A terrific place to hang out. I came here for comfort on 11/09/16 and bought a sci-fi book, found a place to sit and read a bit before going home. Being there was like a salve. This store has been a part of my life for over 25 years. I'm glad they are still here, given the come and go of franchised book stores. And, part of all my purchases go to an entity to which I am donating. read more

I hope this place never closes. The smell of the books, people, fun..ok maybe scent is a better word not smell. It's always a good place to be with the entire family, since they have something for everyone. read more

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

The best bookstore in Los Angeles - period. I called ahead to check on a particular edition of English classic 'Cider With Rosie' by Laurie Lee; they were the only place in LA that had it in stock. Very pleasantly surprised to find such a comprehensive bookstore. What an amazing range - books, magazines, cards, gifts, events, and a very extensive children's section with wonderful educational publications, games and toys. My only complaint is there is WAY too much great stuff in here to spend your money on. I could spend all day - and a small fortune - at this place. Not funny, Vroman's! If ever a bookstore could be called a work of art, this is it. Just beautiful. read more

One of the all-time best bookstores in Pasadena and Los Angeles County is also one of the last independently owned book stores in the same area. If you love bookstores, you won't find a better one with great and knowledgeable personnel ready to assist you. They routinely have best seller author appearances and book signings. read more

I can't believe I haven't written this place up yet. Great, great, independent local bookstore - and let's face it - we need to support these places. I have been coming here for several decades, watched them grow, move around (that place out by Rosemead) and now they seem to have consolidated their gift/stationary store into the main store. I was never wild about the stationary store staff, but the regular bookstore staff have always been great. As a bookstore, this one is really operating at the top of their game. They have a very busy schedule of author book-readings, excellent community outreach and the staff has been very active in putting recommendations throughout the store. The main entrance is in the back, since that's where the parking lot is, and as you walk in, there are multiple tables that have the new books in fiction and non-fiction as well as any seasonal or subject specific trends they're featuring. You will also find featured books at the end of each aisle, they have a great selection of local authors - and there's a wall in the second room that has all the best sellers on the Independent Bookseller circuit. They have a very good range of subjects, the kid stuff is upstairs, as are the cards and smaller gift items. Excellent selection of art and design related books, big section on psychology and philosophy and they'll have that obscure Norwegian mystery writer you just heard about. This is the type of store you can bring a list of recommended books in and they'll have 99% of them in stock. I've also used the special order feature and it's always been very quick - their prices are usually the same as the corporate chains. I also must hand it to them that I've never gotten an exasperated stare when I ask them to find "this book I heard about with a guy who's name has an "x" in it..." somehow they usually end up finding it! read more

Besides being the best bookstore in Pasadena, they have great gifts. I recently purchased my wedding invitations there. Yvonne worked with me for over an hour to ensure that every piece would be perfect. THANKS YVONNE! Also, they have a community giving program. A percentage of your purchase goes to a local charity of your choice. I support the Pasadena Humane Society. Highly recommended!! read more

I just love this place. It's where I can lose myself for a couple of hours. Vromans has every book you could imagine for every age, every interest. Even the non-readers will enjoy visiting here. Not only do they have books, but many other novelties such as picture frames, coffee mugs, stationary, writing elements, scarves; the list goes on. The staff - always helpful and informative. Vromans is a gem, simply put. read more

I so love this bookstore! The one on Colorado is bigger so they obviously have a bit larger of a selection (and a coffee shop!) but both locations are great. They have a wide selection of books, and some really fun gifts. Both locations have easy and free parking lots and are conveniently located near other shops/eateries. read more

Best selection of books I've seen in a while. The recommendations by staffers made me want to pick up each book there. Narrowed my selection down to five books to buy and ended up buying three. The upstairs has really cute gift ideas too! There's street parking in front for free for an hour. The best part -- a portion of your purchase goes to a non-profit organization. You get to choose which non-profit and each time you come back, just say your name and they'll donate to that org again. Brilliant. read more

