Welcome to The Last Bookstore
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- Опубликовано: 16 мар 2020
- Bookstores all over the United States are closing because of competition from online retailers like Amazon and the increasing popularity of eReaders. So when a bookstore with a cheeky name-The Last Bookstore-opened in Los Angeles, Chad Howitt was curious. He stopped by and did some research, and what he learned about the store and its owner compelled Howitt to make the documentary “Welcome to the Last Bookstore.” The film depicts a small business success story. But it goes deeper than that, painting an inspiring portrait of Josh Spencer, The Last Bookstore’s owner.
When we’re not making films, we’re watching them. Introducing “Great Big Spotlight,” Great Big Story’s latest series highlighting our favorite documentaries from some of the best filmmaking talent out there. Watch more of director Chad Howitt’s work at his website: www.chadhowitt.com/
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#TheLastBookstore #LosAngeles #bookstore
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It's so sad that bookstores are closing all the time. I hope books don't go away.
I hope this bookstore stays for a very long time
Don’t worry, books won’t go away.
On another note, I do think they’re useless, at least to me.
I bet u don’t even read boooks
@@ih-1509 I hope you are being ironic
@@ih-1509 The abundancy of brainlets along with the lack of context in comment sections makes it hard to spot ironic or sarcastic phrases
VoidX why? Ebooks are garbage
One of the best days we all experienced was the book fair in elementary school nothing can ever beat that.
This looks like a wonderful book store I hope it never goes away
"Dada, I'm making a mess Dada". soooo cuuutttte 😍
It’s like a universe of books. There’s a different world in each of them that you have to explore
Are you one of the Lego Star Wars The Complete Saga army who faught to get Charlie to play it?
Let's not let modern day make us forget about the wonder of books.
You know the only difference between an e-book and actual book is paper? If I would give you Hamlet on my phone and in a book you wouldn't say one is worse than the other.Like why
@@leperv4423 While you may prove some points, there's just this nice sensation when reading a book. I would see a book to be more exciting to be on than rather a phone. On top of all of that phones are much more used as a habit and exhibits out blue light which can be harmful towards your melatonin production. There are many other reasons as to why, but I only have enough laziness to type this all out.
Revolt Against the Modern World
@@lightningmcqueen4078 Phones have reading mode.And the sensation nonsense is stupid.Book and e-books are the same except one has paper.What happens when you read an e - book,nothing, but what happens when you read a book,a plant dies.If you are stupid as to let plants dies because of a "book sensation" you should not live.
Yeah, although it's more convenient to read e-books than printed books, there's still an unexplainable satisfaction that you get when reading printed books. I especially love the smell of new books and old books and the nostalgia you get when you see older books, like, "Oh! I first bought that when I..."
I respect everyone's opinion regarding e-books and printed books, but personally, I like printed books more and no one can change my opinion.
edit: also, the way you can stroke the spine of the book or just holding the book- I'm sorry, that might be a bit weird but, there are hard-cover books and those with normal covers and like, the difference when you hold each of those books are just- yes.
honestly, it always been my dream to open a book cafe where people will enjoy good book and good coffee....while watching this video, I was crying!!
because this store is like a dream to me...like heaven!! book heaven...❤
dear, you can say whatever you want to make fun of others dream or whatever it is.
but there is no doubt about one thing, every book lover knows what I wanted to mean.
Try open cafe with free wifi
@@akbarfauzi4006 so we can read e books instead
@@abongse414 No one's making fun of your dream.
Abong se i could die happily when I’m in there
Don’t buy books on Amazon, buy books at your local bookstore.
This is a second hand book shop.
From my experience in buying books both from Amazon and in bookstores, I would argue Amazon provides a greater quantity and more diverse selection of books than bookstores can offer. Bookstores are contained within a physical space, and the number of titles in a bookstore is limited to what can be exhibited on shelf space and what can be stored in inventory. Furthermore, most books sold in bookstores are published in one language. Amazon, on the other hand, is not constrained by finite physical space given its online nature. It can arrive at book titles from a variety of locations instead of just one location. An obscure play or philosophical treatise from 300 years ago can be easily found on Amazon whereas bookstores won't have that title. Even books in foreign languages like Chinese can be bought from Amazon although the selection is a little limited. Then again, I am arguing strictly in terms of Amazon being more advantageous in buying books, not for accessing books in general. If I were to state the most favorable option for accessing books in general, it would be the public library, provided one's local government devotes enough resources towards maintaining a large and diverse collection of books. It offers much diversity and availability in the selection of books, especially for those who don't have the luxury of possessing books indefinitely.
