Perhaps you came to the City of Brotherly Love and you forgot a book to read. Possibly you spent some time in one of Philadelphia’s great coffee shops and finished your latest book faster than expected. Or maybe you’re a bit like me and believe that a city’s books and bookstores speak volumes (pun intended?) about its identity.
Whatever the case, Philly is home to a plethora of places to discover and buy books, and this article can help serve as a guide.
Despite Philly’s common reputation as a tough, gritty town, it also packs an intellectual and artistic punch. The city is home to a number of excellent universities, including the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), Drexel University, and Temple University, just to name a few.
Philadelphia was also home to Benjamin Franklin’s Library Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1731. So, it makes sense that a city with this long of a literary history remains a great place to enjoy a good book.
I’m not normally one to knock Barnes & Noble. But with (at the time of writing) four locations in the city of Philadelphia, and locations all across the United States, it doesn’t provide much local flavor. So, the goal here is to highlight some of the best local, independent places to buy books in the great city of Philly.
So, what are the best bookstores in Philadelphia? Here they are, in no particular order!
Table of Contents
1. Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room
Named after the iconic book, Giovanni’s Room, written by the great James Baldwin, this bookstore was founded in 1973 and is believed to be the oldest gay bookstore in the United States. The store, located just south of Downtown Philadelphia, focuses primarily on LGBTQ+ authors, selling both new and used books.
Since its founding, it has been both a refuge and a place of gathering for activists in the queer community of the greater Philadelphia area. The store temporarily shut down in 2014, but was purchased by Philly AIDS Thrift, and has been back in operation ever since.
It’s quite easy to spend hours in the store, given it occupies multiple stories, and sells more than just books (clothing, art, and even old DVDs). But most importantly, the store provides a welcoming environment to all and a platform for authors and books that other bookstores may not highlight.
Whether you’re looking for a non-fiction history book about the Stonewall uprising, a fictional account by a transgender author, or a queer coming-of-age novel, Giovanni’s Room has you covered.
The bookstore hosts a number of events, including the convening of the Philadelphia Queer Book Club. If you’re interested, here’s the sign-up link!
Location: 345 S. 12th Street in Philadelphia, PA 19107
2. Harriett’s Bookshop
Located in the Fishtown neighborhood, Harriet’s (named after abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman) might be the liveliest bookstore on the list, as there is a never-ending stream of community events.
Both Black and woman-owned (by Jeannine A. Cook), this store’s mission is to “celebrate women artists, women authors, and women activists.” You’ll see this in the books featured in the store, as well as the theme of the many events it hosts.
Harriet’s runs an event called the Sisterhood Sit-in Trolley Tour, which takes participants on a tour of Black women-owned businesses throughout Philadelphia. There is also the ongoing Writer’s Room (not on site), an event showcasing varying poets and musicians.
The interior of the store is beautiful, spacious, and inviting. The books on the shelves are uncluttered and prominently showcased, featuring both new issues and the classics.
Unsurprisingly, given its status in the community, Harriet’s has gotten its share of fame as of late, as it was recently given a spot on the Kelly Clarkson show, and was featured in Oprah Magazine. To hear owner Jeannine A. Cook tell her own story, click here.
For anyone who lives just across the river in New Jersey, Harriet’s has a sister bookshop named Ida’s, which is also worth a visit!
Location: 258 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
3. The Head & The Hand
The Head & the Hand is not only a women-run non-profit, but is also an independent publisher, with an emphasis on staying local (both in its published authors and the books it highlights).
The store is all about community, partnering with other local organizations to host events and showcase written work, and even hosting writing workshops to support up-and-coming writers. As is the case in many of these great Philly bookstores, it also puts on plenty of author talks and group discussions about books and current events.
The Head & the Hand carries a variety of both new and used books, fiction and nonfiction, and is careful to note that it stocks plenty of children’s books and local authors, once again in an effort to build community.
This already intimate bookstore in Philadelphia gets even more intimate for its popular “Date Night.” The bookstore provides the option to rent out the store, where couples get 90 minutes to themselves to browse and enjoy the store, in addition to a complimentary drink, a curated music playlist, and plenty of romantic ambiance.
