Lost Books Review
/Living in Los Angeles, there is no scarcity of things to do. You can fill every weekend with something new and never run out of adventures to pencil in for another day. But, with so many trendy spots and photo-ops popping up faster than I can add them to my calendar, it’s really easy to get caught up in a blur of newness. If I tried to visit them all, the journey would never end, so things really have to catch my eye for me to give them a visit. The maze-like labyrinth of Lost Books LA pulled me right in. I’m a reader at heart (specifically, a sucker for a good romance), so I fell in love with the way they breathe new life into the lost art of book shopping. We spoke with owner, Jenna Spencer of Lost Books LA to learn more about this bookstore and the story behind it.
Lost Books LA creates a space where a love for plants and books can intersect. Guests enter through a tunnel bursting with over 350 living plants hand-placed by Yuko of Yuko Kitchen in DTLA (@yukokitchen), who spent over 150 hours perfecting the tunnel. This sounds like an adventure in itself, but, beyond the entrance, the store is home to a selection of curated new and used books, vinyl, thriving tropical plants, and a saltwater fish tank featuring “Dori” and her friends. As if that weren’t enough to create an unforgettable experience, the store will be adding chirping finches in the bookshelf aviary. When asked how Lost Books LA juggles the variety of things they offer, Jenna said, “When working with things you love, it’s a joy, not a juggle!” This love, coupled with an amazing staff who serve as the backbone of Lost Books LA, is what allows the space to literally flourish. So, why books and plants? I asked Jenna how they landed on this unique pairing, but, to Jenna, the pairing seemed too natural not to combine!
The idea for the store itself came in the aftermath of a dinner date between Jenna and her husband. While taking a stroll down the twinkle-light-filled street after dinner, a large “for rent” sign was waiting for them in the window of a shop just two doors down from their meal. They locked eyes and instantly knew that this was their spot. A few days later, they signed the lease, and Lost Books LA was born.
Meet Jenna Spencer
Thank you for sharing Lost Books LA with us.
Lost Books LA is actually a companion store to The Last Bookstore, but don’t be fooled by this relationship: the two stores are completely unique from each other. The Last Bookstore is 22,000 sq ft., 2 levels, and provides a museum-like experience. Famous for its book tunnel, The Last Bookstore also boasts a rare books Annex filled with first editions and one of a kind collectibles, thousands of hand-selected new and used books and records, a mezzanine of talented artists, a haunted horror vault, and more. There’s even a yarn shop!
Where The Last Bookstore is museum-chic, Lost Books LA is an intimate boutique. In addition to their highly curated selection of new and used books and vinyl, they sell house plants and award-winning espresso, nitro brew, and cold brew through Coffee Love. Lost Books LA also offers a wellness wall filled to the brim with essential oils, magic mists, crystals, and a collection of oil perfumes. It’s the self-care loving best friend we all deserve.
Even though it may seem like Lost Books LA is at its peak, this is only their beginning. They have plans to add a custom hibiscus tea to their menu, a sign for their storefront is in the works, and are eventually planning for an official website. When asked about the future in the long-term, Jenna said, “We’re excited about events, signings, shows and more, but, for now, we’re not trying to be anything more than what we are in this moment - and that’s books, vinyl, plants, and a whole lotta love.”
Written by Head Rascal (Ngoc Nguyen Lay), mother of two rascals, ages 6 and 9. For more of Lost Books LA, find them on social media at @lostbooksla. Photos by Adrienne Gunde Photography.
