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.

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.

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!!

Must post just to do my part to keep small used bookstores in existence. This is a dusty little…read moreplace, but not too dusty....still amazed that anybody can keep the lights on or these establishments. RIP cliffs

I LOVE this store! It has a variety of used and new books set around the store in a beautiful…read moretwisting maze style. The store is covered with beautiful greenery and plants. There's also options to buy awesome shirts, vinyls, and even the plants! They have a vast selection of classics, modern fiction, fantasy and sci, and thrillers. They lack a little in the horror and romance section in my opinion but it was really fun looking around at everything they had to offer. This was such an amazing gem!

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.

My go-to spot for books when I'm home in 'Dena! Octavia's Bookshelf has a curated selection of…read moreBlack authors and stories, plus a free book corner and a cozy spot for reading. You can easily order books they don't have in stock. The store also has fun accessories, trinkets, and gifts--perfect for adults and kids. It's has a welcoming, community vibe. A superior alternative to Amazon and a wonderful way to support a local Black-owned business.

This place is amazing, a book lover's dream! I could probably live here lol. The books are…read moreamazingly priced. You will not find better preowned prices on Amazon or other major book resellers, except Goodwill maybe. There are many structures (such as a metal vault) and beautiful designs made from uniquely binded books to relax around and explore. With two floors to adventure in, a cafe area, and even an few artists vendor areas, this is a good location for tourists and locals to get lost in!!

l've been here several times already and I'm always amazed that a place like this even exists. It's…read moresuch a unique store, and I've picked up books, coffee, and other merchandise on various visits all at good price. Even when I'm not looking to buy anything, it's still worth coming just to explore. The place is unlike anything else. It's also a perfect spot for anyone creating content for a social media travel page. Upstairs you'll find an art gallery and several other shops, while downstairs has old vinyl records and CDs. If you love that classic old bookstore smell, this place has it in full. Personally it's not my favorite, but definitely worth noting for those who do. The main downsides are parking and crowds. Finding a spot by car can be a challenge, and the store draws a good number of tourists so it can get pretty packed. If you're not a fan of crowds, just keep that in mind before you go.

Alexandria Bookstore is one of those rare places that feels magical the moment you walk in. The…read moreselection is thoughtfully curated, with everything from spiritual and metaphysical books to unique gifts and meaningful finds you don't see everywhere else. The atmosphere is calm, welcoming, and full of character. You can take your time browsing without feeling rushed, and there's something about the energy of the space that feels grounding and inspiring at the same time. The staff is kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful if you're looking for something specific or just exploring. It's the kind of bookstore you leave feeling a little lighter and more connected. A true Pasadena treasure. I always find something meaningful here.

I was in the area and did a search for a metaphysical shop and Yelp pointed me to Alexandria II and…read moreit did not disappoint. I went looking for some smokey quartz and left with not only that but also several pieces of jewelry, a book, a tarot deck and a few other odds and ends. When I tell you I was like a kid in a candy store I'm not exaggerating. Service was a little off at first but in the end I was able to get help looking at some jewelry in a locked case. Will definitely be back.

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.