A beautiful object and an indispensable tool for Angeleno book-lovers, the Literary Los Angeles Road Guide is a map, a poster, and a piece of history lesson rolled into one. Produced to benefit the bibliophiliac mission of the 826LA operation, the Road Guide is an oversized fold-out that on one side is a map and list of independent bookstores plus current and legendary hot spots for the literati from Malibu to Long Beach. The other side contains short but moving and salient musings on Greater L.A.'s literary history from some of our favorite local writers, like the L.A. Times book maestro David Ulin, writers Luis J. Rodriguez, Nina Revoyr, and beloved poet Wanda Coleman. Tonight's release party features readings from the contributors plus cocktails and story-swapping, and the ticket price includes one copy of the map. But with its gorgeous retro graphics and stylish format, you might want to consider buying a spare — so you can frame one up for the wall at home and throw another in the glove box in preparation for spontaneous book-centric adventures. The Echo Park Time Travel Mart/826LA, 1714 W. Sunset Blvd., Fri., March 23, 7-10 p.m.; $12. (213) 413-3388, literarylaroadguide.eventbrite.com.

Fri., March 23, 7 p.m., 2012

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