COMMUNITY
THE LAST BOOKSTORE
Our anchor citizen
is the aptly named The Last Bookstore, the sprawling new and used independent bookstore located on the Ground Floor and Mezzanine level of the Spring Arts Tower is one of the last stores of its kind left. With a collection of over 50,000 items, The Last Bookstore offers a treasure trove of literary delight.
Standing strong
What started off as a simple online eBay operation has now turned itself into an enchanting 10,000 sq. ft storefront, which can be credited to the store’s founder, Josh Spencer. While most bookstores are closing their doors as a result of the rise in eBook sales, Spencer’s store defies the odds. Their expanding space is testament to their survival.
In addition to books, they have grown to now house a vast vinyl record shop and even a coffee bar. Their $1.00 book section will expand even further as they’re building out the Mezzanine level to house over 100,000 $1.00 books in which the proceeds of the books will go to support tutoring the homeless children of Skid Row. Not only will you find some of the rarest books around but your proceeds go towards reinvigorating the community; it can’t get much better than that…
Whatever suits your fancy
From the inventive artwork featured throughout the store to the cozy leather chairs, customers are encouraged to curl up and revel in their latest novel. And they don’t just sell unique books; The Last Bookstore also has a calendar of events that is comparable to their diverse book collection. Book readings, musical performances, weekly SPEAK EASY open mic nights, and Skillshare lessons on introductory knitting are just some of the monthly happenings available on the Ground Floor of the Spring Arts Tower.
Lets give ‘em something to talk about
With so many projects and events going on, The Last Bookstore has attracted a great deal of attention. It’s been heralded in The Los Angeles Times as a store that’s bringing back Downtown’s Golden Age and is continually praised for its ability to defy the bookstore trend. They’ve also won Los Angeles Downtown News’ 11th annual Downtowners of Distinction award because it’s a crucial gathering place for the community.
So whether you’re searching for the latest best seller or simply wandering through the bookshelves while sipping coffee, come see for yourself why this bookstore really leaves a mark. It embodies the eclectic spirit that makes the Historic core of downtown Los Angeles undeniably charming. You never know what you’re going to stumble upon when you wander on into The Last Bookstore.
“Buy, sell, trade, and above all read real books… before they’re gone.”
– The Last Bookstore(lastbookstorela.com)
SPRING ARTS COLLECTIVE
Spring Arts Tower has, in its short history evolved into a leading creative community in Los Angeles teaming with world class artists-painters, sculptors and photographers, graphic, fashion and jewelry designers, architects, ad agencies and production companies. The neighborhood reinvented itself in recent years becoming Gallery Row. The Gallery Row Organization opened their first office in Spring Arts back in 2004 not long after Gallery Row was formally introduced to the public at an unveiling ceremony in Biddy Mason Park, hosted by Council Member Jan Perry and sponsored by Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (who incidentally has an office on our 10th floor).
The Downtown Art Walk, sponsored by Gallery Row Organization and Bert Green Fine Art began in September of 2004 with two galleries representing Spring Arts. Gallery Row now boasts over 40 galleries and lures in thousands of art enthusiasts and patrons.
Spring Arts Tower, the “the hub of Gallery Row” champions art and culture in Los Angeles like no other and houses several galleries including CB1 Gallery and The Spring Arts Collective.
Spring Arts Tower has hosted many an art event but has also hosted fashion shows, poetry readings (with twice Nobel Prize nominee Alicia Ghiragossian), film festivals, haunted houses, an NBA All Star after party, and the 2009 Western Regional Barista Competition sponsored by Intelligensia Coffee.
