This 130-Year-Old California Bookstore Is A Book Lover’s Dream With An In-House Café
The smell of books. The creak of old floors. The quiet hum of pages turning. Some places don’t just sell stories – they live inside them.
Vroman’s has been standing in Pasadena since 1894, long before freeways, smartphones, or one-click checkouts. And somehow, it still feels exactly right. Not frozen in time. Not trying too hard. Just steady. Warm. Alive.
You walk in and immediately slow down. Two floors of shelves stretch in every direction. Staff picks tucked between spines. Handwritten notes.
Corners that invite wandering without a plan. It’s the kind of place where you come in for one book and leave with three – plus a tote bag you didn’t know you needed.
There’s a café tucked inside, too. Coffee in hand. Sunlight through the windows. A chair that makes you want to stay longer than you meant to.
Conversations drift between aisles. Authors speak here. Locals gather here. It feels less like a store and more like a living room for the entire community.
It has survived everything. Economic crashes. The rise of online giants. And it’s still here. Not because it’s old – but because it matters.
In California, where so much moves fast and disappears even faster, finding a place that has held onto stories for over a century feels quietly powerful.
You don’t just shop at Vroman’s. You linger. You reconnect. You remember why holding a real book still feels different.
Some bookstores sell books. This one keeps them – and the people who love them – close.
1. Founded In 1894 By Adam Clark Vroman
Adam Clark Vroman opened the doors to his bookstore in 1894, and that single decision shaped Pasadena’s literary culture for generations. He wasn’t just a bookseller.
Vroman was also a photographer and a lover of the Southwest, and his interests influenced the kind of store he built.
The original location was modest, but it quickly became a gathering place for readers and thinkers. Over the decades, the store changed hands and locations, but it never lost its founding spirit.
The Vroman family remained involved for many years, and the bookstore became a cornerstone of the community.
Today, the store still carries Adam Clark Vroman’s name and values. His vision was simple: create a space where people could find good books and good conversation.
That vision endures in every corner of the current building.
The bookstore has outlasted countless competitors, including big-box retailers and online giants. Its survival is a testament to the foundation Vroman laid more than a century ago.
Walking through the store today, visitors can still feel the echoes of that original mission.
2. Pasadena Location
Vroman’s sits right on Colorado Boulevard, one of Pasadena’s busiest streets. The building at 695 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, California 91101 has been the bookstore’s home for years, and it’s easy to spot with its large windows and welcoming entrance.
The location puts it in the heart of Old Pasadena, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and historic architecture.
Parking can be tricky during peak hours, but there are several public lots nearby. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, while weekends draw larger crowds.
The store is accessible by public transit, and the area is walkable for those exploring the neighborhood.
Inside, the two-story layout offers plenty of room to browse without feeling cramped. Natural light filters through the windows, and the interior design balances historic charm with modern functionality.
The space feels open but still intimate, with cozy corners for sitting and reading.
The location has played a big role in the store’s longevity. Being on a major boulevard keeps it visible and accessible, and the surrounding neighborhood brings in foot traffic.
The bookstore has become as much a landmark as the street it sits on.
3. Oldest Independent Bookstore In Southern California
Being the oldest independent bookstore in Southern California isn’t just a title. It’s a badge of resilience and community commitment.
Vroman’s has watched countless bookstores open and close, yet it remains standing after more than 130 years.
The secret to its survival lies in adaptation. The store has embraced online ordering, social media, and modern inventory systems while maintaining the personal touch that makes independent bookstores special.
Staff members know their stock and can recommend books based on individual tastes.
Unlike chain stores, Vroman’s reflects the character of Pasadena. The selection includes local authors, regional histories, and titles that speak to the community’s diverse interests. This localized approach creates a sense of ownership among regular customers.
Many independent bookstores have closed in recent decades, unable to compete with online retailers. Vroman’s defied that trend by deepening its community ties and offering experiences that can’t be replicated online.
