PASADENA, CALIF.- Dawn Levesque, 77, goes to learn about World War II. Heidi Barnett, 43, a mother of two, comes to buy presents for her children. Justin Beblawi, 25, has visited since he was a kid and now goes to work there as a clerk.
For people of all ages in Pasadena, California, Vromans Bookstore, founded in 1894, has been a mainstay, a meeting place, a reliable sanctuary in a world of rapid change. When its founder, Adam Clark Vroman, died in 1916, he left the bookstore to his godson, Alan Sheldon, a Vromans employee.
The current chair and majority shareholder, Joel Sheldon III, 79, is the third generation of his family to guide the company and has been at the helm for more than 45 years.
Now, as Vromans prepares to celebrate its 130th anniversary, Sheldon has decided its time to hand over the reins.
He doesnt just want to sell to the highest bidder, however. Sheldon wants to leave the bookstore in good hands.
Vromans deserves new ownership with the vision, energy, and commitment necessary to take it successfully into the future, Sheldon said last month in an Instagram post announcing his decision.
He continued: We will take the time needed to find the right new ownership someone who shares our core values and who is committed to preserving Vromans as a community treasure.
Over the years, the bookstore has hosted authors such as Upton Sinclair, Ray Bradbury, Ginger Rogers, Joan Didion, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Justice Sonia Sotomayor. In 2008, it was named Bookseller of the Year by Publishers Weekly.
We have generations of customers, said Sherri Gallentine, who started working as a clerk at Vromans in 1992 and became head book buyer in 2010. We have people who come in and say, I came here when I was a kid with my grandparents, and now Im bringing my kids here.
The store is a place of pride for people in Pasadena, said Philip Hawkey, a former city manager. Vromans reflects much of the Pasadena civic identity, he said.
Reputedly the largest independent bookstore in Southern California, the store has two locations in Pasadena, two boutiques at Los Angeles International Airport and an e-commerce site. Its main Pasadena location, on Colorado Boulevard, also has a coffee shop, wine bar and large space for book readings. In 2009, Vromans bought the independent bookstore Book Soup in West Hollywood after its owner died and the store was in danger of closing.
The shops make an effort to curate their selection, with sections such as California and the West and Black Lives, and to prioritize customer service. Often, one of its 150 employees will walk patrons over to shelves to help them find the books theyre seeking.
That personal touch helped Vromans to survive competition from the big box stores and online retailers.
We have people to help you pick out gifts for family or just something nice for yourself, Gallentine said. We try to connect with our customers.
In an interview, Sheldon said he has faith that the right steward for Vromans is out there, somewhere: Were very confident we can find someone.
Loyal Vromans customers are nevertheless concerned that the bookstore will change or worse, fail to find a buyer and have to close. Everybodys talking about it, Barnett said.
On a recent weekday morning, Barnett was browsing upstairs in the childrens section with her daughter Liza, who had just turned 8 and was intent on spending her birthday money (her mother was trying to steer her toward the books and away from a stuffed bunny).
Reading is so important to our family, Barnett said, and just bringing them here, Im instilling that love of books.
Nearly 40% of Vromans business comes from merchandise other than books, including gifts, kitchenware, greeting cards and stationery. It would be fine if a new owner chooses to lean more in that direction, Sheldon said: Adaptability and resilience has allowed a good owner to run a great bookstore.
Katie Wengert, visiting Vromans from Philadelphia on a recent day, had her arms full of goodies, including a novel (The Idiot, by Elif Batuman); gifts for her boyfriend, who is turning 40; and a birthday card for her sister-in-law.
Its everything you want a bookstore to be, she said. That doesnt really exist anymore.
Residents have reason to be optimistic that someone will continue the Vromans tradition. The bookstore struggled mightily during the pandemic lockdown and the community rallied in response to Sheldons social media plea for support.
Weve certainly gone through world wars and depressions, Sheldon said. With our customer base and our hardworking employees and friends, we got through and came out the other side.
On a recent visit, Levesque, a regular customer, ordered a book on how to recook leftovers, bought a planner (at 50% off) and browsed the travel and history sections.
Her three children always give her gift cards to the store, she said. They also know of her last wish.
Ive already told them, when I pass, cremate me, spread my ashes in Vromans Bookstore, she said. Just a little bit here and there because thats where I want to end up.
This article originally appeared in
The New York Times.