My article "Buy a Book, Save a Store" in Random Lengths last June focused on shopping at bookstores in that paper's coverage area. This time I'm looking at some additional bookstores throughout Los Angeles County, to see how they continue to do business while complying with COVID guidelines. You can order specific titles online or by phone, but for shelf-browsing and unexpected finds (or to buy and sell used books) there's not really any way but to mask up and visit. For the latest information on any store, phone first--checking the website is a good idea, too.
Vroman's Bookstore describes itself as "the largest independent bookstore left in southern California" and has two locations, both in Pasadena. It made news recently when it was in danger of going out of business during the COVID shutdown, but has rallied, so much so that its main phone line is almost always busy now--you may have better luck ordering online or else phoning the branch store. Neither the main store nor the branch buys or sells used books.
The main store carries a wide variety of new books (including children's books), along with newsstand items (magazines, papers), and such things as cards, gifts and stationery. As with other retailers during the COVID crisis, you'll need to wear your face mask. Using gloves and/or hand sanitizer helps, too.
Main address: 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
Main phone: 626-449-5320
Hours: 10:30-6 seven days a week
The smaller branch store stocks essentially just (new) books, although you can place phone orders here. Neither branch handles DVDs or CDs.
Address, Hastings Ranch branch: 3729 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
Branch phone: 626-351-0828
Hours: 9-9 Mon.-Sat. 10-8 Sun.
Twitter (both stores): @vromans
Web (both stores): www.vromansbookstore.com
Book Soup has a connection to Vroman's (their online order pages look similar and they share a PR person) but they apparently operate separately. Located on the Sunset Strip since 1975, they stock more than 60,000 titles, and vinyl records, too, but no DVDs and no used books.
Address: 8818 Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-659-3110
Hours: Daily 10:30-7, offers curbside pick-up and in-store shopping, but restricts in-store customers to four at a time. Wear your face mask.
Parking: free one-hour lot behind the store, free parking in neighborhood (but read posted signs), metered parking on Sunset Blvd.
Twitter: @BookSoup
Web: www.booksoup.com
E-mail: info@booksoup.com
Hennessey & Ingalls specializes in art/architecture/design and was a Santa Monica landmark for many years, but they moved to downtown Los Angeles around four years ago. They do buy and sell used books in their subject specialization, but call first to see when their buyer is available. If you click on their “all subjects” link online, you’ll find they have a lot more than art, architecture and design, including poetry and graphic novels. As of early Dec. '20, they've fully re-opened (wear your face mask) and always offer curbside pick-up, online shopping, and phone orders.
Address: 300 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Suite M, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone: 213-437-2130
Hours: 11-7 daily
Twitter: @HennesseyIngals
Web: www.hennesseyingalls.com
Sandpiper Books is a little independent used-book store in the South Bay. On Nov. 25 I spoke to an employee who said the store is open regular hours, 11-6 seven days a week (except closed on major holidays, of course). Face coverings are required to enter the store. If you want to sell used books, come in on the weekend and ask for Leticia.
Address: 4665 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA
Phone: 310-371-2002
Hours: 11-6 seven days a week
Web: www.sandpiperbooks.net
AND THERE'S ALWAYS Barnes & Noble if you're looking for new books (not used), magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, gifts, stationery, or even just coffee and snacks.
Web: barnesandnoble.com
