This bookstore is a true gem of the community. So-Cal's oldest and largest independent bookstore, offers a vast selection of books across all genres, as well as unique gifts and stationery. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, always willing to offer recommendations and engage in thoughtful conversations about literature. There is a coffee shop right in front, and an old style newsstand adjacent to it. The store also hosts a wide variety of author events, book clubs, and workshops, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for book lovers of all ages. Vroman's is a must-visit destination for anyone near the Pasadena area looking for an exceptional bookstore experience. Plenty of parking in the back.

The staff is best kind. The store/ books are organized very conveniently. I loved the items in the children's section. They were super adorable. They have a smashing penny machine. I will definitely visit again. There photography book section has some gems.

Beautiful find in the middle of Playhouse Village in Pasadena. I absolutely love the flow and the amount of items to look for beyond the fantastic array of books. They have the associates do monthly book reviews and have a wall dedicated to it on top of many recommendations on the shelves themselves. Everything is sorted in an day to find manner and I could’ve stayed there for hours. I know we stayed at least one. I can’t wait to go back. I also like the wall art right outside the building. It really draws your attention and then you noticed the book store entrance.

ALL TIME BEST bookstore!! Famed as the largest independent bookstore in the United States, you will ALWAYS be greeted by staff that truly love their jobs, are willing and able to help you find what your looking for, and leave you with a memorable experience that will keep you as a loyal patron. Aside from a top notch book selection they have the BEST gifts, stationary, fine writing pens, and unique nick knacks. They even recently opened a wine bar that is truly charming and a MUST GO!! Check it out!!

It was on my bucket list to visit this bookstore and I am so happy I did! Great selection of books and gifts, which I bought for friends and family. Also huge thank you to Jonas who carefully wrapped some of the fragile gifts I bought and took the time to remove the prices and all. Great service!

Best kept literary gem in Pasadena! It supports local authors and promotes them. Five cheers for this wonderful indie bookstore!

It’s not surprising to me that Vroman’s has been around as long as it has. In a time where too many people just order their books cheaply delivered from Amazon, Vroman’s is an oasis in the desert for true bibliophiles. The type of place to get lost in for hours. With a wine bar as well, gift sections and the dim lighting, time stands still and all that matters is the potential next book best friend. Or friends. Because you’re sure to find them here. I’ve also found the staff to always be amazing. And Vroman’s has never failed to have in stock a book I’ve requested from a staff member if I couldn’t find it on my own. If it ever closes, that will truly be a dark day.

Great selection of books, pens, and stationary, with a bonus home decor section upstairs,and lots of magazines and publications outside. There's even a pretty decent selection of board games here, too. This place has a great vibe and atmosphere, and is clean and well-kept every time I visit. The staff is extremely helpful, friendly, and seemingly excited that you're in their store, regardless of the department, which is a great bonus. The store has a cafe inside of it called The 1894 which serves wine, beer, and small snacks. Again, the staff is extremely friendly and accommodating, and everything I've had from here tastes great and is priced fairly. As far as the stationary section goes, they carry a bunch of fountain pens, bottled inks, and even have a neat little wax seal section, which are all my personal favorite parts of the store. I've been visiting on a weekly (almost daily) basis and Michael has been hugely helpful -- he really knows what he's talking about and has made some great recommendations, but is does everyone else in the store. Overall, this is just a really great place to visit if you haven't already -- come check it out and help them stay in business!

Portland native here: I loved this place! As someone who loves Powell’s, nothing ever feels as close to it for me, but I love bookstores regardless. However, Vroman’s was incredible and blew me away! The pen, seal, and journal selection is unlike any I have ever seen! And they serve wine! What an awesome spot that I will probably visit every single time I visit the LA area. Top tier!

If you are the type that like to look before you buy Vroman is your place with out waiting to be shipped. When searching for books, others have left comments on notes which makes it helpful to have a better perspective. Coffee shop plus so much more!! The kids section has so much selection and toys!!

This is simply one of the top 3 book stores on the West Coast. It’s not just the great curated selection of books, but also a variety of unique items that could be fantastic gifts for someone you care about.

