Upcoming Events.
Life Balance Workshop
Join us for a Life Balance Workshop with Life By Natalie at Underdog Bookstore!
Looking for more balance, growth and purpose?
Attend this 1 hour workshop that will:
- Create a plan for your life that work
- Acknowledge every forward moving step
- Teach the tools to combat emotional blockers
- Focus on gratitude for all things in life
Writing Workshop: How to Perform Poetry
Poetry isn't just meant to be read—it’s meant to be felt. In this class, you'll learn to bring your words to life with presence, power, and purpose.
Whether you're stepping onto a stage for the first time or looking to refine your delivery, this class guides you through the essentials of voice, movement, and emotional connection.
Through practical exercises, peer feedback, and performance techniques, you’ll gain the confidence to turn your poems into unforgettable experiences.
Life Balance Workshop
Join us for a Life Balance Workshop with Life By Natalie at Underdog Bookstore!
Looking for more balance, growth and purpose?
Attend this 1 hour workshop that will:
- Create a plan for your life that work
- Acknowledge every forward moving step
- Teach the tools to combat emotional blockers
- Focus on gratitude for all things in life
Tarot & Teeth Reading
Visit @underdogbookstore in Monrovia on the next full moon for a unique reading that combines tarot and bone throwing divination techniques - with a fistful of real teeth!
• Friday, August 8 from 5-7pm
• Readings will be around 10-15 minutes
• All walk-ins! No signup required
• This event is “pay what you can” with all proceeds are going to support Underdog Bookstore, a 501(c)(3) non-profit!
• The teeth witch will not be reading your teeth and/or looking into your mouth. Your teeth are safe! All teeth have been ethically sourced and acquired 🦷
Stop by for a reading and maybe you’ll find your next read while you’re there, all supporting a great local organization and LA indie bookshop 📖🔮✨
Full Moon Writing Meditation
Join us at Underdog Bookstore during the full moon each month for a guided meditation and writing group. We meet at 7PM in store and will also be streaming via Zoom for those joining virtually.
All are welcome and encouraged to write and share or listen and reflect during this peaceful meditative time. You are welcome to bring your own mats, writing supplies, spiritual tools etc. Whatever you need to feel comfortable and enjoy the evening!
Local Authors Meetup
At Underdog Bookstore we love supporting local authors on the shelves and at our signings and panels, but sometimes you just want to turn off the book selling brain and enjoy each other's company instead.
We hope that these meetups will provide an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and spend time in community. Whether you're self published and new to the industry, or have trade tales to share from your experience in indie or major publishing - all authors are welcome here.
Our space is food, drink, and pet friendly, so feel free to bring your favorite refreshments and animal companions!
Life Balance Workshop
Join us for a Life Balance Workshop with Life By Natalie at Underdog Bookstore!
Looking for more balance, growth and purpose?
Attend this 1 hour workshop that will:
- Create a plan for your life that work
- Acknowledge every forward moving step
- Teach the tools to combat emotional blockers
- Focus on gratitude for all things in life
Banned Books Club
Our Banned Books Club pick for August 20th is Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”.
You can pick up a copy in store or keep supporting Underdog by purchasing the audiobook through us on Libro.fm
Banned Books Club meets every third Wednesday in store and online to discuss a new banned or challenged book each month. We're also now on the BookClubsHQ app!
RSVP: bit.ly/readbannedbooks
Writing Workshop: Persona Poems
In this generative workshop, writers explore the power of persona—writing in the voice of someone (or something) other than themselves.
Participants will learn how embodying a fictional, historical, or imagined perspective can expand creative possibilities and deepen empathy.
Through examples, discussion, and guided writing prompts, you'll craft your own persona poem and leave with tools to keep experimenting with voice and identity.
Local Authors Meetup
At Underdog Bookstore we love supporting local authors on the shelves and at our signings and panels, but sometimes you just want to turn off the book selling brain and enjoy each other's company instead.
We hope that these meetups will provide an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and spend time in community. Whether you're self published and new to the industry, or have trade tales to share from your experience in indie or major publishing - all authors are welcome here.
Our space is food, drink, and pet friendly, so feel free to bring your favorite refreshments and animal companions!
Writing Workshop: Storycraft Unlocked
Discover the art of storytelling with the seven-point structure! In this interactive class, you'll learn how to craft compelling narratives by breaking your story into seven essential beats—from the opening hook to the final resolution.
