Construction continues along Crenshaw Boulevard for the Crenshaw/LAX Line, which means fencing, detours and other activity that may make the neighborhood bit difficult to navigate. However, the businesses located there are absolutely open during construction and worth visiting. Plus, supporting local Crenshaw businesses will give you a chance to win some cash!

Some of the businesses in the area have been around for quite some time and provide important services for those in the neighborhood — and many of the merchants also live in the community. Over the next few months, we’ll be highlighting some of the Crenshaw businesses on The Source as part of the Eat Shop Play Crenshaw campaign.

Below is the video featuring Eso Won Books, located in Leimert Park Village. Eso Won Books is one of the few remaining black-owned independent bookstores in California, and they have quite a history!

Eso Won Books is currently located at 4327 Degnan Boulevard. The store will be moving to a new location across the street in a few months; check their website to stay updated. To get there, you can take DASH Leimert/Slauson to Vernon/Crenshaw, Metro Rapid 740 to Crenshaw/Vernon or Metro Bus 102 to 43rd/Degnan. There is also metered parking in the area.