I loved my visit to The Book Trader. My brother is local to the area and suggested we pop by this…read morebookshop for a visit because they have a shop cat! I met him immediately upon entering the store, as he was sitting right near the door. His name is Dr. Pickles and he is just as lovely as the shop he calls home. The shop itself is well organized and has so many niche categories to browse and appreciate. As the shop's name suggests, they have ample signage outlining the rules and guidelines for trading with them. As a bonus, the shop (and Dr. Pickles!) are active on Instagram sharing the latest that's up with the shop. I am absolutely planning on returning to this shop during my next trip to Philadelphia.

The Book Trader is one of my favorite bookstores in Philly[1]. It's well-lit and has quite a stock…read moreof books, mostly used, but some new. They've also got records, old postcards, and I think I spotted a tote. To me, it felt *generally* organized inside, but YMMV, right? Bring your old books in to trade - read their policies on their site: https://www.phillybooktrader.com/menu - and while you're there, search for deals. The more books you buy, the more you'll save. Find them in Old City, convenient to the 2nd Street SEPTA subway stop. [1] There's a shop cat here! The famous Dr. Pickles is usually taking a catnap, so respect their space. Meow.

This is my favorite independent book store. It's so nice to take your time looking around,…read morechecking out all of the wonderful books and other items (totes, cards, journals, etc.) they have. It's welcoming and relaxing! The staff is always friendly and willing to help with any questions you may have.

A fabulous little shop with so much to offer. I love the ways the categories were broken down- and…read morethe displays had a lot of unique genre features. We toured for a bit- hiding little treats throughout the books in the store! So go buy a book & you may find a sticker, bookmark, or word of affirmation :) The staff were wonderful too- we overheard them chatting with online buyers picking up- and they seemed to have a great operation with ordering unavailable books, so options are limiteless!

Garland of Letters is a quiet store filled with treasures! From tarot card decks, crystals and a…read morewide variety of witchy to wellness books, there's certainly something for everyone here. The staff is attentive and friendly, but not overbearing. Happy to help when you need it, but otherwise allows you to shop solo. Prices of books are standard ranging from 10-30 dollars, crystal prices are a few bucks per piece, but cheaper if you buy more. Overall a great store with great folks!

Such a freaking cool store. Holy crap. It made me feel instantly calm entering the store. The staff…read morewas so sweet and incredibly helpful. The selection was phenomenal. So many crystals, incense, books, figures, and more, it was insane. Some of the things were really pricy but it was high quality things. Definitely worth stopping by

We liked stopping by this bookstore. Wooden Shoe Books had an array of books on race, social…read morejustice, and so much more. Their prices are a bit higher than you'd expect online or at a chain bookstore, but I find that very justifiable as all of their profits go towards running the shop and other social justice missions. The volunteers at the store were great as well and were happy to answer questions or direct us to where certain books were.

First, to address the person claiming "they are all racist here"…read more This is an ANARCHIST BOOK STORE. They have books on critical race theory, yes. They also have books on queer studies, feminist literature, Muslim education... the list goes on and on. Do you understand what anarchy is? At any rate I seriously doubt the black and brown employees who have or do currently work or volunteer at Wooden Shoe would appreciate being called racist, so why don't you, you know, fuck off and shop somewhere else? That being said. Wooden Shoe is an exceptional resource for books on any number of topics. They tend to skew toward literature on social justice issues that run the gamut, so you're not going to find the latest pop culture biography or new fiction. Books are full price, so expect to pay $35 for a new hardcover, but they also have a ton of $1-5 second hand books, plus a really cool section of free and cheap zines and small print publications. I've been shopping here for it seems like a decade, and as a queer, gender non-conforming biracial person, the idea that they are racist is comical bordering on fully ignorant.

This is a used bookstore with proceeds going towards the library. It has an amazing selection of…read morebooks. The books are in sections like a traditional bookstore. The prices are very inexpensive. The sales person was very nice. They greeted at me as soon as I walked in. They were also knowledgeable about the books. The store looks small from the outside, but it is a labyrinth inside that goes to the back of the building.

