Who said that bookstores were a thing of the past!? I looooovvve that Monrovia has a gem nestled across the street from the library. I popped in to get a Christmas gift for my middle school aged niece who loves to read. They helped me with some recommendations, and one of them is even by a local author that had signed the book! The service was top-notch and the selection was plentiful. read more

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Such an amazing bookstore, with great selection of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled and indie author selection. Some of the best book selection I've seen across many bookstores I've visited. Amazing resource for queer trans and neurodivergent readers. One of very few resources of this nature in the San Gabriel Valley. read more

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Such a cute bookstore. I stopped by for a crafts night and I felt so safe in the group. They don't force introverts to be extroverts. I love that they have a bunch of different workshops. The inside is small but cozy. read more

Cute little bookstore! They have a few selection of books. Not a large collection but there's some variety. The labels on the bookshelves make it easy to see what kind of books they have. They also have a used books section which is nice. It looks like they also collect canned good for donations which is pretty neat! They also have cute bookmarks, key chains, and other things available. At the back of the store, they also have Pokémon cards for free for Pokémon Trainer day (which was a couple days ago). 1 sleeve of cards with a Pokémon sticker per person. I thought that was really cool! read more

I love the events they host here! Such a cute space as well. I've been here to donate clothes awhile back for fire victims and recently went for an improv show. Super welcoming space and staff. Lots of books as well as many items for sale from small artist. read more

Right upon my first steps into this bookstore, I knew it was a good one. Welcomed with a smile and a hello, and transported into a place full of community, inclusivity, and obviously BOOKS! + parking is easy, street parking in the front as well as many lots, one in officials right behind the store + they have new and used books + they have many different inclusive community events in their store, follow their Instagram to be kept up to date!! + this is a non profit bookstore + aside from books they also have different items for sale from different community members/artists. From bookmarks, to bags, to pins, to stickers, to jewelry, etc ! Love the support of local creatives! + big tables for reading or co working hours as well + they have a community fridge and pantry. Free to those who need it. Whether it's some hygiene items or food items, if someone is struggling, or just needs something and they have it, they are welcome to take it. No questions asked. This is community in action. They take donations of food items, both refrigerated and non perishables, as well as hygiene items, baby items, paper goods, pet food, toiletries, kitchen cleaning, etc + honestly just love a place that is for the community and continually gives back. Makes me support them even more! read more

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Outstanding independent bookstore with strong community connections. I appreciate how all people are welcome and recognized. There's even a community fridge and local artists featured. A true gem. read more

This store is a nice little indie bookstore. Pleasant atmosphere in which to shop. Good selection.

This is the most amazing bookstore that has ever existed! The owner Kealie and all of her staff members are outstanding people and make you feel welcomed and cared about at all times. This is more than just a bookstore, they offer incredible community support through multiple different aid and volunteer events. And their selection of books is vast, while also highlighting the importance of diverse authors and diverse stories alike. I love everything they stand for and highly recommend making them your next stop! read more

This store is such an inclusive and positive space for the community that is always holding fun events ranging from crafts, to author readings, to quiet study get-togethers. They focus on promoting underrepresented authors, but are welcoming to the whole community. One is always greeted by friendly staff and can find wonderful new and used books as well as interesting crafts and lovely art. What a great place! read more

Such an inviting safe space. Well lit, cheerful but chill, great selection and I felt very comfortable shopping there. I will definitely be back. What a hidden gem! read more

Best bookstore. Lots of variety. Caring about the community. Has classes and events. Love it here

I've been to this place at least 3 times now and By Golly! I thought I had already penned a review. Great spot to find all sorts of books. They also have used books here as well. I saw a little jar of recommendations that they ask the customers to write in for book suggestions I think that is a great idea. Kiddo's section in the back is very inviting. Service is always kind and friendly. In fact... the first time I stopped in I had a 'sit-down' with the owner who wished to discuss what sort of books I liked so that he could recommend something on their shelves. It was uber cool. Plenty of bibliophile gifts here as well. Respectfully Reviewed. read more

