I love this book store! They have so much to offer in regards to any reading genre you prefer as well as many other wonderful things about it that keep me coming back. I really do love that they have speakers come occasionally and they also do book signings. Their coffee shop is spectacular as well. It's a great place in every way possible. read more

This has to be the worst independent bookstore in Pasadena. I ordered a book last week and was informed an email would be sent to notify me when to pick it up. Email received today and I go to Vroman's on Foothill and wait on the side for assistance. A woman comes out and I provide her the order ID # she goes and checks and tells me that email I received is generic because they don't fill orders same day. Clearly this woman can read emails from six feet away and just knew without asking that ordered it today! Wow! Really without asking when I ordered it! She then tells me that the book did not get transferred over. You couldn't send me an email that it did not arrive? Then she ask could you come back tomorrow or pick up on Colorado Blvd. Poor customer service!!!! I will not support this independent bookstore! They don't deserve a star period but that's not an option. I should have stuck with Amazon. read more

I first heard of Vroman's years ago when my friend called me up one day told me to meet her to participate in the book signing with Valerie Bertenelli. Since then, I've made Vroman's one of my fave bookstores. It's a two-story bookstore that sells just about everything and more! The staff are very kind and helpful. They have a newspaper stand just outside of the store on Colorado. There's plenty of parking in the back of the store shared with Office Depot. They are doing construction next door, so the parking is sliced in half, but still plenty of parking. read more

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I really like both Vroman's locations. Hard to choose one over the other. But the pens, oh my. I like seeing the magazine stand and the coffee shop before I even go in. These days you can a nice seat outside and enjoy the early morning hours. read more

I have enjoyed this book store for many many years clean, organized, well merchandised, lots more than just books. Kind abs helpful staff. What more can I say. read more

Wow, I had not been to a Vroman's in forever and a day. We stopped in because a friend couldn't find a particular book she wanted at other book stores. The selection was vast. And it was really also a gift shop also with everything from knick knacks, t-shirts, stuffed animals, jewelry, etc. I liked that I saw scheduled events and book readings. I was surprised my friend didn't find the book she wanted. I also liked the Employee Pics section where their choices were displayed with their own little write ups and opinions of the book. I like to support local business, and if I lived closer, I would definitely put my little dollars in the Vroman's jar for all my book needs. And spend too much time exploring all the fund little treasures nestled among the books. Parking was a bitch though. read more

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

Amazing books for all ages. Went there yesterday found a good amount of books to read.

I will now give this a ONE STAR review because of all the negative RUDE jerks who work there. They had shorter hours there so this is the first time I could enter and browse a bit. Highly aware they were closing soon, I was walking to the front doors to leave and a caucasian man basically verbally kicked me out when I was already leaving!! WHAT AN UNPLEASANT AND UNPROFESSIONAL JERK. MANAGEMENT I ask you to correct this issue because that was uncalled for. I was on my way out and he was telling me to get out. It was 6pm and I was ALREADY walking out the door. Also when I arrived another rude guy outside who was unpleasant told me there was only 5 min to shop. I was simply skimming the building. This is EXTREME lack of manners, courtesy, etiquette and bad business. I have lost all faith in them and never want to shop their again because of their CLASSLESS disregard treating me as though I were rubbish. read more

Vroman's Bookstore - In the distance you can see the white guy who was kicking me out when I was already walking out. He suffers from delusions of grandeur. - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

This bookstore is an institution in Pasadena. It is located right along the Rose Parade Route and is the only store that sells the Orange County Register locally. In honor of Lisa See, a wet cement monument was constructed in the breezeway between the theater and Vromans. With Borders and Barnes & Noble gone, this is one of the few legitimate bookstores left in the area. If you're into sales, now is the time to get your 2015 calendars for 75% off! There's still 9 months left and I'm sure there are Yelp events that need to be reserved on the calendar. read more

Vroman's Bookstore - The best news stand in Pasadena! - Bookstores Near Me - Pasadena, California

