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Vroman's Bookstore

4.5 (978 reviews)
Open 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Services - Vroman's Bookstore

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Luis D.

This is a long standing Pasadena institution that have withstood the ups and the many downs of the print book business. There's free parking lot in back and some pay street and public lots nearby. Vroman's has a nice warm vibe and classic book store decor. Lots of knick knacks and various book adjacent merch along with shelves and shelves of books. Plenty of fiction and a large fantasy and sci fi section. I wish the graphic book section was larger but they can order anything. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It's great to read the mini reviews the staff place on the shelves. The top floor has a large children's section and an extensive greeting card selection. Vroman's is a "must visit" if in this part of Pasadena.

Mural on the wall in front of Vromans
Coco G.

I could seriously spend all day here once a month, every month. I love how the window displays and holiday decor changes each month and season. It's done so tastefully and thoughtfully. Last month there was a window display dedicated to Jane Austen. And today there's a George Orwell 1984 one. We brought our daughter and college friend here for a quick visit just before the 7:00 movie at the Pasadena Landmark theater next door. I always check out the bargain books and today had fun browsing the stationary and all the fun letter writing accoutrements. I used to write letters fairly regularly, and now it seems I only send bday cards to people. It might be fun to write letters again to my friends who live out of state especially. Anyhow, this is a one of a kind 2-story bookstore with both a coffee shop and cocktail parlor on site. So you really could spend the day here. I'll be back for holiday shopping later this year because there's something for everyone, even those people who are tough to shop for.

Nicole B.

My absolute favorite bookstore. I could spend so much time and money here, especially with the children's books. I brought my kids here and they were in absolute awe. My son was very pleased with the variety of bug and marine animal books (his favorite). Vroman's is a charming, magical, and local gem of Pasadena. There's also a cute park I discovered across the street on Union St which we'll have to stop by next time. I can't recommend Vroman's enough :)

Lorna K.

A small bookstore located on Colorado Avenue in Pasadena. I was here for the Valerie Bertinelli book signing they have two floors. It also has an elevator from those who cannot climb the stairs there's also a coffee shop located on the first floor unfortunately there are no parking structures. You would have to find parking on the street was great to see Valarie again since I used to work with her on Hot in Cleveland. Selection is limited. The value for some of the items is slightly overpriced especially for the non-book gifts. Service here is great. This place gets a four out of five stars.

One of a thousand aisles.
Steven M.

This place absolutely blew me away. My wife and I made our first ever trip to Vroman's Bookstore like a half hour ago to buy some books for family (stop using Amazon, help neighbors pay bills). When you first walk into this place, you can immediately see just how massive this place is. On top of being a massive book store, they also have a full coffee shop and a bar inside. Now, the first place of Vroman's has pretty much all of the books you could possibly want as well as shirts, California souvenirs, bags, an entire section dedicated to pens and journal, and an insane amount of random crap to sort though. Upstairs is the kids section as well as what looks like an area for book signings which is super cool. My main problem with this store is that nobody forced me at gunpoint to buy the autographed copy of Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman I wanted but forgot to pick it up before I left (I already read the book and it's fantastic). Overall, Vroman's Bookstore is a place I'll be returning to many, many times. The staff here were charming, the store was clean and wonderful, and the selection was unbeatable. Come buy a book, it will literally change who you are.

Savannah F.

Stumbled upon this jewel of a place. They have two floors! 2x the greatness! Upon entering, there is a cafe/bar with a great and welcoming ambiance. There are several checkout counters stationed around the store. Around every entrance/exit. They were all very friendly. Second floor had a book author event. The whole place felt lively but not too overwhelming. It was spacious enough and clean. The books were all very tidy and neatly placed. A cozy place. I feel like I could spend all day! There are also many neat things besides books. I feel like there could be something for anyone at this place. Their prices, I think are fair. Searched up some magnets by chance online to see the price and it matched up what online retailers were selling them for. Would I come back here again? I would love to.

Kids area
Haleh M.

A magical land indeed. I can honestly spend all day here and I still wouldn't be able to see it all. I usually go straight upstairs to the children's area for my kids but every crevice and corner is packed with books, stationary, cards, knickknacks and more. There's so much to see it's no wonder this Pasadena staple has been around for over a 100 years. Customer service is 10/10 and I love how they even sell autographed copies of books authors have previously signed. If you have a free afternoon give Vromans a visit it's worth it every time!

Inside.
Craig W.

