About Us
As a nonprofit, Underdog Bookstore & Events Inc. shall serve the primary purpose of fostering community engagement with literacy and learning through diverse books and inclusive events.
We believe in the power of storytelling to unlock dialogue, understanding, and empathy. Our vision is to create a safe space where every individual can feel welcomed, represented, and inspired.
As underdogs ourselves, your Board of Directors is excited to begin this journey and we look forward to sharing our own stories and passions as we work together to protect this valuable space.
What Makes Us Different
Books by and about underrepresented people, small presses, and local authors
Gifts made by local vendors
Events curated by a diverse team
Small town feel with a progressive vibe
Our Roots
Nathan and Thomas started Underdog Bookstore with the goal of making Monrovia a safer and more queer-inclusive city for their growing family (and pugs!).
Underdog Bookstore started as a seasonal pop-up at Monrovia's weekly street fair. The community quickly let them know that an inclusive bookstore was needed. So, at their first opportunity, Nathan and Thomas opened up their brick-and-mortar store right across from library park in 2023.
"Books have been important parts of our individual stories - from understanding our identity to engaging with identities that are unfamiliar to us. We are so privileged to be part of this community's story and to even build community through our story." - Nathan
While Nathan and Thomas have moved on from Underdog Bookstore as we transitioned to a non-profit, we are proud to honor their original vision for the space.
Underdog Bookstore and Events, Inc. is taking that vision and expanding upon it to bring more engagement, literacy and learning through our diverse books and inclusive events for the San Gabriel Valley and L.A. County communities.