SO grateful Big Blue Marble is in the neighborhood. They usually have a book I need and I always get a good rec from the staff and it's just fun to pop in and get cozy read more

Great local bookstore! Lots of stuff in stock, and they are always happy to order something for you or give you some recommendations. In this time of COVID, they are doing a great job limiting people in the store at a time as well as being available via phone and email for book ordering and questions. read more

Yes, sometimes Barnes and Noble can be a good thing. But when you have a choice, it feels so good to go indie. Big Blue Marble is exactly what you want in a local bookstore. The space is cozy, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the coffee is tasty. When you're in the mood for a good book but don't have anything specific in mind, this is the perfect destination. That said, if there's something you want that they don't have in stock they'll order it for you (and won't charge you shipping, either!). They have interesting events, inspiring readings and a kickin' kids section. read more

Stopped in for some last-minute holiday shopping. Very extensive selection of new, recently published books. Staff person was very, very helpful to me in selecting kids' books (they have a great kids' books section), and making recommendations for a few adult gifts I needed to make. "Staff picks" display of books is very useful, and a nice way to draw attention to titles other than the usual best-seller lists, although they have those, too. Check out their "frequent buyer" program. Also have Philadelphia-themed books section. I hadn't been in the store for quite some time, but it turned out I had earned a 20% discount that I had forgotten all about. At that rate, who needs Amazon? Great to have this independent bookstore as an alternative. read more

This is one of those bookstores that makes you want to spend hours in it, drinking coffee and flipping through everything. They have many different sections spread across a couple of floors, as well as a cafe. I was unfortunately on the hunt for a few novels in particular, and found their fiction section lacking. But I managed to choose something else appropriate upstairs (and eventually found that elusive Cormac McCarthy novel in the 'what Mt. Airy is reading' section). The service was pretty friendly and certainly more knowledgeable than your usual Barnes & Noble/Borders employee. If you're going to buy a book in person (and thus pay full price) instead of on amazon.com, then I would recommend coming here or to another independent bookseller. That smell of used books and coffee cake makes your choice worth it. read more

Here's a nice little treasure to be found in Northern Philadelphia, away from all the crazed locations and people-centers. Stop in Big Blue Marble Bookstore and you're in for a treat. Like Hilary P. said: you could spend a lot of time here. I don't know about hours, as it is a pretty small space, but they definitely have a decent selection of books, for a smaller, independent shop. I went in looking for, as usual, poetry books, and they had some rare finds. Hal Sirowitz is a local poet now, so naturally they were in-stock on his material. There was an Eileen Miles book from Black Sparrow Press that I debated buying. Some more mainstream books of poetry, too. I noticed a few neat things about this place. One, there are a ton of staff reviews, which is great! You rarely see this anymore, especially at the corporate bookstore I work at, but also at a lot of smaller bookstores. Two, there are a lot of discount sections. Sure, the store charges around full price for each book (naturally!), but just about each genre or section has its own 25% off shelf. Three, there's a cafe upstairs, featuring a table or two for reading and studying purposes. I couldn't figure out if it was on the house or if there was a charge, but nobody was manning the area, and I was all caffeinated up already, but it's nice to know they have this setup going on. Four, there is indeed a "What Mt. Airy is Reading" section, which features pretty standard top-sellers, but is great to get in the know. After all was said and done, I didn't buy anything because of my Amazonian tendencies, but I did enjoy stopping in, and if I ever get enough money, I'll probably make some spontaneous purchases there when I return. read more

This bookstore is a little treasure. I used to go for story time and Miss Sarah was the best,the little one i took couldn't wait each week to go. Also great selection and if they don't have it they will do their best to get it for you.Great kids section. This is my go to for books and even unusual gifts. read more

