Sheldon Family Transfers Two Los Angeles Bookstores to New Owners
Ownership of two Los Angeles bookstores, Vroman’s and Book Soup, is passing from the Sheldon family to Robert Hoffman and his family. The Sheldon family had run Vroman’s for a century, with Joel Sheldon leading it for half that time, and had owned Book Soup since 2009. Joel Sheldon said the incoming owners understand the stores’ significance and are dedicated to carrying their legacy forward.
Vroman’s and Book Soup, two Los Angeles bookstores, are passing to longtime customer Robert Hoffman and his family. The Sheldon family had owned Vroman’s for a century and Book Soup since 2009, after founder Glenn Goldman died.
Joel Sheldon, who led Vroman’s for 50 years, said the incoming owners recognize the stores’ importance. He said they aim to honor that history and keep Vroman’s serving its customers.
The change may affect Los Angeles readers, authors, publishers, and staff who rely on these stores as cultural and community hubs. New ownership could preserve continuity or bring shifts in events, inventory, and local partnerships. Because independent bookstores often anchor neighborhood literary life, the transition may influence how nearby readers discover books and gather, though the immediate effects remain uncertain.