Underdog Bookstore - Happy Place by Emily Henry #sogood - Bookstores Near Me - Monrovia, California

Underdog is a great, curated bookstore, and one of my trusted sources for kids books that represent truly diverse experiences. We discovered _When Charlie Met Emma_ here, which has become a favorite. Sidelines are locally made and great for gifts. The warmth, inclusive spirit and commitment to community are all things I was searching for when I first moved to the SGV. It's a favorite stop in Monrovia. read more

LOVE this bookstore! I've been looking for more "third places" where I can meet and hang out with friends without loud noises or feeling pressured to drink. Underdog Bookstore is fabulous not just as a bookstore with a great, curated selection of books and gifts, but also a community space. There's a central table where people can gather and chat, a play corner in the back for younger children, and even a jigsaw puzzle laid out for folks to enjoy. The staff are always incredibly sweet every time. I like that they highlight "underdog" authors, as I'm trying to read more underrepresented stories. They also have a great shelf of discounted used books that range from 25% off to only $1 bargains! I always buy way too many books when I visit but can never regret it. Glad there's a great community spot in the neighborhood now. read more

Underdog Bookstore - Great find in the used book section - Bookstores Near Me - Monrovia, California

Wonderful book store for a wonderful community. Everyone is welcomed here and I love the value it brings to Monrovia. They were so generous during the wildfires and hustled all week long to ensure everyone who needed help got what they needed. Very inspiring group that works here. read more

I LOVE this bookstore!! They have the best selection of books!! The owners are super kind and welcoming!! Great value!! So awesome to have this cute little place right in my neighborhood!! Bring your kids!! Bring your friends!! Bring your family!! read more

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So cute and quiet. Staff were super friendly and sweet. Found some super cute finds (books, pins, stickers) I enjoyed the take a note leave a note ! read more

Such a warm, welcoming place! Roomy, airy, filled with great book and centrally located in Monrovia. Lots of great in store events. I will definitely be back! read more

Wow, if am not mistaken. This used to be a comic book store when I lived in Monrovia for several years. Now, I come back to visit after maybe 15 years, its a whole new different place. But they still have a few comics, and newer children books and adult reading books as well. Nice employees here to help you out. I did need help in looking for particular books and all. Nice to see the new changes and all. read more

Wonderful Queer bookstore with a small but impressive collection of books and knickknacks. Friendly staff. Only downside is when I got there around 1:30pm on a Sunday, the doors were locked even though the sign on the door indicated that they should be open. No note on the door explaining why they were closed. Since I had driven there specifically to check out the store, I was disappointed. Went and grabbed coffee down the street and when I walked by on my way to my car, they were open. They said they just needed a break--which is fine. But put a note on the door with a time you'll reopen. read more

Wonderful neighborhood bookstore, friendly staff and welcoming environment. Highly recommend to visit and support.

I went to the disability author panel for disability pride month the book store held. i got to learn about disability authors and disability joy. the bookstore has even added artwork by a disabled artist. and the store has sensitivity to neurodiversity in their activities. the bookstore felt very inclusive and welcoming. read more

Thank goodness for a bookstore in Downtown Monrovia. This spot is a great addition to our area! I love popping in looking for a new book. Besides books there's cool items like jewelry from local artists too. Customer service is always kind & helpful. If you have not been here yet, do yourself a favor and check them out! read more

Underdog Bookstore - One of several cool books I purchased. - Bookstores Near Me - Monrovia, California

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This bookstore is located across from the Monrovia Public Library and is such a wonderful addition to downtown Monrovia! I'm so glad my friend introduced me to this bookstore because we had a lot of fun browsing their diverse book selection and items such as candles, jewelry, and etc. Also, I have to say I visited for the first time recently and they had a book display for Lunar New Year and that just made my heart so happy! All in all, I'm really happy that Underdog Bookstore exists and I'll definitely be back time and time again to support. read more

