Good semi-small bookstore with cute items to hang around the house. I was looking for independent bookstores or bookstores owned by minorities on Yelp. I didn't find one in Pasadena but I saw this one. Instead of going to a Barnes Nobles, I ended up buying a book here since my money will go to a local bookstore and the community. Luckily, parking was easy because I definitely didn't want to pay for metered parking. During these covid times, you have to go in through the back of the store and wear a mask. Every aisle there are only three people allowed to be there. read more

Vroman's Bookstore - New book - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

For obvious reasons, very obsessed with this bookstore and there is truly nothing better. Multiple level store, consisting of all books, any genre, but also featuring gifts and knick knacks any book lover would love. Love their decorations for every holiday, too! Not to mention, their intimate coffee shop AND separate bar within the store. One stop shop that I could literally (and do) spend all day in. read more

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I ordered a book and it was there when I went to pick it up. Everyone was polite and helpful as I had to go to 3 different places to check out. That is because I did not know that where the saved the book was not the cash register area. Also, when I went to pick it up, the employees were talking, but as soon as I walked up to the counter, they stopped talking and acknowledge me. I felt really good about that. read more

Vroman's in Pasadena is one of a kind establishments. Vroman's has been in business for well over 125 years. They are definitely doing something right. You are looking for a reading book, audio book, gift, birthday, anniversary cards, looking for a gift such as candles, or Parker pen, maybe Montblanc pen? Vroman's is the place to visit. You want to read a book with a glass of wine at their amazing wine bar? This is the place. Excellent selection of books, calendars, cards, and gifts. Amazing service by the way. Everyone here is helpful and attentive. Not only a historic place, but simply an amazing book store. read more

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I preordered two books months ago that were due to come out today. I was in town so I thought I'd go in and get them without yet receiving notice from them. I went to the desk and was told that there's a delay in shipping and to wait for a call from them. Driving home I got a call that the books were ready for pick up. What happened to the delay in shipping????? I guess I was just lied to. read more

I used to frequent this location with my 2 year old daughter who's on the spectrum. Today was our last time visiting. My daughter doesn't understand open ended requests or social cues like waiting or asking for things. She found a $10 toy and before I knew it was opening the package on her own. I shop here very often and will typically spend around $100 each visit, I was here to shop for whatever she liked. Before I could interject a woman named Martha, scolded my daughter from across the room "don't open that" instead of walking over to me and addressing me as the adult with the child. I made the purchase and everyone had such a confused look as to why it bothered me for my child to be treated that way instead of addressing the adult. This woman is also the one who leads the Wednesday reading club for kids. If you have children who require extra accommodations, inclusion or are on the spectrum I do not recommend this place. Most of the employees are seriously off to not consider a childs needs and consider hmmm maybe they don't understand and speak to the adult present. Will not be buying from here again. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! So far my favorite bookstore in SoCal. Apparently it's been around since the 1894 which is awesome. It's a large bookstore with a wide selection of classics and new independent titles. There's also a large selection of knick-knacks and stationery. Super organized and well decorated inside and out. Highly suggest to pay this place a visit whenever in downtown Pasadena. read more

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Vroman's is a family-owned bookstore that has become a staple in Pasadena. I have fond memories of spending all my time in the kids' section upstairs, where they store the YA and children books with some board games and chairs for entertainment. As I have grown older, I have come to appreciate everything this bookstore has to offer! First off, they have an absolutely phenomenal collection of books. Everything is so well-organized, and they have every imaginable genre here for you to peruse. I personally love how they curate different books; for example, they had a Banned Books exhibit when I recently visited that was perfectly put together. A special touch in Vroman's is that there are handwritten reviews posted in every aisle for the different books there! This makes picking out books a lot easier for those who are indecisive and want to buy everything (aka me). Vroman's is the perfect place for any book lover! The staff is still so friendly and passionate about reading, and they also have little cute stationary and bags that only add to how perfect the store already is. I credit this bookstore for being the place where I first fell in love with books, and I'm sure many other people in the SGV can say the same. read more

Fantastic independent bookstore. Great selection and knowledgeable staff. In addition to the impressive collection of hardback and paperback books, Vroman's also offers an array of interesting gift items. read more

Love this place! I like supporting independent when I can and Vroman's had a great selection! Every time I go here I'm kindly greeting by the associates and they're always super helpful. If they don't have what you're looking for, ask them if they can order it because they most likely can get what you're looking for! I've ordered books here multiple times and they arrive quick! Love their selection beyond books, too! They have a great toy selection for kids, I've boughten many gifts for my niece here! They also have some good toys for adults as well. Definitely check this place out! read more