We love this bookstore. Helpful employees make it super easy to find things. Always the best selection, two stories of volumes, plus gorgeous pens, stationery and seasonal gifts. Newsstand on the street, (Colorado), is extensive.

DELIGHTFUL spot to visit for books, gifts, and drinks all in one spot! Huge place so make sure you have time to explore when you visit.

Stopped by here for a coffee and loved loved loved this huge bookstore ! Not only is it organized clearly but there are so many goodies / gifty things to buy too, which I’m a sucker for. The only portion I didn’t like was the cards section upstairs. Very plain and bright white lights made it look like a drugstore aisle. Wish I didn’t live 30 min away bc I’d come to this bookstore all the time.

Vroman's has an amazing news stand outside the store that is the only place I can find a Barron's financial magazine when I want one. I appreciate them for this and the still thriving, long time book store. I'd appreciate them even more if they carried Barron's at their East Pasadena store.

My favorite bookstore. The staff is always friendly and very knowledgeable. They have beautiful fountain pens and ink. 2 story bookstore with a coffee shop and now a wine bar. I always find things here I don't see in other bookstores. One of the best bookstores in CA.

Excellent bookstore. Tons of books, gifts, toys, games, home goods, pens, and other items. It’s just a joy to be there.

Servers were a lot of fun! They have lots of personality and make the bar so much more fun. The book was the menu and gave history of Vromans.

Great selection of gifts this season and Very reasonable pricing to go along. Anything you buy here is a win-win. Everything they Cary is quality and you won't regret it. Yes, it is on the higher side of the average pricing scale, but for a bookstore that is so much more, you will have a tough time finding another place like Vromans. Great parking and love the coffee! Thank you.

Had been years since shopping at Vroman's for a book, & not only did I find the book, but I was also mesmerized by their wonderful gift selection, something I had completely forgotten about. Many beautiful wooden bookshelves holding handmade ceramic candlesticks in beautifully glazed colors (I bought 2), & a very large assortment of other handcrafted gifts and curios. The experience was as if I spent time with a very good old friend again, as it completely lifted my spirit. Vroman's also has a coffee bar, and one will not be disappointed visiting Vroman's when in Pasadena.

A very good option to the big box book stores. Quite a variety of books, stationary, cards and even some handbags. Plenty of staff to assist you with any questions.

The best place for unique gifts, wonderful book recommendations, awesome café, and just enjoying meandering through a real genuine bookstore. The staff is always great for helping to find the perfect book. The children & young adult section is the perfect Summer day retreat from the heat to find great books they will love reading in the shade or by the pool. If you are looking for a gift - stop here 1st. There really is something for anyone & it will be treasured for sure!

Good to spend a lot of time here or better yet come back. There are so many areas to explore besides the book sections. The 1894 Wine Bar is so cool! I had an old fashioned at the bar and read the book on Vroman"s history that also holds the menu.

I have shopped at this place for years. They have good location, good parking, great service, and an extensive selection of books and other items, including cards and gifts. The owners support the local community as well. I highly recommend shopping here.

I could spend all day in here. Aside from the obvious wide variety of books you can also find fun, fancy and nostalgic stationaries. There's a board game sections as well. They even have a bar that serves wine and beer. You can pick up a good book an enjoy reading it while enjoying a nice glass of wine.

Going to Vroman's has always been a fun event, especially in recent times when Jones Coffee opened a shop in the bookstore. We would regularly visit someone who worked at Jones, have a lovely coffee, chat, then happily wander the bookstore. We never left without a purchase. We are told, for the benefit of society, to support local businesses, especially independent bookstores even though prices are much higher, especially at Vroman's, than can be found on line for the same books. We feel it is also important for small businesses to support each other. We were very sad to hear that Jones had decided not to continue at the Vroman's location. We are not business people who totally understand why Jones decided not to continue at this location, and we are sure that the imminent nightmarish construction (due to the also very sad demolition of the theater next door and building of what... more overpriced, pigeon coop condos?) was a factor in their decision. However, it seems Vroman's could have offered a better deal to encourage Jones to continue. We would have appreciated this for the benefit of our community. Although we will continue to try to support local business, it is just unlikely that we will visit the bookstore as often.