Bookstores in Eastern United States
Last change:
11 Sep 2008
The Boston-Cambridge list,
the New York City (Manhattan) list,
the New York State (other than Manhattan) list,
the New England area list,
the Western Massachusetts area list,
and the Washington DC list are also in separate files.
The Washington DC list includes several suburbs which are actually
in Maryland and Virginia as well.
============================================================================
Cities (listed geographically north-to-south, east-to-west) include:
NJ
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton PA
Scranton PA
Philadelphia PA
Harrisburg/Lancaster PA
State College PA
Pittsburgh PA
PA (other)
DE
Baltimore MD
Charleston WV (and other WV)
Comments
other geographic areas
[Note 1: This list includes cities along the eastern seaboard of the United
States. There are separate lists for Boston-Cambridge,
New York City (Manhattan), New York State (other than Manhattan),
New England area, Western Massachusetts area, and Washington DC.
The Washington DC list includes several suburbs which are actually
in Maryland and Virginia as well.
[Note 2: I collected these comments from a variety of people. I personally
have no knowledge of many of these places and take no responsibility if you
buy a book you don't enjoy. :-) Phone numbers and precise addresses can be
gotten by calling directory assistance for the appropriate city. Call ahead
for precise hours, as even when I list them they are subject to change.]
[Note 3: If you can add information for any of these, in particular
addresses when they are missing, please send it to me. *PLEASE SPECIFY CITY
AND STATE.*]
[Note 4: Area codes change so quickly these days that these may be wrong.]
============================================================================
------------------------------
NJ:
Amazing Stories (55 White Road, Shrewsbury, 07702, 732-747-8686,
http://amazingstoriesnj.com). Comics, some manga, related articles.
Open Mon-Tue 3PM-7PM, Wed-Sat 11PM-7PM, Sun 12N-5PM. [11/04]
Antic Hay Books (721 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, 07712, 732-774-4590,
FAX 732-774-4770, http://www.antichay.com). First edition
fiction, poetry, drama; also general used stock. Soon to have
a bargain book annex. Open Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-4PM.
[06/04]
Book Bin (725 Arnold Ave west of Route 35, Point Pleasant Beach, 08742,
732-892-3456, http://www.bookbinnj.com). General used books.
Big selection of mysteries and SF (though some of the SF is
shelved three deep). Biggest selection of westerns I've seen
in the area. Open Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun-Mon 12N-3PM. [05/02]
Book Garden (868 Route 537, Cream Ridge, 08514, 609-758-7770, FAX
609-758-7528, bookg1@comcast.net). 50,000 used books. Strong
in children's books (especially older series) and older
fiction, but has something of everything. Alphabetization is
minimal, though (e.g. all the "A"s in fiction are together,
but within them everything is shelved randomly.) A few miles
west of Six Flags Amusement Park. Open Mon 9AM-3PM, Tue-Fri
9AM-6PM, Sat-Sun 9AM-5PM. Closed the week before the Fourth
of July. [02/04]
Book Room On Grove (364 Grove, two blocks north of the Grove Street
PATH station, Jersey City, 07302, 201-795-1911). "A used
bookstore with a very large selection of used, out of print,
rare, and collectible books in all subject areas. They also
have old prints, magazines, ads, playbills, sheet music,
records, cassette tapes, and CDs. [02/04]
Book Shop (430 Hillsdale Ave, Hillsdale, 07642, 201-391-9101).
Mysteries and general used stock. Open Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM.
Book Shop and Annex (704 Bridgeboro, Riverside, 08075, 856-461-3416).
Used hardbacks and paperbacks. Open Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
10AM-6PM; Sat 10AM-5PM.
Book Stop (52 S Washington Ave, Bergenfield, 07621, 201-384-1162, FAX
201-384-3530, bookstop@bellatlantic.net). General new, used, and
remainders. Open Mon-Wed, Sat 10PM-6PM, Thu 10AM-9PM,
Fri 10AM-7PM.