Family run, independent Vroman's has created a great comfort zone in Pasadena---a place where its supporters can browse books, attend book signings (pay attention to the list of scheduled authors--I missed Jennifer Grant!), and shop for a myriad of stuff. Somehow I can ignore the stuff (see Yelp photos, for examples) populating Vroman's ; I can ignore television commercials, also---this ability is an unusual one, I think. One of the areas I enjoy is the circular reading table over by the door on the Colorado side. On the table is a sign announcing when the table is reserved; otherwise, it is open for readers. Recently when I was waiting for my husband to finish an appointment, I experienced the table with my being the first reader, and then being joined by 4 others----a cozy crew. For guests, a field trip to Vroman's can be a treat---it's a matter of matching the place with the guest or guests. During the holiday season, Vroman's can be a good place to shop for little, thoughtful gifts (what I designate as stuff). I remember when Borders started in Ann Arbor, MI across from the University when it exemplified a pure bookstore---one copy of every book; when that book was sold, it was replaced---it was set up like a library, mostly because of a lack of space. Sadly, the expansion of the world of Borders didn't last. In Pasadena, the Borders store, formerly on Lake Street, is sorely missed. Some of those customers have found themselves at Vroman's; some of them are lost to other places, perhaps the electronic reading realm. Vroman's is 5 starred, yes, but it's hardly perfect. Yes, better bookstore experiences exist, but Vroman's certainly can meet my needs for holiday cards and an occasional book purchase. The handwritten staff comments on the card beneath a display copy of a featured book is well-appreciated by me. Thank you. read more

Love this storied Pasadena bookshop. They have a marvelous selection of fiction and nonfiction books and many splendid gifts, from notebooks and book bags, to mugs and candles, including a stellar pen selection. The clerks are can-do. Why wait? Go! read more

I was here for the Shaq book signing on Nov. 28, 2011. They have ample FREE parking behind the bookstore. The employees were very helpful and courteous. The bookstore has two levels with a lot of books, stationary, and other items. The process of the Shaq book signing was smooth and organized, let me go into detail on how it worked. I purchased the book on the day of release which was 2 weeks before the actual book signing. On the day of release, I was directed to go to Will Call (on the 2nd floor) to place an order on my book (because they ran out and was expecting more the next day). During the order process, they gave me my group "ticket" for the book signing. I was given group "B." Group A was already handed out to people who purchased the book before me. I was told that each group was about 40-50 people. When the received their shipment, they reserved my pre-purchased book and called me to notify that it was ready for pick-up. I picked up my book at Will-Call. On the day of the book signing, the scheduled signing was suppose to be at 7pm. They required everyone to be in line by 6:30pm. I arrived and was lucky to find parking at 6pm in their parking lot. A line was formed from the back entrance (from the parking lot side). You locate the signs for your group and you get in back of that line for that specific group. Shaq arrived early and they started the signing at 6:10pm. The process was fast and organized. They started to move people in by groups from the door to the upstairs area where book signings are done. They had moving the line in an organized manner. I was out by 6:20pm. read more

The best bookstore in Los Angeles. The BEST CHILDREN's book selection ever. Get a coffee at Zona Rosa and head on over here for a great magazine or book! read more

I love this bookstore. Everytime I'm in Pasadena I stop here. It's a beautiful environment, they have a big collection, it's clean, the stuff is extremely nice and helpful and they also have many cute gadgets. There's also a cafeteria where you can relax and get something to eat. They have restrooms too and wifi. I came here for a book singing event too. It was great. Thanks Vroman's Bookstore! read more

A great large bookstore that isn't Borders or Barnes and Noble. Great book selection with a very attentive and helpful staff. I prefer going there over the chains. There's a cute coffee shop attached to Vroman's. read more

