Top Specialty Bookstores In Philadelphia

There is nothing quite like reading a good book, and in today’s technology-driven society, books have become more readily available via computers and personalized e-readers. Sadly, this has also contributed to a decline in local book shops. But some prefer the smell of a book and the feel of it in their hands, and the Philadelphia area is still full of many specialty bookstores where you can buy, trade or even sell books.

Whodunit Books
1931 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 567-1478
www.whodunitphilly.com

Whodunit Books has been located in this Rittenhouse area of Philly since 1977 and specializes in mysteries and thrillers. Whodunit also carries many other general titles and many rare copies from local authors. It carries signed and collectable books, all of which are also available online. This is a store to visit if you want to chat with the owner about books in general. Whodunit also has an outdoor table for nice weather and is one of the leading book stores in Philly to get that impossible-to-find book.

Brickbat Books
709 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 592-1207
www.brickbatbooks.blogspot.com

Books are stacked from floor to ceiling in Brickbat Books. Although it has such a large inventory, this collection is still very easy to navigate. Brickbat Books is where you want to go when you're looking for art books, photo books or simply for that unique bookshop experience. It also carries children's books and albums on vinyl. Brickbat hosts regular events with local artists, including authors and musicians. It posts about these events about a month in advance on the website, so check frequently. The store also buys books if you are looking to decrease your collection or make a few dollars off of a collectable item.

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Between The Covers Rare Books
112 Nicholson Road
Gloucester City, NJ 08030
(856) 456-7675
www.betweenthecovers.com

Between The Covers is a rare book and collector's dream, with over 100,000 books in stock. The store is run by a former president of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and has been in business for over 28 years. These are people who have made books their business by first being book scouts and dealers before opening their own shop. Between The Covers has one of the largest selections in the Delaware Valley. Its many books in stock are available in offerings that range from fine reading copies to very expensive and collectable first editions. The warehouse store is also in a historical old building near the waterfront of the Delaware River. Visitors' needs are best met by browsing the website before making a visit.

Locust Moon Comics
34 S. 40th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 403-2856
www.locustmoon.wordpress.com

Locust Moon Comics is right in the heart of University City. This comic book store is also an art gallery for local graphic artists and has regular events for comic book enthusiasts. Past events have included a "Star Wars"-themed day with coordinating drinks, food and light saber battles. Locust Moon also sells other merchandise related to comics and pop culture and features movie screenings on Tuesday evenings.

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Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.