Equator Books is shutting their doors after nearly six years here in Los Angeles. The knowledge that independent bookstores seem to be shutting down with metronomic frequency does not reduce the sorrow of the occasion.
Since Equator specialized in collectible books, it was a virtual shrine to the book-as-object. I remember browsing through in awe of the gorgeous first editions, archivally wrapped, the hardbacks crisp, the deckled edges beautifully uneven. Yes, sorry — that is drool.
Equator was also one of the few independent bookstores that offered enough open space to throw a party. (Much as I love you, Book Soup, the L-shaped reading area and narrow aisles are not the best conduits for fraternizing). I remember a soiree after the LA Festival of Books where literary luminaries of all stripes drank, gossiped, and fawned over esoteric volumes.
So before the doors are shut and locked (on Sunday! so soon!), you might want to pop in and grab a volume or two, and say goodbye to this literary sanctuary.
