UNIVERSITY NEWS | In a time of social isolation, a sense of community can be difficult to find. A new independent bookstore seeks to provide that sense of community. The Book Jewel will have its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Westchester. The new venture is owned by Karen Drollinger Dial, a former LMU Trustee and a longtime supporter of the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts.
According to CFA Dean Bryant Keith Alexander, The Book Jewel will be a resource and communal gathering space not only for the CFA community, but for the entire LMU community in Westchester. “Access to books and artifacts that deepen our understanding of the expansiveness of human expression including creativity, beauty and art, is vital,” Alexander said. “Such issues and concerns are at the heart of the College of Communication and Fine Arts and we look forward to exploring partnership possibilities with The Book Jewel in the near future.”
The building in the Westchester Triangle at 6259 W. 87th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90045, will feature three levels: a roughly 3,000-square-foot first floor that will serve as the store and café; a smaller second story that will serve as a demonstration kitchen and event space; and a rooftop deck with a garden. The café will feature dishes made with seasonal and local ingredients; house-made breads and ferments; California beer and wine, as well as coffee.
Planned community gatherings in the many spaces include author events, creative writing readings led by local students, open mic nights, book club meetings, and small intimate musical performances.