@@marcyinug7026 why not mate?
@@marcyinug7026 huh, I don't get it
@@pflh2391 thats not true
This man is working my dream job...
Him: “Probably... hundreds and thousands of books in here...”
Me: My heaven. 🥺📖🥰📚
1:20 *that shaving really caught me off guard compared to the calm intro*
"The Last Bookstore." What an appropriate name in this day and age.
Eh, there are still a lot of bookstores left, so not really.
@@thegrammarcrusader4085 Did you watch the video?
@@SuperBC1975 I am currently watching it.
I will finish and then revise my statement if I deem it neccesary.
Ok, I watched the video. I don't see a problem with my first statement.
@@thegrammarcrusader4085 He literally explained why he named it "The Last Bookstore" in the video.
The smell of the library always brings back childhood memories, happy child holding books and spending thousands of hours reading😊bookstore and library both smells verrrryy good, the paper smells old trees in the forest. The Last Bookstore is my next destination in my next LA trip. Thank you for the beautiful documentray😻 his daughter is very smart the way she talks to her dad. Be safe everyone.
Indeed 😊 loved that film ❤
It’s awesome Great Big Story is back making new videos, and I still come back to rewatch their older videos. As a bookworm, this video is one of my favorites.
This is one of my favorite Great Big Stories. His story is very inspiring in an age where people are struggling to find a connection with their purpose in life. He had a life-changing accident yet he was able to persevere and provide others a beautiful humane experience through something he enjoyed.
Love his attitude.
There is nothing better than holding a book in your hands and absorbing the characters, the plots, the hard work of the author. I love films and movies based on books but I read the books before I watch them and many times the films fall short.
Real books belong in our lives forever. 💕
I got to visit your bookstore 2 years ago when I went to see my son. He loves your store and knew I would too. The aesthetics alone are worth walking in the door for. I didn't know your story at the time. I hope you make it through this pandemic. Your store should be on people's bucket lists! Thank you , just thank you.
Everyone in the comments: omg I'm going to miss books so much
Libraries throughout the country: am I a joke to you
Luis you’re so negative 👎🏼
Miss Kitty if you don’t mind me asking, how is it negative?
There's barely any libraries where I live😪
People ready in their gadgets now no one buys books anymore.
@@Apologetics35 well that's just not true, here where I live going to the bookstore to look for and buy books is as much as an entertainment as going shopping. Me and my friends love to visit bookstores, and they are always full of people doing the same thing as us. Maybe it's just where you are that books are looked down on, because where I live it's very different.
Nothing beats the feeling of having a real book in your hand, at least to me. I'll take a physical copy over a digital copy any day.
3:50
*And she was never seen again.*
😂
Stephen King intensifies
I work for a used bookstore in SoCal and I love hearing about all the donations and the people - I can relate so incredibly, donations never stop, organization constantly, and the feel of books, knowing books intimately. I don’t feel like it’s work either, and I can’t wait to stop by one day. Keep up the good work, from one used book store to another!
Ever since I could understand words, by reading or listening, I have loved books. I could not go out without a book, be it to school or some other social function. I remember getting caught in school and from under my blankets reading sneakily as I couldn't wait to find out what happens next. As time passed though, books have become expensive and we don't really have the money to buy all the books we want nor do we have the space to keep them in and the energy to move them as we move houses. Mom could only buy me a tablet. With it, I could download my books and bring them and read them anywhere, anytime.
Although I can sympathize with this man for our shared love of books and their decreasing production/publication, I would choose a more cost-efficient and energy saving way to read as I am still studying and working.
Books will forever be my first love. Nothing will change that fact.
The music is so calming
Thanks to Great Big Story to introduce to us all different things in world!
