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!

Neighborhood Books can seem out of the way & a little forgotten about compared to some of the other…read morelonger running secondhand bookstores in Philly. Located in the Graduate Hospital area, away from the busier end of South St. might have something to do with that. It is a little oasis, & deserves consideration. The owner is friendly, the books are in favorable condition, & the prices are reasonable. The art, poetry, & sci-fi/fantasy selections have some titles you might not come across that readily. Greeting cards done in collage by a local artist are for sale. I'm for that kind of support. On my visit here I purchased, as a replacement, Diane Middlebrook's Anne Sexton biography (in hardback). Sometimes you just have to pounce on something in a secondhand shop because you might not come across it again, & then end up resorting to the the internet to hunt it down from a non-local business. I might not visit Neighborhood Books that often due to its location but I plan to keep it in mind for the possibility of the unexpected find.

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 :(