Location: 2230 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
4. Molly’s Books & Records
Located in the heart of Philly’s famed Italian Market, surrounded by butcher shops, wine purveyors, and Italian cafes, lies Molly’s Books & Records. As its name reveals, the store carries an impressive collection of both.
One of the many second-hand bookstores in Philadelphia, Molly’s will either buy or trade used books, and records of course. Prices are affordable, and the crates of books and records parked in the front of the store are usually priced at a few dollars.
While it doesn’t occupy the biggest plot of real estate in the store, the cookbook section is well renowned. Given the proximity to fresh ingredients from the neighboring Italian Market, a recipe that catches your eye can be quickly put into action!
The store itself is quite small, which only makes it feel cozier, yet it still manages to carve out a corner for children’s books. Visitors also frequently mention the store owner – John – who is quite beloved!
Location: 1010 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
5. Kareemah’s Urban Books
Located on Woodland Avenue in Southwestern Philly, Kareemah’s (run by Kareemah herself) focuses on showcasing books written by Black authors.
There is a wide range of genres, including modern discussion regarding race and social justice, classic novels, children’s books, as well as a section of Islamic books.
The company website and Instagram account are up to date with whatever Kareemah is featuring in-store, so even if you can’t make it in person, you can still browse the fresh and comprehensive selection.
Kareemah’s also proudly ships books to prisons, providing the ability for family members and friends to share books and reading with their loved ones who are incarcerated.
Location: 6307 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19142
6. The Book Trader
The Book Trader is a second-hand bookstore that has been around for over 40 years. Located just south of Elfreth’s Alley, known as the oldest inhabited street in the United States, the store is a great place to stop while exploring this historical part of Philadelphia.
True to its name, the Book Trader does, in fact, trade books! But rather than paying cash, the store provides store credit in exchange for used books, which can be used for future purchases.
For anyone who is intoxicated by the smell of old books, this is the place for you. Books line every inch of the walls, storefront, and narrow aisles. The books feel like they are spilling out of the shelves, and the organized chaos is somehow comforting.
The store is also building out a record collection on its second floor!
And in the true spirit of this store’s name, I’ll share a fun two-person game to try out while visiting.
Enter the store with a friend, acquaintance, or significant other, and go your separate ways. The goal is to secretly pick out a book you think the other person would enjoy. Both participants select and buy each other a book. After check-out, trade books and enjoy the surprise!
Location: 7 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
7. Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
Another great Black-owned bookstore that has to be mentioned in any best-of list, is Uncle Bobbie’s. Located in the Northern reaches of Philly in the neighborhood of Germantown, Uncle Bobbie’s is a cozy hideout that is suited for visitors to stay a while.
The owner, Lamont Hill, designed the bookstore to be a place where people in the community, which is historically Black, can feel comfortable and welcomed. He notes that “When you look at the aesthetics of the place, it’s a decidedly Black space.”
The store is known for serving coffee and featuring food from local bakeries, making it easy to go right from browsing to cracking open that new book while enjoying the cafe.
Uncle Bobbie’s is a gathering place, with frequent events like book signings, author talks, and panel discussions. The store also has themed events on site, such as “blind dates” with wrapped-up books on Valentine’s Day, or discounts on Toni Morrison’s books on her birthday!
Its Instagram page is also a great place to look for book recommendations, with many posts highlighting staff picks, or timely curated collections for periods such as Women’s or Black History Month.
Location: 5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
8. Wooden Shoe Books
Perhaps the most radical bookstore on the list, and proudly so, Wooden Shoe Books has been a South Street institution since its founding in 1976. Wooden Shoe is a non-profit, is collectively run, and is a loud proponent of anarchism.
Its mission states “We wish to be an empowering resource for activism, organizing, art, self-education, dialogue, community-building, and the anti-capitalist struggle.”
Fittingly, the bookstore is named based on the (disputed) story that French factory workers would throw their wooden shoes (called sabots) into machines as a form of protest during the industrial age.
Whether or not you find yourself completely aligned with the store ideologically, the store truly does carry a powerful and often unique catalog of books. The store has sections, for example, on anarchism, LGBTQ+ history, the Black Power movement, straight-edge hardcore music, as well as countless others.
