The American Booksellers Association says more than 600 bookstores opened across the country last year, double the number of new shops from the year before, and membership in the association is the highest it's been since the 1990s.
Philly is no stranger to independent, niche bookstores. Here are six of our favorites.
Thrillerdelphia (Manayunk)
Philly’s first horror, thriller, and true crime bookstore, Thrillerdelphia, is stocked with stories that invoke fear, terror, dread, tension and curiosity — and the store decor reflects that, with homages to everyone’s favorite horror stories like Scream and It. Julia Bartz will be signing copies of her psychological thrillers “The Writing Retreat” and “The Last Session” Saturday from 5-7 p.m.
The Head & The Hand (Kensington/Fishtown)
Known locally as H&H, this nonprofit is both community bookstore and publisher. H&H has published more than 100 authors, and it hosts writing workshops and hybrid arts programming in its store on Frankford Avenue. The date night package — 90 minutes alone in the bookstore with dinner or drinks — is definitely going on my Christmas list.
Book Corner (Fairmount)
Located behind the Parkway Central Library, Book Corner is run by the Friends of the Free Library, and all profits support the Philly library system. Book Corner accepts gently-used books, records and CDs, and most items are priced under $4. Follow the shop on Instagram to hear about seasonal sales.
Binding Agents (Italian Market)
Philly’s only cookbook shop is rightfully placed among the pasta and cheese shops of the Italian Market. Find culinary titles for all levels, plus author talks and signings every month. The first 50 people through the door during this weekend’s book crawl get a free cookbook!
Big Blue Marble Books (Mt. Airy)
Serving Mt. Airy since 2005, Big Blue Marble Books is a woman-owned shop that aims to have its bookshelves reflect the neighborhood: diverse, politically engaged, and family oriented. A renovated second floor reading room offers a quiet place to read and drink tea, and the shop often has author readings in the space.