Whether you're outlining a new idea or refining a draft, this framework will help you create stories that captivate and make readers turn the page.
Writing Workshop: Crafting Bitesize Narratives
Unlock the art of short form storytelling and learn how to distill complex ideas, vivid characters, and rich worlds into a few short paragraphs that linger in the reader's mind long after the last word.
This generative workshop will guide you through the techniques and strategies to create powerful, bite-sized stories that pack a punch.
Students are encouraged, but not required, to share their work.
Writing Workshop: Meditation for Writer's Block
Unlock your creativity by quieting the mind in this calming workshop. Clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and reconnect with your inner voice.
Through guided meditations, breathing exercises, and reflective journaling, you’ll learn to release tension and open up to new ideas, allowing inspiration to flow freely. Ideal for writers seeking a peaceful and restorative approach to overcoming creative obstacles.
Community Grief Circle
Join Jen Venegas, death doula and grief worker, at Underdog Bookstore on the last Sunday of each month from 12:00-1:30pm. This is a free, all ages event. This is a place where you can be held in community and hold others through our collective grief and individual grief.
This supportive space is open to anyone navigating any type of loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a life transition, or any grief that feels too heavy to carry alone. Come as you are to share, connect, and find healing in community.
RSVP here - walk-ins welcome!
Reading with Reptiles
Join us on Friday, July 25th for another Reading with Reptiles at Underdog Bookstore!
Readers of all ages are invited to book a visit to practice their reading skills. Our friends at The Little Zoo will be bringing snakes, lizards and tortoises for you to meet and read to.
RSVP REQUIRED: CLICK HERE
Please stick to the time slot on your booking so we can ensure that everyone who signs up is able to enjoy their visit.
Happy reading!
Local Authors Meetup
At Underdog Bookstore we love supporting local authors on the shelves and at our signings and panels, but sometimes you just want to turn off the book selling brain and enjoy each other's company instead.
We hope that these meetups will provide an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and spend time in community. Whether you're self published and new to the industry, or have trade tales to share from your experience in indie or major publishing - all authors are welcome here.
Our space is food, drink, and pet friendly, so feel free to bring your favorite refreshments and animal companions!
Dungeons & Dragons
Hail, and well met! Ever wanted to learn D&D but never had the chance?
Well now you can! Join us for magic and monsters at Underdog Bookstore on Thursday July 24th at 2:00PM.
This event is open to players of all ages, with all experience levels welcome. Our Dungeon Master of almost 10 years of experience ready to guide you through the game and bring your imagination to life.
Spaces are limited so please be sure to RSVP at bit.ly/underdogdnd
See you in store for what's sure to be a great game filled with fun and creativity!
Fun Run Fundraiser
Thank you to @adrenalinerunclub for supporting @underdogbookstore!
All are welcome to join the Fun Run Fundraiser on Wednesday, July 23rd. We'll meet at 6:30PM at the bookstore and start at 6:45PM for a 4 mile run or 2 mile walk.
Click here to sponsor the team and raise funds for the Underdog Bookstore 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Our mission is to foster community engagement with literacy and learning through diverse books and inclusive events. We are committed to uplifting underrepresented voices and providing a safe space with free programs and resources for our community.
Come for the books, stay for the cause, and let’s make a difference together!
Disability Pride Author Panel
We are so excited to welcome this fantastic panel of authors to Underdog Bookstore in celebration of Disability Pride Month!
All are welcome to join us for this free event on Sunday, July 20th at 4:30pm with:
@melissa_whitneyauthor
@gretch_schreiber
@schwartzwords
@imtiffanyyu
@nicolette_andrews
We'll be featuring each author and their work throughout July so you can learn more about their stories before the panel. Bring your books for signing or shop in store with us on the day!
Open Mic Night (July)
We host an Open Mic Night at Underdog Bookstore on the third Friday of every month to showcase and celebrate the creative talents of our local community, including poetry, music, and more!
While walk-in sign-ups are welcome on the night, if you'd like to be listed as a featured performer and guarantee your spot, you can apply here.
Banned Books Club: July
Our Banned Books Club pick for July 16th is “The Undocumented Americans”
You can pick up a copy in store or keep supporting Underdog by purchasing the audiobook through us on Libro.fm
Banned Books Club meets every third Wednesday in store and online to discuss a new banned or challenged book each month. We're also now on the BookClubsHQ app!
RSVP: bit.ly/readbannedbooks
Dungeons & Dragons
Hail, and well met! Ever wanted to learn D&D but never had the chance?
