Vroman's archived picture
120 years is a long time for any business to stay open, but in a day and age where fewer people are consuming literature the old-fashioned way, from cover-to-cover, it’s even more impressive when a local bookstore hits that milestone.
On Friday, Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena will celebrate 120 years in business. Despite a significant rise in the number of people downloading e-books and audiobooks or ordering hardcover books from online retailers like Amazon, Vroman’s has remained not only relevant in the community, but successful as well. They continue to draw in customers by offering a variety of gifts and sundries beyond their book selection, as well as holding community events like craft classes, kids story-time, and trivia nights. Vroman’s also donates a portion of its revenue to local nonprofits. Earlier this year they were even named one of the 10 Best Bookstores in the U.S. by USA Today.
Vroman’s will hold an event on Friday night starting at 6:30, during which local authors who have been supporters of the store for years will share specially-written stories. On Saturday morning at 11, Vroman’s will have an anniversary party and hold its inaugural “Authors Walk of Fame,” during which local author Lisa See will be the first person to put her handprints and signature into the cement walkway between Vroman’s and the Laemmle Playhouse 7 Theater.
Guests:
Allison Hill, CEO of Vroman’s Bookstore, and Book Soup in West Hollywood
Mike Shatzkin, book industry analyst and founder of the publishing consulting firm, The Idea Logical Company