I go here every once in a while just to browse through books, or to sit inside the coffee shop and relax. Vroman's has everything from books to gifts. It has a wide selection of books and the service is always right on. Parking is in the back of the store. It's a great alternative to a mainstream bookstore. read more

I am all for a great mom and pop book store, but Vromans is still a great place to go visit and take advantage of many opportunities. Their selection is great as expected from many different genres to choose. There are also a variety of small nick knacks that you can purchase as well ranging from journals, notebooks, tea sets, as well as other gift items. One of the best parts of coming to this location is the fact you can grab a book and go to their cafe shop and have a great coffee, tea, or pastry. E-books are prevalent these days but as a book fan I always enjoy the look and feel of a great book. When you are looking for a book and coffee kind of day, this location would be a great choice. read more

Well, as a lifelong bookworm, I've been a Vroman's fan for years. Who knows how much money I've spent here? Having watched it expand to add a cafe, fancy stationery adjunct, and literary classes up against stiff Amazon/Barnes & Nobles/Borders competition impresses me. In the era of Kindle and Google e-books, a local bookstore (that's not second hand) feels almost old-fashioned. And yet, even more appreciated is its wide, librarian-like selection. If I could live here, I would -- left alone perusing its aisles, hunkering down to thumb through pages, and happy in my own paradise of literary solitude. But enough nerdiness: my last visit there was to inquire about a hard-to find trade magazine. Borders and Barnes & Nobles both FAILED to stock it, so where else to turn to but Vroman's? The mag section is out front, and behind the counter was a really cute Asian guy. Complete with white t-shirt, nice arm muscles, glasses, winning smile, apron, and a (non-ironic) Newsie cap hat (!). OMG: need to engage in conversation! I asked him my tough-to-find magazine question, poker-faced as he wrote down my inquiry and cellphone number. If my boyfriend hadn't been there...well, anyway. I said thank you, and he replied with the most sincere, "take care," ever. Or maybe that's my hormones? Twenty minutes after we left, I get a call on my cell: it's the Vroman's guy! Telling me he researched my inquiry and when I could expect to find the mag in store! I am surprised by the swiftness of this customer service -- damn, that is hot. Best of all, at the end of the call, after I thank him, he again says, in the same heartfelt sincerity, "take care." Aiigh, this proves it's not my hormones, which only doubles my feelings. Vroman's, I am smitten! p.s. parking lot in rear is a bear! You can try it, but oftentimes, I end up parking on the side streets. read more

Last month, I read at Vroman's, fulfilling one of my dreams as a Los Angeles writer. The event was fun and well run, the staff friendly and lovely in every way. I didn't even realize this until a few months ago, but Vroman's has a designated upstairs space for author events - it's roomy and comfortable and very pleasant. Vroman's hosts tons of readings, and I keep pretty close track of their schedule. This year I went to see Kate Atkinson and Walter Mosley - both packed houses, and excellent, excellent readings. If you follow crime fiction in any capacity, you should know these names pretty well. Vroman's also gets local, smalltime authors like Steph C. of Yelp, and I have a rather self-serving appreciation for that variety. Anyway, I've already gone on at size and selection and general excellence of this bookstore, so I'll keep this update short. Thanks to Vroman's for having me, and I hope to come read again. Either way, though, I'll be back again and again to catch events and buy books. Long live the independent bookstore. Long live Vroman's. read more

Though it doesn't have as much of a selection as The Last Bookstore in LA I think it's just as good in quality. If you're looking for some literary fiction you can't find in B&N this is the place. They've got a great scifi/fantasy section though it's not as extensive as their fiction and a surprisingly large selection of nonfiction. If you're a booklover you have to stop by here. read more

I stopped by while I was in town for my birthday. The store is decent but after being followed (while not bothering to ask if I needed any assistance), I probably won't return. Thank goodness it is not my local bookstore! read more

Outstanding customer service in the actual bookstore... my recent 1star experience was with their magazine stand out front... they still carry the old wax seals i bought here YEARS ago... so happy... only place in the area that still has these (and actually KNEW what i was talking about!)... thank you Vroman's! read more

