My go to bookstore for specific finds I need, and when I don't wanna support big box stores. These guys are informed, kind, and well inventoried! They carry new and old books with VERY large selections. Their manga and comic section is really great, and I love to pop in to see what's new. I think they understand there's lots of art students nearby that love these books! :) Thank you, book alley. They helped me snag a specific book I really wanted to avoid buying from amazon, and couldn't find anywhere else! Make sure, if you're in the same boat, give them a call and ask if they can do the same for you! It might incur a fee, but they got my book to me within a week and I didn't have to pay extra! :) Wahoo! read more

Book Alley is a cool place to browse if you love books and records. They have a great mix of new and used books, and it's the kind of bookstore where you can easily lose track of time wandering the shelves. The staff on the floor are engaging and genuinely helpful when you're searching for a particular find. That said, my experience selling books was disappointing. The process felt impersonal, and the seller/owner was not particularly engaging. One example: I brought in a brand-new book that originally cost $40 and was offered only a $1 store credit. I understand used bookstores have to make a profit, but the experience left me feeling like my books would have been better off in a friend's library. Great place to browse and buy, but I would lower expectations if you're planning to sell. read more

Book Alley is a gem of a bookstore in the Pasadena area. They have such a wide variety of used and new books ranging from all different genres. Everything is priced very fairly and it is definitely an experience where you have to dig around to find the gems! read more

See all

This is my kind of bookstore. There is plenty of free street parking so you have no excuses. They have mostly used books but I found a couple of long sought after new ones, too. The used books are generally in very good condition. They also buy books so bring in your old stuff and you might get lucky (we scored $15 which, of course, went right back to the store after we selected a bunch of stuff to buy). They have LPs and some CDs near the front. The CDs weren't great but the LPs are worth browsing. If you are looking for vintage pulp fiction or sci-fi, they have you covered. The prices are not cheap, nor should they be. I did find the prices of the new and used books to be very reasonable. For booklovers, put this one high on your list if you are in or near Pasadena. You could easily and happily spend a couple hours (and a couple hundred bucks) here. read more

Book Alley - Well organized bookstore. - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

A gem! So happy we stumbled upon Book Alley after brunch. It looks small from the street view, but it's a whole treat as soon as you step in. Upon entering you see a cool collection of records and CDs. They also have a wonderful selection of books and friendly staff. I could spend forever getting lost in this place. read more

See all

So many books! And very organized. They also have used records for great prices. Very friendly staff who was very helpful. Support small businesses! read more

See all

Wonderful independent book store with helpful staff. Great selection of bargain books outside ranging from Quindken, kwan, etc. Inside it's like walking into a book lovers paradise - manga, illustrated books by graeme base, local author Naomi hirahara, Jonathan kozol, etc. Everywhere you turn around, you'll be enchanted. Great value - I purchase six books for a little over $20. They also sell tchotchkes such as book bags, keychains, cute little Knick knacks. It's a place of wonder you can spend an afternoon enjoying yourself! read more

Large selection of used books, some newer titles, vintage LPs and collectible books. Staff is very friendly and attentive,used & collectible prices tend to be toward the higher end. read more

Book Alley - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

The staff are friendly and the service is good. It's a fun place to wander the shelves and hunt for used books, and managing an inventory this large must be a huge undertaking. My only hesitation is the pricing. Their "new" books are often at least 10% above list price, and some have enough wear that I'd consider them more "like new." They've adjusted prices when I've pointed it out, which I appreciate. I've also found used copies considerably cheaper elsewhere. I like supporting local businesses...when I can. read more

Ordered a book online and waited for the text that the book was ready for pickup. Finally, checked to see the status and the order had been cancelled. There was no notification and no explanation. read more

Such a great bookstore. Staff = friendly af. 10/10. Other customers = just as friendly. :) Bonus, pet friendly! My doggo and I browsed for a while and found some great gems! read more

See all

Stopped by Book Alley on a Saturday morning and the place was busy with book lovers! There is a wide selection of books. The walkways are a bit narrow and the books on the floor don't help but you can still get by. Books inside the store were in good condition and some books are signed copied. read more