Okay. I think this is a a great place for a daaattte (lover date, friend date, parental figure and child date) TONS OF BOOKS TO EXPLORE. Aaannnddd a great coffee shop. Plus, the location is great to roam around! Check it out. read more

Bookstore is pretty good--a little Barns and Nobelish for my taste, but then I tend to prefer those must little spots that you can just chill at with someones cat at your feet. But the coffee... that was the best soy latte I've ever had. Again, the spot is still yuppy-ish (but hey, it's Pasadena we're talking about), but the atmosphere is improved by the outside seating right near Laemmle Theaters (where people watching is prime). A great little spot for coffee and a book. read more

My favorite bookstore. 10/10. I come here mostly for cute girl who is blonde her name is egg. Love u vromans and egg girl.

Overpriced and bad customer service. Gave several opportunities to provide a solution to my issue involving faulty merchandise. Go to amazon.com, it's no nonsense. read more

Support your local bookstore! Vroman's is one of my favorite places to just chill away a couple of hours. Fantastic selection. Great book signing events. It's great to take kids there as well. They have a wonderful story hour and the best children's book section in town. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. Bonus: Vroman's Gives Back program. You choose which non-profit from a long list and each time you make a purchase, and they make a donation to that cause! I don't know about you but I'm all about supporting businesses that give back! read more

This is a great independent bookstore. It's HUGE... 2 floors! This is the only place I know that sells books done by underground artist. Every so often, a celebrity will stop by for a book signing or somethin. Last celebrity I saw here for a book signing was Goldie Hawn. But that was a few years ago. And if I was psychic, I would have gone up to her and said... "Goldie, in a few years from now your daughter is goin to bang A-Rod... Yankee style!" read more

This place reminds me of my childhood. Taking the time to visit bookstores like before. Choosing your next exciting book to read. read more

Sometimes, we just can't help it, and have bad days. Vroman's helped calm me down. Initially, I was there to buy a book for school, which they did have, a book by Margret Atwood, but not only did I buy the book, I bought a Belgium Dark Chocolate Bar ,and a 12 inch ruler with a little history of the worlds most famous woman rulers. Kinda cool. They have the cutest gifts. Hanging Butterflies, Asian Buddhist heads, Pan Am tote bags, incense, candles, books, books, books, pens, stationary, jewelry cases, incense holders, chocolate, painted rocks, etc,etc. My day really brightened after coming here. I think I'm going to try to make it to Vromans more often. read more

Vroman's was one of the "hangouts" (honestly!) for my girlfriends and me! We could spend hours there, and it was a safe place to browse through stacks and stacks of books we needed to read (for high school), should read, and wanted to read! We came from families that encouraged reading from our earliest years of going to check-out books from the children's section of our local LA County library, to spending hours of time there, as it was so easy to get to without a car via the old Pasadena City Lines bus. We rode up Rosemead Blvd. in Temple City, and west on Colorado. (I bet it cost a whoppin' nickel back in the early 60s.) Once we started traveling up to Vroman's on our own, I remember saving allowance money (or just asking my parents for it) for books I wanted to read and keep for good. I still have so many of them today, despite having moved overseas and across the US and back again (for good now). I'd be a purveyor of "alternate facts" if I didn't admit to the [real] fact that often those bus trips also included a stop at Canterbury Record Store, where we bought our first Beatles albums, and a stop on the corner at See's Candy for a few pieces "to go". Even though I now live in Northridge, that doesn't stop me from spending time in Vroman's, only now, instead of my girlfriends, who live up north, I go with my husband, also a bibliophile! And....when those childhood/adult girlfriends of mine come here for our semi-annual SoCal weekend at the Embassy Suites, we have gone to Vroman's. So much bigger now, but still a big Colorado Blvd. "magnet", especially after seeing a film at the Laemmle. There's obviously a reason that Vroman's is the largest and one of the last remaining, (if not THE last remaining) independent bookstores in LA, or Southern California. I never thought The Strand Bookstore in NYC was as good, but that could have a lot to do with the somewhat lack of organization in their shelves, tables, and yes, even crates. Besides, it was never relaxing, something I associate with reading---even academic reading/research. In retrospect, I loved the Brooklyn Central Library more than Strand. It had that air of time passed, and books that have stood the test of time. Sure, Vroman's has expanded and changed, but as they say, "You never forget your first love." I sure haven't. read more

