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Five Independent Bookstores to Visit Across Orange County

Writer's picture: Rachel MendiolaRachel Mendiola

Orange County’s wide variety of independent new and used bookstores makes for a cozy experience for literary enthusiasts, aspiring authors and more. 

The inside of LibroMobile, which offers literary works for all ages in English and Spanish for residents of Santa Ana, a largely Latinx community. Photo by Rachel Mendiola, Culture OC
The inside of LibroMobile, which offers literary works for all ages in English and Spanish for residents of Santa Ana, a largely Latinx community. Photo by Rachel Mendiola, Culture OC
 

Short fiction and graphic novelist Neil Gaiman once said “a town isn’t a town without a bookstore.” When we think of the relationship between towns and bookstores, what’s the difference? It is no secret that behind boundless inventories of books lies a history of owners, passing down works of literature to generations that will continue to do the same. 


Orange County is a proud literary powerhouse, with a wide array of independent new and used bookstores for anyone to visit across its many cities. If you find yourself in the area, or look around where you live, these five independent bookstores will provide you with nuanced book options and exciting experiences. 


LibroMobile 

Located at the Bristol Swap Mall in Santa Ana, LibroMobile is not your average bookstore. The store specializes in Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) works, ethnic studies, social justice and Spanish literature.


Books are not the only literary consumables, however. Visitors can explore zines – small, original works of shared ideas and experiences over a wide range of topics. Local authors looking to self-publish are also celebrated, with a section dedicated to works of indie presses and independent works for sale.


Many can expect to find a special collection archive (a hub of rare and historic works) at universities, libraries or research facilities, but LibroMobile changes the narrative with its unique “Special Collections” room dedicated to novels, plays and research books in the following topics:


  • Asian American and Pacific Islander studies

  • Politics and philosophy

  • Immigration and border studies

  • Chicanx studies

  • American studies


PHOTO 1: Custom merch exhibits the shop’s brand identity. PHOTO 2: A shelf of zines populates the wall, showcasing exclusive works from local authors. PHOTO 3: The “Special Collections” room holds literary plays, fiction and scholarship from the 20th century and onward. Photos by Rachel Mendiola, Culture OC 
PHOTO 1: Custom merch exhibits the shop’s brand identity. PHOTO 2: A shelf of zines populates the wall, showcasing exclusive works from local authors. PHOTO 3: The “Special Collections” room holds literary plays, fiction and scholarship from the 20th century and onward. Photos by Rachel Mendiola, Culture OC 
 

LibroMobile was founded thanks to the LibroMobile Arts Cooperative (LMAC), a nonprofit organization established by author Sarah Rafael García. Although LMAC began with minimal funding, it became the only literature arts cultural center for the city of Santa Ana’s 80% of Latinx residents, which contributes to Orange County’s 60% population of people of color. 


If it can keep its doors open, LibroMobile aims to expand its store with future plans of establishing a writing workshop space and coffee pop-up for local residents and aspiring authors.


LibroMobile is located at 1150 S Bristol St., A3, Santa Ana.


The Bookman’s exterior, displaying pocket books and some of its inventory to welcome guests. Photo courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez
The Bookman’s exterior, displaying pocket books and some of its inventory to welcome guests. Photo courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez
The Bookman

The Bookman was founded in 1990 by Paul Bonaventure Jr. and David Hessas as a used, rare and out-of-print bookstore in the city of Orange. It was originally located at 840 N. Tustin St. (next to the beloved yet now-defunct Pepperland music store), but moved to its current 320 E. Katella Ave. home six years ago.

  

From its cozy furniture and decor to the art prints on the shelves, this treasure trove’s vintage aesthetic speaks to all that come by.


Art pieces composed of vintage book covers, pop cultural icons and moments, and modern art populate the bookshelves, referencing the store’s 30 years of history. Photo courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez
Art pieces composed of vintage book covers, pop cultural icons and moments, and modern art populate the bookshelves, referencing the store’s 30 years of history. Photo courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez
 

What’s particularly unique about The Bookman is that the majority of its relics are from the 20th century in fiction, nonfiction, lifestyle, cooking, automotive, international literature and more. It also holds a dedicated section to William Shakespeare’s plays, along with rare editions of professional texts and manga works that have not been seen in decades. Offered at affordable prices, book lovers and college students can find what they’re looking for among this museum of special editions, scarce copies and shared ideas.


The store also has events for those interested in sharing their work with the world. Currently, The Bookman hosts “Poetry Reading and Spoken Word” sessions every fourth Friday of the month at 7 p.m. The next session will take place on Friday, Jan. 24 inside the book shop. 


Explore The Bookman’s website to learn more about its unique collections, events and more. The store is located at 320 E Katella Ave., Orange.


Half Off Books Records Films’ brick and mortar exterior located in downtown Fullerton, one of Fullerton’s most historical landmarks. Photo courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez
Half Off Books Records Films’ brick and mortar exterior located in downtown Fullerton, one of Fullerton’s most historical landmarks. Photo courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez
Half Off Books Records Films

Half Off Books Records Films is a hot spot for Fullerton’s lively community to explore art in different media, but with a twist. The store sells new and used books, vinyl records and rare collections of movies at affordable prices for those looking to consume art in various ways. 


Special editions of comics, manga and children’s books fill the first section of the store upon walking in. This store has a large range of genres, including science fiction, art history and theory, philosophy, young adult literature and more.