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

Visit Philly’s largest used bookstore in Old City.

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

2. 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

3. House of Our Own Books

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

4. Mostly Books

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

5. Molly’s Books & Records

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

6. Making Worlds

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