The Book Corner looks small from the outside, but seems to go on and on with a large selection of…read moreused books once you step inside. They also have sections for DVDs and CDs. The books are in good condition and well-organized with clearly labeled shelves and sections. The CD section oddly didn't seem to be organized in any way though - not by genre or even in alphabetical order by artist. I found it impossible to find anything I was specifically looking for, and I gave up. If you're looking to just browse though and not find a specific artist, give it a look. I found fewer newer titles here than I typically do in other used bookstores in the city, but that' s likely due to the fact that they get most of their books as cast-offs from the city library system and outright donations. I was initially confused about where to locate the prices on the books, until I came across the sign on the sales floor explaining the system. I wish it was posted more prominently right when you enter to save people the confusion. You can't beat the more than reasonable prices though. The employees are friendly and helpful, and they have a couple bookstores cats, which I love. Definitely worth a visit when you're in the neighborhood!

This bookstore is a gem with a good selection of new and used books. It may not look big from the…read morestreet but it has quite a few books packed in and a lower level to boot. In this day of online shopping and next-day delivery, it is refreshing to have a delightful in-person shopping experience! I checked out the store without looking for anything in particular but walked away with three used (but in great condition) paperbacks for a very affordable price - less than $10 each! One book was in large print which is definitely easier on the eyes! This place reminds you of why books are so fun to shop for and how reading can be such a great pastime. Highly recommend this place for book lovers!

This book store has both new and used options. The owner is super friendly and helpful when it…read morecomes to any questions you might have. I enjoy coming here to get my books. There is usually a deal going on where you can big a few books for cheap.

A very unique store, with unexpected & enjoyable surprise finds- i.e not your average book store-…read morethis is a bookstore for a deep book lover. The stock doesn't seem to rotate, promote the new and mass market, but is more for the deep cuts, the obscure, and the 'I've always wanted this' or the 'new discoveries'. Prices are higher, yes, but look at the style and know what you are supporting & it makes sense.

This is one of my favorite bookstores in Philly. The selection here is choice. The store is not one…read moreof the huge dump of books stores. It is organized well and the recommended or featured books are often a win!

What a fabulous spot! So many good finds from "retro" dvds and vinyls to current reads. This shop…read morehas what you need. I LOVE that they have an "adults only" section that is an array of videos and books. Made me feel human. Beautiful! Definitely check it out!

What a lovely little shop. Great selection of books and gifts etc. Great quotes throughout. As soon…read moreas you walk in you get a sense of history of the area and the staff are very knowledgable. Love that it's named after a James Baldwin book. We need more down to earth bookstores like this one. Can't wait to visit again.

Excellent bookstore with used books that are diamonds and vinyl that is gold…read more Family business. In the heart of Little Italy. Excellent experience here. Friendly service. Good value. Signed and collectable editions.

Friendly service, great selection of classic vinyl and books, and reasonably priced items. I didn't…read moreget to see the cat everyone seems to be raving about the though :(

I love all B&N's. This location seemed to be missing some things, like a bathroom LOL & a larger…read morelocal book section. I was at East State Penitentiary & failed to grab a book on its history. That should've been an easy grab, but wasn't a part of the offerings. Asked an employee for help, she said she'd "look" & then never returned. A nice selection of items in a convenient location, but missing a lot of the tchotchke items I love & the "stay-awhile" vibe I so appreciate w/ this chain.

I am really not about the B&N slander! I am a big fan of this new location, appreciate the kind…read morestaff, and like the layout. You'll find things separated by genre upstairs and a lot of great suggestions for local authors and new reads downstairs. Great ideas for gifts, a lot of hyper-local reads and trinkets, and just a great way to expand your mind for an afternoon. I like getting a beverage, walking around, and reading backs of books to add to my list. I typically prefer to buy from small, local bookshops, but when I know I need something specific (in this case, a smutty beach read and the new Sally Rooney), I tend to gravitate here for ease. That being said, they didn't have the exact smutty beach read I was looking for! I know Emily Henry is Emily Henry and it's spring break season but...come on. We must keep her stocked for the girlies! Overall, a great option for killing time in center city and refilling your literary cup with inspiration. Happy reading!