That\u2019s not all. Other Southern California bookstores are struggling and adapting to create ways to keep going (so if there\u2019s a local shop you value in your community, please consider adding a regular visit to your to-do list).<\/p>\n
But there are promising developments for readers, too. In recent months, new stores have opened up, joining the 100+ destinations on our bookstore map and our expansive list of information on each of these establishments,<\/a> as well as the 2026 debuts, location changes and more. And hey, the year isn\u2019t over yet; Skylight Books<\/a> is working on opening its new Eagle Rock store either later this year or early next year.<\/p>\n We reached out to booksellers at 8 new bookstores that opened in Southern California in 2026 with questions, so read on to learn about these new members of the local book community and plan your next visit.<\/p>\n Map: 100 Southern California independent bookstores to visit in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Los Angeles County<\/p>\n Good Girl Books<\/p>\n 12444 Venice Blvd., Venice<\/p>\n (310) 439-2054 | https:\/\/goodgirlbooks.com\/<\/a> | @goodgirlbooksla<\/p>\n Hours: 10 a.m. \u2013 6 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday.<\/p>\n About the store: Good Girl Books is a women-owned independent bookstore in Los Angeles. Founded by two best friends bonded by a lifelong love for reading, this community-oriented space offers a cozy destination for book lovers of all genres to connect over their shared love of stories.<\/p>\n When it opened: We opened in March 2026, and our cafe will open later this year.<\/p>\n A message from the bookseller: I love how excited our community has been to see a bookstore open in Mar Vista! From our book clubs to craft nights, from Independent Bookstore Day<\/a> to Bookstore Romance Day<\/a>, the community has really shown up for us. We\u2019re so grateful to have created a safe, welcoming space where people can come together, connect, and feel at home. And best of all, we get to talk about books all day with people who are just as passionate about reading as we are.<\/p>\n A recommendation: Our current favorite books include The Ninth House trilogy by Leigh Bardugo<\/a>, \u201cHomegoing\u201d by Yaa Gyasi<\/a>, \u201cClytemnestra\u201d by Costanza Casati, \u201cEverything I Know About Love\u201d by Dolly Alderton, \u201cThe Secret History\u201d by Donna Tartt, and \u201cParadise Problem\u201d by Christina Lauren. Some books we can\u2019t keep on the shelves: \u201cFruit Fly\u201d by Josh Silver, \u201cDungeon Crawler Carl\u201d by Matt Dinniman<\/a>, and \u201cPersephone\u2019s Curse\u201d by Katrina Leno.<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n Librairie<\/p>\n 3928 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles<\/p>\n Email: jackie@librairiebooks.com | website: www.librairiebooks.com<\/a> | IG: @librairie_bookshop<\/p>\n Hours: Thursday \u2013 Sunday, 11 a.m. \u2013 6 p.m.<\/p>\n About the store: The shop stocks a mix of fiction, nonfiction and children\u2019s titles, and its shelves are filled with books on nature, science, film, music, philosophy, art, design, photography and literature that focuses on women and queer perspectives.<\/p>\n When it opened: May 30, 2026<\/p>\n A message from the bookseller: \u201cInstead of dividing the store by only fiction, only nonfiction, only art, I wanted to mix it all into each category,\u201d said store owner Jackie DesForges<\/a>, who we spoke to in June. \u201cEspecially with the space, just because it is so small, I figured if I grouped everything together in one category it\u2019d be easier for people to navigate and work their way around.\u201d<\/p>\n A recommendation: \u201cAnalog activities are very important to me,\u201d said DesForges. \u201cThings that get you off the screen that you have to use your hands for. I have notebooks over there. I have more crafty things. There are these really cool mending kits to fix your clothing. Reading cards, things like that, for screen break time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n The Loved One<\/p>\n 1634 W Temple St., Echo Park, Los Angeles<\/p>\n IG: @thelovedone_la<\/p>\n Hours: Open for events; regular shop hours coming soon<\/p>\n About the store: The Loved One carries a mix of new and used books focusing on the arts and literature, and it\u2019s the exclusive retailer of all Hat & Beard Press<\/a> titles.