A beloved local bookstore in Long Beach, Planet Books, has been on the hunt for a new location after they were informed in January that they need to move out by the end of April.
Formerly located at 1855 Freeman Ave. in the Signal Hill area, Planet Books will live to see another era with its new location being at 1819 Redondo Ave., just right down the street.
Owner and LBCC alumnus James Rappaport said, “I’m excited to get all my books and things settled into their new home. It was scary there for a moment. But I’m just happy we finally found a place.”
This is the second time that Planet Books has had to relocate since Rappaport and his late business partner, Michael Munn, opened its doors in 1998.
Rappaport explained, “I’m always on the lookout for new (or old) books to add to my vast collection. So, going into the business of selling just made sense.”
Being in the business for 30 years, Rappaport is more interested in letting go of some of the many knick-knacks he’s collected over the years, just not his life-size statue of Freddy Krueger from the classic horror franchise “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”
The plan to keep Planet Books open was not done by Rappaport alone, he also had support from manager Argyl Houser.
“James and I have known each other for years. We have both been involved in the book-selling industry for years” Houser said.
Houser took on a more active role when Munns passed away in 2021 and has been working alongside Rappaport ever since to ensure Planet Books remains a staple in the Long Beach community.
“We used to see each other a lot at the festival books, the LA festival of books, at lots of signing events at different bookstores, and that sort of thing,” Houser mentioned about their history together.
Houser went on to praise the sheer number of volunteers who have shown up to help Planet Books make its big move.
One of the many boxes of books that have been relocated to the new address for Planet Books, on April 20. The new location will open on May 1. (Kiona Jones)
“It’s just incredible, but we’ve had really great support from the community. So we’ve had a lot of volunteers. It’s just been indispensable, and people have brought their trucks and their kids,” Houser said.
One volunteer, Chloe Dawson, has been a loyal customer and has been devoting time to Planet Books for almost 5 years.
“I’ve been in love with this place since I found it. It’s got all of my favorite mystery books. I love being here, whether I’m working or finding a quiet spot to read,” Dawson said.
With so many items still needing to be packed up, the need for more volunteers is never-ending.
A vintage poster is amongst boxes in the old Planet Books location waiting to be moved to its new location on April 20. (Kiona Jones)
Houser is quick to explain, “We can never have too many volunteers. . . or boxes. We need all the help we can get so that we’re not scrambling as much to get everything out by April 30th.”
Rappaport and others are hopeful about the possibilities that come with the relocation of Planet Books. Such as increased parking, customer engagement and brand-new bathrooms.
Houser said, “I’m really excited about it. It’s a new chance to meet new faces. It’s also a chance for us to do the reorganizing we’ve wanted to do for a while now. Honestly, it’s a new beginning, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
As of May 1, Planet Books will be located at 1819 Redondo Ave. Any volunteers interested in helping with the move can call the store at 562-985-3154 or stop by the old location at 1855 Freeman Ave. every day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m, until May 1.
A statue of horror icon Freddy Krueger stands at the front door of the soon-to-be former Planet Books location on April 20. Bookstore owner James Rappaport promises that the looming figure will continue haunting the bookstore even after its relocation on May 1. (Kiona Jones)
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