I love books. Thank goodness we still have bookstores here. I can't read properly from phone, my eyes will get hurt. Even I can only spend around 30 mnts max to watch youtube. That's why I don't use e-books. For me the real books are the best.
If you really need to read ebooks (eg if you're in a tiny apartment) then you need to use a reader with e-ink. Like the first Kindles were. Nothing that is producing light by itself like a phone or the newer kindles.
There's still readers which are pure e-ink and they're as ok for the eyes as paper books.
But yeah, I still like real books better. There's something about how you can remember that something was "in the middle of a right hand page towards the end of the book" and find it easily by flipping through that never works for ebooks. It's always kinda disorienting and if you by accident flip your digital page (and then it usually flips a lot of pages, not just 1 or 2) it becomes really hard to find your spot again.
This is why i love Great Big story.Great and Wonderful Content keep it up .
The typewriter hanging from the ceiling is so cool!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for opening this book store! I wish this store is closer. My hometown only has one book store left.
I visited this majestic place on my first trip to LA shortly after New Year’s Day this year…it truly is a marvel. I love it more now that this beautiful soul has shared his story and a piece of his life with us. I was trying to imagine who owned and curated this labyrinth while getting lost on the second floor, walking through tunnels and side doors and weird vaults and past artists shops. I’m so pleased to have my assumptions obliterated - I imagined a much older group or cooperative of scholars and old accomplished artists owning this bookstore. Adding on and extending their coffers to attract tourist. I’m so glad the truth is much more human and authentic. I can’t wait to go back.
Man, I don't know how yall do it but every single video is pure quality, knowledge, and entertainment. I hope the bookstore and your channel keep going forever and ever
What really made an impact on me is how he basically stood up and fight with his injury and consequences and it made him depressed and feeling bad and everything. After ten years, he gave up, adapted and this thing got its life. He got something he loves, and after the course of years it became a proffession, bussiness, little empire. Maybe you wont get the perfect idea of what I am thinking about since english is not my first language but I hope you get the correct message.
New travel goal: go to this bookstore.
That’s a great goal 🥅. Let the covid calm down tho
I visited back in December while traveling. it's a really cool place -- really big, way bigger than I expected and way bigger than any bookstore I've been to. Lots of little nooks and crannies, and just a kind of mystical vibe, the way that dark and a little-bit run down places give off...I definitely recommend going if you're ever in LA!
Heads up, they just reopened for in person hours if you are in town!
I had already heard about what an amazing store this is, but learning the story behind it makes me love it even more. What a testament to our power to reinvent ourselves even when it seems all hope is lost. This store is succeeding because it is infused with a genuine, passionate love for books (instead of corporate greed) and a true appreciation of their magic and mystery. I wish the store and owner continued success and happiness!
“No fear.” This guy will be wildly successful with that mindset
I love reading books. Love the weight of a physical book and the smell of the pages as you read through the words brings so much peace in my mind.
what a beautiful bookstore!
Last summer was my first time at the last library, the staff was wonderful. Everyone was so kind and recommended me some great books that immediately became some of my favorites.
Oh my dear, you may have lost the use of your legs , but you have gained so much more in the way you use your words and with your imagination and your books. My hat goes off to you . You are a Hero in so many ways to so many people for what you have done for them . I SALUTE YOU ....... God made a very special person when He made you . We have all lost something in one way or another . But when we do , we always gain something somewhere else that makes the special ones EXTRA special. You are one of those. Thank You. ♥♥♥
i've seen this bookstore in so many photos and photoshoots!
i'm so happy to learn more about the person behind it!
thank you to everyone who helped make this video happen! job well done!
Ok that's really cool 3:55
Never thought Hondas could do that
@@hathaway.1166 got modified probably.
Joseph! you're such an inspiration and a pillar of hope for those struggling any form of hardship. Thank you for sharing your story. Many blessings to you and your family!!!
I grew up with libraries as parents so we always a good book to read, I’m thankful that I got to experience some special things with my mother when she was a manager at a library :)
I keep the book's that I've read as souvenirs.
I went to this bookstore many times when I visit LA. It's one of my favorite bookstores by far. If a chance in LA go to it, you'll find many classics you've been trying to search for years. Hell yeah, GBS!!!
