11 Indie Neighborhood Bookstores

curated & written by @maggie

There’s something magical about entering a bookshop. The smell of new and used books, the immediate calm you feel as soon as the door clicks behind you, the thrill of opportunity — which book will I leave with? Philadelphia is home to countless bookstores, each with their own personality. Check out these 11 bookstores by neighborhood and support local businesses in the process.

each tile is linked to the book stores location & store

photo cred: @rowhousepub

Harriett’s Bookshop

Located in Fishtown, Harriet’s Bookshop is named after Harriet Tubman. Its mission is to highlight women authors, artists, and activists. 258 E. Girard Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19125. They also just opened up an amazing outdoor book garden!

photo cred: @hakimsbookstore

Hakim’s Bookstore

Hakim’s was first opened in West Philly in 1959. It has now since been revitalized by Hakim’s daughter and specializes in African American books, history, and authors. 210 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19139

photo cred: @katyisreading

Neighborhood Books

A used bookstore on South Street in Graduate Hospital, Neighborhood Books does its best to support local authors. 1906 South Street, Philadelphia PA 19146

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photo cred: @phillybookgirl

Molly’s Books & Records

Located in the heart of the bustling Italian Market, Molly’s Books and Records offers both new and used books and records alike. 1010 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

photo cred: @anovelideaphilly

A Novel Idea

An independent bookstore in Passyunk, A Novel Idea’s mission is to reflect and support the community. 1726 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

photo cred: @phillybookgirl

The Book Trader

A used bookstore in Old City featuring classics, records, and a handful of new titles. 7 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Book Corner

The Book Corner is a secondhand bookstore located in Logan Square. It works to benefit public libraries. 311 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

photo cred: @phillybookgirl

Bookhaven

A used bookstore in Fairmount with a wide selection of titles, authors, and subjects. 2202 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130

photo cred: @educatorsoncall

TreeHouse Books

TreeHouse Books is more than a bookstore. It’s also a giving library and literary center whose mission is to make sure all children in Philadelphia have access to books. Located in North Philadelphia at 1430 W Susquehanna Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121

photo cred: @mostlybooksphilly

Mostly Books

This bookstore is a hidden gem between Queen Village and Society Hill with multiple rooms of mostly used books to peruse. They also have a large selection of VHS tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, and more. 529 Bainbridge St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Kareemah’s Urban Books

This bookstore in South Philly also sells candles and other gifts. 2200 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19145

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Meet the Blogger

maggie

Maggie Blehar is a Philadelphia-based writer and editor. Her passion for writing started as soon as she could hold a pencil, filling up journal after journal. When she isn’t writing, you can find her showcasing her amateur cooking skills, digging deeper into her zodiac sign, exploring Philly neighborhoods with her dog, or refurbishing wooden chairs to resemble cherished book covers, a hobby she calls Literachair. Learn more or connect with her on her website.

Save for later

Meet the Blogger

maggie

Maggie Blehar is a Philadelphia-based writer and editor. Her passion for writing started as soon as she could hold a pencil, filling up journal after journal. When she isn’t writing, you can find her showcasing her amateur cooking skills, digging deeper into her zodiac sign, exploring Philly neighborhoods with her dog, or refurbishing wooden chairs to resemble cherished book covers, a hobby she calls Literachair. Learn more or connect with her on her website.