Book Store (7901 Long Beach Boulevard, Beach Haven Crest, Long Beach
Island, 609-494-1224). Used books. Mostly "beach reading"
though I have gotten such books as Bertrand Russell's
MYSTICISM AND LOGIC here. Books are 3/$4.75 (Harlequin
romances 3/$2.00) (as of 2002), inclusive of tax. Open June
to September only--I think they usually have a close-out sale
some time in September. [08/02]
Book Swap (514 Georges, North Brunswick, 732-828-0123). Used
paperbacks. Open Tue-Sat 10AM-4PM, Sun 10AM-2PM. [05/03]
Book Trader (888 St. George's Ave, Rahway). Used books. Open
Mon-Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri 10AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
[02/04]
Book Trader of Hamilton (2402 Nottingham Way, Route 33 east of I-295,
Hamilton, 08619, phone/FAX 609-890-1455, booktrader@att.net).
Paperback historic romances, SF, mysteries, and Westerns.
Open Sat 9AM-4PM, Sun 11AM-4PM.
Books & Books (Town Square Shopping Center, Matawan Rd, Old Bridge,
732-765-1700). Discounted (up to 80%) new books. Open
Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM. [08/07]
Books Once Read (75 First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, 732-708-0827).
Used paperbacks. Open Tue-Wed 10AM-5PM, Thu-Fri 10AM-2:30 PM,
Sat 10AM-9PM. (Call ahead; the hours seem to change
frequently, and always in the downward direction, though that
may be just the shift to winter hours.). Books bought--for
store credit--by appointment only.) [11/04]
Bookstore at Depot Square (8 Depot Sq, Englewood, 07631, 201-568-6563,
FAX 201-569-7211, tbsds@bellatlantic.net). General used stock.
Thu-Fri 11AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-6PM.
Borders (Newark Airport; 515 State Hwy 73 South, Marlton, behind
Zagara's, 609-985-5080; Raceway Mall, Freehold; and
elsewhere). The one in Newark Airport's Terminal A is small
by comparison to most Borders, but way ahead of the pitiful
selection one used to find in airports. It's about the size
of a Waldenbooks, but without all the junk, so the actual book
selection is better. [01/08]
Brier Rose Books (450 Cedar Ln, Teaneck 07666, 201-836-5500,
brierrose1@aol.com). Used Americana, military, New York City, and
general stock. Open Tue-Wed, Fri 12N-6PM, Thu 12N-8PM,
Sat-Sun 12N-5PM.
By the Book @ U & I Gift Shop (150 Farnsworth Ave, west off Route 130,
Bordentown, 08505, 609-298-3334, FAX 609-298-6033,
UnIGift150@aol.com, 19th century and general stock. Open
Tue-Thu, Sat 12N-6PM; Fri 12N-8PM.
Chatham Bookseller (8 Green Village Rd, Madison, 07940, 973-822-1361,
FAX 973-822-9112, http://www.abebooks.com/home/chathambookseller/).
General quality used books. Some mass-market paperbacks,
mostly literature or mysteries, but primarily hardbacks and
trade paperbacks. Fairly small, but worth dropping into if
you're in the area. [The Chatham Playhouse is about three
miles down Route 124.) Driving directions: from Route 24 W
exit at the Chatham exit of 124 West, then about three miles
and left onto Green Village Road. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-5:30PM,
Sun 12N-5PM. [11/04]
Cranbury Bookworm (54 N Main, Cranbury, 08512, 609-655-1063,
http://www.cranburybookworm.com/). Just outside
Princeton, there's a small town (whose name I've forgotten)
that a friend once took me to visit. On the main street
through the town, there's a large three-storey,
white-boarded house with a porch and garden, a little
ramshackle but otherwise unexceptional. But inside, the house
as a completely different character--it's an Aladdin's library
of books. From basement to attic, every inch of wall, every
available table and much of the floor is covered with books.