Book Alley - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

This is not a destination for someone with a mobility impairment that makes walking through very narrow aisles or stepping over/around boxes a difficult task. My dad uses a walker and he wouldn't be able to navigate this space. I enjoyed it though. I was able to pop in on my lunch hour and pick up a nice selection of postcards ($1 small, $1.50 large) and a book that was recommended by a staffer. So many interesting titles, all genres! I saw a few really fascinating one-of-a-kind used books that I would have probably picked up, too, but they were out of my budget at $50-$60 each. Cool vibe. Would make a fun date-night destination- especially with the awesome Blue Rooster art shop next door- and, if there is a coffee shop nearby that would be a really fun outing. read more

Book Alley - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

The staff are very gracious and the selection outstanding. I appreciate the owner considering books brought in to sell.

On a recent SoCal visit, my wife & I stumbled upon this place.  While it looks unassuming from the street, we were very surprised to discover the wonderful maze of fully packed shelves.  All of the sections were clearly labeled, and there were plenty of titles (both modern and older) in all of the different areas.  Sprinkled in with the regular books, there were many items signed by their authors (indicated by the "Signed" bookmarks on those volumes).   We spent almost an hour pouring through the stacks and eventually came with an armful of books, including 2 signed books.  As we were visiting from out of town, this was definitely our upper limit of books to buy for the trip.  But the next time we are in the area, we will be ready to buy more! read more

Cute place! Lots of books and they accept donations of books as well. Plenty of street parking. read more

Book Alley - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Upon entering I immediately took notice of that wonderful smell of older books. Something you just don't get when buying online. Also was glad to see they had a categorized collection of vinyl records as well. Staff was extremely helpful, helping me find the two subject's I was searching for. Firearms and boxing. There was some classics in both sections but I ultimately left with one called 'The Cus D'Amato Mind'. Definitely look forward to reading it. To anyone who's also a fan of comics and graphic novels, they have a section of those as well. And since the comic shop that was just a few doors down (Comics Factory) sadly closed it's doors for good, I'd say this section is a good place to look into. read more

I visited Book Alley for the first time and found some treasures there at a really good price. And the worker there, Donna, was beyond helpful! She helped guide me to the sections I was looking for. I was looking for magic books. While I was looking at them she came to me a couple times with other magic books she had found that might interest me (and they did). And she cut the prices on the books I was buying. I highly recommend Book Alley an asking for Donna! read more

I am in love with this book store. I came in hoping to find some books I had been scouting...I found one! I'm so so happy with my copy :) I can't wait to come back and find more goodies. read more

Book Alley - Sexual Personae by Camille Paglia - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

Love stopping by after lunch at Daisy Mint. Staff are friendly, good selection of books, and it's all 90s vibes. Who can resist? The smell brings back lots of good memories. Can't wait to be back-Love it! read more

Great selection of just about everything. You can find almost any topic here. Staff is beyond friendly and willing to help too. I'll always make sure to stop by whenever I'm in the area! read more

Super cute local bookstore. Definitely always has a number of people. Their children's section seemed really expansive and when we went, we saw a cute family picking out discounted books for their toddler. We ended asking about a book from a trilogy that we saw since they didn't have it in stock and were able to provide the website for where to purchase it! So nice! Left with some cat tarot cards and some Star Wars pictures books. Very happy and excited to go back! read more

Book Alley is a must visit for me and my partner every time we are in Pasadena, right off Colorado by PCC, They have amazing selection of anything you can think of, always can find some gems in the $1 book section and their other used books which I love buying secondhand. They also carry a good amount of brand new books to choose from as well. read more

Book Alley is one of my favorite bookstores in Pasadena & in general. I love that they have a great selection of used books & even new books. The staff here are very friendly & nice always. The books are reasonable for used quality. read more

