Bookstores, Hobby Shops and More
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Here's where you will find information about shops and other places of science fictional interest in Southern California. Many of these stores have web sites where you can purchase merchandise on-line.
Index of Los Angeles SF Resources
Bookstores emphasizing Science Fiction and Horror
A&M BooksellersSome bookstores are known for having rare and expensive books. Others are known for having the latest releases. But A&M Booksellers are known for having a huge selection of inexpensive 'reading copies' of out of print books. Now that dosen't mean they don't have rare and expensive books, because they do, but what they are known for is having tons of used books at very reasonable prices. They're the answer to a book addict's dream.
Their rare and collectible books are sold through their Massoglia Books Web Site, so be sure to check there to find out what's currently available.
19801 Vanowen, Unit D
Canoga Park, CA 91306
Phone : 818-716-6259
email : martysbooks@pacbell.net
Barry Levin
If you are interested in rare copies of science fiction and fantasy books, or first editions, then this is the place for you. Beyond just books - and man does he have the books - Barry Levin handles autographs, manuscripts, literary correspondence and original art. Rare science fiction first editions are certainly not inexpensive and they aren't everyone's cup of tea, but it's wonderful knowing that there's someplace in LA that specializes in these rare books.
Store Hours
720 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone : 310-458-6111
Fax : 310-899-9404
Book Fellows
Located in Glendale this used bookstore offers a combination of first editions and collectible books along with a broad selection of mystery and science fiction books in great condition. Their stock - as far as mystery and sf goes, is split fairly evenly between hardbacks and paperbacks and we always find something there that we weren't expecting to find. They also have a great selection of science fiction reference books and more than a few autographed books. But more than that, it's a nice friendly place to go to and spend a few hours in search of some new literary treasures - or at least a few good reads.
Store Hours
{But call first because their hours are sometimes seasonally adjusted.}
238 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
Phone : 818-545-0079
Fax : 818-545-0094
email : bookfellows@gowebway.com
Dark Delicacies
Located in Burbank, not far from Universal Studios - a place quite familiar to fans of horror fiction - Dark Delicacies is a bookstore devoted to the literature of horror and the fantastic. They have row after row of classic and contemporary horror along with collectibles and other things not likely to be found in more mundane shops. I mean, how many 'normal' book shops have a dedicated section for funerial artwork or keep collectibles and jewelry in an open casket. Like the sign on the door says, "Come on in, it's cool as a crypt inside".
Store Hours
4213 W. Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
Phone : 818-556-6660
Toll Free : 888-darkdel
email : darkdel@darkdel.com
Dangerous Visions
Dangerous Visions has long been a fixture in the LA science fiction scene. Though they changed from a physical to a cybernetic retailer a few years ago, they are still alive and well and can be reached through their web site.
Bookstores - various
Op AmpThis store has been a fixture in Southern California for about as long as Hour 25 has been around. It started out as a used bookstore specializing in scientific and engineering books and now features the largest and most comprehensive collection of scientific, engineering, computer and film production books that can be found anywhere. Whenever I'm looking for some obscure technical book, this is where I go because if they don't have it they can order it for me. This place is a 'must see' for anyone with an interest in scientific and technical subjects.
1033 N. Sycamore Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
Phone : 323-464-4322
Toll Free : 800-468-4322
Fax : 323-464-0977
email : opamp@netcom.com
Vroman's Bookstore
Vroman's has been an institution in Pasadena for over 100 years. They're a huge independent bookstore with a large selection of Science Fiction and horror books along with many science and computer books. They also sponsor a number of book discussion groups and have frequent signings.
Store Hours
695 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone : 626-396-1670
Toll Free : 800-769-BOOK
Fax : 626-792-7308
You might also be interested in Vroman's Museum Collection, which is their store dedicated to art, architecture and photography. Located at 340 S. Lake Ave. in Pasadena.
Phone 626-396-1670
Fax 626-396-1679.
Audiobooks
Jimmy B's
I love listening to books while I race around LA in my car. I first found Jimmy B's about a decade ago and have since been making the trek across town whenever my supply of audiobooks is getting a bit long in the tooth. They have a large selection of science fiction audiobooks for rent or purchase, along with loads of tapes on most any other subject you'd be interested in.
Store Hours
1632 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277-5604
Phone : 310-792-1718
Fax : 310-792-1719
email : jimmyb@audiobooks.com
Model Shops - with an emphasis on SF subjects
Monsters in MotionYou've got to love a hobby shop that has an aisle dedicated to spaceships and another for dinosaurs and giant Japanese monsters and another for characters from SF and horror movies and another for... But you get the picture. And they've got books and CDs and did I mention they've got loads of other SF and horror models? Oh my! It's worth a trip here just to see all the built up kits that line the walls of the store. {Even if it does intimidate me to see just how much better than me other people are at building and painting models.} They also have special events, signings and film showings and the like, so be sure to get on their mailing list.
Store Hours
181 West Orangethorpe Ave., Suite E
Placentia, California 92870
Monsters in Motion are currently located in a corner of an industrial park and they can be a bit hard to find. Click here for a map showing you how to find them.
Phone: 714-577-8863
Fax: 714-577-8865
The Monster Cellar
Going into this small shop gives you a case of information overload. {The only other store that comes close to this shop's 'kit density' is Comet Miniatures in London.} Their store is filled with kits and action figures along with books and magazines devoted to SF modeling. Most of their kits are of the horror/fantasy figure model genre but they also have a sprinkling of spaceship kits and other subjects.
3875 Pacific Coast Highway
Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: 310-378-7920
email : monsterclr@aol.com
Video
Museums
The Bunny MuseumOK, so the Bunny Museum is not really science fiction. On the other hand, it's certainly wonderful, quirky and eccentric. And Suzanne and I love it. A few years ago Candace Frazee's fiance Steve Lubanski bought her a single stuffed bunny. And then they discovered that stuffed bunnies reproduce faster than the real ones, and before long their house was filled with every imaginable sort of bunny collectible. So they did the only thing they could, they turned their house into a Bunny Museum. You've got to see it to believe it. It's open on holidays so you'll have to call before going over to make sure its open. It's easy to find. Just look for the house with the 15 foot bunny from the Rose Parade living on the front lawn. And while there be sure to spend some time with their real bunnies. They have some of the most affectionate bunnies that can be found anywhere. Buddy is especially friendly and will even lick your hand when you're not petting him.
1933 Jefferson Drive
Pasadena, CA 91104
Phone: 626-798-8848