Bindlestiff has a great feel. The book shelves remind me of a Shell Silverstein sketch, all high and of many shapes and colors. The organization is minimal and that's a great thing. This volunteer lead bookstore is an adventure. I loved the variety of books from smaller publishing houses to national award winners. I got a lovey greeting card too! The book was a little steep (older paper back for $17) but I loved supporting this shop! Also they have a bathroom. read more

Bindlestiff Books - Fall hours notice - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Awesome prices on books! If you need children's books this is the place to get them. They give a discount to teachers which is awesome. A great variety of genres provided. read more

The owner of this store, John, is so helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly! All his customers confer with him about book choices. It's a neighborhood hub and has a great selection for all ages. read more

Another West Philly find that I officially need to walk into. But I have marveled over their fine displays that they do at The Rotunda and Punk Rock Flea market for awhile now. I have also carried on some good conversations with at least one of their volunteer's. Bindlestiff indeed has a well rounded selection of books to look over. it has one of the best Children's book selections that I have seen any Philly store offer. It has some of the coolest Graffiti books that I have ever had the chance to look through. They also have a good selection of political commentary books that come close to rivaling Wooden Shoes selection. they even sell an exclusive Palindromes calender! Bindlestiff also does a good job of helping the community around it. it helps dish out free books at A-Space. And it helps contribute to the local arts scene by having a good presence at benefit shows at The Rotunda. read more

Great selection and charming ambience. I like that it's smaller because it's easier to find something good and I don't get overwhelmed.

Favorite local bookstore!! Wonderful selection of books for all ages. A great place to buy gifts, and the staff is super helpful and knows their inventory well. read more

I hope there will be book stores in heaven. That said, this place is a cool little neighborhood gem. The selection is small but you can always find something. If you've got kids, they seem to have some good kids books. The owners there also seem to be involved with the local arts scene. Always something admirable. read more

The guy who works there calls Bindlestiff Books the Trader Joe's of bookstores -- they don't have a whole lot, but what they do have is quality, unique, and fun with great prices. I love that analogy. The difference is that they're never packed on weekends, they're not a chain, and are completely invested in the West Philly Community. Oh, and they sell books, not organic fair. This cozy little bookstore and their friendly staff deserve mad props. read more

Yes, it's small, but the staff is incredibly helpful, and the prices are nearly always discounted from the publisher's price, sometimes deeply so. Often, when we support local businesses, we pay more, but in this case, you pay less. Go figure. I went in today looking for a book for a four year old who loves music and comes from a religious, Jewish family. The woman on staff pulled out several picture books about music and musicians, including one about a fiddle player in a Jewish community. I say this to illustrate that a small store can have a surprisingly broad selection. read more

I'm a book junkie. Barnes and Noble is like Mecca to me, with a couple of catches. First, it's a huge corporate behemoth. Second, I really don't like browsing for books with Twilight and Tucker Max staring at me from every other shelf. That's why I love places like Bindlestiff. It's small, but has a great selection of books that are actually worth your money. Unlike a lot of smaller local businesses there isn't a huge price mark-up either. And the staff is great. They're helpful and always willing to chat about books (or other things) but let you shop in peace. I've never gone in there and felt rushed or pushed into a purchase. Also, they know their audience. This is West Philly, so they appropriately have a large selection of books that appeal to the kind of people who buy books in this neighborhood. Graffiti, urban farming, left-wing politics, and children's books that go beyond seeing Spot run - it all has a place at Bindlestiff. read more

This place is a treasure! It may be smallish, but the in stock selection is well curated and surprisingly vast. I am continually surprised by the number of times I come in looking for something specific and find it on their shelves. What they don't have in stock they can easily order and have in for me-- often within just a few days! Even when I stop in just to browse I ALWAYS find something good to bring home. The children's selection is incredible and I have a blast shopping for my nephew. All around I feel very lucky to have this store in my neighborhood. read more

I have never browsed the store in person, but I recently had a great experience placing a special order. I called on a Wednesday to see if they had a specific book, and then placed a special order for it over the phone since they were out of stock. I received an email saying it had arrived on Saturday (you can also give a phone number to contact). I forgot to ask how much it cost on the phone, but I am happy to pay a little bit more to support a great local business, especially right now. The employees were friendly and knowledgeable, and it was overall an excellent experience! I will definitely go back in the future, and can't wait to eventually shop there in person. read more

The owners know writers, and know their neighborhood. "How about Cory Doctorow?" I asked. The answer came back: "Yes, there's two scifi camps in West Philly; one that loves Doctorow, and another that doesn't." That's knowing your customers. read more

Awesome little bookstore this is what a bookstore should be like. No obnoxious kids with laptops, no shitty bonus card to deal with just books and nice people. read more

Growing up in libraries, large chain bookstores like B&N are comforting-- but none moreso than small independent bookstores like Bindlestiff. My boyfriend and I came right before closing time, but the owner was incredibly patient as we looked around and was happy to answer our multitude of questions as we asked about the area like eager students. The beautiful thought and care that goes into curating such a small collection actually broadens horizons-- as we discovered a book we ordinarily wouldn't have found (at just the perfect time). This is the kind of shop that gives me faith in the future of neighborhood bookstores and community. Absolutely a gem; don't walk past. read more

While exploring Baltimore Avenue one Saturday afternoon, I was reeled into Bindlestiff Books at the sight of Kate Bornstein's newest book displayed in the window. I walked into the shop and was greeted by a friendly associate who did all he could to assist me when I asked if said book were available although I had no intention to buy it right then and there. Even though he couldn't find it, he was very apologetic, and offered to take my information should the book be found, but I politely assured him that it wasn't the end of the world. That being said, I would still return if I were in the area thanks to the sincerity of the customer service I received and my support of independent bookstores--here's to hoping they stay alive! read more

It makes me happy that they are here. They have an amazing array of children's books and fiction. That said, it is very small and easy to exhaust. It's cute to stop in if you are out for a stroll along Baltimore but if you are looking for anything in particular I wouldn't necessarily start here. Lovely but a bit disappointing. read more

Discovered Bindlestiff on a walk down Baltimore Avenue, it's great to see a new independent book store! Great focused collection, a knowledgeable staff, and reasonably priced. I picked up the perfect children's book as a gift, and a few things for myself as well. They also have a zine collection in the back. read more

I am thrilled with the service from Bindlestiff. They had the product, it was in wonderful condition, it arrived ahead of time, and there was a lovely note from the owner which made my day. Unfortunately PA is thousands of miles away from me so not likely to go there in person, but amazon is a great source. Highly highly recommend. read more

You can tell this stuff is curated --- everything in the window looks like what you want to read next. Pet supply store right next door with cats up for adoption... make a day of it. read more

This place is small, but there are definitely some good finds in here. If you're looking for lefty books, this is the place to come and the staff definitely knows their stuff. It's no behemoth mega chain and it's not even a wide ranging used book store, but it's also right there in West Philly practicing what they preach. read more

Nice, cozy, small. They had a book about helping young boys by Geoffrey Canada. The guy working bore a striking resemblance to myself and was super helpful. read more

I went there today. Still a unique and really fun assortment of books--fun stuff you'll actually want to buy.

This little book, card, and creative toy store is a West Philly treasure. If you need to buy a fun, intelligent and original gift for a child or adult, this is the place. The prices are excellent too- often seriously discounted. The owner, John, is knowledgeable and helpful and full of great advice on books. if he doesn't have a book in the store he can special order it for you. Support your local bookstore! read more