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.

Bookstores like this are what make me love Philly. Small, charming, and socially minded. Support…read moreyour local bookstore!

small, welcoming bookstore with unusual range of books, workshops on anarchism, tech explorations,…read moreluddites, many zines...

Purchased a lighting cabke for I Phone(1m) for a client. It wound up being the one for older(4 or…read moreless) and thus useless. I took it back the next day hoping for a refund(preferable) NIO or a swap for the one people can actually use. I was told they do not exchange open tech regardless of the circumstance. Manager was standing directly behind the cashier but would not acknowledge the transaction. There is no sign in the store or note on the receipt stating that there is a no return policy on opened electronics. Terrible customer service.

A pretty massive selection here at UPenn. But definitely at Ivy / campus bookstore prices. It's a…read morenice stop for some local gear, or to pick up a new personal read from the large book selection across both floors. Staff is generally helpful. In past visits, they've helped me find a nice gift according to some vague parameters, and were helpful for returns at the counter. Can't speak much into the campus services here since I'm not a student, but as a community member, it's a great place to stop by- with a Starbucks and seating area upstairs too!

Finally made it out here! Charming book shop. also has a bathroom and even hosts lit events in…read morethe basement Pretty gas independent/alt lit/ poetry selections that I would only otherwise find in NY

Loads of great titles. This ain't yer cutesy little boutique bookstore that carries best-seller…read morebanned books and greeting cards. It's a bookstore where hard-to-find books of many ideas-- agreeable and otherwise -- can be found. It's perfect for Philly, and it's recommend for those who want to get away from airport bookstores.

A small book store that is decent. The religions and philosophical books were limited yet did have…read morea nice Rick Rubin book. All books are new. Of special note is they have featured local authors. The local author books feature Interesting books of poetry and photography. Worth checking out if in the area.

A delightful gem! They've got a fun selection, and their new fiction and fantasy is always on…read morepoint. Vibes are cozy and welcoming, and they're always happy to order whatever books I might want that aren't in stock, which has been really delightful (and saves me from ordering things online and having to race get to a package before someone swipes it off my stoop.)

Hakim's Bookstore is truly a West Philadelphia icon. Hakim's daughter now runs the store, and she…read morehas made it known around the world for its incredible collection, including many books you simply won't find anywhere else. The store is a powerful reminder that Black people read and stand against the ongoing erasure of our history. If you have the opportunity, please stop by and support her. She's keeping her father's dream alive.

This is one of the prime examples of why independent brick-and-mortar bookstores are so important…read more Booksellers can curate something really special that can't be replicated by going on Amazon or walking into a corporate superstore. Hakim's is a great example of this. Hakim's has hands down THE BEST children's book section for Black children. They had so many children's books that I'd never even seen, along with the classics. It actually made me a little emotional to see how many wonderful books are now available for Black kids -- I wish we'd had these when I was a child. If you have a Black or brown child (or know a Black or brown child) you need to go to Hakims.

I happened to be in the area of the 3400 block of Sansom Street today in West Philadelphia and a…read morefamiliar sign caught my eye from 22 years ago; Avril 50. Avril 50 was a regular stop in my patrol days and I loved walking into the shop. Always the wonderful aroma of brewing coffees and chocolate dancing with other exotic smells and the smells of fine papers and magazines. It always felt to me like stepping from West Philadelphia into a magical pocket of Europe. As it looked exactly the same, I wondered if anything had changed in the past 22 years and as soon as I crossed the threshold, I found that it was the same - like stepping back 22 years, yet somehow I was that much older. The proprietor was still there, still the same and looking no different - something that confirmed my belief that this was a magical and wonderful pocket paradise tucked away on a small West Philadelphia street. A brief catch-up chat, a shopping bag of fine teas and a perfectly brewed double-espresso to takeaway later; I stepped back into the bright Fall sun of West Philadelphia. I found myself smiling as I sipped the espresso, happy that one of the best things for me in that neighborhood has remained unchanged for others to enjoy and to continue to discover. It will not be another 22 years before I make my way back - that is for certain.

Interesting little shop. My sister's boyfriend took us here when we mentioned we needed coffee and…read moreI was a little perplexed when I walked in. I'm still not entirely sure what the shop is supposed to be but it was an experience going there for sure. The coffee is self serve and there are several different selections, each with a short description up on the wall. My boyfriend and I each got a medium (I believe it was $2.25 per) and loved our coffee. Both were tasty and exceptionally strong. I'm not sure if they do anything fancier (lattés, etc) but I doubt it. Nonetheless, if I were a student at penn and needed a coffee this is where I would go.

Cute little bookstore that carries local writers and some best sellers. Most titles are pretty…read moreunique definitely wouldn't know about it unless I came here. Came here for a poetry reading session from 3 authors during their after hours 6-8. If you get overwhelmed in big barns and noble, try this place! I'm sure you will find something nice

We enjoyed a date night in this fabulous little independent bookstore…read more They close the bookstore, turn down the lights, hook you up with a little bit of wine, and it is all yours to browse for 90 glorious minutes. I am a bibliophile, this was a dream come true for me.