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

Vroman's has become a must visit whenever I am in Los Angeles. Hollywood sign? Nah. Griffith Observatory? Maybe once. Two story bookstore? Every. Dang. Time. My sister and I can wander the aisles and displays at Vroman's for hours - and have! I love how each section is curated so particularly both in genre of books and the other wares they sell including home goods, travel accessories, and writing essentials. The store is always clean and well organized, and I can always find something unique there that I cannot find anywhere else. Every time I leave I cannot wait to go back. Bibliophiles, make sure you check out this Pasadena gem. read more

I loved my first trip to Vroman's Bookstore! It has a great vibe! I loved how the children's room has toys for kids to play with! My son enjoyed playing with their car set and blocks. The displays were all very cool. The only thing I didn't love were the prices. Definitely on the high side. We enjoyed a treat in the delightful cafe. I'd come back again for sure! read more

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

I heart Vroman's. This independent bookstore was around in my childhood and has only gotten better. It is located by the Target on Colorado Blvd. There is an adjacent (90 minutes free) parking lot which is huge but the spaces are tiny. Vroman's has tons of events. There are signings by authors as well as weekly Storytimes for kids. For this holiday season, there are almost weekly events leading up to Christmas including a special Dr. Seuss/Grinch event (see picture). Downstairs are new books/arrivals and upstairs is the children/young adult area. The upstairs area is really my favorite. There, on Saturdays, Storytime with Mr. Steve is held. He reads with great inflection and enthusiasm! There is also a gift and stationery (greeting cards, candles, stamps, etc) upstairs. Special events such as visiting authors or talks are held upstairs as well. If you love the holding a hard copy book in your hand and the idea of an "old-fashioned" (yet updated) bookstore, this is it. read more

I am a bookwhore. and a stationarywhore. The first time I came here was when Olivia Munn was signing her auto-biography with my sister for my brother. (Don't judge. That's what family do. Buy autographed books of the author for siblings who love her and couldn't get to the signing.) I ended up buying novelty gifts for several people, three books for me and stationary. Friendly staff and a huge collection of books to get lost in. read more

This is a wonderful place to spend a few hours getting lost in curated books fiction and nonfiction. I look forward to every visit!

I adore Vroman's so much. Independent bookstores are my favorite places to venture into when I'm visiting other towns, and Vroman's has placed itself among the top of my list. I've easily spent countless hours exploring every aisle and title along the shelves. While the space is sizable and their categories of books, stationery & writing tools, and small travel essentials are extensive, I enjoy coming here for events. One of my highlighted moments at Vroman's was a talk and book signing in their ampitheatre-like area behind the store. There is a mini-stage where the curious and geeky can gather around to satisfy their inquiries. On a side note, I have yet to sit in the coffee shop near the front, but I typically see many patrons making themselves comfortable in there. Parking is available on the street or in a back lot. They have a smaller branch a few miles away that I've visited, but this main Vroman's Bookstore has a permanent place in my book-admiring heart. read more

AWESOME bookstore. Visited this bookstore back in the early 90's when I used to work at Kaiser Permanente up the street. I fell in love with this place back in the day and I did so again when I visited recently. They offer any book one could possibly want and/or need and everything in between. MANY categories to chose from as well as any Author you may like and/or many you have never heard of until you discover them here at Vroman's. This bookstore has MANY events throughout the year which is always a nice treat. They offer very nice gifts ie..journals, appointment books, decorations, etc..A coffee shop, an outdoor magazine newsstand, book clearance area and easy listening music throughout the store. The staff is always pleasant and ready to help, parking can be a bit of a challenge but one thing is for sure, you WILL fall in love with this bookstore. A place to lose yourself for a few hours if you enjoy books. read more

Awesome bookstore, great service, clean and well organized. Great place to buy gifts. Parking is decent.