This is a huge and delightful bookstore and, by God, there is even a beautiful bar at the front entrance. Exactly what more could you ask for? Other than movies and music, I don't think I could ask for more than booze and books. Although I personally prefer used books, you will only find new ones here. But don't sleep on the bargain section: I found two excellent books, one of which won the Pulitzer Prize. Set aside some time here. The place is very large and there is even a second floor. Apparently, Vroman's is SoCal's "oldest" bookstore but it looks and feels very modern and new. Parking is rough in this stretch of Colorado Boulevard but you might find street parking, if you are lucky.

From the parking lot heading to the bookstore.
Ma L.

I love bookstores. After reading about Vroman's being Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore since 1894, I had no reason not to immediately check it out the next day. What a wonderful find! Upon learning about its and its owner's history, this institution understandably has great value and must be a beloved hub not just for the community surrounding it but also from visitors near and far. What with its vast selection of not just books but an also all-encompassing merchandise: a surprising variety of retail items, home goods and unique gifts, this gem is so much more than just a bookstore. Inside this bookstore, one CAN wondrously have it all! Aside from having its own entry from inside the bookstore to a cozy coffee shop, it has its own wine bar inside where folks can actually enjoy various spirits and beer. The staff is friendly and warm. The store has two well-organized floors with appropriate signage, making for easy browsing and discovering new finds. I did not regret finding this gem of a cozy place at all. If only I live nearby, I would love to keep coming back.

Lorna B.

It is the holiday season and that means one thing,special times with family and friends. For our family, we always take time to go to Pasadena and browse at Vroman's bookstore. At Vroman's you will never be disappointed. We love strolling the aisles, bookstores are so rare these days. There is such a large selection, you can always be sure to find exactly what you're looking for and others that you never thought about. The real joy for me this time of year is the special curated selection of gifts. If you have someone to buy for and want to get them something special a trip to Vromans is exactly what you need. They have a large selection of games, decorations, and unusual items, really something for everybody. Check out the photos and you will see what I mean. Holidays aside, a trip to Vromans bookstore is always special. Make a day of it. You won't be sorry.

Patricia L.

This place was highly recommended to us by a friend. We were in the area and decided to stop by. We had parked somewhere else close by and walked. It is definitely a nice independent bookstore and it even has its own wine bar. How cool is that? Very relaxed ambiance too. I can stay here for hours. There were so many cool items that they sell other than books. I personally love their stationary section. Good customer service too. Would love to come back here again.

Shar ..

the boyfriend & i finally came to pasadena for this beaut! it's my birthday weekend & i just really wanted to explore vromans after years of hearing about it. there's so much variety here. from walking in to the cute gothic valentines section to the elaborate kids books on the second floor. everyone is super attentive & seem to love their jobs. even sat down w/ my library copy of IMMORTAL DARK & set it up beside ETERNAL RUIN.

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Vroman's Bookstore Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Vroman's Bookstore

Does Vromans have a room where a book club could meet?

many rooms there and even a little hall type for book signing on 1st floor. I don't know how much they gonna charge. But Wine session is the place to taspy and discuss the book.

Vroman's is currently open? I remember hearing it was closing.

Yes, they are opened.

Is this place pet friendly?

yes, it is.

Can I study here?

There are tables in the wine bar that you may be able to study at if you order something.

Does Vroman's still require masks? Pasadena & LA County no longer have indoor mask mandate.

As a private business it is still enforcing the mask mandate. Public spaces like the Pasadena public library should no longer be requiring indoor masks though.

Do they have a large selection of bibles?

It is not a religious store but Vroman's has a good selection of almost every type of book, so I believe they will have Bibles, enough to find an acceptable one.

Is the magazine stand back open?

Yes, I went this week and it is.

Do they have the same hours during this covid-19?

Is it open now (mid July) for customers to actually go inside and look around?

Yes! They limit the amount of people so there aren't crowds inside. It's really nice and peaceful while being safer.

What is the wine bar hours?

It opened Feb 10. This info was gather via their instagram. Hopefully it's correct and helpful. Monday- Thur 11am-9pm… Read more

Do they sell newspapers?

Yes, and the stand opens before the store in front outside along Colorado. On Saturday, it opens at 8:00 AM and Sunday at 9:00 AM. It may open even earlier on weekdays...

I heard the wine bar is scheduled to open towards the end of December once the city approves permits. Does anyone know more info? Is there an opening night or soft launch planned?

It is open

When does the wine bar open?

It's under construction now

Are there Religious (Christian Books), Atheist, Philosophy and Science Books?

Yes! Huge selection of religious and metaphysical, new age

Does this bookstore have two stories?

Yes, and the second floor is accessible by stairs or elevator.

Can someone add a picture of the Hillary Clinton event?

nope!

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Review Highlights - Vroman's Bookstore

The staff is always so kind and helpful, their written recommendations are thoughtful and thought provoking.

Mentioned in 15 reviews

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Vroman's Bookstore - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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