It's impossible to describe the atmosphere of musty seediness,
of volumes lying sadly neglected, tired and shelf-worn, in the
gloomy basement under the creaky floor, of the stacks piled up
the main staircase, of prize books locked in glass cabinets,
and of rooms where the light seems to seep through the windows
with the speed of slowly-turned pages. It's like a kind of
treasure house, full of common copper coins and fancy inflated
banknotes. I came out feeling a little book-happy,
bibliothecally-overdosed." [Si Courtenage] They closed the
basement off--the uneven floors and low beams made it a real
safety hazard, I guess. Good SF section (paperbacks are mostly
a dollar or less each!). Really cheap books are on the
porches. They have all genre books (SF, mystery, western,
etc.) in one room on the ground floor. Open Mon-Wed 9AM-7PM,
Thu-Fri 9AM-8PM, Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM: buys Friday
mornings and *alternate* Sundays 1PM-4PM. [09/08]
Curious Old Book Shop (5216 Atlantic Ave, Ventnor City, 08406,
609-822-1214, FAX 609-345-6877, cobookssjl@inetmail.att.net).
First editions, literature, and biography. Open Mon-Sat
10AM-5PM, Sun 10AM-3PM.
Fair Haven Bookstore (Fair Haven). "Great people but having a hard
time struggling against big book stores competition." [12/05]
EarthSpirit (W Front near Broad, Red Bank). Wiccan and New Age books
and materials. Also has a selection of gay/lesbian/bisexual
books.
Foley's Idle Hour (162 S Broadway, Pitman, 08071, 856-582-0510,
tpinkava@verizon.net). Used books. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-4PM, 6PM-8PM,
Sat-Sun 12N-4PM.
Franklin Inn Used Bookshop (2371 Amwell Rd, East Millstone/Somerset,
732-873-5244 or 732-873-2958). 20-30,000 used books, all
donated. Proceeds go to the Blackwells Mills Canal House
Association for historical restoration projects. Open Wed
12N-3PM, Sat-Sun 1PM-4PM.
Half Price Books (Montgomery Shopping Center, Rtes 206 & 617, Skillman,
609-497-1655). Mostly used mass-market and trade paperbacks
at half price. Some new at 20% off, some audiobooks, and
hardbacks. Surprisingly good history section for a small
store. (This area is also known as Rocky Hill or Belle Mead.)
Open Mon-Thu 10AM-9PM, Fri 10AM-9:30PM, Sat 9:30AM-9:30PM,
Sun 11AM-6PM. [09/08]
Happy Booker (Morris County Mall, Ridgedale Ave, Morristown,
201-539-4240). Not only is the selection excellent, the help
is knowledgeable. "Browser's delight. Good SF, *tons* of
computer books (all the AT&T UNIX books, for example). Every
usable inch of space stuffed with books, and narrow, narrow
aisles. Good selection of various other kinds of books, too.
No mainstream periodicals, but lots of really weird ones.
The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. (965 Jefferson Ave, Union, 07083-8605,
908-686-1988 or 800-422-6686, FAX 908-686-3098,
http://www.lawbookexchange.com). Used and reprint law and
legal history. Open Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM.
Left Bank Books (28 N Union, Lambertville, 08530, 609-397-4966), Used
books, specializing in 1920s and 1930s, modern firsts, and
vintage paperbacks. Driving directions: turn right onto Church
from Rte 29 S; it's on the corner of Union. Open Fri-Sun
12N-5PM.
Lotus Books (544 Linden Ave, Elizabeth, 07202, Phone/FAX 908-354-7446,
Lotusbks@worldnet.att.net). Used and rare. Open Mon-Sat
10AM-6PM.
Micawber Books (110 Nassau, Princeton, 08542, 609-921-0282). General
and humanities used books, typical of a university town. Oepn
Mon-Sat 9AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-5PM.
Montclair Book Center (215-221 Glenridge Ave, Montclair, 07042,
973-783-3630). Used literature, mysteries, SF, and local
history. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 12N-6PM.
Murphy's Loft (53 N Main St (Rte 322), Mullica Hill, 08062, 856-478-4928,
bookloft53@aol.com). 40,000 used books. Also prints,
postcards, magazines, and maps. Open Wed-Sun 11AM-5PM. [07/02]
Next Chapter (1200 S Church, Mount Laurel, 05084, 856-608-6888,
nextbook@aol.com). Used books. Tue-Sat 10AM-6PM.