Wooden Shoe also has plenty of records, informational pamphlets and posters about upcoming events, and an impressive sticker collection.
Note that due to the fact that the store is run purely based on volunteers (it is a collective after all), its operating hours can be a bit inconsistent. Luckily there is a phone number on its website, so be sure to call ahead!
Location: 704 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9. Big Blue Marble Books
Big Blue Marble Bookstore, located way up in the Mt. Airy neighborhood is a cozy, welcoming space that features a broad selection of new books. The company website works to highlight new and recommended books, but rest assured that their full catalog runs deep, so just send them an email if you’re looking for something specific.
In the evenings, the store often hosts the usual bookstore author talks, in addition to open-mic poetry, children’s book readings, and documentary screenings.
The top floor of the store has been turned into a reading room, filled with plush couches and chairs to enjoy any new books. If the weather is nice, a little backyard garden is also soon to open (as of spring 2023) as well.
For those who’d rather enjoy their new book out in nature, Big Blue is also located within a few blocks of Wissahickon Creek and Mt. Airy trail, providing easy access to read while accompanied by the sounds of running water and a breeze through the trees.
Location: 551 Carpenter Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19119
10. Penn Bookstore
Whether you need the most up-to-date textbook on astrophysics or are looking to add to your Malcolm Gladwell collection, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Bookstore has got you covered.
Located in the heart of Philly’s collegiate neighborhood, where Drexel University meets UPenn, the multi-story bookstore has plenty of college apparel and office supplies as well.
While the bookstore is predominantly catered to local college students, the store is open to the community and is a good place to find what young people are reading.
Its website is also a resource to look for book ideas, with the capability to filter by classic authors, new books, as well as a section on “banned books.” The banned books section includes books that have come under fire by both the political right and left, so if you’re looking for something provocative, give that filter a try!
Location: 3601 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
11. Book Corner
Located on a true literary corner, Book Corner neighbors one of the largest branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia, and is across the street from Shakespeare Park. This store is run by Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia, a charitable organization, so profits from Book Corner go towards assisting the city’s libraries.
Shopping here is one of the best bargains in the city, with its collection of thousands of books priced at just a few dollars, most of which cost less than $3. Book Corner’s catalog is robust, and despite existing as a second-hand store, the selection is remarkably current.
The store keeps busy, with frequent tarot card readings, plant swaps, and there are even a couple of in-house cats running (or laying) around.
Location: 311 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
12. Hakim’s Book Store
Hakim’s opened in the 1950s, making it Philly’s oldest Black-owned bookstore. At the time of its opening, Hakim’s was one of the few places to specifically highlight Black authors, and it is to this day, an excellent resource for exploring and learning about Black history.
Most of the books are non-fiction, but there is also a prominent emphasis on children’s books, and like the aforementioned Kareemah’s Urban Books, Hakim’s also ships books to prisons. Store founder Dawud Hakim was on a mission to make reading and education accessible to everyone, and his legacy continues.
If you really need any more incentive to go check out this bookstore, it also happens to be located just blocks from the Paul Robeson House & Museum. A renaissance man in the truest sense of the word, Robeson was an activist, athlete, actor, author, and singer, and visitors can learn more about his life and legacy in his former home.
Location: 210 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
13. Bindlestiff Books
This narrow, cozy little bookstore located on Baltimore Avenue in West Philly has quite a lot to offer as a bookseller and community space despite its diminutive size.
Bindlestiff is run by volunteers, so, like the Wooden Shoe, it behooves you to give the store a ring before showing up.
The store carries plenty of book genres, and the meticulous volunteer staff curates its selection. This careful curation means there is always a fresh set of new books, often still sold at discounted prices.
For those looking for book recommendations, the Bindlestiff website contains a well-documented archive of monthly and annual bestselling books from the store. The website also maintains a record of past and upcoming events and author talks.
Location: 4530 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19143
14. Atomic City Comics
Any worthwhile list of bookstores in Philly has to acknowledge at least one of the city’s many excellent comic book shops. One of the best is undoubtedly Atomic City Comics, which also happens to be one of the few Black-owned comic book shops in the United States.
