The greater LA area used to be a haven for ethnic enclaves. With the decline of first generation…read moreimmigrants these vibrant cultures have been diminishing or at least shifting geographically. This gem is still located in the heart of the SGV. Thanks to the kind owners it remains an outlet for a different form of entertainment. Both English and Chinese manga are available, and custom orders can be made. There are quite a few series that are hidden gems, and the owners are very helpful with any questions. It's clean, organized, reasonably priced and even has a large meeting room for events for manga loving fans.

I cant believe Ive passed by this place so many times without noticing it. Like most stores in my…read morearea, It is truly a hidden gem that serves the locals. Me and my gf stopped by after we noticed it while driving and we were appalled by the aesthetics of the store. You walk in and its like you just entered the secret store in an rpg. The store offers rental services as well as purchasing books. Most of the manga/comics are in Chinese, however, they are currently expanding their english catalogs. There is a sitting area with comfy chairs where you can read their manga like a library. The owner was very nice and welcoming. We chatted about things and the store has been in his ownership for about 6 months. I look forward to not having to drive all the way to LA just to buy manga.

A gem! So happy we…read morestumbled upon Book Alley after brunch. It looks small from the street view, but it's a whole treat as soon as you step in. Upon entering you see a cool collection of records and CDs. They also have a wonderful selection of books and friendly staff. I could spend forever getting lost in this place.

Book Alley is a cool place to browse if you love books and records. They have a great mix of new…read moreand used books, and it's the kind of bookstore where you can easily lose track of time wandering the shelves. The staff on the floor are engaging and genuinely helpful when you're searching for a particular find. That said, my experience selling books was disappointing. The process felt impersonal, and the seller/owner was not particularly engaging. One example: I brought in a brand-new book that originally cost $40 and was offered only a $1 store credit. I understand used bookstores have to make a profit, but the experience left me feeling like my books would have been better off in a friend's library. Great place to browse and buy, but I would lower expectations if you're planning to sell.

Vroman's is the place we come to browse before a movie at the Landmark theater next door. Today I…read morehad fun taking pictures of a comical kitchen towel, a wooden plaque, and a clever bookend. It was packed with happy shoppers. They must change the window displays every month or two because they're always different: folktales, everything to do with cooking, and a best dressed section. Worth checking out! Highly recommend!

I visited Vroman's Bookstore during a girls trip to Pasadena, and it turned out to be such a fun…read moresurprise. We initially expected a typical bookstore, but it's so much more than that. As one of the oldest independent bookstores in California, it has a really special charm. Inside, there's a wine bar, a coffee shop, and even a cute gift shop upstairs, which makes it easy to spend a lot of time browsing and relaxing. While I was there, I got to listen to an author present her book and answer questions, which added such a unique and memorable touch to the visit. The store was busy, and you could really feel how much people enjoyed being there. The layout is well organized, making it easy to find books by genre. Upstairs, there's a spacious children's section, which is great for families. I also loved the section featuring Orson Welles books and posters. It was a really cool and unexpected addition. Overall, Vroman's is more than just a bookstore as it's an experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

Such an amazing bookstore, with great selection of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled and indie author…read moreselection. 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.

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

Walking into this place feels like stepping into another universe -- one made entirely of stories,…read morehistory, and quiet magic. The moment you walk through the door, you're surrounded by towering shelves and beautiful, chaotic stacks of books that feel lovingly curated rather than cluttered. It's the kind of space where time slows down and you forget about your phone because you're too busy discovering something unexpected. Every corner feels alive. The warm lighting, the golden walls, the endless spines of books -- it's cozy, nostalgic, and deeply comforting. You don't just shop here; you explore. And the owner? Truly an angel. Kind, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. You can feel how much heart and soul they've poured into this space. They don't just sell books -- they share stories, recommendations, and genuine warmth. The customer service alone makes you want to come back again and again. If you love books, hidden gems, or places with real character, this is one of those rare magical spots that reminds you why independent shops matter. I'll be thinking about this place for a long time.

There is no other bookstore quite like Century Books, the owners Judith and Steve are some of the…read moremost wholesome people I have been fortunate to meet. Me and my partner love to visit & chat with them about books, plays, and other things while looking around and they are so accommodating, it almost feels like we are their guests in their home. More than reasonable prices and have plenty to choose from.

Our daughter loves Kinokuniya. This Japanese store carries a great selection of books, stationary…read moreand specialized gifts. The toy section is always fun and nostalgic for me with characters that our children grew up with. I also love the small gift items section that change each time we visit -- today the cat plates got me! The husband enjoys looking through all the Gundam models. Our daughter can never resist buying a cute stationary item. The store is packed but well-organized and clean. Prices are reasonable. The staff members are friendly and always willing to help you find whatever you're looking for.

I love everything in this store! The book selection is great, but all the other items they carry…read moreare what bring me in. If you want unique gifts, this is a great place to find just that. The staff seemed to be helping people at every turn but I didn't need any assistance so I had no interactions with them to comment on. As it relates to the prices on the gift items, they're pretty high. I recall grabbing a few keychains and the price range for a single keychain ranged between $15-$22 for the Ghibli stuff. Yikes!

What an adorable book and stationary store. Our first time here and we loved it. It is not large,…read moreit is somewhat small, but it is so cute and they have a nice selection for a smaller store. They also sell other things and if you need to buy a gift, you will find one here. They also have a website that is great. Their prices are fair and the service is ever so nice. I really liked this place and will stop by again when in town.

When I called to ask about children's books in Chinese, the lady rudely said that they don't sell…read morebooks and hung up. Very strange.

You'd never expect to find Hello Kitty here from the name of this store. .. but, she is here!…read more I saw a poster outside - on the door - and had to take a look! If you come here, don't let all of the Chinese magazines and videos in the front of the shop discourage you. Hello Kitty is way in the back! This store (in the Arcadia District of Los Angeles) shares the parking lot with 99 Ranch. It can get busy at times because there are several restaurants in the Food Court, too. Service is satisfactory - just speak up if you need help! Then get your Hello Kitty on!

Oddly enough, in a store that carries 50% Hello Kitty and 40% books, this privately owned store in…read morea little Arcadia shopping plaza sells KUNG FU MOVIES FOR FOUR BUCKS ALL DAY! How great is that?! I love kung-fu movies and so long as this place is open, I will continue coming here to support my love for kung-fu. Tip: If you don't understand Mandarin or Cantonese, some of the movies DO NOT have English subtitles even though it says it does. Ask someone and they'll tell you if it has English subtitles... trust me. But who gets kung-fu films to read the subtitles? I guess that might be you. In addition to kung-fu, there are also some rad horror and romance movies. Extremely special foreign films up for the taking!!