Danielle was a huge help. Such a great vibe and spot. So glad places like it still exist! read more

Quantity, but not necessarily quality despite the wide spectrum of beliefs inside. Still, Vroman's will have something for you, somewhere, even if it takes an hour to find. Philosophy: I really appreciated the separate shelves for East vs. West. Alan Watts' commentary on Zen and Buddhism caught my eye, so I picked up "The Book on the Taboo of Knowing Who You Are". There was a motivational shelf, too, and it was odd seeing Joel Olsteen so prominent. The man gives a great sermon, but I don't know if his writing could get me pumped. Progressing to politics and current events...it was overflowing with sensationalist crap. So much Ann Coulter and Michael Savage...and other books about "surviving" Obamacare. Of course there were some leftist pieces here and there, but at least Krugman and Maddow will have more depth than just generic, Fox News talking points. Don't get me wrong, I thought Godless: Church of Liberalism was thoroughly entertaining. I've also read The Enemy Within from Savage. It's just that I'd be more interested in seeing some intelligent conservative literature juxtaposed with well-written books that should never be taken seriously. So much of this bookstore is devoted to fiction. I don't do fiction, but it's pretty obvious that the Romantic era is back in full swing. So much supernatural stuff to wade through, couldn't find an appealing mystery. Thsi could go on all day, but in short I like Vroman's because so many ideas and themes are represented, along with lots of knick knacks like wax seals. It won't make you much smarter, but it'll keep you entertained. read more

In a country where family owned shops are driven out of business daily, it is great to see that this amazing bookstore has weathered the storm. Now that Borders is gone and Barnes & Noble is going tablet... Vroman's is again one of the best bookstores in town. There are two stores that I know of and this is the biggest one (and the original). It has two floors and lots of different rooms. There are plenty of people to serve you and lots of help desks to do anything from answer questions, look titles up, order books, and wrap gifts. Upstairs there is a reading and book signing area where noted authors often come and speak. I saw Bill Friedkin here a few months ago. There is also a lovely little coffee shop with an outdoor area and free WiFi. And they have a huge private lot. In front is a large international newspaper and magazine stand. Excellent place. read more

There is really nothing that I can say about Vromans that hasn't been said before. This is truly a Pasadena institution, it's been around for years and years, and it's one of the finest bookstores in Southern California. Great selection of books, and if they don't have it, they can find it! Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I especially enjoy their Current Affairs and California/Local History sections. Next door is the stationary and fine writing department, where you can find nice gifts, and even browse through thick catalogs to pick out and personalize this year's Christmas card. Vroman's is a great example of what an independent bookstore should look like, and how one should be run. I especially like their Gives Back program, where a percentage of your purchase is given back to a local non-profit organization of your choice (you sign up for it and choose your org. in advance). Vroman's is widely known for attracting high-profile authors and personalities for book signings and talks. Vromans has hosted Bill and Hillary Clinton, Former President Jimmy Carter, as well as other prominent figures. I really hope that Vromans does not have to shut down one day with the way our economy and independent businesses are going. Support independent booksellers like Vroman's!!!! read more

Signed firsts, wall of employee recommendations, author events, two floors, extensive card selection. Air conditioning. All good. Missing ficus trees. Bad. A Pasadena staple. You live here. You go here. Another local gives you a bookstore gift card from B&N? And not from here? You gotta watch that guy. Carefully. read more

If you kinda sorta actually enjoyed the big evil book stores like Borders but you know in your heart that you were committing sin by frolicking through the isles of corporate hell, you will like Vroman's. They carry all of the bestsellers, cult favorites, classics, etc. I love the curated sections throughout the store as well, I always discover a new book or author that way. The staff all all super friendly and helpful and knowledgeable. Their retail displays really get me. I rarely buy anything but I'm convinced that I want it all. Like, I NEED socks with Dostoyevsky's profile on them, ya know? read more

Amazing book store! Huge selection. I love how the area has a small town feel and how the store caters To the community. I found it really easy to find what I was looking for, and the over all environment was warm and inviting. I will definitely be coming back! read more

