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Help Save a Pasadena Treasure

As many book lovers know, Vroman’s, an irreplaceable Pasadena Treasure, is in danger of going out of business. Throughout their 126-year history, Vroman’s has been there for us with their patronage of various local charities, as well as their financial support of many community organizations and businesses to the tune of $750,000.00 through their Gives Back Program. They have offered many educational courses and have contracted numerous world-renowned speakers and authors who have enriched our lives with endless hours of book talks featuring lectures on a wide variety of topics. As a local author, I greatly appreciated their encouragement and support through their Local Authors Program that enabled me to present book talks at Vroman’s where my books were sold.

Vroman’s is not just a book store; it is an integral part of our community that provides multiple services from their main branch on Colorado and their eastern branch in Hastings Ranch. Now that they are on the brink of shutting down, it is time for our community to return their generous support by helping them survive their financial difficulties. Their sales are down by 40% compared to previous years, so this deep reduction in revenue is not sustainable. We cannot allow them to go under.

How can we help? The obvious answer is to buy books and to spread the word. Send multiple emails to friends and relatives, post on social media, forgo ordering online and support this local business. Christmas will soon be upon us, so what better time to do some early shopping and give books for Christmas, birthdays, and other special occasions? I have asked people to send me their Christmas book wish lists so I can purchase these gifts as soon as they send their lists. The earlier we shop, the more time Vroman’s staff will have to order books not currently in stock. You can order online, use curb-side pick-up service, or enjoy safe in-person shopping in both stores. What could be easier?

Please help to save our beloved Vroman’s. Together we can do this!

Linda Simmons
Pasadena Resident
Retired Educator

Got something to say, email Managing Editor André Coleman, at andrec@pasadenanowmagazine.com