Avantpop Bookstore and Publishing
Combining the concepts of avant-garde and pop art, Avantpop Books and Publishing was born. As a specialty, subversive, subculture, independent bookstore and publisher based in Las Vegas, their goal is to inspire, motivate and enlighten!
When asked about the inspiration for the bookstore, co-owners Sugar and Shwa Laytart said, “We love books!”
After selling books online for over a decade, Laytart shared that Avantpop Publishing was founded in 2019, with the brick-and-mortar Avantpop Bookstore opening in June 2022. The store just celebrated its one-year anniversary!
Located in the Historic Commercial Center District off of Sahara Avenue and Maryland Parkway, Avantpop is nested away near the heart of Las Vegas at 900 Liberace Ave Suite D-102.
“We are in a historic location that many people have forgotten about. We’re close to the strip, yet often overlooked,” Laytart shared. “Once people find us, they keep coming back.”
While mainly selling used books, Avantpop Books and Publishing also works with small independent publishers, carrying a handful of new books from them. The store also features the store’s own published books and zines.
Throughout 2023, the store offers 20% off books on the 23rd of every month. Just mention the discount at checkout. The store also periodically runs sales on specific genres and authors, including sales on book-centric holidays like Independent Bookstore Day.
In addition to books, Avantpop Bookstore also features items such as artwork by local artists, stickers, pins, journals, and other unique gift items.
Avantpop Publishing
With a specialized focus on oddities and counterculture, Avantpop Publishing also brings the work of local creatives to life.
When asked how the publishing aspect of the business works, Laytart said, “We find some creatives, and some creatives find us. We seek to work with talented up-and-coming creatives who may have otherwise been overlooked by the industry.”
So far, Avantpop Publishing has published the work of seven different creatives, and they’ve published poets in their Poetry Antholozines.
Laytart also shared some upcoming releases that include a graphic novel about The Clash and an otherworldly children’s book about a podcasting alien and mutant tardigrade water bear who search the multiverse to unravel its mysteries.
Looking towards the future, Laytart also shared the store’s goal of expanding its publishing efforts.
“This year and next, we plan on releasing multiple Avantpop Publishing titles in a variety of genres, and we hope that everyone in our Southern Nevada communities come out to support our writers and artists,” she said. “There is an amazing amount of talent here, but without everyone’s support, no one will ever know. Let’s continue to put literature and art on the map for Las Vegas. It takes a village.”
Avantpop Art Gallery
In addition to supporting local writers, the store helps local artists by putting some of their work on display in the store’s gallery.
To try and get their work into the gallery, Laytart said that the best thing for artists to do is either send in some of their work or bring it personally to show.
“We are limited on space, but we are always willing to take a look at everyone’s work,” Laytart said. “Our only themes are unique, unusual, and otherworldly.”
The gallery also changes periodically, as the store tries to rotate seasonally depending on what they sell. And while some of the artwork is just for display, most is available for purchase to support the artists.
Upcoming Events at Avantpop Books
There’s always something fun happening at Avantpop Books! This includes workshops, poetry nights, clubs, book signings, and a silent book club. Check out the store’s upcoming events this month:
- Bibliomancy: A Blackout Poetry Workshop Taught by Elizabeth Allen Berry, Aug 23, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Purchase tickets here.
- After-Hours At Avantpop Bookstore: Activism, Music & Witchcraft, Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 7 PM – 9 PM. Free to attend!
Check out the store’s website frequently for upcoming events!
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Overcoming Challenges
With the ongoing pandemic and worsening economic conditions, it’s not easy running an independent bookstore. Nevertheless, Avantpop perseveres in the face of adversity.
“When people don’t have much money, it either goes toward food or rent,” Laytart said. “The inflated cost of living is so ridiculous right now; we are grateful for the customers we get.”
Laytart also explained how the store prices their books to try and help book lovers combat the increased cost of living while still getting their book-fix.
“We have a bunch of high-priced first editions and signed books, but we also offer a large variety of lower-priced paperback and ex-library books for financial accessibility,” she said. “We also include all our costs in the final price, so if a book has a price tag of $4, then that’s all you will pay. No extra fees or taxes are applied. We try to keep it simple, hoping that it’s an incentive to discover and read more books.”
Avantpop in the Community
In support of the local community, Avantpop Bookstore and Publishing also works with many different local partners and organizations.
“We work with Fifth Sun Project, Office of Collecting and Design, Core Contemporary, Wild West [Access] Fund, Decriminalize Nature, Social Democrats of Nevada, and most recently, Red Dwarf, where we hold our Doomed Poetry Events hosted by Shwa Laytart,” Sugar Laytart said.
In addition, Avantpop also works to support various causes through its business.
“We have ongoing zine fundraisers in-store and online that support local grassroots organizations, like Fifth Sun Project and, most recently, the Indigenous Student Association.
Additional Services and Features
Lastly, Laytart also shared some lesser-known services and features of the business.
“Some may not know that we also offer book restoration service and hot foil stamping for book and bible personalization all in the back of the bookstore,” she said. “We also have a podcast called ‘Avantpop Bookstore Presents…‘”
Listen to the podcast wherever you normally stream, on YouTube, or directly on the website.
#GetinMotion with Avantpop Bookstore and Publishing
There are many ways to get involved with and support Avantpop! To buy your next book, visit the store Wednesday through Saturday from 12-6 PM and from 12-4 PM on Sundays and Mondays. The store is closed on Tuesdays.
The store also offers after-hours appointments up to one hour, by reservation only, with a $10 reservation fee. If you choose to buy anything, you will be given a $10 discount for your purchase at the time of your appointment. This discount is only good for the duration of your visit.
In addition to purchasing books and art from the store and attending events, Laytart said to sign up for the store’s monthly newsletter, follow them on Instagram and Facebook, and help spread the word about the store.
“Tell a friend. Submit a review of our business on Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor,” she said. “We don’t have a marketing budget, so word-of-mouth and friends bringing their friends is always the best help someone can give to a small local business like ours.”
Laytart concluded by saying, “Work Less, Read More. Read Banned Books. Reading Freaks Unite!
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