I was looking for children's books featuring black children as a birthday gift for a three year old and stopped Book Alley for the first time. The children's section is well labeled in the far left hand corner of the store. There were several black children's books on display and within the binds of the shelves. There was the Computer called Katherine book I was considering adding to the other three books I grabbed but when I finally decided on it as a book my goddaughter could grow into.... alas the patron next to me had scooped it up. And since I didn't challenge him to a thumb wrestle over the kids book I left with the three original books I had selected. Will definitely return for additional book purchases. read more

Book Alley - 8/26/23 $2 Black Children's Book - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

Brought in books on consignment. Checked back a few months later and owner said they hadn't sold. Waited a few months and called back again and he said they hadn't sold. So now close to a year had passed and I decided to get my books back. Owner played dumb and said there was no record of my books and if I had a list. He continued to play dumb. Total thief read more

Great book store and good prices. As well as some good records for your vinyl player. Kind staff.

Small little book shop that focuses on giving folks the best time to browse around and look for something golden. The staff here are helpful and friendly, and although the place seems disorganized at first, the layout gives a fun and rowdy place to search and find your own way in this independent bookstore. The books here are often a few decades old, but there are many sections that draw me back for any newly received used books at such an affordable price. There are antique looking books for just a few dollars, and a small bookshelf dedicated to the Beats generation. My best find was an old timer recipe book from the New York Times from the 60s, and finding an Easter egg for the fun event here! read more

Book Alley - Easter egg for discount! - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

A friend introduced me to this cute little book nook-I had no clue there was one so close to PCC! It's got charm with the many book stacks and clutter throughout the store. It's the kind of place where you have to do some digging hehe-there have a large array of every genre you can think of: fiction, mystery, manga, graphic novels/comics, gardening, cookbooks-etc. the prices aren't bad if ya feel like supporting an independent bookstore ^^ read more

Book Alley - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

February 7, 2022 HOURS: 11 AM TO 6 PM. 7 days a week PARKING: Street parking available Parking lot in rear. X MARKS THE SPOT: I have an affinity for bookshops, but as with every type business & Sergio Leone films you can find the good, the bad & the ugly. I'll ll say that this is a good one, so if that is what you wanted to know, just trust my star rating & come pay a visit. On the other hand. if you want to read my journal (created by me, for me to reflect on in the future), please by all means read on. Just know that I consider this place a treasure & like with all good treasure hunting stories, X marks the spot. PAST VISITS: I first walked through the doors here a few years ago when they had a bearded dragon in the store and this is how I still refer to it today (example: Hey, want to go to that bookstore that had the bearded dragon?). My first visit was great because it was a true discovery of a book lover's paradise. Let it be known that I am a true hunter, in that I know I can get books online & I know what they cost. Instead support the local bookstores. I believe in the primary premise, even if I am paying a dollar or two more, for a book. The enjoyment happens in person.. In 2021, after getting my 2nd covid vaccine, I stopped in. Surprisingly, among the books I made my way home with "a comfort book." A war comic from my childhood called The Losers (not to be confused with a similarly themed comic and horrid movie version in recent years - thanks to the creators there for effing up the name of this great comic and making it so no one will ever want to turn a war comic into a film for years to come). I normally don't look at sections where this type of book is shelved, but I had the time. The comic was in a format I never knew existed. It was 456 war packed pages of B/W line drawings from significant issues from the series. The best part of the day was getting a tour of the back room. February 6. 2022: Needing something to do on a Sunday afternoon, I suggested a trip to Pasadena to hit up the Goodwill Bookstore and Book Alley. Well, disappointment reigned supreme when we arrived @ Goodwill. It seems they have changed the entire formatting of the store from existing as a valued community bookstore to a meh, if that, boutique. The good thing was that we immediately knew we had made our final trip there. So, off to Book Alley with way more time than we were alotting & a place like Book Alley always has something for me. Even when I swear up & down that I absolutely do not need anything. YESTERDAY'S HAUL: On February 6, 2022 I scored a few gems, which included: Character People-- The Stalwarts of the Cinema by Jones, McClure and Twomey. Published by: A.S. Barnes and Company, Incorporated. $8.95 hardcover, 1974 The Professor & the Madman by Simon Winchester. Published by HarperCollins. $1.00 hardcover, no dust jacket, Notes: owning the paperback I definitely wanted to upgrade this book to hardcover. I STILL need to finish reading it & I STILL need to watch the DVD that I bought at least 4 years ago. Uncle John's Bathroom Reader : Tunes Into TV published by The Bathroom Readers Institute. I love the concept found within all the Bathroom Reader series & no, you don't have to be in the bathroom to read it. It boasts page after page of the finest nearly random trivia trinkets. Sometimes they are constructed with a central theme throughout the book, other times arranged in theme blocks & yet other times various trivia from cover to cover. I feel it does well anywhere I set it down, from bedside nightstand to a living room end table. For a quick mental escape that, unlike novels, doesn't have to lead you anywhere, this series is hard to beat. Price: $6.95 I also purchased a faux book called Believe in Santa (see photo). It will be used for gifting at Christmas time, rather than wasting wrapping paper (something we are moving more & more toward each year - with the fanciest reusable gift bags and now this decorative book-like boxes. Cost for this item? $1.00 The only down note. if you can call it that, is I wish this place was large enough to have all their books in display. They have a good bit of their books stacked up on the floor & in boxes (makes me nervous, anxious or something), probably more than the average book enthusiast even has in their entire home. It would be great to see what they all were without losing browsing time opening boxes, so I just avoid the hodgepodge RETURN/RECOMMEND: Yes/YES! read more