I love bookstores, and appreciate them a lot more now in this Amazonian age where real bookstores are dying a slow death. I wish there was a bookstore like Vroman's near where I live -- even the neighborhood Barnes and Noble closed down this past year, which is very sad. The only thing missing from Vroman's are some quality board games...then I'd give it 5 stars. read more

I went to college in Boston when it used to be a used book lover's paradise - unlike LA in 2010. It's a different landscape today for book lovers when Duttons shuts down and indie bookstores have to compete through programming. Vroman's consistently puts together the most interesting events, from a game day for children's literature to a fascinating (and free!) cheese tasting course sponsored by Nicole's in South Pas. From its weekly emails, I found out about a wonderful 4-wk program for middle school girls run by the Institute for Girls' Development in Pasadena. In the age of Amazon and e-readers, bookstores have to evolve beyond books, music, stationery and coffee. Vroman's promotes an interesting model: books as a form of outreach and community-building. And it works. read more

family owned bookstore. Wow..really? i thought BnN had driven all these people out of business!!!! Well, we were waiting for the movie next door and we had so much time (between dinner and movie) so we just stopped here to browse and kill time. I hadn't been here before but my date had and knew about the layout of the store. He couldn't stop talking about the children's section on the 2nd floor - i thought...eh, i've seen a lot of children's sections...c'mon, i am from nyc!! WOW. the second floor is PRETTY darn impressive. It was pretty late (Friday night) but there were children reading books and playing around in the open reading area. I would (if i had kids) totally bring my children just to browse...and the selection for children's books was impressive. The whole second floor dedicated to children...! I definitely want to check out the cafe next time i come to visit... (the theater next door is worth checking out also) read more

Sad to say that I support independent book stores, but as of late, have only purchased gift items from them. Vroman's has a great selection of tasteful and unique gifts, including wrapping and cards. Their children's section is awesome and has many educational books in English and Spanish. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, and though packed with lots of titles, won't have you feeling claustrophobic or choking on dust. This place is so fun to browse in, but hopefully, you'll buy at least one thing before leaving. read more

Vromans is everything a bookstore should be... It is in a walkable location right on Colorado and a cozy feel. It has a wide selection of books that are organized just enough to avoid overwhelming you. And it's staff are friendly and knowledgable. If I was to design the perfect bookstore it would be Vromans with more soft seating. A great place for a bibliophile! read more

Not bad, but not impressed either. Decent but not extraordinary selection of books. Other merchandise mostly had limited selection, with quality and prices like a gift shop. Felt like an upscale Barnes and Noble, with a more kitschy selection of non-book stuff. And B&N is barely surviving. Not good enough in an Amazon world, gotta be a "destination". The Last Book Shop nailed it. This place would be OK if you live nearby, but not worth a trip, I don't expect to be back. read more

This bookstore came highly recommended to us from several credible sources. I am a huge geek with a strange taste in books (i'm not a big fan of fiction, kind of a big non-fiction reader), and this bookstore certainly doesn't disappoint. Upon first walking into the establishment, it seemed reminiscent of a Borders, which struck me as odd, then i realized this format is most likely to feel familiar to mainstream book buyers, and thus not alienate them (the classic independent used bookstore feel, with ceiling-high shelves and poor visibility, can intimidate the casual shopper). The selection was fantastic, and prices were comparable to major chains, which explains its long-term success as an independent bookseller. Vroman's had a good selection of books published by McSweeney's, the likes of which i had yet to see anywhere else (i mean there were at least a dozen copies each of the last three quarterly journals). I give the store high marks for its cook book selection (though for some reason, nearly all of the mexican cook books were written by folks with german last names). In sum, Vroman's will be my first stop of book purchases from here on out. read more

