I hope I’m not the only one who finds reading a modern copy of Lolita, with a stale image of faintly erotic lips and a bold-faced “50^th Anniversary” banner spewing across the cover, vastly depreciating. But who can help it?  While many outmoded cultural delicacies have seen their fair share of revitalization, old books—and so-too their vendors— have continuously climbed higher and higher on the endangered species list.

Despite the poor environment, a few used bookstores are still finding clean air to breathe (but who knows for how long.)  So if you’re a sucker for coffee stains and personal dedications, or your home-library misses it’s much needed dose of must, check out these LA based used bookstores that manage to keep their shelves well-stocked with old gems:

1. Arundel Books – West Hollywood — The classic used bookstore: dimly lit, stuffy, an owner with an English accent.  To top it off, a revolving ladder spins around the room  (don’t be afraid to give it a climb; some of the best stuff is hiding on the top shelf.) Well-stocked in a variety of genres, although the merchandise weighs slightly towards the hard-back literature mode.

2. Equator Books – Venice — Used books meet surf culture.  Located on the north end of the trendy Abbot Kinney Blvd, this airy and light welcoming space feels more like an art gallery than a used bookstore.  An array of surfing and vintage playboy mags comes together with a special niche for poetry and fiction.  The goods don’t come cheap here, but if you’re looking for unique surf and skate photos or an early edition of “East Of Eden”, this is the place.  Don’t forget to check out the cove of records in the back, where they house a variety of rare jazz and rock albums.

3. Book Alley — Pasadena — Not as dodgy as the name entails, but Book Alley rates low on organization.  You’ll find piles of books scattered across the floor, but if you’re willing to put the time in and do some hurdling, this store has a good variety of all genres and prices moderately.  The owners also keep a nice case of rarities and antiquated volumes; just ask for a peek.

4. Brand Bookstore — Glendale —When it comes to quantity and price, Brand is unmatched.  Case after case come together in this prodigious house of books—any genre, any style, with an especially well established bibliography section.  You’ll find dollar paperbacks, and hardbacks for not much more.  Brand is also keen on trading, so instead of giving your box of throw-aways to Goodwill, be selfish and get yourself something that will end up in their hands in a few months anyway.