Village Books razed but not forgotten

Photo: Boryanabooks

Boryanabooks contributor Bob Vickrey heard the loud crash of a demolition crane at work in what used to be the charming little business village of Pacific Palisades. He went out to investigate and found it was the final destruction of the corner where Katie O’Laughlin's Village Books had held forth for 14 years, until closing with sadness in 2011. The block is being torn down for Rick Caruso's newest shopping area. Vickrey, suitably, didn't let the moment pass un-remarked upon. Excerpt:

From the beginning, Village Books was recognized by customers as the antithesis of a chain book operation. O’Laughlin employed the motto: “Large Enough to Serve You, Small Enough to Know You,” and sure enough, the Palisades suddenly had its own “Cheers” bar, wholly embodying the famous sitcom slogan, “Where everybody knows your name.”

Village Books became the local hub for book signings, speaking engagements, musical events, and book club gatherings. But it was perhaps, most importantly, a place for people to congregate and meet their neighbors.

It hosted events for local authors such as: Al Martinez, Alan Eisenstock, Carolyn See, Matt Miller, Kenneth Turan and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis. During its fourteen-year run, the store played host to touring writers, Meg Cabot of “Princess Diaries” fame, actor and activist Mike Farrell, Arianna Huffington, Elizabeth Gilbert and Pulitzer award-winning biographer, A. Scott Berg, a Palisades High grad.

I am still occasionally approached in the village by former customers who express their sadness about the loss of the bookstore. That sentiment still resonates now almost four years after the closing of the store….

The sound of the wrecking ball that day was a sad, yet somehow fond reminder of a gathering place in our village that once served as a true literary oasis. Village Books leaves a lasting legacy and did more than its share in elevating the quality of life for legions of Palisadians.

Previously on LA Observed:
Bookstores that have closed in the LA area
Bookstore down: Village Books to close its doors
Village Books puts out the appeal again
Tom Hanks steps up for Village Books
Village Books calls for help