9AM - 4PM
1937 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia
Book Stores
“I'm a volunteer that works in the office there. I am on the BOD committee, we're the ones that are in charge of the office. When I haven't been of service to the office I have been going there for 28 years now, being involved with many of the different committees.”
“One of the best independent bookstores in California. They have a huge selection of books and other gifts. I enjoy the wine bar in the store too! This is a must visit for any book lover”
“As a lover of books and community, Octavia’s Bookshelf is a true gem. I was impatiently waiting for their doors to open and when they did, our community was met with love and a sense of belonging. My son absolutely loved story time, I loved perusing the beautiful works of incredible writers. We picked up some books for my son’s bedtime, and I picked up literature to read the voices of great activists, including one of my favorites: Roxanne Gay. This space provides inclusivity, safety, and joy in a society that has so little.”
“The best shop to buy all the stuffs for baby and young kids! Fast shipping and high quality All Chinese books for children are bought from yo baby. The quality is very good and can be read for a long time! And the delivery speed is super fast. I look forward to receiving it every time.”
“An awesome art gallery! I love that there’s always something new rotating in. I was especially glad to catch the Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake exhibit. It’s also very cool that you can buy artwork made by local artists such a great way to support a community!”
“This place is DANGERIOUS! ? you will walk in and come out with unexpected items you didn't intention at all!!! Really nice layouts for presentations and also just the qualities of the products are phenomenal! ❤️ LOVE this store ?”
“I’m an avid reader, and The Book Alley is now my favorite place to find rare and second-hand books. It’s a bit tucked away in Pasadena, but worth seeking out. The store is like a hidden gem with shelves upon shelves of well-organized, gently used books. I found an original edition of a Hemingway novel, which made my day. The staff is always friendly and willing to help with any requests.”
“I work nearby and have always wanted to stop by. Finally did when my mom was in town for a visit since she loves shops like these. Great customer service and very fair prices. Great place to go for gifts! Will be back.”
“Great little gem loaded with all kinds of gifts, books, and other Christian products. Both in English and Spanish. I searched all over for a particular "Footprints " poem, and they had it there. Caring and friendly staff. Highly recommend you go there.”
“I visit this store biweekly and have visited this store when it was previously known as maido. I love the expansion to books and even more stationary. One of the most interesting stores available and they always manage to have new items/recent items from Japan, with great prices! I would recommend it to everybody if I could.”
“Very nice manga store! Have both Traditional Chinese and English manga~ the owner are super nice and helpful~ they even host some anime/manga related events sometimes~”
“So many cute, practical, and inspiring religious gifts! I went in to pick up a Chinese Bible for a friend and was surprised by the abundant choices there are! I am so glad we have this gem in SGV!”
“I love the PCC Bookstore! Even when the employees are so busy, they are always friendly and I love all the school gear. I mean, can you ever have too many PCC hoodies? A lot of people talk about wait times on their reviews, but this is not the employees' fault, I know they are doing the best they can! Keep it up guys, you're doing great!”
“(Translated by Google) I am happy to recommend. For its fine attention and the diversity of spiritual support content, I recommend that its good prices and quality(Original)Me complace recomendar. Por su fina atención y la diversidad de contenido de apoyo espiritual, recomiendo por que sus buenos precios y calidad”
“How lucky are we to live in CA which has some of the best schools in the world. Cal Tech is one of the best of the best! Did you know that Einstein taught here and you can still see the house that he lived in?? I was here for a tour and loved every minute. How I wish I had this appreciation for education when I was in college. ;-)”
“This Bookstore epitomizes on how a one stop shop for students, staff, visitors should be run. The staff is congenial, knowledgeable and always greeting and thanking their customers. It is refreshing to get outstanding customer service. Oh, and they have a variety of items to meet our needs. Keep up the great work!!!”
“Tuve una cita ahoy en el dentista super amables bien limpio tomaron su tiempo para explícame lo que mi esposo ocupava...me gusto como nos trataron 5 ***** para el staff que nos atendieron”
“This is a hidden gem bookstore for those interested in Chinese language texts. They carry Chinese translations of Western books and have a large set of beginner learners' Chinese textbooks.
Also, they carry copies of the famous ancient texts (孫子兵法,易經,論語,道德經)and the great novels (西遊記,三國演義,紅樓夢), which is super helpful for an ABC like me who's looking to get back into studying Chinese literature!
I talked with the owner - unfortunately, not that many Chinese bookstores have survived these past couple of years. LA Chinese American community please support if you can!”
10AM - 7PM
352 N Lemon Ave, Walnut
Book Stores
“I have a wonderful experience at this store.. Despite the store size, I have great finds and they keep this place clean and soo organized which I highly appreciate. The employees are warm and kind. I went recently and Ashley was super kind and helpful she went out of her way to reccomend cute clothes and give me helpful tips.”
“I was experiencing difficulties with the purchase of a few textbooks. The Owl Bookstore employees, moreso the manager were all very kind also helpful. It was very nice to have such great service.”
10AM - 6PM
1012 N Santa Anita Ave, Arcadia
Book Stores
“Always a great spot to stop by and find some cheap affordable items. The staff is always amazing super friendly and helpful. The store is smaller but to me its quality over quantity; i love this goodwill and its staff.”
10AM - 7PM
703 N Lake Ave, Pasadena
Book Stores
“Gentleman who attended to me was polite, friendly and helpful. I was coming in as a donor. Other places who have staff that appear and act burned out, treat donors like nobody. He answered my questions and volunteered to help carry tons of clothes from vehicle to unloading area. Gave specific instructions on getting a receipt (helpful for tax write off). I will donate here again.”
“Very nice bookshop with good art and literature selections. Pleasant staff and reasonable prices. When I moved to Covina I was very happy to see one of the dwindling number of non-chain bookshops was located here.”
“This is one of my favorite places to go-- the workers are so friendly and quick to help me find whatever I need. :) It was featured in a book, Sunset Market Plaza, and its small but cozy store always makes me feel at home. Definitely definitely recommend coming here!”
“If my first phone call to EIE is any indication of the kindness and helpfulness offered here, then we are in good hands. I've not visited in person yet but Marty is one of the most warm and knowledgeable people I've spoken to about homeschooling options. What a warm welcome. EIE is well-established, rooted in the founders' own personal experiences and successes, and came recommended from another parent whose child attends. The founder has proven to be a lovely human, as a first impression. Our family are looking forward to meeting them in person. Thank you, Marty!”