I'd love to go there, it looks amazing!
But guys, like he says, "no fear".
Books aren't "going extinct", I mean, just take a look at this comment section, there are plenty of people who love them and buy them in stores instead of the internet. My local bookstores and libraries are always full of people who go there not only to buy but also to simply have a good time, they are a meeting place. Maybe not everybody loves them, but at least from what I see where I live books and bookstores are still very popular and far from being at risk of disappearing. Cheer up, maybe some bookstores you know are closing but that doesn't mean books all around the world are disappearing and loosing popularity, it also depends on the zone :)
This guy is not working for money, he's working for his passion, commitment in keeping the legacy of the authors to introduce the wonders of books. He is the real hero in today's generation keeping the nostalgic meaning of life through books.
I'm from Italy and in the spring of 2012 i've got my copy of the Dragonlance trilogy for a dollar. Thanks to showing me this place again :)
I thank God that people like this are still around.
I love books! Novels, comic books, etc. I hate reading with my phone, my eyes tired very quickly. I hope that people reads books like they used to, it's so sad when i saw a bookstore closing because they ran out of business.
My dude, you’re missing out on thousands of comics by not reading them online for free.
@@aus-li i hate reading comics on phones. Reading the books is much more pleasant and appreciate the writer and artist who puts a lot of effort to create the book.
Pang, Kornelis Andrew Wibowo You could support the individual artist by buying their works in physical or digital form, but you’re still missing out on free everything. You could easily buy a tablet or laptop if your small phone hurts your eyes.
@@aus-li man.. i'm okay with buying physical form online. I just bought Gyo comic online. The problem is, i don't like reading in digital form.
But it's just me.. i guess.
Pang, Kornelis Andrew Wibowo Gyo by Junji Ito? One of my favorite of his stories.
I’m just letting you know that you could read anything online for free. The internet has been a life saver, especially because I’m too poor to buy anything.
So happy to be part of the LA family who appreciate art and artists for what they contribute to the world:). When I was little I was taught that bookstores, like libraries and galleries etc are safe places where there are other people like you who appreciate the pleasure of a good book, art - learning. We need bookstores, art galleries, museums in order to be a civil society, I can not imagine life without passionate folks like the Spencers ensuring we have safe beautiful interesting relevant cultural spaces to read learn and meet other like minded people. LOL
''...she is super smart...'' 3:06
jokes aside this video is depressing yet so wholesome.
I was there just yesterday! How neat :)
Books ae my favorite. They just make me feel calmer and holding the book in my hand helps me connect and visualize the story a lot better. I hope this store stays for many more years.
I don't like reading books from the Internet
I just like having a collection and a reminder of a story
it's true that probably someday everything will be digitalised but I hope that will never happen to books
me, myself and I That’s just mere nostalgia. E-book apps like Amazon Kindle does have a library where they store all the e-books you downloaded in one place.
@@alexanderchristopher6237
Nothing beats having a beloved book collection, a physical one, on a neat bookshelf.
And staring at a screen really isn't the same.
I can't bare to think of getting e-books.
@@lawinaabraham3073 i love physical books and the paper and all, but it's all the chopped down trees that I worry about
I think there's room in this world for both.
No matter how prevalent online shopping and eBooks are these days, they can't and shouldn't replace the authentic and fulfilling experience of brick-and-mortar locations and physical books.
Reading a physical book is truly fulfilling, it's like watching a movie in a theatre Vs watching it on a mobile.
Visiting this bookstore is one of my favorite weekend activities! It will feel even more special from here on out, now that I know the story behind the founder 😊
😔I’m sorry he was injured. I absolutely love this story and resourcefulness in spite of his circumstances and situation. It gives me hope to live another day. 💝
Just awesome! Thanks for the story!
I couldn't love this more. Bless you and your family.
I absolutely love this place. It's a must visit if you are ever in the LA area.
This is a truly wonderful bookstore.....each section is designed to have ita own style......I was able to buy the complete works of Mr. Poe.....I hope you stay open for decades more
props to him for persevering!!!!!
Such an amazing man and bookstore! thank you for keeping books alive. The books are probably very thankful as well!