A hidden gem for all your used book needs! The whole store is organized so well and you'll find all your popular books in the front. The employees are so nice and helpful. Prices are also very reasonable. read more

I LOVE IT HERE so cute and tiny but also grand GRAND selection and variety. Staff are so polite and helpful read more

Book Alley - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

What a treasure to have in my neighborhood. There's hardly any bookstores left much rather a used bookstore. They are very knowledgeable and friendly and eager to help. Go and enjoy and tell your friends. read more

I know anti-black racism when I see it. I will walk you through this sad story step by step. My friend passed away. His mother and I researched local book stores to sell his legacy collection to, in the area to keep it simple. We are trying to pay off their final rent, and all money helps. On 1.15.24, we called book alley. His mother, a small Irish woman with an accent, spoke to a woman who put her in touch with a "book seller." She read off his collection of graphic novels (which includes a fist print hardback copy of saga, box sets of the peanuts collection, walking dead, etc). This man gave her an enthusiastic offer of $150 plus for the lot. JUST the graphic novels. Not even the books. She then lets him know she has 75+ books she'd like have them look at. They said fine, call them again and set an appointment for appraisal. I called the place myself on 1.22.24 to confirm the offers and to set an appointment. I also let them know that he has an additional collection of 80 dvds and box sets we'd also like them to look at. Explained to the woman who answered the situation with my friends death, and they told me to bring everything in. INCLUDING THE DVDS. So we neatly package everything away, graphic novels NEATLY in one bag, books in another, dvds in another. Emphasis on NEATLY. I also have a list of literally every book. So this is a lot of over 300+ pieces of media. 50 pounds per bag. 3 bags. I have a bad knee. His mother is over 70. Physically exhausting to pull off. I manage load everything into a Lyft and take the trip there, while his mother stayed at the house to continue cleaning out his things. I pull up, unload 150 pounds of media, and as soon as I walk into the spot, an old man, grey hair and beard, who has been mentioned several times throughout here, immediately looks me up and down in the most dehumanizing and dismissive manner. Stared at my bags as if he was so exhausted already, and went back to talking with his friend. It was already bad enough he took some other customer in the slot I had clearly planned out and booked. So then I had to wait. When I was finally approached, he did not greet me with any type of kindness. He crassly asked if I was the 11:30. I said yes, attempted to introduce myself and explained the lot of media. He interrupts me rudely as I'm opening the dvd bag and says "I don't need any of your dvds. We have enough." TF? I spoke with their rep the DAY BEFORE to confirm. Then he tells me to my face "I don't need any books but I'll look through." At that point I knew it was a busy, but I was hoping God would grant grace and when he saw the books, neatly packed, great titles, he'd respond. I let him know he could have the hour while I took a walk, mostly because I didn't want to be in a space where I clearly was not wanted. Before I get back to his house, I get a call back from the store saying that they would offer me $70 for the entire lot, not the dvds. Then had someone try to con me into "donating the rest to them." Insane. SEVENTY DOLLARS. after being given an offer of $150 JUST FOR THE GRAPHIC NOVELS LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO. So I know what this is. I tell his mother their offer and she BURSTS INTO TEARS. She's crying because she had a whole other offer, something to pay his light bill. She says, without hesitation, without me even mentioning his horrid attitude, "They did that to you because you're Black, Ericka. If I went in there I could have gotten the money." Heartbreaking to hear her say that out loud, on top of how I felt. But I agreed. Icing on the cake? When I return to pick up the books, everything is ruined. Disheveled, thrown about, expensive saga first print tossed to the side. Definitely dug through my dead friends stuff, and tossed it any which way he felt when he was done. I'm disgusted at this point, he knows he's wrong and can feel my anger. He then asks condescendingly "uhhh, something wrong?" I ignored it. You know something is wrong. And it's you and your rancid, racist attitude. He then says "take care" and walks away. So this is what it is. This is who they are. They lied to an old woman's face to have her bring in valuable books, probably to fk her over on the sale, and then when I pop up, there is essentially no offer and a disgusting experience. They have wasted my time behind belief. Lyft rides, up and down 2 flights of stairs. For nothing. After a solid offer. Because BLACK. It will not be questioned. I had hope. I thought I could get this done here. Works out, as I have a $450 offer elsewhere. In. SANE. This was one of my favorite stores while going to PCC. Never again. Not with my following. Not with that energy from that old miserable human. read more