Author events, book clubs, and in-store browsing keep people coming back. The store’s age is a point of pride, reminding visitors that some things are worth preserving.
4. Hosts Over 400 Free Community Events Annually
Vroman’s doesn’t just sell books. The store transforms into a community hub with more than 400 free events every year.
These gatherings range from children’s storytimes to craft classes to author signings, and they’re all open to the public without charge.
Storytimes for young children happen regularly, drawing families who want to introduce their kids to the joy of reading. Craft classes offer hands-on activities that tie into books and creativity.
Author signings bring in both local writers and nationally recognized names, giving readers a chance to meet the people behind their favorite stories.
The events create a rhythm to the store’s calendar. Regulars know when to show up for their favorite activities, and newcomers often stumble into events while browsing. This programming turns a simple shopping trip into a richer experience.
By offering these events for free, Vroman’s removes barriers to participation. Families don’t need to worry about ticket costs, and curious readers can drop in without commitment.
The events also build loyalty, turning casual visitors into devoted customers who see the store as more than a place to buy books.
5. Literary Walk Of Fame Honoring Local Authors
Vroman’s celebrates local literary talent with its own Walk of Fame. Plaques honor authors who have ties to the Pasadena area, recognizing their contributions to literature and the community.
Inductees include Lisa See, Michael Connelly, Luis Rodriguez, Naomi Hirahara, Walter Mosley, Leigh Bardugo, and Lian Dolan.
The Walk of Fame isn’t just symbolic. It highlights the strong connection between Vroman’s and the writing community.
Many of these authors have appeared at store events, signed books, and engaged with readers in person. The plaques serve as a permanent reminder of that relationship.
Visitors can see the plaques near the entrance, and they often spark conversations about favorite books and authors. The recognition also draws fans who want to visit a place that honors writers they admire.
It adds another layer of cultural significance to the bookstore. Creating a Walk of Fame shows Vroman’s commitment to elevating local voices. The store doesn’t just stock books by these authors; it actively promotes and celebrates them.
This kind of support helps build a thriving literary ecosystem in Southern California.
6. In-House Café Serving Coffee And Light Snacks
The café at Vroman’s offers more than just caffeine. It provides a reason to linger.
Visitors can grab a cup of coffee, pick up a pastry or light snack, and settle into a comfortable spot to read or chat.
The café sits within the bookstore, so there’s no need to leave the building to refuel. The setup encourages people to spend more time browsing and reading.
The menu keeps things simple, focusing on quality coffee, tea, and a selection of baked goods.
Seating areas near the café include small tables and cushioned chairs. Natural light and the proximity to bookshelves create a relaxed atmosphere.
Some visitors come specifically to work or study, treating the space like a quieter alternative to a busy coffee shop.
Having a café inside the bookstore also builds community. Regulars recognize each other, and casual conversations often start over shared tables.
The combination of books and coffee feels natural, and Vroman’s executes it well. The café isn’t flashy, but it serves its purpose: keeping people comfortable and engaged with the space around them.
7. The 1894 Wine Bar With Literary-Themed Beverages
In 2020, Vroman’s added something unexpected: a wine bar. Named The 1894 after the year the bookstore was founded, the bar serves local wines, craft beers, and drinks inspired by literature.
The drinks have playful names tied to famous books and authors.
The bar occupies its own space within the store, creating a distinct atmosphere. The décor leans into the literary theme, with book-related artwork and cozy seating.
It’s designed for conversation and relaxation, not rowdy crowds.
Offering a wine bar inside a bookstore might seem unusual, but it fits Vroman’s community-focused approach. The space hosts events, book clubs, and gatherings where people can enjoy a drink while discussing their latest read.
It also attracts a different demographic, bringing in evening visitors who might not otherwise stop by.
The 1894 opened during a challenging time for retail, and it represents Vroman’s willingness to innovate. The bar doesn’t serve just any drinks; the menu is thoughtfully curated to match the store’s identity.