The store is a marvel (pun intended!) for anyone passionate about comics. Atomic sells most of the classic series that have made it to the mainstream, such as Marvel and DC Comics, but its collection goes well beyond to lesser-known comics, so there is always something to discover.
Atomic City is also quite popular because of its extensive Manga collection, dedicating an entire section of the store to the Japanese genre of graphic novels and comics.
Not only is the selection of comics impressive, but the store is home to some old-school arcade games, and is filled with comic memorabilia, including shirts, games, action figures, and other collector’s items.
Location: 638 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
15. Making Worlds
Making Worlds Bookstore and Social Center is grounded in activism, community, and uplifting the voices of those who have been marginalized. Their website states “Building Community Justice and Autonomy in Our Neighborhood, City, and Internationally.”
There are plenty of seats inside of the store to sit down and give some of the books a test read, or to see what new, highly curated books the cooperative is recommending. If you wish to look for some book ideas online, check out its Bookshop page, which is organized into sections by topic, including “Sovereignty, Solidarity, & the Land Back Movement,” “The Politics of Care,” and many others.
It is the site of quite a few events, ranging from author visits to discussions about building social and political revolutions. There is also a room set up for community study, which can be booked ahead of time.
Making Worlds also sells gift cards, and offers an extra perk of offering specialized book recommendations with every gift card purchase.
Location: 210 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
16. Repo Records
Admittedly, Repo Records is not a bookstore. How did it make it into this list? The loophole here is that from time to time, the store will sell music books and host book signings from musicians.
Since 1986, Repo has been one of the greatest record stores in the country, hosting an impressive collection of vinyl, LPs, and CDs. The store also carries an excellent collection of graphic band t-shirts, stickers, buttons, and pins. Its own Repo Records-branded, psychedelic shirts are also a perfect souvenir from Philly for any music fan.
Repo also hosts live shows and album signings, so come to the store to see some musicians, leave with some new music or a sticker from your favorite band, and perhaps even a book.
If you are looking to sell your records for some extra cash or to free up space, Repo can help you with that. But note that Repo’s website states that it is into “Classic rock, metal, punk, indie, jazz, reggae, blues, soul, R&B, funk, hip hop.” So leave that country music record at home. They don’t want it!
Location: 506 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Bonus: The Free Library of Philadelphia
The reality is that not everyone can afford to buy books, whether they have a voracious appetite for reading or not. That’s why it’s worth highlighting the wonderful Free Library of Philadelphia.
The organization states that anyone who “lives, works, pays taxes, or goes to school” in Philadelphia, as well as anyone who lives in the state of Pennsylvania, can obtain a library card for free. The Free Library of Philadelphia was created in the late 19th century with the aim of spreading literacy and making reading accessible, and it is still accomplishing that mission today.
There are dozens of locations all over the city, making it easy for local residents to read to their heart’s content, without any financial considerations coming into play.
The library system also does much more than simply house and distribute books. There are adult education classes, job resources, and assistance for new arrivals to the United States.
Location: Multiple
Wrapping up
Should you find yourself in Philly in need of a good book, there’s clearly no shortage of places to look. There are classic bookstores, politically-focused shops, and ones with unique community programming. There are also non-traditional options like comic book stores, record stores, and even plenty of libraries.
Buying or renting books is mostly about the act of reading and enjoying the book itself, but it can also be a cultural exercise… Entering bookstores and seeing what’s on the shelf… Talking to the librarian or shopkeeper about what they’re reading, what they recommend, and what the community is looking for…
And of course, there’s the cozy aroma that comes with being surrounded by the pages of both old books.
If you find a place on this list (or not on this list!) that you particularly enjoy, and would like to continue to support after your stay in the city is over, thankfully there is Bookshop.org.
A number of the bookstores in Philadelphia included in this list find themselves listed on the website, which provides easy access to independent bookstores around the country and donates the profits of sales directly to the stores.
So come to Philadelphia and take part in its literary tradition, and support it long after you leave!
Great research and a comprehensive resource!