Orange County’s wide variety of independent new and used bookstores makes for a cozy experience for literary enthusiasts, aspiring authors and more.
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
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
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.
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
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.
PHOTO 1: Lightly used vinyl records, in combination with books of eclectic genres create an exciting experience for visitors looking to collect art without breaking the bank. Photo courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez. PHOTO 2: This first edition of Nabokov’s “Lolita” was printed in France because the novel was rejected by all American publishers. It is considered an influential work of the 20th century. Photo by Rachel Mendiola, Culture OC
Vinyl records also populate the store, sorted by different artists in bins that customers can shuffle through. It’s a collector’s dream – visitors can buy books, a vinyl record and perhaps a lightly used, complete set of their favorite cult classic film.
Although the store has a modern touch to it, rare copies of books for sale populate the glass shelves below the information desk. A rare copy of the first edition of Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita” (1955) shipped from Paris rests inside the glass counter for sale at $2,000. A rare sight to see, this place holds a piece of literary history on display for bibliophiles to enjoy, inquire about and bond over.
Half Off Books Records Films earned a certificate of recognition by the California Legislature Assembly in 2021, and was honored by the Whittier Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
PHOTO 1: The outside of Arvida Book Co., with signage communicating the different kinds of offerings one can expect when visiting. PHOTO 2: The children’s tree house is designed to foster an immersive combination of reading and play for young children and their families. Photos courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez
Arvida Book Company
A woman-owned independent bookshop located on Main Street and El Camino Real in Tustin, Arvida Book Co. sets the scene for book lovers of all ages to unite. Its collection of used books in queer and autobiographical literature, fiction, history, art, gardening and more take up the store’s shelves. Its immersive nature-inspired interior also includes a children's corner in the shape of a treehouse meant for family friendly fun.
Book clubs are also one of Arvida's unique offerings, displaying a board with a list of many book clubs one can join. Genres range among poetry, classics, fantasy, romantasy and parenting. Its community presence does not stop there – merchandise for readers can also be seen at every inch and corner, such as candles named after literary references, Arvida-branded clothing and tote bags.
PHOTO 1: The schedule of book clubs remains open for new members and encourages communication through discord. PHOTOS 2 and 3: The bookshop includes a cozy lounging area for visitors to sit and spend the entire day. Photo courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez
Local authors are also encouraged to self-publish, with an opportunity to submit their work to the Arvida Review, a community-oriented short fiction publication designed to provide a platform for diverse voices. An effort to strengthen Orange County’s literary community, the Arvida Review aims to organize book signings, workshops and author readings to connect local writers to an audience and embrace the art of writing.
Community events are also one of the store’s many components, with Arvida participating in the annual Orange County Book Fair. The OC Book Fair is an independent fair centered in the heart of Old Town Tustin where local booksellers, publishers and vendors curate book signings and activities for people of all ages.
Stay tuned for updates on the next OC Book Fair on its website. You can also learn more about Arvida Book Co. and its upcoming events on the store website.
Lido Village Books
Lido Village Books is located in the Newport Beach area, holding over 40 years of history and community presence. Upon entering the shop, one can expect to see a coastal theme and immediate shelves of most popular book genres: self-help, fiction, thriller and true crime. A space dedicated to exploring the power of literature, Lido Village Books mostly carries works by local and indie authors – opening a way to celebrate those in the area looking to foster a positive impact through writing.
A proud partner across Orange County, Lido Village Books collaborates with Segerstrom Center for the Arts as its local bookseller for the “In Conversation” series, a program dedicated to bringing renowned authors for an evening of interaction with the local community. With its other partner, the Resort at Pelican Hill, Lido Village Books works to organize events where guests of all ages are welcome for sessions of storytelling and engaging discussions.
PHOTO 1: Upon walking in, visitors are greeted by the most popular section of literature the store has to offer, which is self-help. PHOTO 2: The space where local events are held. Booksellers hold different workshops and events to gather a community of readers and writers. Photos courtesy of Jovanny Gonzalez
Bolstering community involvement and unity are also something the Lido Village Books team members pride themselves in, providing writing workshops, writing camps for children in the summers, and the Local Indie Author program, designed to help local authors self-publish by curating book signing events and assistance with marketing.
The store also holds many events and exciting opportunities for families. One of its ongoing events is the “Little Lido” storytime every Thursday at 10 a.m., where families are invited to gather in the shop for a short storytime led by one of the crew’s booksellers. The store’s team of booksellers will also be at the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books in April.
If you are interested in the opportunities and events offered at Lido Village Books, visit the store’s Substack page.
PLUS ONE MORE: The Untold Story Bookstore
Read Cynthia Rebolledo's story about The Untold Story Bookstore published last month: Anaheim's The Untold Story Bookstore is a Longtime Dream Finally Realized
