Given the mass closures of bookstore chains around the country, the ubiquity of online sellers like Amazon, and the rise of the e-book, you might laugh in the face of someone who told you their new business idea was to open a huge old school, brick and mortar bookstore in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, of all places. But that’s exactly what Josh Spencer, the subject of delightful short portrait documentary Welcome to The Last Bookstore, did.

Naming his enterprise “The Last Bookstore”, – a knowing wink to the knife’s edge precariousness of the venture – Josh Spencer’s risk-taking attitude and hard work reaped rewards. The authenticity, quirky personality and design of his used book store touched a nerve within the Los Angeles community. Perhaps people are feeling increasingly alienated in the digital age and looking for a sense of community. Perhaps, as Spencer suggests, real, physical books have become more, rather than less valued, by a certain type of consumer. Whatever the reason, the bookstore has filled a niche and to everyone’s surprise, has been packed with eager customers from day one.

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