The Iliad Bookshop
| Company type | Independent bookstore |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (Books) |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Dan Weinstein |
| Headquarters | North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California , United States |
| Products | Used books |
The Iliad Bookshop operates as an independent used bookstore situated at the intersection of Chandler and Cahuenga boulevards in North Hollywood, California. Recognized as one of the largest bookstores within Los Angeles, the establishment boasts a collection exceeding 100,000 volumes.
History
Established in 1987, The Iliad Bookshop was originally located adjacent to a video rental store named The Odyssey. Both businesses derived their names from Homer’s epic poems: The Iliad and The Odyssey. Dan Weinstein, the proprietor and founder of The Iliad Bookshop, chose the name inspired by his neighboring store, remarking on the appealing notion of two epic-themed shops operating side by side. At the time of launching his bookstore, Weinstein had accumulated a decade of experience working in bookstores owned by several of his relatives—his aunts and uncles collectively managed twelve stores across southern California.
In 2006, Weinstein acquired a property at the corner of Chandler and Cahuenga Boulevard, relocating his bookstore to this new site. This move expanded the store’s footprint from approximately 3,200 square feet (300 m2) to 5,000 square feet (460 m2).
On November 3, 2022, a fire ignited in a stack of complimentary books placed outside the shop. Although the flames were extinguished before entering the building, smoke infiltrated the interior. In response, The Iliad Bookshop launched a $5,000 fundraising campaign via GoFundMe to support restoration efforts; within ten days, donations surpassed $33,000, with endorsements from figures including Patton Oswalt. Authorities from both the fire and police declined to pursue an arson investigation into the incident.
Design
The facade of The Iliad Bookshop is adorned with a mural created by artist Paul Dilworth and is complemented by multiple large-scale book-themed reliefs that cover portions of the building.
Store cats
Within the shop reside two feline companions named Apollo and Zeus.
In popular culture
The Iliad Bookshop has served as a filming location for numerous films and TV series such as S.W.A.T., American Horror Story, Jane the Virgin, and Lethal Weapon 3, among others. Additionally, it appeared in the animated show Close Enough and was highlighted in a New Yorker Magazine photoshoot featuring actor Paul Giamatti.