It’s another way Vroman’s stays relevant and offers experiences that online shopping can’t replicate.
8. Resilience Through Economic Challenges
Vroman’s has faced more than its share of hardships. Economic downturns, changing consumer habits, and the rise of online retailers all threatened its survival.
The 2020s brought the most recent and severe challenge.
During lockdowns, the bookstore had to close its doors temporarily. Revenue dropped sharply, and the future looked uncertain.
The community rallied, launching fundraising campaigns and buying gift cards to support the store. Vroman’s also adapted by expanding online ordering and offering curbside pickup.
The store’s resilience came from its deep roots in Pasadena. People didn’t want to lose a place that had been part of the community for over a century.
That emotional connection translated into tangible support, helping Vroman’s weather the storm.
It also forced the bookstore to rethink its operations. Staff members became more comfortable with digital tools, and the store strengthened its online presence.
These changes didn’t replace the in-person experience, but they added flexibility. Vroman’s emerged from the situation bruised but still standing, proving once again that community support can make all the difference.
9. Vroman’s Gives Back Program Supporting Local Nonprofits
Vroman’s doesn’t just take from the community; it gives back. Through the Vroman’s Gives Back program, the bookstore has donated over $867,061 to local nonprofits.
The program supports causes like literacy, animal welfare, and family services.
The initiative works by partnering with organizations and hosting events or campaigns to raise funds. Customers can participate by purchasing specific books or attending fundraising events.
The bookstore also donates a portion of sales during designated periods.
This level of community investment sets Vroman’s apart from larger retailers. The donations stay local, benefiting organizations that directly impact Pasadena and the surrounding areas.
It reinforces the idea that the bookstore is part of the community’s fabric, not just a business operating within it.
The Gives Back program also builds goodwill and loyalty. Customers know that their purchases contribute to causes they care about.
This creates a sense of shared purpose, making shopping at Vroman’s feel like a meaningful act. The program shows that independent bookstores can be powerful agents of positive change in their communities.
10. Two-Story Building Blending Historic And Modern Design
Vroman’s building tells a story through its architecture. The two-story structure combines historic elements with modern updates, creating a space that feels both timeless and current.
Original features like wooden accents and classic shelving remain, while newer additions like updated lighting and comfortable seating bring the space into the present.
The first floor houses the main book sections, the café, and the wine bar. The layout encourages exploration, with winding aisles and alcoves that invite discovery.
The second floor offers more specialized sections and quieter spaces for browsing. Natural light plays a big role in the building’s appeal. Large windows let in daylight, reducing the need for harsh artificial lighting.
The result is a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes people want to stay longer. The building’s design also reflects Vroman’s identity. It’s not trying to be slick or overly modern, nor is it stuck in the past.
The balance between old and new mirrors the bookstore’s approach to business: honoring tradition while embracing change. The physical space reinforces the message that Vroman’s is a place where history and progress coexist comfortably.
11. Long-Term Lease Secured After Property Sale In 2025
In October 2025, the property housing Vroman’s was sold to GD Realty Group for $15.5 million. The sale raised concerns among loyal customers who worried the bookstore might be forced to relocate or close.
Those fears were quickly put to rest when Vroman’s announced it had secured a long-term lease to remain at its current location.
The lease agreement ensures stability for the bookstore and the community. Customers can continue visiting the same familiar space without worrying about sudden changes.
The deal also signals confidence in Vroman’s future, both from the bookstore’s management and the new property owners.
Property sales can be unsettling for long-established businesses, especially in high-value areas like Pasadena. The fact that Vroman’s negotiated a favorable lease shows its importance to the area.
The new owners recognized the value of keeping the bookstore in place, likely understanding its role as a cultural anchor.
The long-term lease removes uncertainty and allows Vroman’s to focus on what it does best: serving readers and fostering community. It’s a reminder that even in a rapidly changing real estate market, some institutions are worth protecting.
