Save the Date

Click the photo for more information on our annual 'Handmade Holiday' event, featuring:

  • Local artists, authors and community partners
  • In-store specials and exclusives
  • Workshops
  • Live Music & More!

Dust Jacket Journeys

Sunday, October 12 at 2pm

Join us for our book club, Dust Jacket Journeys, where we invite you to explore perspectives around architecture, art, identity, and place.

In The Empusium, Olga TokarczukĀ revisits Thomas Mannā€™sĀ The Magic MountainĀ in an eerie, folksy allegory for the societal ills that plague us. Set on the cusp of WW1, a young man suffering from Tuberculosis arrives at a health resort (or sanatorium) in the mountains of Poland. There he imbibes a hallucinogenic health elixir and debates on the great topics of the day with fellow patients. Meanwhile something is creeping around in the woods that surround the resort, and soon disturbing happenings afflict them all.

Read more

Musical Storytime with Pasadena Conservatory of Music

Saturday, October 18th at 11am

Free drop-in event. No reservations required.
Event will be canceled in instances of rain or heat over 100Ā° f.

Bring a blanket, snacks and join us under the big oak on the Gamble House lawn on the third Saturday of the month through October at 11:00 a.m. for Musical Storytime with Pasadena Conservatory of Music (PCM). Led by PCM Young Musiciansā€™ Department Chair Rachael Denny, Musical Storytime offers a unique learning experience where childrenā€™s books become vehicles for musical play. Books will focus on seasons, nature, and creativity, all themes that tie in with the Gamble House.

Musical Storytime is made possible through a generous grant from the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. These grants are funded by its annual benefit event, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design. This year, Showcase House is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary, 60 years of Showcase!Ā 

Did You Know?

We're a specialized bookstore, which means we don't carry a lot of titles you might find in other stores.

But don't fret, you can still support us whether you're a lover of fiction or cookbooks or just about anything else!

Check out our newĀ Bookshop Winter CatalogĀ for more generalized recommendations for everyone on your list.

The Gamble House Bookstore is a drop-off site for Pasadena For All, a local grassroots mutual aid and advocacy organization who come together every Saturday to distribute items to our unhoused neighbors.

Items currently in high demand:

Sleeping bags, tents, new and unused socks & underwear, beanies, scarves, gloves, closed-toe shoes, masks, tarps, flashlights, batteries, blankets, hygiene items, first aid kits and hats.

Please refrain from donating stained or torn clothing. Please launder items prior to donation.