<\/p>\n When it opened: April 2026<\/p>\n A message from the bookseller: Always be reading \u2014 carry a pocket-sized book wherever you go for quiet in-between moments.<\/p>\n A recommendation: Our namesake! \u201cThe Loved One\u201d by Evelyn Waugh is a savage comedic black satire set in a fictional Los Angeles cemetery, much like Forest Lawn.<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n Outpost Books<\/p>\n 1010\u00bd Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena.<\/p>\n (626) 399-0595 | website: https:\/\/outpostbooksla.com<\/a> | IG: @outpostbooksla<\/p>\n Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.<\/p>\n About the store: At Outpost Books, we aim to capture that classic feeling of pulling off Route 66 and discovering a hidden gem of a trading post. We carry new and used books for readers of all ages and interests, with a particular love for stories deeply rooted in the land and culture of the Southwest.<\/p>\n When it opened: Opens September 19th, 2026<\/p>\n A message from the bookseller:\u00a0My hope is that Outpost Books will be a welcoming gathering spot for our community \u2014 a space where you can slow down, relax in a chair, and completely lose track of time. Whether you\u2019re stopping in to find a cozy neighborhood sanctuary or looking to be transported to another world entirely, I want every person who walks through our doors to feel at home and leave with a new story to love.<\/p>\n A recommendation: It\u2019s funny that \u201cLonesome Dove\u201d and \u201cEast\u201d are having a resurgence right now. Those have been close to my heart forever and are definitely Outpost Books types of books!<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n Wolfcat Books<\/p>\n 3205 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles<\/p>\n (213) 475-7501 | website: https:\/\/bookshop.org\/shop\/wolfcatbooks<\/a>| IG: @wolfcatbooks<\/p>\n Hours:Tues: 10:30 a.m.- 4 p.mWed & Thurs: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.Fri: 10 a.m. \u2013 5 p.mSat: 10 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m.Sun: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m<\/p>\n About the store: Wolfcat Books is a small bookshop in Atwater Village, Los Angeles, where one can delight in the joy and creativity of children\u2019s books.<\/p>\n When it opened: Our grand opening was on June 20, 2026!<\/p>\n A message from the bookseller: Through its curated selection, Wolfcat aims to encourage a love of books and stories while also providing a place for discovery and community, all with a dash of whimsy.<\/p>\n Picture books are one of my favorite art forms \u2013 seemingly so simple but actually so complex in their combination of visual art and poetry packed into the most compact package. They have to appeal to several audiences at once \u2013 children and the adults choosing them or reading them aloud. A good picture book can be enjoyed by anyone, young or old.<\/p>\n A recommendation: Some of my favorite books: \u201cThey All Saw a Cat,\u201d \u201cNoodlephant,\u201d \u201cMiss Rumphius,\u201d \u201cDu Iz Tak,\u201d \u201cThe Color Kittens.\u201d Some popular books at the store, so far: \u201cA Potato on a Bike,\u201d \u201cLittle Witch Hazel,\u201d \u201cThe Wise Pickle,\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t Trust Fish,\u201d \u201cWatermelon Pool.\u201d<\/p>\n Riverside County<\/p>\n Get Lit Books & Things<\/p>\n 12125 Day St. #E303, Moreno Valley<\/p>\n Hours: Wed. \u2013 Fri. 1 p.m. \u2013 7 p.m.; Saturday \u2013 Sunday 12 p.m. \u2013 6 p.m.<\/p>\n (951) 807-2191 | www.getlitbooksandthings.com<\/a> | IG: @getlitbooksandthings<\/p>\n About the store: Get Lit stocks new and used books and other items, prioritizing women, people of color, and LGBTQ authors.<\/p>\n When it opened: March 14 at its new location at Canyon Springs Plaza in Moreno Valley.