For all the book lovers out there, the city of Philadelphia curates a book selection beyond the stacks. Celebrate National Book Lovers Day by exploring the bookshelves throughout the city. Read below to learn more about the historic and popular bookstores in Philly.
Head House Books
619 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
(Photo Credit: Head House Books)
Head House Books was established in 2005. As a locally owned and independent bookstore, Head House Books is built on the foundation of community through the exchange of beliefs and ideas. With the profuse selection of books, Head House Books has become vital to the community with their rapidly selling shelves.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
(Photo Credit: Uncle Bobbie’s)
In 2017, Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books was founded by Marc Lamont Hill. Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books is an independent and black-owned cafe and bookstore that was created to provide books and a space of value for underserved communities. The cafe and bookstore hosts author talks, workshops, back-to-school drives, and weekly story time for young children.
Harriet’s Book Shop
258 E. Girard Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125
(Photo Credit: Harriet’s Book Shop)
Harriet’s Book Shop is open daily from 12 pm – 6 pm. The Harriet Book Shop is named after Harriet Tubman. The bookstore highlights the authors, artists, and activists who are inspired by the life of Harriet Tubman. The Harriet’s Book Shop raises money for independent bookstores in order to foster the culture and curiosity of a community
House of Our Own Books
3920 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(Photo Credit: House of Our Own Books)
House of Our Own Books was founded in 1971. House of Our Own Book is famously known for its location on the edge of the University of Pennsylvania’s Campus for over 50 years. Inside the Victorian architecture house, House of Our Own Books is a two-floor bookstore full of various genres and scholarly books.
A Novel Idea
1726 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(Photo Credit: A Novel Idea)
A Novel Idea is a community-minded bookstore. A Novel Idea is made up of two halves, Alexander Schneider and Christina Rosso-Schneider. Christina has experience as an open mic host, and writer, and supports literary events throughout Philadelphia. Alexander’s background lies in two decades of experience as a graphic designer. As a space of diversity and community, the bookstore fulfills its goal of cultivating a community.
The Book Trader
located at 7 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(Photo Credit: The Book Trader)
With over 48 years of business, The Book Trader has curated a diverse book selection for the historic old city. As a trade-based bookstore, The Book Trader expands the reader’s horizons with the taste of fellow bookworms. The Book Trader also accepts LP’s, DVD’s, and CD’s.
Don’t miss all the unique book finds across the city. From historical, romance, scholarly, fantasy, and more, Philadelphia offers the mind more ways to explore than expected. Stop by these notable bookstores as one book leads to another. Enjoy National Book Lovers Day!