Old Book Shop (4 John, Morristown, 07960, 973-538-1210). Used books,
specializing in Americana, New Jersey, scholarly, and ephemera.
Driving directions: from I-287 take Ridgedale Road west, then
turn right onto John St. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5:30 PM.
On Military Matters (31 W Broad, Hopewell, 08525, 609-466-2329).
Military history, especially 16th through 19th centuries.
Good selection for the serious historian, but not a shop for
bargain hunters. Also some gaming materials. Open Thu-Fri
10AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, or by appointment. (Hopewell Valley
Inn, down the street, has good Hungarian food.) [05/02]
Perrin & Treggett Booksellers (3130 Route 10 West, Denville Commons,
Denville 07834, 800-770-8811 or 201-328-8811, FAX 201-328-0999,
perrinbooks@juno.com). Perrin & Treggett Booksellers is a bookstore
that specializes in recovery, substance abuse, and gay and
lesbian issues.
Phoenix Books (49 N Union, Lambertville, 08530, 609-397-4960.
phoenixnj@voicenet.com). Used arts and literature.
Driving directions: turn right onto Coryell from Rte 29 S,
then right onto N Union. Open Mon-Thu 11AM-5PM, Fri-Sun
11AM-6PM.
Princeton Antiques Bookshop (2917 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, 08401,
609-344-1943, FAX 609-344-1944, http://www.princetonantiques.com).
*Not* in Princeton! Over 200,000 used books, specializing in
military, sea, art, film, and children's books. Also has
thousands of photos of Atlantic City. Open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5PM,
Sat 8AM-1PM, but call first. [01/07]
Pyramid Books (320 Raritan Ave. Highland Park, 08904, 732-777-1100,
http://www.pyramidbooks@optonline.net). Used books. This
is the only branch left. Open Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM. [01/07]
Q. M. Dabney & Company (300 Farnsworth Ave, west off Route 130,
Bordentown, 08505, 609-298-1003, FAX 609-298-0070,
http://www.qmdabney.com). Used books especially history,
military, and law. Open 10AM-5:30PM, Sat 10AM-4PM.
Sages Pages (Rte 124, Chatham). New in 2004.
Stamps & Coins & Things (306 Valley Brook Ave, Lyndhurst, 07071,
201-933-449). General used stock. Open Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM.
Wind Chimes Book Exchange (210 N High, Millville, 08332,
Tel/FAX 856-327-3714, windchim@earthlink.net). Over 125,000 used
paperbacks and hardbacks. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM.
There are also several Barnes & Noble and Borders superstores
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Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton PA:
Allentown:
Another Story (9th & Linden). Used. Especially good on history and art.
Occasional serious bargains to be found (i.e., collectibles for
cheap). Most paperbacks $1, small but cherce fiction section.
Staff knowledgeable and helpful, especially owner.
Barclay Booksellers (Tilghman Square Shopping Center). "An independent
specializing in business and children's books. Staff more
knowledgeable about kids' than biz. Will special order anything
from anywhere, including overseas, but you must be patient and
sit on their heads about it or they're likely to lose/forget
your order."
Book Bargains (8th & Hamilton). Used. Lots of old magazines, too, and
military. Surly staff.
Brentano's (Lehigh Valley Mall). Good on anthropology, not bad on class
fiction. One of the few chains to label good fiction as "fiction"
and not "literature." Manager an SF buff, other employees mostly
competent.
Waldenbooks (Lehigh Valley Mall). Your basic crowded warehouse. Staff
generally bewildered. Not bad for remainders if you're stuck
in the mall for a few hours.
Walter Amos, Bookseller (5 Main, Box 2846, Morgantown 19543, 610-286-0510,
waltbks@attglobal.net. Used books.
