Nothing comes close to immersing yourself in another world with your favorite book.
Whether you want to learn a new recipe or be transported to a different planet, visiting a library or bookstore in Boyle Heights might be the way to do so.
We’ve compiled a list of places in the community that offer free books, as well as fun activities and resources throughout the city of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Public Library Branch System
Benjamin Franklin, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Malabar Library are all part of the Los Angeles Public Library system. You’ll find similar resources at your local library. While Benjamin Franklin is currently under renovation, you can visit other locations to find more resources.
It is very easy to get a library card. Here are some easy and simple steps:
- If you’re under 18, have a parent or guardian with you to help you fill out the library card form, they will be responsible in case you lose a book.
- For adults 18 and older, bring a photo ID with your current address. You can also bring a passport or a bill from your house when you fill out the form at the library.
- You can also fill out the Library Card Request Form here. Once it’s filled out at home, bring it to your local library where you’ll receive the library card.
More resources:
LAPL offers an e-lending library app named Libby which allows people to check out books as e-books. Los Angeles Unified School District students also have free access to a Student Success Card with which they can check out a variety of e-books.
LAPL also gives free vehicle entry passes to over 200 California state parks and beaches. The library also provides “Explore LA” passes, with which you can reserve free or discounted tickets to museums, including The Broad, L.A. Zoo, and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Malabar Branch Library
- Address: 2801 Wabash Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90033
- Most Popular: Graphic novels and Manga
- Fun Fact: If anyone needs a book in a different language, Malabar can order it from one of their 72 branches for local pickup
The Malabar Branch Library started as a book-lending service at the Brooklyn Heights Methodist Church. In 1927, Malabar moved into its current location. From sections ranging from romance to cooking, self-help to horror, the library has something for everyone.
Opportunities beyond books:
Tutoring is also available for all ages. Students can also be tutored through Tutor.com, where they can receive live one-on-one tutoring in English and Spanish from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. Tutors don’t just help students with homework, they provide support with resume review and test preparation.
Starting on Monday, Malabar hosts Baby and Toddler Storytime. Then, throughout the week, the library has programs that include arts and crafts, video games, movie nights, and sewing workshops. The library also offers monthly play readings with the help of the Center Theatre Group. The “Read for the Win!” program encourages literacy for children and teens in exchange for prizes. Every time you check out a book, you can earn points and redeem prizes.
For library hours visit: Malabar Branch Library | Los Angeles Public Library
Benjamin Franklin Library– UPDATE: Now closed-
- Address: 2200 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Most Popular: Picture books for kids and books in Spanish
- Fun Fact: The library has zine collections and magazines that are self-published and independently made.
The Benjamin Franklin Library started as the Boyle Heights Library Association in 1889. The same year, it joined the Los Angeles Public Library system.
Since December 2022, a temporary bungalow in the parking lot has provided books, workshops and limited computer access to residents. That bungalow, however, is expected to close mid-to-late this year. The library’s main building will reopen in 2026.
Benjamin Franklin has zines for all ages, you can check the online website at Benjamin Franklin LAPL to see what zines are available at different locations.
To share information with the community, the library conducts Videos Novelas, where librarians speak on the resources that are offered in the libraries.
At the Benjamin Franklin Library, you can check out up to five books with a student success card. The LAPL no longer charges fees for late books. Even though the temporary library is in a bungalow, you can use the computers at the location.
For library hours visit: Benjamin Franklin Branch Library | Los Angeles Public Library
Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library
- Address: 803 Spence St, Los Angeles, CA 90023
- Most Popular: Mystery and romance books
- Fun Fact: Stevenson is the #1 library in LAPL offering the most Spanish resources.
With a library card at Stevenson, people can check out free music videos, comic books, audiobooks and movies. People can use the computers at the library for up to two hours with a library card. Stevenson also orders new books every month, so there is a wide selection of books at the library, ranging from fiction to nonfiction.
Opportunities beyond books:
The library offers online citizenship classes in English and Spanish. For those without devices, Stevenson has a program that lends out computers and hotspots to people. Stevenson also offers online high school classes where adults 18 and over can get their high school diploma and presentations for those interested in becoming street vendors. All these programs are free.
On the first Friday of the month, they have lawyers at the library to help with issues related to consumer law and education. On Tuesdays, Malabar hosts events for teens in the volunteer department. Kids programs such as the Building Blocks Club and theatre readings through partnerships with the Centre Theatre Group continue all week.
