It’s no shocker that we’re glued to our screens all day. We’re locked into our computers at work, our kindles & TVs at night, and our phones everywhere in between. Wouldn’t it be nice to relax our eyes and engage our minds with a brand new book!? ? ? Do you prefer hardcover or paperback? Non-fiction or romance? Whichever is your favorite, you can find tons of new and pre-loved books at these 8 bookstores in Philly!
In the heart of Center City is Shakespeare & Co. with their high ceilings, incredible selection of books, and in-store cafe! Shakespeare & Co. is one of the most convenient bookstores in Philly if your neighborhood rests in Center City. You almost forget that you’re in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of city life in this cozy, literary haven. Our favorite part aboutShakespeare & Co. is the designated non-technology tables to sit at so you can sip a coffee and read a brand new book right in the store. It’s such a great environment!
Hours & Location
Monday – Thursday | 10:00am–5:00pm
Friday & Saturday | 10:00am–7:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–5:00pm
? 1632 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19103
We hate to be biased… but Harriett’s Bookshop might be our favorite bookstore in Philly. Harriett’s is home to plenty of books by BIPOC authors for adults and for children. Their mission and message for the community is inclusive, equitable, and kind. Harriett’s gained a lot of notice during the pandemic and is a neighborhood and city-wide favorite!
Make sure you check out Harriett’s Bookshop pop-up at Joan Shepp throughout Black History Month 2022!
Hours & Location
Thursday – Sunday | 12:00pm–6:00pm
Monday – Wednesday | Closed
? 258 E. Girard Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19125
Our first pre-loved bookstore that we want to share with you is Neighborhood Books on South Street. Neighborhood Books‘ in-store collection is huge… 25,000 volumes huge! They’re cute and quirky, selling artwork & handmade greeting cards alongside their inventory of photography, philosophy, fiction/non-fiction, children’s books, and a handful of other genres. If you’re in the neighborhood, check out Neighborhood Books!
Hours & Location
Friday | 11:00am–5:30pm
Saturday | 11:00am–5:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–3:00pm
Monday | 11:00am–5:00pm
Tuesday – Thursday | Closed
? 1906 South St. Philadelphia, PA 19146
Wooden Shoe Books on South Street is the most authentic bookstore run completely by volunteers. These people really love flipping pages! The Wooden Shoe loves their fellow bookworms and even offers a 10% discount to book club groups. You can find us tucked away here on any given day. Wooden Shoe has a nostalgic feel, with modern interpretations!
Hours & Location
Everyday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
*Wooden Shoe Books is run by volunteers, so they suggest you call ahead to double check if someone is at the store for your visit! 215-413-0999
? 704 South St. Philadelphia, PA 19147
Barnes & Noble is one of the big-name bookstores in Philly and beyond for a reason. And we happen to have one right on Rittenhouse Square! When it’s a nice day out, our favorite thing to do is head over to Barnes & Noble to pick up a new book and take it over to Rittenhouse Square Park to read the afternoon away! Spend your next good-weather-weekend with a nice book from B&N in the park!
Hours & Location
Monday – Saturday | 9:00am–9:00pm
Sunday | 10:00am–8:00pm
?1805 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19103
Sustainability please!! The Book Trader is a second-hand book store in Old City. The Book Trader holds true to its name because they don’t sell books there… They only trade them! Books here can be traded for store credit and that store credit never expires. Keep the love of books going by trading up at The Book Trader!
You can click right here for their entire trading policy.
Hours & Location
Everyday | 12:00pm–7:00pm
? 7 N. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19106
Alright, time for the big guns. Did you know that the iconic Bauman Rare Books originated in Philly over 40 years ago!? With locations in Philadelphia, New York, and Las Vegas, Bauman is the most trusted spot in the country for their collection of prized and rare literature, photography, poems, religious works, etc. This bookstore is a private collectors haven and it’s no joke- make sure you browse the website for more info and book an appointment before going in!
Hours & Location
Monday – Friday| 9:00am–5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday | Closed
? 1608 Walnut St. Suite 1000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Nice pun. A Novel Idea on Passyunk is a GREAT idea on any Wednesday through Sunday! Our friends at A Novel Idea love engaging with the community and actually host a ton of events (and yes, there’s book club ?)! The selection at this bookstore is vast and totally aligns with modern societal trends. Looking for a specific book?A Novel Idea will special order it for you! This is one of those bookstores in Philly that really cares about who comes in and out of their doors. It doesn’t get better than that!
Hours & Location
Wednesday – Saturday | 12:00pm–6:00pm
Sunday | 11:00am–4:00pm
Monday & Tuesday | Closed
? 1726 E. Passyunk Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19148
Alright bookworms, how did we do? Are any of these spots one of your favorite/go-to bookstores in Philly? If we missed a spot, send us book and bookstore recommendations on Instagram and Facebook @stufftodoinphilly!
Lindsay Nathanson is a Philadelphian inspired by research, storytelling, and the people around her. Subsequent to graduating from the University of Tampa in 2019 with a B.A. History, she achieved her M.A. in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University in 2021. She spends her time collecting newspapers and vinyl, eating any meal in a bowl, and begging Ben Simmons to shoot the ball. In the future, Lindsay will work in collections and/or curation at a women's history museum. Today, she enjoys writing about Philadelphia.