I so happened to be in the area shopping and wanted my coffee fix. The first time I came, it was quite busy w a long line. Usually seems to be a good hangout spot for coffee lovers. The staff are all super friendly. I like the nitro as well as the ones w aztec cocao added. Quick service and a lot of pastries to choose from. Ample seating and the bookstore itself is great to walk around w the drink in hand. Great gift shop if you ask me and they also have a wine bar for us alcoholics! read more

I was working in Pasadena,CA last week and only had a few hours of free time after work, so I Yelped "bookstore" in Pasadena and Vroman's came up first on the list. Well done, Yelp. I am so glad I stopped in. This is so much more than a bookstore, although it does have a massive selection of so many different genres of high-quality books. And everything is nicely spaced out so you don't feel the crush of merchandise like in some other large bookstores. I spent about 45 minutes walking the aisles and enjoyed my time immensely. I scored an awesome book about running (new hobby), postcards, decals, and some treats. The PEN section alone is incredible. And the hand-made baskets!! And day planners. OH, I LOVE MY PLANNERS!!! If I wasn't flying out with an already loaded up carry-on, I would have bought so much more. Next time, I will stop for a snack. The café looked so fun. This would make a fun date-night outing, Loved this place!! read more

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The cutest bookstore! We parked on the street, but street parking is first come, first served. This bookshop is massive, yet so quaint and homey feeling. It has several floors and so many books! read more

Vroman's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

One of the last of its kind. Support this shop so it survives the e-commerce apocalypse! Lots of options beyond books, great gift items available. Warm atmosphere. Helpful staff picks and reviews of books. Coffee shop AND wine bar. This should be a regular stop on your schedule. read more

Selections are enormous. Great for everyone who has any interest in unique items, stationary, books, pens. Love the store

Great selection of books and Knick knacks. I was searching for books by a specific author and the people that work there were super knowledgeable on where I should go to find it just off the top of their head! read more

You cannot go wrong visiting this location. Located on Colorado Blvd in Pasadena... this is starting off with a plus, and in the right direction for having a great day! This store is loaded with a plethora of goodies! Your surrounded with an epic selection of books, and goodies! So many grand selection's for gift buying, or one of a kind items! Your friends and family members will love your surprises! A delicious array of candies for the holidays or just because it's yummy! I absolutely love the candle selection, stationary and pens, journals, calendars, the waxing seals for envelopes! I could go on and on! You could spend a whole day here, immersed and intrigued by everything to look at here! One of my favorite places in Pasadena! read more

I will never again purchase books from this place. Horrible customer service. Extremely disappointed in the Management on December 20th, 2022. Lost a customer! read more

Walking into the children's portion of Vroman's is overwhelming in the best way! The selection, organization, and service finding specific titles is all there!! It did this school teacher's heart good to see both the classics and new children's literature offerings on full display. read more

Vroman's is truly a gem - from the author book signings, large kids book area (most of the second floor,) quirky & unique fine gifts, to the helpful service desk staff it's one of my favorite hangouts. Weekly I stop by to grab the area newspapers as there aren't many places that carry newspapers anymore (anyone else miss various Newstands in the area?) The magazine stand always has a good variety of magazines each month - some obscure to the requisite ones. When a friend who lived in Pasadena & was a fellow nerd moved to the East Coast, I sent him a "I read past my bedtime - Vromans" mug as a surprise and to this day the mug has traversed three additional moves. I always scan the weekly Vromans email to see what author is having a book signing so I can scoop up the book, hear their perspective & of course get my book signed. I recently saw at Vromans second floor space, the author Bozoma Saint John who was in conversation with Actress Sophia Bush (Pasadena Pride) & Olympian Allyson Felix - the evening was such a treat! My friends always look forward to the great books, unique gifts & gift cards I procure for their birthdays from Vromans. read more

Bookstores just make me feel content. This bookstore is two stories, large and wonderful to wander through. Upstairs is the kids area with toys, games, and a space for story time and author events. I'm very excited to try the wine bar too! There's another smaller Vromans also in Pasadena but this is the one to go to, off Colorado next to Target and Total Wine. Sometimes on Sundays the Lobsta Truck is parked right out front. Grab a clam chowder! read more

