I know this location only opened like 1-2 months ago…read more This is only a comparison to the one in the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia. The selection is a lot bigger. The books in the front are more with pop culture and famous books that maybe considered for the "coffee table" books. Also in the front , are the stationary items, cute Knick-knacks and some blind boxes. The Japanese light novels & manga section was larger vs the Arcadia location. Plus there was surplus amount of certain mangas that are currently popular to ensure enough is in stock. In general, I find these books very decently priced. I have , in the past, asked them for a particular book if they have in stock, they'll check to see if they have it or not or will direct me to where it is in the store.

My favorite Kinokuniya due to the amount of books packed in such a tiny store, it's always clean…read moreand never feels messy despite having so much selection to look through and choose from. They always have a ton of pens imported from Japan and they even have the little sticker tag on the pen itself in Japanese. Huge fan of the Uniball Zento Pens as I draw from time to time. I know it's great to support local stores, but I do wish they were a bit more competitive with pricing, if a book is only 10% more expensive here and I'm in the area, sure I'll buy it at Kinokuniya, but when the same exact book brand new is 40% cheaper on Amazon, I can't justify the purchase. It would be cool if membership allowed for price matching. Overall, this is probably the best Japanese book/manga shop you can find aside from the Book Off in Gardena.

Fables & Fancies (SM Books) is a cute little bookstore in central Sierra Madre. They have a modest…read morecollection of books from Tolkien to Frida Khalo to PeterPan to Dracula. The bookstore's young female staff was pretty, friendly and professional. Prices seem reasonable. Bookshelves were organized. Overall, I had a nice experience in bookstore- Sierra Madre.

Very nice books store. My son took some classes here too, was always excited and looking forward to…read moregoing back to Ms. Ani's class semester after semester.

Lady is really nice to help to answer all the questions and gives good advices. Also found there…read moremany used books for great price.

Such a cute little hidden gem! ‍ It's easy to miss unless you're walking by and happen to notice…read morethe sign pointing you down the alley. Once you find it, though, you're greeted by this cozy little coffee and book shop that feels like a secret hideaway. They have a really nice selection of books to browse or buy while enjoying a drink, with a handful of seating options: from regular tables to comfy chairs and sofas. It's the kind of place where you could easily lose track of time and accidentally spend a few hours reading. I ordered an espresso over ice, and honestly... their coffee is pretty damn good. I wasn't expecting much from a place that doesn't primarily specialize in coffee, but I was pleasantly surprised. The jasmine green tea was also really good and refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. The ambiance is probably my favorite part--quiet, cozy, and inviting without feeling too stuffy. Definitely a great little spot to escape to, grab a drink, and browse some books. Would absolutely come back!

Background On Visit: Decided to take a gander at this small bookstore. Believe it or not, but there…read morewas a Yelp Elite event at this location but for a different business back in 2018. Credit Cards: They are accepted. Restroom: They have a unisex restroom. Location/Parking: Located in a alleyway in old town Monrovia between Lime Ave. and Lemon Ave on Myrtle Ave.. Parking can be found either in the shared public lots or along Myrtle Ave. Ambiance/Decor: Nice cozy ambiance with 6 or 7 small tables to sit/read/drink in the shop. Service: Service is great. The staffers are very nice and informative. If you don't see a book that you want to have, you can request it and just pay for the book when it arrives. Lastly, ask for cat stickers! Black Cat Fables For Thought: Wouldn't mind coming back to explore the shop while enjoy a cup of tea.

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.

Had a reading with Christopher! Immensely blessed to have been able to do it. Thank you,…read moreChristopher for sharing your gift. I will use the tools I learned for my next awesome life chapter!

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.

The Matilija lending library is a local bookstore, lending library and store all in one. It's just…read moreoff of Valley Blvd. with the cutest storefront! The owners are the sweetest people and are so involved in the community. Their books range from YA to how-to books on Mahjong. I bought some cute stickers, postcards, and artwork from local vendors. They even had my favorite Mahjong book! The prices are so incredibly reasonable. They were even having a sale the day I stopped in.

Small lending library with a micro seed bank!. Geeat place in the area to checkout small hometown…read morevibes good place to find artist prints and exceptionally friendly people. Prices are reasonable and discounted for reading items local maps reading materials and paper goods .