Friday, January 30, 2026

Vroman’s Stays Open Friday as Free Community Space During National Strike

Pasadena bookstore offers story time, free books and donates to Minneapolis booksellers

Vroman’s Bookstore will stay open Friday during the nationwide general strike, offering its event space as a free gathering place with story time at 11:00 a.m., free books, children’s activities and refreshments.

The 130-year-old bookstore said it chose to remain open rather than close in solidarity with the strike, which was called to protest federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Many bookstores across the country announced closures for Friday’s “National Shutdown.”

“Vroman’s has always defined ourselves as a place for our community to come together as a refuge and place for information, so we will stay open,” the bookstore said in a statement posted to Facebook. “We want to be here for you.”

The store said visitors may use the event space to read, rest, gather and connect with no expectation to spend money. Free advance reader copies will be available while supplies last. Story time and crafts begin at 11 a.m.

Vroman’s also announced it will donate to the Binc Foundation, a nonprofit that provides emergency financial and mental health assistance to bookstore employees. The foundation is actively supporting Minneapolis booksellers affected by the ongoing crisis, according to the American Booksellers Association.

“These are difficult days for our democracy so hold tight to your integrity and take care of each other,” the bookstore’s statement said. “Everyone needs it more than ever.”

The January 30 strike, called the “National Shutdown,” expanded from the Minnesota general strike held January 23—the first general strike in the United States in 80 years. That action followed the deaths of two Minneapolis residents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during encounters with federal immigration agents earlier this month.

Bookstores have responded to the strike in varied ways. Some, including Changing Hands in Arizona and Print Bookstore in Maine, announced full closures. Others are staying open to serve as community spaces. The American Booksellers Association encouraged stores to donate to Binc to support Minneapolis booksellers.

Southern California’s oldest independent bookstore, Vroman’s was founded in 1894 and has long served as a Pasadena community institution. The store hosts more than 400 free events annually.

Vroman’s Bookstore is located at 695 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. Hours on Friday are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For information, call (626) 449-5320 or visit vromansbookstore.com.