Best Independent Bookstores In OC
(credit: Santiago Cornejo/shutterstock)
E-books have not yet killed the paper book industry. Bookstores still exist (even independent ones), and they are fully stocked with non-electronic books. Orange County is full of independent bookstores that have not been conquered by the internet and show no signs of capitulation. In fact, many of them have used the internet to their advantage and sell their paper books online. You can use your physical shopping cart or your virtual shopping cart when purchasing at local independent bookstores.
The Bookman
840 Tustin St.
Orange, California 92867
(800) 538-0166
www.orange.ebookman.com
The Bookman specializes in "used, unique and out of print books." This used bookstore has a vast selection of discarded written treasures. You can also trade in books at the store, and you can buy books either at the store or online. Their online component provides a virtual "shopping cart" tool for the online shopper. You can also use their search engine to help you locate specific books that you wish to buy.
Laguna Beach Books
1200 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, California 92651
(949) 494-4779
www.lagunabeachbooks.com
Laguna Beach Books attempts to create a sense of community with their book store. Located in the HIP District, which stands for Historic and Interesting Places, Laguna Beach Books makes for a fun shopping experience. So, dropping by the bookstore will probably be just one of the things you do on your trip to the district. Laguna Beach Books hosts many book club meetings and other events at the store as well. This is another bookstore with an impressive online shopping component, which is immediately reflected when visiting its website.
One Dollar Bookstore
1526 East Lincoln Ave.
Orange, CA 92865
(714) 363-3854
www.theonedollarbookstore.com
With three locations, including in Orange, Lake Forest (under the name Piccolo's Bookstore), and another One Dollar Bookstore in Los Angeles, this is an incredible book store because the organization puts a big emphasis on putting its books into the right hands of disadvantaged youth. In order to provide for the education of kids, they assist schools and communities by providing books for "Gift of Knowledge" book drives. The book drives are not only a way to provide affordable books for kids; they are also a way for schools to raise some money.
Related: Best Books About Orange County
Camelot Books
18838 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-3122
www.camelot-books.com
Camelot Books in Fountain Valley offers new, used and rare books for those who are looking for books. With a massive inventory of over 75,000 books, and over 33,400 being mass-market paperbacks, it's certainly one of the best book stores to visit if you're looking for a book in print. They also have a children's book section, which includes some educational toys for sale.
The Book Cellar
5340 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 777-5400
www.vineyardbookcellar.com
This witty Christian bookstore in the heart of Anaheim, with the fun play on words in its name, has books, music, coffee and more for sale. Their inventory consists of Christian books and music, making it a niche store. When you're not browsing the shelves, you can order something from the cafe. The cafe baristas can get creative with your coffee and dress it up to be something as rich as a Double Fudge Mocha Frappe. For people who don't like coffee, there are other drinks for sale as well (smoothies, tea, hot apple cider, etc).
Related: OC's Best Comic Book Stores