Philly

Philly’s 6 Best Used Bookstores

Though the Winter makes it tough to be outside, when the wind is in a violent duel with your hair, bookworms know that there is nothing like curling up at the end of a day. While you may feel peer pressured to catch up on the latest literary fads, there’s a pleasure from perusing some of the classics. 

Yes, used books are the solution to warming you up. 

Used books are both an eco-conscious and frugal option. Many used novels are recent purchases traded to local bookstores in Philly for store credit or donations.  

Now that you’re excited to pick up a book you may be wondering where exactly you can get your frozen solid hands on them. Look no further than this list of green bookstores located in various areas throughout Philly!

6 Used Bookstores You Need to Get Your Next Novel From

  1. The Book Trader
The Book Trader, Facebook

Visit Philly’s largest used bookstore in Old City.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10 AM- 10 PM
Location: 7 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA

  1. Brickbat Books
Brickbat Books

In addition to selling novels, Brickbat books hosts frequent events and poetry reading series.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 11 AM- 7 PM, Sunday: 12 PM- 5 PM, Monday: CLOSED
Location: 709 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA

  1. House of Our Own Books
House of Our Own Books, Facebook

The idea for the House of Our Own Books first arose to allow students to learn about their current world, opening in 1971 when the Vietnam War was taking place. It was initially history books, however, the collection has now expanded to various genres.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 10AM- 7PM, Saturday & Sunday: 12PM- 6PM
Location: 3920 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA

  1. Mostly Books
Mostly Books, Facebook

Mostly Books not only houses 50,000 books, but has a large collection of movies, music, and photographs/posters.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Location: 529 Bainbridge St, Philadelphia, PA

  1. Molly’s Books & Records
Molly’s Books & Records, Facebook

The owner of the bookstore, Molly Russakoff, first began her business under the name Molly’s Cafe & Bookstore. As her collection of vinyl grew, she renamed the store to Molly’s Books & Records.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10 AM- 6 PM
Location: 1010 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA

  1. Making Worlds
Making Worlds, Facebook

Be on the lookout for this sixth store with the goal is to become a community space for West Philly, opening on Valentine’s Day! Since all four founding members are not from Philadelphia originally, the owners hired new members who are Philly natives to work towards further accomplishing this goal according to WHYY-FM.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 12PM- 10PM, Saturday & Sunday: 10AM- 10PM
Location: 210 S. 45th Street in West Philadelphia

Jamie McClelland

Jamie is a junior at Villanova University double majoring in English and Communications with a specialization in Media Production. She is currently an Editorial Intern at Green Philly. In her spare time she enjoys writing poetry and short stories, along with watching movies and exploring Philly.

Recent Posts

Did you hear? There’s an election on November 4th, and your voice (or sitting at home) can impact the environment.

Philadelphia residents will not only vote on who will be the next district attorney, but…

1 day ago

Nature Challenge results, National Walk & Roll to School Day, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Transit advocates demand better SEPTA funding. On Tuesday…

5 days ago

Philly wants more trash cans and trees, believes civic engagement is key

Part Two of Every Voice, Every Vote research revealed that Philly takes pride in community…

1 week ago

For this community, Building a ‘Green” city is an act of resistance.

The Green Building United Groundbreaker Awards celebrated local innovative projects using passive house, LEED and…

2 weeks ago

The Friends keeping Penn Treaty Park’s Indigenous roots alive

How Penn Treaty Park got its name may be legend, but the community’s commitment to…

2 weeks ago

Fall bioblitz, SEPTA fire risks, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Fall Nature Challenge starts. The Academy of Natural…

2 weeks ago