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

It's always nice to pass the time and browse through the aisles of gifts, books, magazines and cool gifts. There is something for everyone here and I'm so glad that they are able to remain open in this highly competitive time. There is a small parking lot in the back or take your chances with street parking...keep your eye on the clock though! Bargain section always has nice offerings at nice prices. Staff is friendly and will help you find something is you ASK but I usually don't like being bothered in bookstores so that is a plus. They have a strong customer base so I'm sure they'll be around for a long time! read more

Even with the restrictions that are going on, Vromans is running effectively with continued great customer service. Vromans is a space where everyone and especially bookworms can suspend our worries of the world. Please go support and buy books, magazine, merch and get it wrapped as well! read more

I tell everyone even people on the west side to visit Vromans! It's a lovely shop filled with a sturdy variety of books and gifts. The booksellers are very passionate about their store and about reading. They're always helpful and happy to lend a hand. I love all the gifts and things I can get there. A book or two for myself, my family, gifts for my friends, you name it! I can spend hours there. In fact, my mother's day gift last year was my husband took me to Vromans and let me buy a lot of books. :) Heaven. read more

Great selection. Great value. Knowledgeable employees and a Pasadena institution are hallmarks of Vromans. I came in for a planner, ink, and converter. I got it all for the same price I would have paid on line and had to wait a week for. Vromans has been a part of my life in and around Pasadena for decades and will continue to be for as long as I'm living in the area. You can't go wrong g with Vromans and supporting this excellent local business. read more

For the beautiful writing instruments only. I can see why they have been a staple in Pasadena. Walking in and exploring, I realized how much I've missed bookstores. There is a variety of books on many many subjects. The staff is friendly. I think if you need to locate a book, you will find it here. Now onto the pens, it's our bosses birthday and we wanted to get him something that wasn't just a tie. We decided to get him a pen and while I know Montblanc is just tops, it's also not in everyone's budget to get crazy. Luckily, my coworker pointed me towards Vromans and the wide selection of pens. Wil the associate was extremely patient with me as I spent about an hour and half deciding from roller ball to ball point back to roller ball and...I think you get the drift. What I appreciated the most was they have all sorts of beautiful pens that range from high-end to mid-range to the not so expensive. I learned a few things along the way! After many many choices, texting back and forth with my coworker, we decided on the Sheaffer in the Metallic Blue. Presenting the pen today to our boss, I think he very much liked it!! Fancy pen to sign fancy docs! Tips-parking is for 90 minutes. I asked if that is always enforced and was told yes and no. The 90 minutes might be more strict on the weekends but definitely don't park there forever. read more

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

We had such an unpleasant experience during a recent visit. I mistakenly bought a puzzle my husband already had so I asked if we could exchange it. I apologized profusely. The clerk that was ringing us up got so angry he walked out of the store telling his coworkers what I'd done. I stepped aside while my husband chose a different puzzle. When we got back in line, the woman who helped us was just as unpleasant as her coworker had been. We've never been treated so badly and if this is going to be the new norm, we'll stop shopping there. I regret my mistake and I took responsibility and apologized several times. I've never done anything like this before. We wondered as we left if the attitude of these employees had anything to do with the store being so empty. read more

Love to support local businesses. Unfortunately, I made a purchase that they lead me to believe and ultimately helped me decide it was the right purchase. Turns out I'm out $80 and can no longer return it. I kindly spoke to two associates over the phone and just left the store. No one can help me. I have been shopping here since 2000. I'm sad I will no longer return to this establishment. They no longer have my trust or my support. read more

Nice variety of books. Good to see a local shop still going strong. Love the old classic 'bookstore i used to visit' atmosphere when I am there. You will enjoy spending some time just browsing. read more

I love this bookstore. Amazing selection of books and products. Not to mention the shelving alone was impressive. Plus they have a really cool writing section with a selection of pens and journals. Even wax for stamping envelopes and what not. There is a reason this place has been around over 100 years. read more