Vroman's Bookstore - Vision board workshop - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

December 2022 Knocking that 5 star review down to a 2. Vromans has almost zero seating now, which is a nightmare for some seniors and anyone with fatigue or mobility issues. When you ask about seating, you'll be informed that "this isn't a library." I guess Vromans has been open so long, they think they can afford to hire rude people. I'd remind Vromans that: 1) It wasn't long ago when they were begging people to help keep them open during the height of the pandemic; 2) Their clientele skews slightly older and might need to sit briefly; and 3) We can all order from Amazon at home, so you're not doing us a favor. I spend more when I can take a moment off of my feet before I keep shopping, so they're losing business. And I'm not alone, so that adds up. Note: This was a 1 star visit, but interactions with other staff members were pleasant and I want to be fair to them. read more

Love this store so much! What a great place to find gifts and books for friends and loved ones. Trust me, you won't regret you took the time to checkout this business! read more

I would give this 5 stars if it weren't for their employees expressing their "woke-blue-no-matter-who" one-sided Marxist and anti-Israel opinions on display everywhere I turn. I don't go to a book store for the employees propaganda and political opinions. Great bookstore but there is one end cap fully dedicated to anti-Israel propaganda. Unacceptable. read more

This independent bookstore is an absolute gem. Online and chain bookstores just do not offer the same experience. I love perusing the aisles looking for my next book. They offer this program that donates a portion of each purchase to charities of your choice. There is also a huge lot for 90 min parking behind the store, which makes visiting so convenient. read more

My fav local independent bookstore that has a Jones coffee and wine bar built into it. Plus a newstand upfront that has all the latest mags and publications. This is a great two story bookstore with friendly staff and plenty of books and gifts to peruse. Plus they host book signings and speakers as well (during non covid). Some outdoor expanded seating for the cafe along Colorado Blvd as well. Always a great place to pick up a book or to just peruse and get a cup of coffee. Wine counter is currently closed during Covid but is wonderful when it is open. Plenty of parking on street and in the back. read more

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A relict of old times? A bookstore!! It is sad to see that the smart phones have taken away a lot of the inspiration of breathing the intellectual atmosphere and floating through unknowns, seeing and opening a paper books, and start the impossible: reading! - Vroman's remains a stronghold of such ancient culture. Apart from the general attraction, the reading of "That Good Night" about "Life and Medicine in the 11th Hour was a very special occasion ... read more

Vroman's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

An amazing local owner operated bookstore!! Everything you could ask for... books beyond belief and capable of ordering almost anything you want. Nice items available to purchase as gifts or for yourself. Great wine bar in the late afternoons & coffee shop up in front. Definitely worth an hour or more if your time! read more

Vroman's Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Vroman's is a gem! It's a beautiful bookstore with something for everyone. My kids love exploring the second floor; looking at books and all of the neat toys they have. Did you that Vroman's is the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California!?! How cool is that! Support your local bookstore! read more

I'd visited Vroman's once before, many years ago, and I'd seen some social media posts late last year about how they were struggling through the pandemic. So, when I had a day trip lined up to Riverside (from Fresno), I made plans to swing by here along the way. We parked a little ways down the street by the Target, but they also have a parking lot in the back. It's a lovely store, it has really stood the test of time. Their social distancing guidelines were well set-out. You enter through the back door and leave through the front. At the back, there's a staff member on hand to keep a head count and give you the guidelines, which include keeping your mask on. They have plenty of hand sanitizer and floor markings throughout the store. It was a little busier than I expected for the time of day, but there was plenty of space and lots of signage reminding people to keep their distance. The store is well laid out with lots of categories for various interests. They have a couple of featured walls with bestsellers and highlights. Those were a little bit tricky to browse when people got up close but fortunately everything's stocked facing outwards so you can take it in from a few steps back. There are also various curated tables, lots of trinkets and gifts and stationery and all that. The fiction section is enormous, and they tend to have several copies of most titles, which makes it feel a bit like browsing a university bookshop. If you read a lot and are looking for specific authors' lesser-known works you may not find them. But if you're browsing and waiting for something to capture your interest, or you're looking for a popular title, there's plenty of options and plenty of copies to go around. I was looking for a particular non-fiction book and asked for help finding it, the employee didn't say much but led me to it and handed me a copy. The cashier was friendly. I'll always pay them a visit whenever I'm in the area. read more

Vroman's Bookstore - Entrance on Colorado St - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

