Top Children's Bookstores In Philadelphia
It may be hard to find an independent bookstore these days, but they ARE still out there. Some people love to frequent and support the bricks and mortar mom-and-pop stores. Lately, there has been a small resurgence of patronage and support with such causes as Small Business Saturday. Small bookstores, especially when they're filled with children's books, are a treasured find. The atmosphere is always cozy and inviting and specifically geared towards its tiny clientele. Here are some of Philadelphia's best places to find a wide and unique selection of children's books.
Ali's Wagon
2017 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 913-6177
www.aliswagon.com
Ali's Wagon is a parenting center for young, urban Philadelphians and offers birthing classes, expecting parent meetups and a retail shop. Ali's Wagon has a nice selection of children's books and is a great place to stop for many of your baby needs. The store offers a variety of items, some of which have a Philadelphia theme. Some Philly-centric children's book titles include "Good Night Philadelphia," "Goldieblox and the Spinning Machine" and "The Philadelphia Pretzel Twist."
Bindlestiff Books
4530 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 662-5780
www.bindlestiffbooks.wordpress.com
This West Philadelphia establishment is volunteer-run and offers a wide selection new and discounted books. Not only is the book selection one of a kind, but so is the other merchandise you can find in the store. The volunteer staff is very knowledgeable on the full selection of books at Bindlestiff Books, too -- just ask.
Booktenders' Secret Garden Children's Bookstore
42 E. State St. Rear
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 348-7160
www.booktenderssecretgarden.com
Booktenders' Secret Garden Children's Bookstore has won numerous awards for its selection in children's books, including The Best Bookstore for Children in the Philadelphia area by Nickelodeon's Parents Pick. The store is owned and operated by Ellen Mager, a former teacher. Booktenders' carries a wide selection of books for infants through age 13. The store also carries plush toys, greeting cards, kits, puzzles and collectable prints by children's book illustrators.
Related: Top Indie Bookstores In Philadelphia
Main Point Books
1041 W. Lancaster Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 525-1480
www.mainpointbooks.com
Main Point Books is the perfect place for that fresh book smell. If you are not into purchasing used books, then this is the place for you. The shop has an excellent selection of children's book and it hosts children's storytime every Monday and Saturday at 10:30 am. Main Point Books also has a friendly staff that will help you with all your book selection needs.
The Spiral Bookcase
112 Cotton St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 482-0704
www.thespiralbookcase.com
The Spiral Bookcase is a quaint bookstore found in the heart of Manayunk. It has an excellent selection of children's books, both new and used. It also accepts your gently used books to trade for store credit. The Spiral Bookcase hosts events including gallery openings of the work of published children's book illustrators, so grab the kids and head over.
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