Bethlehem:
Lehigh University Bookstore (Maginnes Hall, Lehigh U). Haphazard
selection between semester starts but you just might find that
book on Hegel you've been looking for for so long, or that
funky edition of the I Ching.
Moravian Bookstore (428 Main, 18018, 610-866-5481, 888-661-2888,
http://www.moravianstar.com). This is the oldest existing
bookstore, not just in the United States, but in the world,
having being operating since November 1745! "Serious women's
section. Small but interesting kids' section. Staff helpful.
Half the store is devoted to PA Dutch knicknacks for
tourists." If you are expecting a wonderfully quaint,
old-style bookstore, you will be disappointed; this is a
modern (small) independent bookstore. Reasonable selection
is achieved by having only single copies of books. Open
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat 10AM-6PM; Thu-Fri 10AM-8PM;
Sun 12N-5PM. [09/07]
Easton:
Quadrant Book Mart (20 N Third, 610-252-1188). Used. "A three-story
building which is chock full of hardbound and paperbacks--
apparently picked up from estate sales, etc. You're not going
to happen on any autographed books or other great finds cheap,
[but] if you are looking for some oddball out-of-print or a
bagful of paperbacks to while away the winter--you'd do
okay." But another poster said, "Whenever I can't find a
book, I find it here. My sister found a complete Burton's
ARABIAN NIGHTS here for a pittance, and a complete Frazer's
GOLDEN BOUGH for another pittance." [Current exchange rate as
of 09/07 is five pittances to a sesterce.] My experience is
more with the first poster. The books are categorized but
mostly unalphabetized, the lighting is poor (bring a
flashlight), and there was a damp smell that some might find
worrisome. Also has a coffeshop/deli restaurant. Open
Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM, Sat 8AM-6PM, Sun shorter hours (summer);
winter hours probably shorter. [09/07]
New Hope:
Farley's Bookstore (44 S Main, 215-862-2452, FAX 215-862-5568). "While
no competition for the big chains, packs lots of books in a
small space, and though one can often find interesting stuff
there, you have to enjoy digging. It's pretty disorganized."
Well, not really--the sections are clearly marked, though the
floor plan is anything but straightforward. The selection is
amazing for a store like this in a small--if popular--town.
Whitehall:
Hackman's Bible Book Store, Inc. (1341 Mickley Road, Whitehall PA 18052,
215-264-8600, 800-345-1341, FAX 215-264-1411). "I could spend
hours and hours looking through all of their books and things.
They are now computerized so that they can look things up
faster and or also they can order it by using their computer
database. This store is a 20,000 square foot facility! Quite
large for a Christian Bookstore." They carry a wide assortment
of related items (music, choir gowns, communion supplies,
etc.) as well. They ship worldwide.
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Scranton PA:
Knight Owl Books & Comics (1106 Lackawanna Trail (Rts 6 & 11), Clarks
Summit, 18411, 570-587-1862). Used and rare books, new comics
and back issues. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat 1PM-7PM, Sun by
chance. [11/04]
Paperback Exchange (701 Cedar Ave, 570-963-9990). "Used paperbacks,
mostly romances but about a thousand SF and fantasy, about as
many mysteries, a few thousand general, rest romance."
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Philadelphia PA:
AIA Bookstore (17th and Sansom, 215-569-3188). Run by the American
Institute of Architects, this store has (not surprisingly)
books on architecture, interior design, etc.
Bauman Rare Books (1215 Locust, 215-564-4274). Antiquarian book
store. [12/03]
The Book Trader (N Second at Market, 215-925-0219). The biggest used
book store in Philadelphia. Also used records/CDs store, along
with an art gallery, all in one. Extensive SF paperback
section, along with other good sections. In a new, even bigger
location since fall 2004. Still has cats, but is cleaner.
Open daily 10AM-10PM. [01/05]
Bookhaven (2202 Fairmount Ave, 215-235-3226). "Specializing in
literature and history." Pleasant, small used book store.