Bookstores are like paradise to all book lovers
Haha I JUST uploaded the video about this bookstore on my channel
I love this place, I love to sit down here it's so comfy in such a busy city
Thank you for making such videos, and i really hope that places like this will exist forever. The essence of a physical book can never be replaced by a Kindle. Huge respect for the owner of The Last Book Store.
BEAUTIFUL JUST BEAUTIFUL TO BE AROUND SO MUCH BEAUTY, KNOWLEDGE .
I HOPE WHEN PEOPLE
SEE THIS THEY'LL COME TO YOUR BOOK STORE AND ABSORB
ALL THE KNOWLEDGE
AND HOPE YOU GET MANY VOLUNTEERS,
I WOULD BUT UNFORTUNATELY I LIVE IN BOSTON
HALLELUJAH AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR BOOK STORE!!
MAY BRING YOU LOTS OF LOVE, STRENGH
BEAUTY!!
I'll say it like this. Paper back and Hare Cover books to me are like trophies. After I read, and I put it with the rest, I get a glimpse of my past when I first read that book. It cant be recreated with E-books and audiobooks
My wife would love to be in this book store. I have been in many, because of her, and I see many of the great elements, nooks, and hide aways in this store. What attracts me is the artistic "booky" vibe from the displays, and pieces. Yes, pieces of art... jaw dropping captures of humanity. We are on the opposite side of the US, so we will need to add this to the list. Thanks!!
My husband and I sold book and records for many years. We kept most of them in our house and and storage units. It got so out of hand we went bankrupt and lost our house. Unfortunately, my husband passed away and I had to get rid of everything.
I loved the books and records and miss it very much.
I love this bookstore! It's such a treasure - so glad to see it being highlighted.
Great story & an amazing book store.
Well done you for not giving up.
Greetings from the UK 👍
Beautiful story of redemption, hope, and overcoming adversity and the vanities of youth.
Man, what a story, what a moving piece
there is something very very beautiful about this video and these people. thank you for keeping this tradition alive. i will go there some day when all of this Corona thing is over.
Haha I JUST uploaded the video about this bookstore on my channel
I’m not much of a fan for books, or the pass-time to sit down and enjoy a good story for that matter. But I think I speak for everyone when I empathize how important the vanity, and literature in books has impacted humanity to date.
You can argue that this drastic change might be a good thing; for companies who are struggling to print, and distribute books. But I can’t think of any thing to justify what’s happening right now. Nothing I can see, feel or experience can ever personify the magical solitude of simply sitting down and reading a good book.
Booksstores are super trendy in China and they combine many activities, café, tea and many other stuff to attract people. They are always full of visitors!
4:50 omg that's one of my favorite series 😂 Ranma 1/2 is amazing
Don't put yourself down. One cannot love others without loving yourself first.
Love your story.
Good Luck.
Love from Australia. xo
I never bought a book at a bookstore since I like to read most of my books in english and I dont know how much of my books I can get in english in my home country. Looking at stores like this I feel like I missed out. I will take a trip to my local bookstore more often.
@Josh Spencer you give people much more than books, you give people hope and brave to follow for their dreams in spite of fear. Maybe one day I will be in half as brave as you and I can say : I have tried....
Very nice video, much respect for this man. I really hope this store will never go away. 👌
God bless you and keep you all happy 😊
This was rather delightful. The best bookstores we have in our area are Half Price Books and estate sales.
Such an awesome story and an awesome guy!i love reading an actual book over reading digital.thanks so much for the video.
I’ve been there! Super neat place.
OMG I was able to visit this bookstore over the summer. It was so cool.
I wish I could visit your bookstore . Keep up the good fight for the survival of books !
His bookstore is amazing
This is amazing 💛💛💛
This channel does some great stories but this one was top grade!!✅🍾
I love your story - it's perfect - I love books too - but you are wonderful! Love your store.
I was so ready to do some fact-checking until I found it was the name.
Same here
This looks like every book reader's Heaven.
*I think what this man is doing is great!*
The last and the best
ive been here only twice but i love it a lot
When I first went here.......it was amazing
More videos like this please !
That book shop looks amazing 👀