Well now you can! Join us for magic and monsters at Underdog Bookstore on Wednesday, July 16th at 2:00PM.
This event is open to players of all ages, with all experience levels welcome. Our Dungeon Master of almost 10 years of experience ready to guide you through the game and bring your imagination to life.
Spaces are limited so please be sure to RSVP at bit.ly/underdogdnd
See you in store for what's sure to be a great game filled with fun and creativity!
Full Moon Writing Meditation
Join us at Underdog Bookstore during the full moon each month for a guided meditation and writing group. We meet at 7PM in store and will also be streaming via Zoom for those joining virtually.
All are welcome and encouraged to write and share or listen and reflect during this peaceful meditative time. You are welcome to bring your own mats, writing supplies, spiritual tools etc. Whatever you need to feel comfortable and enjoy the evening!
Local Authors Meetup
At Underdog Bookstore we love supporting local authors on the shelves and at our signings and panels, but sometimes you just want to turn off the book selling brain and enjoy each other's company instead.
We hope that these meetups will provide an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and spend time in community. Whether you're self published and new to the industry, or have trade tales to share from your experience in indie or major publishing - all authors are welcome here.
Our space is food, drink, and pet friendly, so feel free to bring your favorite refreshments and animal companions!
Storytime & STEAM activities
Join us at Underdog Bookstore every Sunday at 3PM for Storytime & STEAM activities!
This free event is open to listeners of all ages.
A new story and activity every week, read by local volunteers and authors.
RSVP - walk-ins welcome!
Community Grief Circle
Join Jen Venegas, death doula and grief worker, at Underdog Bookstore on the last Sunday of each month from 12:00-1:30pm. This is a free, all ages event. This is a place where you can be held in community and hold others through our collective grief and individual grief.
This supportive space is open to anyone navigating any type of loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a life transition, or any grief that feels too heavy to carry alone. Come as you are to share, connect, and find healing in community.
RSVP here - walk-ins welcome!
Book Signing: The Fangirl Diaries by Erica Espejo
Join us in welcoming local author Erica Espejo for a Q&A and book signing!
At the intersection of girlhood and fandom, this memoir is about finding community in anime fandom in the late 90's and early 00's. from discovering anime by way of a censored version of Sailor Moon, to convincing your strict parents to let you go to your first anime convention, this is the millennial cringe tween experience of being a fangirl...and embracing the cringe.
How to Perform Poetry Workshop
Poetry isn't just meant to be read—it’s meant to be felt.
In this class, you'll learn to bring your words to life with presence, power, and purpose. Whether you're stepping onto a stage for the first time or looking to refine your delivery, this class guides you through the essentials of voice, movement, and emotional connection. Through practical exercises, peer feedback, and performance techniques, you’ll gain the confidence to turn your poems into unforgettable experiences.
🗓️ Wednesday, June 25th
🕖 7:00-8:00PM
Storytime & STEAM activities
Join us at Underdog Bookstore every Sunday at 3PM for Storytime & STEAM activities!
This free event is open to listeners of all ages.
A new story and activity every week, read by local volunteers and authors.
Sunday, June 22nd: “Make Your Own Rainbow: a Drag Queen’s Guide to Color” with Lil’ Miss Hot Mess
RSVP - walk-ins welcome!
Barter Market & Clothing Giveaway
Let's bring our community together with sharing, bartering & mutual aid at Underdog Bookstore!
Open Mic Night
Let's uplift queer voices and celebrate the creative talents of our community!
Underdog's Open Mic Nights offer a safe, welcoming space to share poetry, music and more. Sign-ups are open to all whether you're a first-timer or experienced performer. You might even be lucky enough to leave with a signed book from one of the poets we carry in store!
Walk-ins welcome or sign-up here.
Banned Books Club: June
Our Banned Books Club pick for June 18th is Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin.
You can pick up a copy in store or keep supporting Underdog by purchasing the audiobook through us on Libro.fm
Banned Books Club meets every third Wednesday in store and online to discuss a new banned or challenged book each month. We're also now on the BookClubsHQ app!
RSVP: bit.ly/readbannedbooks
Storytime & STEAM activities
Join us at Underdog Bookstore every Sunday at 3PM for Storytime & STEAM activities!
This free event is open to listeners of all ages.
A new story and activity every week, read by local volunteers and authors.
RSVP - walk-ins welcome!