[12/03]
Borders (1 S Broad, 215-568-7400; 8701 Germantown Ave, 215-248-1213;
The Gallery, 9th & Market, 215-922-3647; Liberty Place,
1625 Chestnut, 215-557-8443). [06/08]
Borders Books & Music (Bryn Mawr). One of the chain, but also stocks
75,000 CDs and tapes and 8000 videos (in addition to 125,000
books).
Bradd Alan Bookstore (30th Street Station). Normally commuter
newsstand bookstores have shlock and more shlock, and lots of
magazines. So does this one, but Bradd Alan manages to have a
good compact selection of other things.
Brickbat Books (209 S 4th (sign in window)). Used. Formerly Big Jar
Books at a different location. [06/08]
Dolbey's Health Science Bookstore (3724 Spruce, 215-222-6020). Has
medical books and is of intermediate size. [12/03]
Famulus Books (244 S 22nd). Used. [06/08]
Friends of the Free Library Used Book Store (311 N 20th,
215-567-0527). A huge collection of cheap used books, in
interesting variety. They have warehouse sales a few times a
year. Discount to Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
[12/03]
GERM Books (308 E Girard Ave, http://www.germbooks.com). Alternative
independent bookstore. [08/08]
Garland of Letters (527 South, 215-923-5946). New Age, yoga,
spirituality--a large selection. Also sells crystals and
incense and so forth. [12/03]
Giovanni's Room (345 S 12th at Pine, 215-923-2960). Gay/lesbian/bisexual
bookstore. Started in 1973, it's one of the oldest in the
country. 3500 square feet, stocking 20,000 titles. [12/03]
House of Our Own (3920 Spruce, 215-222-1576). Book store near the
University of Pennsylvania's campus. They have literature,
non-fiction, etc. It has stacks of books--a very cozy
atmosphere. "Also, it is very heavy on radical politics,
literary criticism, feminism, third world history. Not for
DWM fans. Outside of explicit pro-communist bookstores, this
is the only place I've seen pro-Pol Pot literature. (And
unlike the others, they will also carry anti-Pol Pot
literature.)" [12/03]
How to Do It Bookstore (Sansom btwn 17th and 18th). Specializes in
how-to books on all subjects. "Dangerous store for hobbyists
of any kind to enter!"
Joseph Fox (1724 Sansom, 215-563-4184, mfox@foxbookshop.com).
Small but choice selection of fiction and non-fiction.
[12/03]
Philadelphia Rare Book & Manuscript (http://www.prbm.com).
Rittenhouse Bookstore (1706 Rittenhouse Sq, 215-545-6062). "Best
medical bookstore in Philadelphia." They can often get books
overnight.
Robin's Bookstore (108 S 13th, 215-735-9600). Counter-culture
bookstore from the 1960s. Still carries hard-to-find
"intellectual" titles and large sections on minority studies
and poetry, but also has a lot of general books. Occasional
readings and signings. [06/08]
Thomas Jefferson University Bookstore (224 S 11th, 215-955-7922) has a
small selection of medical books, plus lots of Jeff
paraphernalia.
University of Pennsylvania Bookstore (3729 Locust, 215-898-7595).
Over 60,000 titles. Strong in linguistics, anthropology,
psychology, and sociology. "The Middle East section may be
the only place in town to by a book of Kurdish grammar."
W. J. Bookstore (1017 Arch, 19107, 215-592-9666). Chinese books and
materials.
Whodunit? (1931 Chestnut, 19103, 215-567-1478,
http://www.whodunitphilly.com). Now a general bookstore,
but still has a strong mystery section. Mostly used, some
new, and a supply for Sherlockiana for those who care about
such things (like me!). Mon-Sat 10 AM-6:30 PM. [06/08]
There are four Barnes & Noble stores in the suburbs: Broomall (1901
Sproul Rd, 215-353-3255), Jenkintown (835 Old York Rd,
215886-5366), Bryn Mawr (720 Lancaster Ave, 215-520-0355), and
in the Fairless Hills complex (near Sesame Place and Oxford
Valley mall off I-95 N of Philadelphia).