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favorite book store in the area! I personally like this place over Barnes & Noble because it's small and feels intimate. The workers are always so willing to help out because I suck at finding the books that I am looking for. I love how wide their book selections are and they have a table with popular books at the moment which is always cool to check out! read more

Don't know how anybody leaves here without carrying out a bag load of books!! Sweetened the deal with that little bar and coffee shop attached. If I lived any closer I'd be living here full time! read more

The main reason for 4 stars is I think it's a bummer they don't have used books. But for buying gifts- new books and a wide variety of other gifts from jewelry to cards to household wares- it is an awesome local option! The staff I asked for help from were also super nice. I ended up buying some really cute cards on sale just to have on hand when the occasion arises. No books for me cuz I'm committed to buying used if at all possible. A fun place to come browse if you're in downtown Pasadena! read more

Went to Vroman's recently amid the holiday gift-buying crowds (to be expected). The employees in the aisles and at the information desk were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in regards to the locations of book sections within the store, I believe the employees that helped guide me were Fiona, Eve, and Guy (sorry if I misremembered any of the names!). I really appreciated the time they took to assist me and help manuever through the store during a very busy and hectic time, I'm sure. I will continue to go to Vroman's as much as I can for my book purchasing needs with employees like them to availible assist customers well and whenever possible read more

Hoping with the sale it remains a bookstore ! A big selection of items and other objects of interest for the paper and pen fanatics. We love the bar inside the store. It's a great vibe all around with friendly and helpful staff. I appreciate the staff at pen counter who always seem to have answers to my questions and do an excellent job in encouraging my pen and ink habits read more

I can't believe that I'd never been to Vroman's until last night, the oldest remaining bookstore in Southern California. After numerous visits to Pasadena. Of course my wife had, having grown up in the area. Wonderful wonderland of books is the best I can describe them, with friendly staff that greet you with a smile and a warm "hello". And an upstairs gift /stationery shop that looks like a Winter Wonderland with all the unique Christmas offerings. With so much beautiful stationary, we remarked that it's a shame how the art of writing with paper and pen has almost been lost with so much texting these days. And the glass display of stylish pens for that matter, of every possible shape and color brought it all home. Oh I've got to get back to Vroman's and browse some more! read more

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I went here with Debra R a day ago. We bought a healthy eating book, some tea, and a coffee mug. The store was nice and it has good customer service. read more

Vroman's Bookstore - This is the big sign for Vromans. - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

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It started with a history lesson from @tsuruforsolidarity & @denshoproject on Instagram and a call to action to save Vroman's. I wasn't new to Vroman's Bookstore but I hadn't been in a while. I had no idea the bookstore was 126 years old and that during WWII, Vroman's delivered books to Japanese-American children that were interned at Manzanar Camp. They traveled to Manzanar every month to deliver truckloads of books. Now it was my turn to save them in their time of need during the Covid-19 pandemic. Time to save small businesses! I wanted to buy some books and my husband asked me to buy him a pen. I found it fitting to buy my grand-daughter a children's First Words Japanese book. I also bought a cookbook and a cool looking space pen for my husband. Since that 1st visit back, my husband & I have been back twice. Leave it to my husband to find bottle openers for his collection there. Vroman's is like shopping at a museum store, they have unusual gifts and cards too. On this past visit I picked up a special order of First Words Spanish for my grand-daughter because she's a super genius! They have a great children's book section and the staff are super helpful and nice. Please shop small & local! read more

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My all time favorite bookstore!! Their books and gift items are very well curated. Their focus seem be shifting to more Knick Knacks than books, but their Knick Knacks selection is excellent. This is a great place to shop for book nerds. Love the onsite coffee shop, too. The parking can be tricky, especially on weekends. Other than that, I can't complain! read more

Wow, I cannot believe these guys are still around, since so many bookstores have gone away for good. I have been coming here for years and years when I lived in the San Gabriel Valley. Now I hail all the way from Orange County to visit the book store, and a few friends I still have here in the area. Yes this place is cool to take a date, or your girlfriend, or boyfriend. I have taken many ex girlfriends here for lunch and breakfast. They also serve food and drinks here. at their deli's. There are so many books here to purchase and read. They even have Authors from all over the world come down here to release new books, and do book signing autographs. I have had the pleasure to see and meet all of the booksellers. They even sell clothes and kitchen merchandise. Almost anything you name it. SO there are more than just a book store. Always a pleasure to visit here. read more