Grew up around the area and was this has been a mainstay in my life…read moreA fabulous independent bookstore that managed to stay in business all these years Great selection of titles, gifts and fun stuff

Founded in 1894 the way I hear it is Vroman's is this is the oldest bookstore in Los Angeles. It's…read moredefinitely also one of the most famous along with The Last Bookstore in DTLA. One fantastic thing about this place is the immense size and varied selection that they have. In front they have a really nice café that serves drinks and food followed by many rows of books and strewn merch all around and in the back, they even have a really nice stationary section that has many great pens and notebooks to choose from. They also have a second floor that was having an author visit as a guest speaker for a Q&A so it was extremely busy. Most of the second floor, though is for young readers. They don't have a dedicated parking lot so it will be metered street parking which is the only downside. The whole staff was very friendly and helpful. Inside is also really clean and I just loved all of the options. I ended up grabbing a few books on math and business and was really happy with what I found. I would highly recommend to any bibliophile.

My go to bookstore for specific finds I need, and when I don't wanna support big box stores. These…read moreguys are informed, kind, and well inventoried! They carry new and old books with VERY large selections. Their manga and comic section is really great, and I love to pop in to see what's new. I think they understand there's lots of art students nearby that love these books! :) Thank you, book alley. They helped me snag a specific book I really wanted to avoid buying from amazon, and couldn't find anywhere else! Make sure, if you're in the same boat, give them a call and ask if they can do the same for you! It might incur a fee, but they got my book to me within a week and I didn't have to pay extra! :) Wahoo!

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.

We stumbled upon this book store in Pasadena and had a wonderful experience. The owner was…read moredelightful and provided amazing customer service. Upon entering there are towers of books all around, so much so that it's a bit difficult to walk around, though they appeared to have been in the midst of reorganizing and cataloguing new inventory. Regardless, it was like a treasure hunt to find books that piqued my interest. The prices were great. I'll definitely visit again in the future! The owner did mention that she had some personal matters to attend to the next few weeks, so the hours would be sporadic. If you love supporting small local bookshops, I recommend giving this place a visit!

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.

I noticed this bookstore on one of my walkabouts, and decided to finally stop in…read more Generally, kinda cluttery. Lots of shelves and books everywhere, but each shelf is home to specific categories of books, and there's LOTS of categories! Looking deeper at each collection, I was really impressed with the range of what I saw. I noticed these two super nice quality cookbooks and snagged them! I didn't realize at first, but the prices of the books seem to be marked in pencil on the first inside page or so, and I got a really good deal (imo!). I was in there for just a few minutes before the clerk/owner noticed me (he was busy in the back I think?) and turned on the AC and some cool music. :) That was appreciated, thank you!! I'll stop by again sometime. This feels like the place you should go to when you're not sure what you want, but you want a great price and rare find!!

Lots of books. A few records. Friendly service. Things are kinda in disarray but that adds…read morecharacter to the store. Decently priced. The guy at his desk is friendly. And they do take credit cards!

Wow! First time in the area and visited this place. It's so cute small labyrinth and you get lost…read morewith the choice of books you see! And the plants make it a plus! Book lovers definitely need to visit!!

Literally leaving 1 star to leave the review. Can't speak on the selection or value of the books…read morebecause the service or lack there of, was distasteful! Walked in with my family and, as I was approaching the register the guy behind the counter and a lady who look like she may or may not have worked there , scurried away laughing . It definitely gave racist and discrimination vibes . I love book stores so I was definitely excited to come here after hearing about it on TikTok. I was literally shocked at how the guy looked directly at me and hurried away without greeting us. **** the owner of this store should definitely have a talk to the employees and / or if that was the owner, should definitely check themselves to understand this is a business and it's 2026, we shouldn't still be discriminating towards anyone !

What a spectacular bookstore. I never knew what it felt like to be part of the majority, and how…read morecomfortable it would be to look around and see characters like me looking back at me while browsing for books. I also love all the craft and craft adjacent things they have. I've always wanted to try cross stitch, and now I have a new sampler to try out and a sticker which is amazing.

Super nicely curated, tiny bookshop with some other wonderful items, my son bought a cup holder…read moremade out of climbing rope, and I was incredibly tempted by the Octavia Butler votive candle! But I ended up with a couple of books instead, which came with nice complementary bookmarks.

First time here and it was so cute! It was a bit hot but try to visit in cooler days!…read more Second floor is beautiful and take it all in book lovers

First time visitor Located in historical downtown LA…read moreQuaint bookstore filled either various decor shelves patterns unique features and rooms Upstairs and downstairs - elevator and stair accessibility Upstairs has a coffee bar Local shops also located upstairs - owners friendly and personable Many forms of art work throughout and photo ops Family and kid friendly. Solo exploring and group date exploring Lots to purchase and hidden Knick knacks to look

I want to say I have been trying to find a good person to help with guidance through tarot and just…read moretheir overall spiritual outlook, I have found that with Alexandria. she has really opened my eyes to what has been happening and what has to be done to get the peace and love that we all seek. We connected immediately and she was able to help me through a big transition that I am in now with my health, love life, career and home life that I know now what I need to do I feel more confident and at peace. She gave me a Peace of mind. I trust in her and know that all messages were from angels and God given to her to give to me! Positive vibrations and felt good about the whole experience!

I've been shopping at this store for the past seven years and have always enjoyed the atmosphere…read more The employees have been friendly, although they don't always acknowledge you unless you approach them first for assistance. Unfortunately, my experience this past December left me with a bad impression. I stopped in to buy Christmas gifts and while I was being helped by the employee at the register, I asked if they happened to have small handouts explaining the properties of a few crystals that came from the glass shelves. They weren't sure, so they asked the older employee/manager standing nearby. His response was rude. He came over and said they would have to print one out and didn't have time to do that. I wasn't expecting anyone to go out of their way to print something--I was just asking in case they had copies available at the front. A polite "no, we don't" would have been fine. Instead, the sharp tone was embarrassing, especially since it happened in front of other customers, the employee helping me, and my partner. I still purchased my items, but the interaction left me hesitant to return. This is a shop that should feel warm, welcoming, and relaxing considering what it offers. Nobody should leave feeling uncomfortable after a simple question.

Very friendly space book collection is éclectique.Friendly staff with a dog mascot crafty schedule…read moreof classes and unique handmade goods available for purchase.

Who said that bookstores were a thing of the past!? I looooovvve that Monrovia has a gem nestled…read moreacross the street from the library. I popped in to get a Christmas gift for my middle school aged niece who loves to read. They helped me with some recommendations, and one of them is even by a local author that had signed the book! The service was top-notch and the selection was plentiful.

We've visited this amazing rare book store twice and magically have walked out with an item each…read moretime. If you're an avid book collector or have a great interest in books from collection or historical perspective. This is a must go to place to browse their selection or check out their catalogue online. They have an impressive collection of first editions, signed editions and collector worthy inventory. For pieces you can also work with them to custom make book holders to protect your investment. Staff is super knowledgeable about their product in answering your questions and allowing you to view the books.

Fantastic, trustworthy. I worked with them on selling a book. They were great to work with.read more