Love that we have a bookstore in Monrovia! And it's inclusive and a vibe!!!! The prices are right and the location is fabulous

I absolutely love this bookstore. Don't judge a book by its cover. This shop packs some amazing books, and gifts. I love swinging by on my way home or after work to just see if anything new has come through. I'm always greeted by friendly faces and it's nice to feel so welcomed in a space. As a local, I love knowing this store is right down the road and sharing such amazing, diverse, beautiful stories. Definitely take a look and take home something new. I leave every time with something. read more

Yes! Finally Monrovia!! Inclusivity and support for marginalized communities! I loved this store so much and not because of the cute pug in the window. The selection was amazing for kids, adults of all gender and racial identities. If this store worries you because you think it's "woke" then this is where you need to be to educate yourself and your children. ‍ read more

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Love this place! Full of a ton of LGBTQ+ books from fiction to nonfiction among others. Feels like a very welcoming environment. They seem to have a lot of events for the community and for writers. So happy I came across this place- now I know where to shop for my next read! read more

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I'm a book lover and today was my first time at Underdog Bookstore . This bookstore is such a beautiful space ! Has a little bit of everything: plenty of books to choose from , bookmarks ( loved) , plants, puzzles , etc... Signed up for their loyalty program! My daughter loved it too ! We hope to catch Story Time next time ..! Felt very welcomed. read more

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This place is a treasure. Kind and friendly employees. A welcome haven for the east SGV queer community. Love Underdog Bookstore so much!

I went to this bookstore but the owners are the kindest people ever. I went for an author event and I had a lot of fun. They have created a safe place for LGBTQ+, and BIPOC people. I can't wait to visit again. read more

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What a cool find! I was on my way to the nail salon in downtown Monrovia and I discovered this little bookstore (which is good because it was a warm day and this bookstore was nice and cool). In a world of Random House Penguin, Harper Collins, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble, I do my little bit to support the underdog. read more

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A wonderful little bookstore. Their selection of books focus on local authors and marginalized communities. And if you don't find what you're looking for they will gladly order it. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and their mission of equality for ALL individuals is a refreshing and welcome addition to our community. read more

I love underdog so much! Nathan and Thomas are lovely humans who put so much energy and care into creating an inclusive space and diverse events. highly recommend checking out their store if you're nearby!!‍ read more

Underdog Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Monrovia, California

So excited to see a new indie bookstore in town! Underdog has a great selection of books, curated with an eye toward lifting up underrepresented voices, especially LGBTQ+ and POC authors! The shop is cozy--I love that there's a jigsaw puzzle out, and an oversized dog bed that all my kids immediately got into. :) The folks who work there are super friendly and welcoming, too! They also have beautiful and fun gifts of all kinds. I've only been a handful of times, but have already bought so many great-looking books I can't wait to dive into! It looks like they're most often on Instagram, so follow them there if you want to stay posted on events. They have a lot planned! The location is great--right across from the library. Hoping they stay for a long time to come! read more

We visited Underdog for a special event reading of their newly published anthology this weekend. The event was wonderful - such a warm, friendly environment celebrating local authors. The proprietors and booksellers are so friendly and welcoming and the books and other gifts are unique. If you're looking for a gift or for something for yourself, this is a perfect spot to find something new. I'm so happy Underdog is a part of our community! read more

Great people, great store , dog treats, local artists all with a message of love and inclusion.

Beautiful store. Wonderful selection. Friendly staff. Monrovia is so lucky to have such an amazing bookstore!!!

Underdog is a true gem. They are a welcoming, community driven store that feels like going to your bestie's living room. Their selection is so well curated and the owners and staff are always happy to help you find your next favorite book. Monrovia is so lucky to have such a great bookstore in the neighborhood! We love Underdog!! read more