Planet Books is moving for the second time in 5 years
The beloved shop is asking for help to move its inventory of more than 250,000 books over the next few weeks.
As Planet Books closes in on its 30th anniversary, the voluminous used bookstore in Signal Hill is starting a new chapter in a new location.
Luckily, it’s right around the corner, because relocating is a massive undertaking that requires packing, moving and then unpacking hundreds of thousands of hardcovers, paperbacks, pamphlets and more.
Planet Books first opened in 1998 on Anaheim Street in Long Beach and moved to its current spot on Freeman Avenue in Signal Hill about five years ago, store manager Argyl Houser said. He and owner James Rappaport have spent several months looking for a new location, after learning their landlord sold the property and that the new owner wanted their cavernous warehouse space.
They found what they needed just blocks away: the former Johnnie’s Appliances on Redondo Avenue just north of PCH. Unlike the current location, the new shop has a parking lot and working bathrooms. With slightly more square footage, the space should fit an inventory Rappaport estimates between 250,000 and 300,000 books.
“It’s difficult to find spaces for used bookstores because they just don’t make that much money,” Houser said, adding that their rent will more than double. But they’re glad to have a lease signed and they hope to open the new store on or around May 1.
The book business is a dream job for Houser, who said he grew up “scrounging around in dusty old bookstores.” He and Rappaport became friends after repeatedly running into each other at author events, signings and book sales.
While reading isn’t as popular a pastime as it used to be, Houser said the shop has had "tremendous” community support, with dozens of people calling to ask about the move and offering to help.
Rappaport is glad the store will remain in Signal Hill because “it’s a small town within a big city,” and he can feel the community spirit, he said.
He loves finding rare and unique items, including sports memorabilia and antique toys, that will help the shop make money, but he also donates books to fire victims, homeless shelters, schools and other readers in need. Running the store offers him an invaluable personal relationship with other book lovers, he said.
“Everything is for the store,” Rappaport said. “I want people to say, ‘Oh, Planet Books — they’ve got great stuff.’”
Planet Books will be closed until the new location opens at 1819 Redondo Ave. Volunteers to help with packing are welcome, and anyone interested can call the store at 562-985-3154, connect through its Instagram or Facebook accounts, or show up at 1855 Freeman Ave. daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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