One of the oldest and most highly regarded bookstores in the country, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, Calif., is for sale.
Joel Sheldon, whose family has owned the store for most of its 130-year history, said in an announcement, in part, "For almost 50 years, I have had the privilege of serving as Vroman's owner and steward, preceded by generations of leadership by my father, grandfather, and uncles. As I approach my 80th birthday, it's time to begin the process of retiring and finding new ownership outside the Sheldon family. Vroman's deserves new ownership with the vision, energy, and commitment necessary to take it successfully into the future.... This was not an easy decision for me, but it is in best interest of Vroman's, our employees, our customers, my family, and our community."
Sheldon said his family, which "has poured our hearts and lives into Vroman's," will seek "the right new ownership--someone who shares our core values and who is committed to preserving Vroman's as a community treasure."
He asked the community for its "continued support" through the transition and thanked employees "current and past. We've been very fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group over the many years."
Vroman's includes the main store on Colorado Boulevard, the Hastings Ranch store on Foothill Boulevard, and Book Soup, West Hollywood. Vroman's was founded by Adam Clark Vroman in 1894. Upon Vroman's death in 1916, a group of employees that included Joel Sheldon's great-grandfather took over ownership. Vroman's bought Book Soup in 2009 after the death of owner Glenn Goldman.
For more information about the sale, contact Vroman's via e-mail.