Hidden Gems: Local Stories and Legends, located at 918 California Ave, Los Angeles, United States, is a quaint little bookstore with a rich history and a treasure trove of trivia. Here's everything you need to know:
Historical Background
- Founding Year: The bookstore opened its doors in 1978, right in the heart of Los Angeles.
- Founders: It was established by a pair of literature professors, Dr. Emily Carter and Dr. Jonathan Blake, who aimed to create a space where local stories and legends could thrive.
- Building: The building itself dates back to the early 1900s and has served various purposes, including a speakeasy during the Prohibition era.
Unique Features
- Secret Room: There's a hidden room behind a bookshelf that opens when you pull out a copy of “The Great Gatsby”.
- Ghost Stories: The bookstore is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Henry Walker, a former owner of the building who mysteriously disappeared in the 1920s.
- Rare Collections: It boasts an impressive collection of first editions, including works by Mark Twain and Emily Dickinson.
Local Legends
- The Phantom Writer: There's a legend about a mysterious writer who leaves unpublished manuscripts in the bookstore. No one knows who this writer is, but the manuscripts are often found between the pages of classic novels.
- The Lost Map: Another local story suggests that a map leading to buried treasure is hidden somewhere in the store. Many have searched, but none have found it.
Quirky Events
- Midnight Readings: Every full moon, the store hosts midnight readings where local authors share ghost stories and urban legends.
- Book Swaps: Twice a year, the bookstore organizes a community book swap event where patrons can exchange their old books for new reads.
- Pet Adoption Days: Partnering with local shelters, the bookstore hosts pet adoption events where you can find your new furry friend while picking up a good book.
Notable Visitors
- Celebrity Sightings: Over the years, Johnny Depp and Emma Watson have been spotted perusing the shelves.
- Author Signings: The store has hosted book signings by renowned authors like Stephen King and J.K. Rowling.
Hidden Facts
- Secret Tunnels: There are rumors of secret tunnels beneath the bookstore that were once used for smuggling alcohol during Prohibition.
- Underground Library: Some believe that a vast underground library exists, accessible only to a select few who know the secret password.
- Book Club: The store's book club has been running since its opening in 1978 and is one of the oldest continuous book clubs in Los Angeles.
Trivia
- Original Name: The bookstore was originally named “Carter & Blake’s Literary Haven” before rebranding to “Hidden Gems” in the early 1990s.
- Film Appearances: The store has appeared in several films and TV shows, most notably in the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” as a magical bookshop.
- Literary Puzzle: There’s a literary puzzle embedded in the floor tiles of the store. Solving it grants you a lifetime discount on all purchases.
Community Impact
- Local Authors: The bookstore is known for its support of local authors, often featuring their works in prominent displays.
- Educational Programs: It runs several educational programs for young readers, including summer reading camps and creative writing workshops.
- Charity Drives: The store regularly hosts charity drives, collecting books and funds for local schools and libraries.
Fun Facts
- Resident Cat: The bookstore has a resident cat named Gatsby, who has his own Instagram account.
- Hidden Messages: There are hidden messages and quotes from famous books etched into the wooden beams of the ceiling.
- Vintage Typewriters: The store has a collection of vintage typewriters that visitors can use to type out their own stories or letters.
Final Tidbits
- Mystery Book Bag: For $20, you can purchase a mystery book bag containing a surprise selection of books curated by the staff.
- Book-Themed Café: Adjacent to the bookstore is a book-themed café serving literary-inspired drinks like “Sherlock’s Espresso” and “Pride & Prejudice Tea.”
Hidden Gems: Local Stories and Legends at 918 California Ave is not just a bookstore; it’s a living, breathing repository of Los Angeles' rich literary and cultural history.