I live nearby and have been shopping there for 8 years. They have an excellent selection of books for the size of their store. They are especially good with feminist, lgbt, and anti-racist books, as well as children's books, and environmentalist books. I'm a professor who teaches the first three topics and I regularly find books that I had been thinking about buying and books I didn't know existed. But there are also some problems with this store. Iza and Alison are right that not all of the employees are friendly. And their frequent customer discount program is so flawed that it should probably be discontinued. I have been going out of my way to buy from them and order with them. I want to support local independent stores. Recently, I have been buying more trying to make my way up to $150 (this is the second time) -- this time I was shopping extra recently to receive the discount for when my sister was visiting with her 3 year old, figuring that she'd pick out a lot of books and toys for her. She did ($125 worth). I had been at about $100 before this shopping trip. But because I reached the $150 mark during that shopping trip, I wasn't allowed to split the purchase into two and use the discount on the remaining items. Also, my sister from out of town wasn't allowed to pay and have her sales added to my card (even though we explained that I'm the frequent customer and she'd never have come to this store unless I had brought her there while she was visiting me from hundreds of miles away). That was a bummer. But I tried to give them another chance when I wrote and published a book I knew they'd be interested in stocking and maybe having an event. I reached out over email reintroducing myself. No reply. I'm done trying. read more

Nice neighborhood bookstore!! They'll order anything they don't have in stock and will have it in a couple of days. They worked out a great curbside program during the pandemic. I've been shopping with them for three or four years. It's so nice to have an indie brick and mortar bookstore to support!! read more

When we walked in, we were just going to browse and ask about a certain book as well. They didn't have the book we were looking for, but Sawyer helped us out with finding some really good picks and we ended up leaving with a couple (really good) books that day based on their recommendations. Thank you for the amazing customer service! read more

Long live the independent bookstore! Small yet well-organized and packed with a wide selection of books in a multitude of genres. When I walked in I was greeted by a friendly employee who was quick to inform me of the section of the store where I could find my books of choice; however, I discovered upon my entry that there was a kids' storytime/song session going on, so I didn't want to get in their way. Though since Mt. Airy is such a great neighborhood for families with young children, it's great to have a local spot that features something for the whole family! read more

Yep, I still really love this place. As other reviews mention, you may be out of luck if you're pining after a certain book as there is no way this little shop can hold it all, but you can place an order for no extra charge and have your goods within the week. Big Blue Marble goes for quality, not quantity in my opinion and offers sophisticated, yet good reads that cater to the interests of their community. On my most recent trip, they had lots for the backyard gardener and most of the popular new releases that the big box stores have on their shelves. The book I really wanted was sold out, but I placed an order on Wednesday and had the book in my hands on Saturday. I love that they carry a good selection of Nikki McClure's cards and journals as well as items by Little Otsu. It's not as close as Barnes and Noble for me, but I still prefer to give my patronage to this Mt. Airy gem. read more

I was contacted by Big Blue Marble and they apologized for our experience. We have gone back since and had good experiences. I've taken my daughter for some of their children's events and they were great. read more

Wonderful local, independent book store. They have a good selection of current and interesting books and a nice kids section. They also offer wonderful events and book clubs. read more

Very cute bookstore with a great atmosphere and a frequent buyer program (although they somehow managed to lose my card... oh well!) I think they offer coffee and tea, although I've yet to indulge. I just enjoy browsing their selection and reading the recommendations they post, and taking a look at the other fun stuff they sell (just bought a few very neat bookmarks the other day). Since it's so small selection can be lacking, which is too bad if you absolutely need to read something right this minute, but of course they'll order for you. read more

This is a delightful local bookshop. They carry a broad selection of interesting & current publications.

Even before I worked here, I loved the staff and selection at this Mt. Airy favorite.

Disregard Alison R review, the bookstore is amazing and much better than a barns noble sprawling mall. we live two blocks from it and visit it all the time with our seven year old. We order books there and once we run out of books to read it's our first place to visit. Go big blue marble! read more

I love this store! Even though I'm on a tight budget, I try to buy a few books from them, since I am worried that they might disappear. Love their staff picks. I read a lot of YA and their suggestions are great. I'm even thinking about going to the book club. The children's department is fantastic! read more

I feel lucky to have such a lovely community bookstore so close to my home! There's a great selection of books, always an event happening or in the works, and the staff are genuine, friendly, and helpful. The tea selection is great! There are also coffee, juices, and various snacks to choose from. The music compliments the cozy welcoming feel of the space. If something is not available, it can be ordered and available for pick up, usually within a day or two. The store is kid-friendly, and also has spaces quiet enough to focus on reading/working. Great place to hang out on a rainy day! read more