Not only the oldest bookstore in California, but also an independent bookstore - cudos to you Vromans for hanging in there! It's not easy for me to get to Vromans, so we always make a day of it when we go there. And I love it - lots of free parking, enormous space and such a wide selection of not only books, but unique and clever gifts as well. Be sure to also check out their stationary store right next door. Good author signings as well. Keep it up, Vromans! read more

I came in here because I wanted to buy a copy of the Koran, it isn't available here. There is extensive sections for the Bible, western philosophy, Judaism, and even all kinds of new age spiritualism and self styled metaphysics. I will admit that before this I was a big fan of this store, it's whole feel, and I will add that I am not actually a Muslim. However, it's offensive as a human being that a religion as widespread and prolific in the world as Islam is severely underrepresented in this book store. This kind of thing is absolutely unacceptable. Wherever books are there should also be books about Islam. That being said the staff is very helpful and overall it is a nice bookstore, but given the times we are living in it would be nice to see a multitude of books about this subject. read more

My boyfriend could not make a recent author appearance.. no worries, the lovely staff managed to get a few items that were in stock by the author signed for him, and they arrived within 2 days of the event!  They were packaged extremely well (not the case sadly often today) with a lovely note on the box..... such a joy to buy from a company that cares about what they sell (books) and their customers.. kudos to all especially Candace in shipping! read more

I love this store. They have a wonderful assortment of books, cards, gifts, and other items, and there's always something new and wonderful. Yes, the gift items are a bit pricier than some other places, but they have an amazing selection and free gift wrapping. For me, it's so worth it to have a thriving independent bookstore, especially one that's been around since the late 1800s. Upstairs is where the book signings take place and where the cards, children's department and other items are. One thing I LOVE about this store: they let me bring my dog inside. He's small and well behaved, but still, I was so pleasantly surprised to learn he was welcome. Because of that, I shop here way more often than I normally might. Vroman's is a great place to lose yourself for hours. And the café is very nice. (And no, I don't bring my dog in there.) I just wish that this store had more opportunities for local indie authors as the book signings aren't cheap if you don't have a publisher behind you. read more

I love local bookstores. Anytime I see one I either stop or make a note of it and come back. Vroman's had been on my radar for a while so when I final made it I was not disappointed. Books are easy to find by subject. I really enjoy the recommendations from the very knowledgeable staff. When I finally headed to the register to buy my trade paperbacks I enjoyed the friendly staff you had working the register. They were very engaging. Next time I'm in the area I will be back! read more

Not just another bookstore, but the original bookstore in Pasadena. They were here before bookstores were commercialized. They have everything, pens, calendars, book bags and books! You can get lost here for hours. There is a open area upstairs where they must have discussion groups and book signings. Lots of seating to enjoy the books and not feel rushed. Prices are probably lower online but you won't get the service. read more

Memorable cafe with wood accents. it really is one of the standing indie bookstores in Pasadena, where the big box brands will bid any amt for a store in this affluent 'hood. I love the unique finds and quiet spots to find a nice inspirational quote. Cute cards and stationery too which are my weakness. read more

Great local bookstore. Fair prices and good selection. Staff is always helpful. Great nick knack place too :-)

Honestly, there is not way anyone could ever NOT like an independent bookstore. Vroman's is an historical landmark because it's been here for over 100 years. They have all sorts of books to choose from and a wonderful variety of books and trinkets ( I love getting things for my mother here). They have all sorts of events here including author events and story time. I love that the Children's and Teen books are in their own area with staff, which keeps weirdos out of those areas (hopefully). They also have a cafe and an outdoor news stand (very New York City), which is nice if you are on the go. If you have time to kill and don't mind paying a little more to support an independent store then you have to check out Vroman's. read more