Unearth The Voyage
Tucked inside a historic bank building in downtown Los Angeles, The Last Bookstore offers more than just shelves of reading material—it presents an entire world to explore. With its famous book tunnel, towering architecture, and maze-like second floor known as the Labyrinth, this independent bookstore has become one of California’s most enchanting destinations. Whether you’re a passionate reader, a curious traveler, or someone who loves discovering hidden gems, The Last Bookstore promises an unforgettable adventure through pages, art, and imagination.
A Loft Dream Turned Grand Literary Temple
Josh Spencer started something small in 2005—a loft filled with books and records in downtown Los Angeles. What began as a modest dream grew into something far grander when the store moved to its current location in 2011.
Now housed in a stunning 22,000 square foot former bank building at 453 S Spring Street, the bookstore inherited elegant architectural features that make every visit feel special. Towering marble columns reach toward the ceiling, brass details catch the light, and the original bank vault has been reimagined as a cozy reading space.
Walking through the doors feels like entering a literary temple rather than a typical shop. Visitors expect an ordinary bookstore but discover sweeping mezzanine views, hidden corners waiting to be explored, and labyrinthine pathways that wind through endless shelves—a perfect marriage of historic grandeur and bookish wonder.
Walk Through a Tunnel Made Entirely of Books
Hundreds of thousands of volumes fill The Last Bookstore, making it California’s largest independent seller of new and used books. Records, art installations, and quirky curiosities occupy every available corner, turning casual browsing into a full sensory experience.
Among all these treasures, one feature stands out as the most photographed: the book tunnel. Built entirely from stacked volumes, this archway invites patrons to walk beneath a cascade of colorful spines and titles, creating a magical passageway that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Vinyl lovers find dedicated alcoves filled with records, while art enthusiasts discover installations scattered throughout the mezzanine levels. The vintage vault room offers another layer of charm. For collectors hunting rare editions or visitors simply seeking visual delight, every section reveals something unexpected and wonderful.
The Labyrinth Upstairs Where Dollar Books Reign
Climb the stairs to discover the Labyrinth—a sprawling second floor that lives up to its name. This maze-like space overflows with thousands of used books, many priced at just one dollar each, making literary treasures accessible to everyone.
Winding pathways lead through towering shelves, creating a sense of exploration and discovery around every corner. Creative installations add whimsy to the experience, transforming what could be ordinary storage into an immersive artistic environment.
Budget-conscious readers find incredible deals here, while treasure hunters enjoy the thrill of uncovering forgotten classics or unexpected finds. The Labyrinth rewards those who take their time, offering surprises that range from rare editions locked in display cases to affordable paperbacks perfect for casual reading. Comfortable shoes are recommended—you’ll want to explore every twist and turn of this book-filled wonderland above.
Cultural Revival in a Changing Downtown
The Last Bookstore became more than retail space—it evolved into a cultural heartbeat for downtown Los Angeles. As the neighborhood underwent revitalization, this independent bookstore brought creative energy and foot traffic that helped transform the area.
Regular author talks, art exhibitions, and community events deepen its role beyond simply selling books. Josh Spencer’s personal journey adds another layer to the story: shifting from online sales of cars and clothes to creating a physical sanctuary dedicated to printed media took courage and vision.
At a time when digital formats dominate reading habits, The Last Bookstore celebrates the tactile joy of turning pages and the serendipitous discoveries that come from browsing physical shelves. It offers an analog refuge for minds still drawn to the smell of old paper and the weight of a book in hand—proof that brick-and-mortar spaces still matter.
Historic Bank Architecture Meets Literary Magic
Built in 1914 as the Citizens National Bank, the building that houses The Last Bookstore carries over a century of history within its walls. Soaring 25-foot ceilings create dramatic vertical space, while massive marble pillars anchor the room with timeless elegance.
Original mosaic-tiled floors peek through in places, reminding visitors of the building’s financial past. These architectural elements weren’t covered up or hidden—instead, they were celebrated and integrated into the bookstore’s design philosophy.
Evening visits showcase how dramatic lighting transforms these historic features, casting shadows that emphasize the building’s grandeur. The juxtaposition of old-world banking elegance with contemporary book culture creates an atmosphere unlike any other retail space. Photographers and architecture enthusiasts visit specifically to capture these details, while book lovers simply enjoy how the setting elevates the entire browsing experience into something memorable and special.
Practical Tips for Your Literary Pilgrimage
Planning your visit? The Last Bookstore sits in the Spring Arts Tower at 453 S Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles, easily accessible for both locals and tourists exploring the area.
Arrive with patience and curiosity—rushing through defeats the purpose. Head straight for the vault area and iconic book tunnel first to capture photos before crowds gather. Comfortable shoes matter since you’ll be standing and walking for longer than expected.
Set aside a budget because unexpected treasures have a way of following you home. The store mixes affordably priced used books with rare editions secured in display cases, offering options for every collector’s wallet. Evening hours provide the best lighting for photography and a quieter atmosphere for browsing. Whether you’re a serious collector, casual reader, or simply someone seeking wonder in unexpected places, The Last Bookstore transforms ordinary shopping into extraordinary exploration.