YA Pride Book Club
Introducing our newest Book Club - YA PRIDE!
Each month we’ll be meeting to discuss a different Young Adult read featuring LGBTQIA+ representation.
Our first pick is “How to Survive a Slasher” by Justine Pucella Winans, who will be in store to sign and discuss her book with us on June 14th!
You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight meets Scream in this YA slasher that turns classic horror tropes on their heads.
RSVP to guarantee your seat here.
Stay up to date with our latest announcements on the BookClubs app.
Paws and Paint
Paint a dog-themed magnet or trinket dish for a dad in your life! Join us on Saturday, June 14th at Underdog Bookstore to paint a pawsome Father's Day gift. All ages are welcome!
Full Moon Writing Meditation
Join us at Underdog Bookstore during the full moon each month for a guided meditation and writing group. We meet at 7PM in store and will also be streaming via Zoom for those joining virtually.
All are welcome and encouraged to write and share or listen and reflect during this peaceful meditative time. You are welcome to bring your own mats, writing supplies, spiritual tools etc. Whatever you need to feel comfortable and enjoy the evening!
Storytime & STEAM activities
Join us at Underdog Bookstore every Sunday at 3PM for Storytime & STEAM activities!
This free event is open to listeners of all ages.
A new story and activity every week, read by local volunteers and authors.
RSVP - walk-ins welcome!
Punch Card Workshop
Set yourself a summer reading goal and keep track with your very own punch card!
Want to read the rainbow, diversify your reading lists, or just need some extra encouragement to read more books this summer? Join us for crafting and community with your fellow book lovers.
We will have punch card crafting supplies available in store, and welcome donations if you would like to bring extras to share.
This will also be the launch of our Summer Read-a-Thon Fundraiser, with participants invited to use their newly created punch cards to track their progress while raising support for Underdog Bookstore.
Visible Mending Workshop
Our Visible Mending Workshop with @a.laurabrody is back on June 7th! 🪡
Visible mending makes repair fun, meditative, and beautiful. We’ll use techniques inspired by classic Japanese Boro and Sashiko hand sewing and turn your worn out clothing into wearable art. This is a great way to keep old clothes out of the landfill, save their memories, and to sew in good company. Bring items you love that need mending!
🗓️ Saturday, June 7th
⏰ 12:00-2:00PM
💸 $40, RSVP at bit.ly/visiblemendingworkshop
Instructor A. Laura Brody has 30 years experience as a costume crafts person, designer, and maker. She's made costumes for the Black Eyed Peas and Rhianna, among others. She has worked for Netflix, the LA Opera, Disney and Nickelodeon TV, and many specialty costume houses. Her relaxed, encouraging, and adventurous approach to teaching make her courses accessible and fun.
Supply your own materials or purchase on site: embroidery floss and needle, patching material, and pins. Instructor provides pins, scissors, and thread conditioner.
Local Authors Meetup
At Underdog Bookstore we love supporting local authors on the shelves and at our signings and panels, but sometimes you just want to turn off the book selling brain and enjoy each other's company instead.
We hope that these meetups will provide an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and spend time in community. Whether you're self published and new to the industry, or have trade tales to share from your experience in indie or major publishing - all authors are welcome here.
Our space is food, drink, and pet friendly, so feel free to bring your favorite refreshments and animal companions!
Glendora Pride in the Foothiils
We're excited to be joining @glendoraprideinthefoothills, Saturday May 31 📚🏳️🌈🐶
At the Underdog booth we'll have a curated book selection for all ages, plus author signings with Alicia Gael, Anna Gram, Jen Lyon and Laina Villaneuve.
Banned Books Club: May
Our Banned Books Club pick for May 28th is On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, in honor of AAPI Heritage Month.
You can pick up a copy in store or keep supporting Underdog by purchasing the audiobook through us on Libro.fm
Banned Books Club meets every third Wednesday in store and online to discuss a new banned or challenged book each month. We're also now on the BookClubsHQ app!
RSVP: bit.ly/readbannedbooks
Storytime & STEAM activities
Join us at Underdog Bookstore every Sunday at 3PM for Storytime & STEAM activities!
This free event is open to listeners of all ages.
A new story and activity every week, read by local volunteers and authors.
RSVP - walk-ins welcome!
Underdog Vendor Markets
We host monthly themed markets showcasing diverse talents from local authors, artisans and small businesses. If you would like to apply for one of our upcoming markets please submit an application here.
