Do they carry childrens books?

    Yes, they do!

    Are dogs allowed inside?

    Yes.

    What is their business hours?

    Monday-Thursday from 11AM-6PM, Friday-Saturday from 11AM-9PM, and Sunday from 10AM-7PM.

    What are the hours and what days?

    They're open every day: Monday-Thursday from 11AM-6PM, Friday-Saturday from 11AM-9PM, and Sunday from 10AM-7PM.

    What are your hours?

    Monday-Thursday from 11AM-6PM, Friday-Saturday from 11AM-9PM, and Sunday from 10AM-7PM.

    What time are you open on weekday?

    Monday-Thursday from 11AM-6PM, Friday-Saturday from 11AM-9PM, and Sunday from 10AM-7PM.

    View All 14 Questions

    Review Highlights - Lost Books

    This is the sister bookstore to the last bookstore in downtown and the greenery is just absolutely stunning!

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

    Read more highlights

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