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!!

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

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 !

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!

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.

It's an overdue review, but it's a landmark, super unique spot, and a must if you love books, or if…read moreyou want to take really nice photos that are book themed in some way or form (think magical library themed, etc.). The times that I've gone, we've walked from Little Tokyo, but know that you might have to walk through some sketch areas and one time that we visited someone was having an episode outside, but truly that's just another day in LA if anything. Staff here is SUPER knowledgeable. I mention an obscure, STEM related subject, the gentleman working led us to the exact general area and part of the shelf and then pulled several books that were related to the topic that I was inquiring about. Insane. Also the books are super affordable too. In a day and age when literacy rates are abysmal and physical media is perishing, this is awesome. There's also the option to sell and donate to the Last Bookstore, I'd look at their website for details and it's not only just books here, there's CD's, vinyls, and DVD's, and again, physical media heaven. It's just so mesmerizing to see the architecture and decor here, especially how they use books as artwork and how they're arranged into shapes and into photo ops as well. Definitely lots to explore and of course read and dig into.

to the owner defending their fowl behavior, lie and say…read morethat I'm not a repeat customer, but I have spent thousands of dollars in here totaled up upon my visits, have came multiple times on many occasions to buy vinyls, matcha, and clothes from gimmie danger.. I'm literally your neighbor residing 2 blocks away.I normally get Matcha upstairs from the neighboring cafe before entrance and have been coming down here on my days off for the past four to fives months along with friends with the EXACT SAME BAG that was worn the day of the incident. This time did not even make it into the store to spend my money, was singled out because I was alone with my dog with no matcha rather than with friends and a drink so the attitude and demeanor towards me were completely different upon entry. My average purchase in this store each time I shop is from two to $400. The video attached you are saying your security guard is remaining calm but if you actually listen to it, your security guard is mocking me and saying "ha ha you can't come in ha ha you can't come in" on video (I only took out my phone because your "security" told me his name was "a***hole" and was telling me to get the f**k out and spend my money elsewhere"!) the manager was called because of him saying this with a horrible attitude and him cursing at me and rather than your manager, stepping in and taking appropriate action, he let his guard continue to use foul language and aggressively conversate with me having a completely horrible attitude, so yes after 7 minutes of being cursed out and degraded by your "security" and then your "manager" not handling the situation properly, I had every right to be upset and finally respond back with the same words your guard used with me but somehow as a loyal customer getting harassed with those words thrown at me many times first while trying to spend my hard earned money with a small business, im in the wrong... got it. I will never be returning, and I will be spreading the word of how horrible your business and customer service is to other locals of Dtla. I guess supporting a small local business isn't the move and will gladly take my money to Barnes and nobles how your own Securty guard recommended me to while he was cursing me out saying he doesn't give a f how much I spend or about my business

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'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.

What a gem!!! At first it looked like just a kids book store but it isn't. There is a section for…read moreadults with different genres, Classics, YA with different genres, and then lots of children's choices. They also have plenty of stickers, note books, pens, pencils, and all kinds of goodies. This store is curated to perfection. It may be small but it is mighty. I wanted half the stuff I looked at! Wonderful wonderful selections. Props to whoever does the curating. I left with a notebook, two books, and a bookmark. Very Queer friendly as well! Staff were so amazing! Amazing store.

Oh my goodness... how have I not left a review this place? (Forgive me!)…read more This is hands down the best bookstore ever! The store and its staff are all amazing. Pippi the cat is the friendliest and softest cat you'll ever meet--literally the most perfect bookshop kitty! The selection of children's book is wonderful. The store is incredibly inviting to children and adults alike. There are a ton of events for kids as well as book clubs for adults. (I've gone to an adult book club meeting and had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people!) the store also carries a ton of signed editions which makes book buying even more special! They also have jellycat stuffed animals which are so cute and soft! It's a great place to buy books and gifts. There is plenty of free parking in the lot behind the store in the public parking area, as well as metered parking right out front.