By Dorany Pineda
FROM: L.A. Times

Rows of Indian laurel fig trees line the streets of Los Feliz Village, home to a historic cluster of locally owned cafes, bars, restaurants, boutique clothing stores — and a flagship bookstore. Squeezed between a neighborhood movie theater and a children’s clothing shop, a giant sign reading “Books” stretches skyward.

Skylight Books opened Nov. 1, 1996, replacing beloved Chatterton’s Bookshop after the death of its owner-founder, William Koki Iwamoto. Ever since, Skylight has served as an anchor to a rapidly changing neighborhood, just as Chatterton’s did for 20 years, alongside its older next-door neighbor, the Los Feliz 3 theater.

Whereas indie bookstores in L.A. and beyond have been continually imperiled by blockbuster chains, Amazons, recessions and now a pandemic, Skylight is among those that have withstood the test of time. In a recent survey sent out by The Times asking writers about their preferred stores, Skylight was a popular favorite.

Their secret? Resilience and adaptability, for starters. “The bookstores that have made it have learned some really valuable lessons each time,” said Mary Williams, the bookstore’s co-owner and general manager. “The ones that are left are stronger than ever. … We’re constantly evolving to dodge the next threat.” Read Rest of Article Here