For library hours and more information on events visit: Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library | Los Angeles Public Library
Libros Schmibros
- Address: 103 N Boyle Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Most Popular: Books by Latinx authors
- Fun Fact: The lending library does not sell any books
In 2010, David Kipen opened Libros Schmibros after wanting to make affordable books available in Boyle Heights. In 2018, the bookstore relocated to a historic building in Mariachi Plaza.
The lending library offers residents free books and welcomes all book donations. Schmibros also uses an online form where people can request up to four free books all year round, including books in Spanish and English.
Schmibros has a selection of bilingual books written by Latino authors. The next Children’s Reading Hour will be held on March 30 from 11 a.m. to noon at Schmibros children’s section where kids can also read and draw. Schmibros also hosts a reading group where people discuss their readings on Mexican philosophy. To join, you can simply email the lending library at library@librosschmibros.org about your interest.
Opportunities beyond books:
The library offers different film screenings in the evening at least once a month. Their next film night will be March 28 at 8 p.m. for the 25th anniversary screening of the Mexican film “Amores Perros.” Every summer, Schmibros offers a fellowship program for high-school students where they learn more about Los Angeles history. The lending library started its new podcast called Latinidad Beyond Borders which focuses on Latino issues in the U.S. and Latin America. You can listen to it on their Libros Schmibros YouTube channel.
For more information on events and library hours visit: Libros Schmibros Lending Library
Other Books LA
- Address: 2006 E Cesar E Chavez Avenue Los Angeles, CA
- Most Popular: Poetry and Literature
- Fun Fact: Other Books sells books from independent artists with an emphasis on translated literature on Latin American history and Spanish language
In 2012, Denice Diaz and Adam Bernales decided to open up a bookstore after noticing a lack of bookshops in Boyle Heights. In 2016, they moved into a bigger location to offer more services to the community. The bookstore’s name represents its distinctive offerings of books by independent authors and works on contemporary Latin literature.
The bookstore specializes in literature, poetry, political science, Latin American history, Asian American history, graphic novels and African American history. It also offers poetry workshops, new releases, comic readings and author signings.
Opportunities beyond books:
Right outside the bookstore, there is a small business that sells vintage clothes specializing in items from the 1970s. Other Books hosts film and comic screenings free of cost for residents of Los Angeles and the surrounding cities.
The bookstore puts out a box with a wide range of free books almost every week.
Be on the lookout for new events like author signings on their Instagram page. Updates will also be posted on their website.
For hours visit: Other Books (@otherbooksla) • Instagram
Legion Comics
- Address: 2934 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023
- Most Popular: Superhero Comics from DC and Marvel
- Fun fact: Legion Comics was one of the first shops to sell mascaras de Lucha Libre and dated-back wrestler figurines
After opening in 1991 in South Gate, Miguel Milan relocated his comic book store to Boyle Heights in 2018. The shop carries everything from Spider-Man to Batman, DC to Wonder Woman, Black Canary and Green Lantern to Deadpool.
Legion Comics also uniquely carries comics illustrated by rock and bands. Famous rock artists who have created comics, such as Iron Maiden and Slayer have also visited Legion Comics to sign autographs.
The first Saturday of every May is Free Comic Book Day where Legion Comics distributes close to 2,000 free comic books in Boyle Heights and the surrounding communities. Check their social media for new author signings and fun events.
Opportunities beyond books:
Legion often invites celebrities like the creator of “Deadpool” and the movie director of “Wonder Woman” to visit the bookstore, meet fans, and sign autographs. Wrestlers have been visiting the bookshop since 1991. At the storefront, you can find a variety of Lucha Libre masks, all in different colors, on sale. The lucha libre masks are a highlight of the store.
For more information on events and shop hours visit: Legion Comics (@legioncomics) • Instagram photos and videos
Espacio 1839
- Address: 1839 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA, 90033
- Most Popular: Children’s books
- Fun fact: Espacio designs and prints shirts that represent the community
Espacio 1839 began its business in 2012 as a collective. Now, it is owned by Nico Avina and Myra Vasquez. Espacio’s goal is to highlight the beauty and creativity of the culture in Boyle Heights, offering a space where art can be shared with everyone.
Here, you can find a special hand-picked book selection showcasing authors who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The space sells books in a variety of genres ranging from social justice, poetry, history, diverse inclusivity and more. It also connects readers to authors by hosting author meets and signings.
Opportunities beyond books:
Espacio supports people who are interested in starting their own podcast by sharing their in-house podcast recording studio. On every second Friday of the month, Espacio collaborates with CaminArte, a mercado featuring local artists and handmade crafts.
Community members can also visit the shop to find art workshops, poetry and spoken word mic nights, book readings, presentations and more.