An excellent local bookstore with a huge selection. You could browse around here for hours and find something to read for a good price. The staff is helpful too if you need anything. read more

Well established used bookstores are great places to save up to 60% on books currently in print, or find titles in hardcover or paperback that are out of print. Such stores are often owned by highly knowledgeable and experienced people who know the ins and outs of the trade, and can process lots of incoming books while putting up safeguards to avoid getting inundated with kitsch and other genres that only pile up and barely move, such as self-help, romance, "best sellers" and old textbooks. Nothing has changed in this regard since my own tenure in the trade c. 1992-2001. Pro Tip: Call ahead for a mandatory appointment to sell books. Filter out the topics just mentioned. The layout of the store makes full use of the space and length of the building. It never feels claustrophobic inside, in my experience. Many topics have two separate sections in the store because often paperback books are organized apart from hardcover, a common practice in the used book trade. Up front are record bins with popular sections such as jazz, blues, rock and classical. I noticed some are marked for sale on Discogs, so that's cool. It means those are likely in the best condition and less common. On the way out I spoke with George, who was very helpful and he'd even been to my hometown, Ann Arbor, where used bookstores once dominated downtown and central campus. Prices are reasonable, generally half of the current rate with variables. The selection and stock is very well represented here too. Added bonuses are the nearby comic book shop and Zancou Chicken, as well as Pasadena City College. Parking is also plentiful on the streets. read more

Has a really good collection books and records for a used bookstore. Worth the visit on that side of town

Surprised these guys are still around. I thought many book stores would become obsolete because of the internet. I have come here for years. They revamped the place. I was here not long ago, looking at books for the fun of it. Didn't really find anything that had interest me. But it was nice to kill some time and look around at some things. I am impressed how they manage to fix up a lot of the store. But I think they will be ok. read more

I love this bookstore and frequently recommend it to friends and visitors. Always something surprisingly and delightful on the shelves. The staff are wonderfully helpful and prices are a great value. A real treasure !! read more

They had COVID regulations to a T. Team was great and attentive to customer needs. They were super helpful when I was looking for a few books Be mindful that books are EVERYWHERE. I personally think it's what makes this place feel awesome and like a treasure hunt. But it can be a bit of a hazard for those who need to watch their steps or need disability access. An amazing place to dig for used books in every genre. And it is MUCH bigger on the inside. Definitely worth going to for those who love reading. read more