Below is a list of the top and leading Bookstores in Philadelphia. To help you find the best Bookstores located near you in Philadelphia, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Philadelphia’s Best Bookstores:
The top rated Bookstores in Philadelphia are:
- A Novel Idea On Passyunk – is a genuine partner in fostering a better Philadelphia community with their small bookstore
- Kareemah’s Urban Books – is providing a safe space for lovers of literature
- Joseph Fox Bookshop – was established in 1951 as a family-owned and operated retailer of fine books
- House Of Our Own Books – is situated on two floors of a quiet, comfy Victorian house on the edge of the University of Pennsylvania campus
- Big Blue Marble Bookstore – have always had writers on staff
A Novel Idea On Passyunk
A Novel Idea On Passyunk is a genuine partner in fostering a better Philadelphia community with their small bookstore. They are a socially concerned bookstore and occasion space in East Passyunk, Philadelphia. They are Christina Rosso-Schneider and Alexander Schneider, citizens of East Passyunk, book lovers, and parents of Atticus Finch, a crazy, but adorable rescue pup.
More than anything, their goal is to cultivate community. They hope to build a bookstore that reflects the community’s interests, while also supporting it. One way they are doing this is through their Philadelphia Author and Small Press sections. They desire to create and foster a space of diversity and inclusivity and want to help their customers fall in love with books, either for the first time or the millionth.
Products/Services:
Books, Shop, Classes, Events
LOCATION:
Address: 1726 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (267) 764-1202
Website: www.anovelideaphilly.com
REVIEWS:
“Awesome neighborhood bookstore. Super friendly staff. They’ll order any book for you even if they don’t carry it, in case you don’t want to support the richest man alive.” – Nathan Q.
Kareemah’s Urban Books
Kareemah’s Urban Books is a gem in the heart of South Philly providing a safe space for lovers of literature. Kareemah grew up with a passion for reading and made it her job to share it with her community and anyone in search of their next great book. Drop by today and discover your next story worth sharing. They believe there’s power in knowledge and have made it their mission to help provide great books to those who crave them.
Products/Services:
Books, Shop, Ship, Gift Card
LOCATION:
Address: 2200 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: (267) 242-0740
Website: www.kareemahsurbanbooks.com
REVIEWS:
“Every Book and Novel written by a Black Author is available. If she doesn’t have it, she will get it. Buy Black!” – Rudy T.
Joseph Fox Bookshop
Joseph Fox Bookshop is collaborating with Reach Out and Read Greater Philadelphia to further the incorporation of books into pediatric care and encourage families to read aloud together. Contribute books from this reading list by purchasing them from Joseph Fox. Joseph Fox Bookshop was established in 1951 as a family-owned and operated retailer of fine books; literary fiction, nonfiction, architecture, art, poetry, music, small press, and international literature; and books for children of all ages.
They proudly offer books for the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Author Events series, which carry some of the biggest names in literature, academia, and politics to the city of brotherly love.
Products/Services:
Books, Shop, Events, Volume Purchases
LOCATION:
Address: 1724 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 563-4184
Website: www.foxbookshop.com
REVIEWS:
“I love this bookshop! The staff are really helpful and are able to locate the books I’m asking for very quickly. Even though the store is small, it packs a lot of different genres. As someone from NYC who loves checking out NYC independent bookstores, I was even able to find some gems that I’ve never seen before at Joseph Fox! I also think it’s a lot better than Shakespear & Co down the street. Would highly recommend.” – Miaoye Q.
House Of Our Own Books
House Of Our Own Books is situated on two floors of a quiet, comfy Victorian house on the edge of the University of Pennsylvania campus. The large stock of general and scholarly books is divided between new and used and is well-organized and categorized. House of Our Own specializes in cultural studies, history, literary criticism, politics, social sciences.
Only a very small fraction of their inventory is currently on the internet, so if you do not find what you are looking for, contact them by phone or email to see if they have a copy in the store.
Products/Services:
Cultural Studies, History, Literary Criticism, Politics, Social Sciences
LOCATION:
Address: 3920 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 222-1576
Website: www.biblio.com
REVIEWS:
“Loved it! So so many books and lovely atmosphere!” – Keshell M.
Big Blue Marble Bookstore
Big Blue Marble Bookstore is very much contemplation of their neighborhood – racially and economically different, politically engaged, funny, full of parents and grandparents looking for the best children’s books, lots of writers, and totally a large LGBTQIA community, and within walking distance of three synagogues. They stock books they love, and trust that their customers will recommend any great books they have missed.
They have always had writers on staff, who also keep them on their toes and connected to lesser-known and up-and-coming authors. Sheila Allen Avelin started the Big Blue Marble bookstore in November 2005. She chose to locate in Mt. Airy Village for its various community including artists, authors, musicians, and social change activists, along with the strong draw of other neighborhood businesses and the area’s commitment to shopping locally.
Products/Services:
Books, Shop, Audiobooks & Ebooks, Gift Certificates
LOCATION:
Address: 551 Carpenter Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Phone: (215) 844-1870
Website: www.bigbluemarblebooks.com
REVIEWS:
“Love shopping local and the store is adorable! They don’t often have the book I’m looking for, but it’s easy to order, they respond to email quickly, and their contactless pickup during the pandemic has worked flawlessly.” – Janelle S.
Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.