<\/p>\n A message from the bookseller: \u201cEverything we do, we try to make community-based,\u201d co-owner Danielle said when we spoke in March<\/a>. \u201cWe want to give back to the community we\u2019re in, so we work with a lot of organizations, nonprofits and different groups to host events.\u201d<\/p>\n A recommendation: \u201cThat\u2019s another thing about the store; it\u2019s helping me build my nonfiction muscle,\u201d says co-owner Ruth, also a fantasy reader, who says she gets a lot of suggestions from Danielle. \u201cMy wife loves to talk about books, so she\u2019s like, \u2018Read this!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n San Bernardino County<\/p>\n Morgan\u2019s Books<\/p>\n 659 E 15th St., Suite F1, Upland<\/p>\n Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tues.- Sun. (closed Mon)<\/p>\n www.morgansbooks.com\/<\/a> | IG: @morgansbooksupland<\/p>\n About the store: I spent many years dreaming of opening this bookstore. In addition to a curated book selection, we are a local third space to gather with the community.<\/p>\n When it opened: The store opened in June, but was a local pop-up since Dec. 2025<\/p>\n A message from the bookseller: My favorite book is \u201cThe Sparrow\u201d by Mary Doris Russell. Popular this summer have been the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and our first book club selection, \u201cEverything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt\u201d by Ben Reeves.<\/p>\n San Diego County<\/p>\n Carlsbad Village Books and Marlas Cafe<\/p>\n Carlsbad Village Books and Marla\u2019s Coffee<\/p>\n 640 Grand Ave., Suite A, Carlsbad.<\/p>\n admin@carlsbadvillagebooks.com | www.carlsbad-village.com\/go\/carlsbad-village-books<\/a> | IG: @carlsbadvillagebooks<\/p>\n Hours: Coffee shop: 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. Bookstore: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.<\/p>\n About the store: Carlsbad Village Books is North County\u2019s largest independent bookstore. We are a family-owned and community-backed shop that features a massive selection of both new and used titles, a local caf\u00e9, elevated gifts and community space.<\/p>\n When it opened: We opened on July 2nd, 2026<\/p>\n A message from the bookseller: Come stay awhile! We have a little something for everyone. Our shop has been lovingly dubbed \u201cThe Hobbit House,\u201d due to the architecture, so we obviously lean in heavily on fantasy.<\/p>\n Sign up for our free newsletter about books, authors, reading and more<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/goodgirl.jpg\")
Inside Good Girl Books in Venice. (Courtesy of the bookstore)<\/p>\n![\"Jackie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/LDN-L-BOOK-TINYSTORE-0619-03-1.jpeg\")
Jackie DesForges is the owner of Librairie, a bookstore in Silver Lake\u2019s Sunset Junction, which opened May 30, 2026. She\u2019s seen at the store on June 13, 2026. (Photo by Erik Pedersen\/SCNG)<\/p>\n![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OCR-L-BOOK-2026STORES-0918-03.jpeg\")
Inside The Loved One bookstore and gallery on May 30, 2026. (Photo by Erik Pedersen)<\/p>\n![\"Outpost](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/outpost-books-Simran-Malik-091.jpg\")
Outpost Books opens to the public on Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo by Simran Malik \/ Courtesy of the bookstore)<\/p>\n![\"Wolfcat](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Wolfcat_Front-corner-view.jpg\")
Wolfcat Books is a bookshop in Atwater Village, Los Angeles. (Courtesy of the bookstore)<\/p>\n![\"(L-R)](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OCR-L-BOOK-GETLIT-0313-03.jpg\")
(L-R) Ruth and Danielle Myers-Porter are the owners of Get Lit Books & Things, which is reopening at a new location in Moreno Valley. (Photo courtesy of Get Lit Books & Things)<\/p>\n![\"Morgan's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OCR-L-BOOK-2026STORES-0918-01_c9b5f9-e1789606016425.jpg\")
Morgan\u2019s Books at 659 E 15th Street, Suite F1, Upland. (Courtesy of the bookstore)<\/p>\n![\"Carlsbad](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/OCR-L-BOOK-2026STORES-0918-01.jpg\")
Carlsbad Village Books and Marlas Cafe. (Courtesy of the bookstore)<\/p>\n