Bucks County:
Barnes & Noble (Route 611 just north of Jenkintown, 215-886-5366). Huge,
coffeebar, reading tables--nice.
Doylestown Bookshop (just south of the main crossroads in Doylestown,
Bucks County seat, 215-230-7610). Under new management;
SF section is much smaller.
Chester County:
The main one is Chester County Book Company (West Chester PA (~20 miles
or 50 minutes by bus west of Philadelphia). They don't seem to turn
over their stock as much as most bookstores: there are more older books
than you usually find (at least in paperback). They have about 50% more
books than their shelves will hold; there are many stacks of books not
on shelves. CCBC is a pleasant medium-sized bookstore, always good for
something and will special order anything (so one poster says). They
have two stores, one in either of the two WC shopping centers; the
larger one is the regular store, the smaller is filled with remainders
and WCU texts. The main store is in its new location in the West
Goshen Shopping Center, on Paoli Pike/Gay Street, just west of the
Paoli Pike exit from 202. They no longer stack as many things on the
floor, and their selection is much larger. It also has a "New
Orleans" style cafe.
While in the area, look for Baldwin's Book Barn (865 Lenape Rd/Highway
100, West Chester, 19382, 610-696-0816, FAX 610-696-0672,
info@bookbarn.com), a converted barn. It is possibly the largest
used bookstore in the Philadelphia area, and it is glorious. Exton (
the next town over) has Chester Valley Old Books, east of Exton on
Route 30 between the 202/30 intersection and the 352/30 intersection.
Smaller than the Book Barn, but good. Right next to the Burger King
next to campus is a little old ladies' little old books' bookstore.
Not much of a selection, but I always buy a few from them when I'm in
the area.
There is also a Barnes & Noble on Pottstown Pike in Exton just noth of
the Route 30 bypass, and a Borders in Concordville on Route 1.
Indian Path Books on Route 23 outside of Pottstown has a used bookstore
with a decent selection of SF.
There is also yet another used book store in Paoli, the Book Exchange,
which is on Route 30 just west of the Paoli train station. (This is
about 15 minutes east of Exton). Rather ordinary paperbacks upstairs
but a lot of good books downstairs. Also numerous cats. They have
"25 cent" paperbacks in boxes outside the front door, and they leave
them out overnight, so if you're desperate for something to read at
3 AM, you can go get one and drop a quarter through the mail slot :-)
They know both their books and their customers very well.
And in Willow Grove is the Business and Computer Bookstore. "When
you're in the Philadelphia area, you as might as well also check out
Borders, U Penn, and Drexel U bookstores for used science books. If
'technical' includes architecture, there's furthermore a specialty
store for just that in Center City."
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Harrisburg/Lancaster PA:
Harrisburg/East Shore:
Borders Books and Music (5125 Jonestown Rd, Paxton Town Centre, Lower Paxton
Township, 717-541-9727). 25,000 square feet, 150,000 titles.
The Midtown Scholar Bookstore (1519 N Third, 17102, 717-236-1680,
http://www.MidtownScholar.com). Used books in all academic
fields. Open Mon-Fri 12N-7PM, Sat 11AM-7PM, Sun 1PM-7PM.
[05/04]
Paperback Exchange (Walnut, Route 22, just west of I-83). [06/04]
Ted L Canaday Used & Rare Books (306 Reily, 17102, 717-233-6911).
"A charming used and rare bookstore (with Thai cafe on
premises) just around the corner from the Midtown Scholar
Bookstore. [05/04]
Carlisle PA:
Pomfret Street Books (21 E Pomfret, Carlisle, 717-258-8104). Small and
cozy, nice literature collection.
Chambersburg PA:
README.DOC (975 Progress Rd, 17201, 800-678-1473 or 717-264-0843, FAX
717-264-8614, http://www.readmedoc.com. Discount computer books.
Also has stores in Gaithersburg MD and Vienna VA. Open Mon-Fri
9AM-7PM.
Gettysburg PA:
Gettysburg National Military Park:
The Visitors Center has the largest selection of Civil War books of any
of the Civil War battlefields we've visited (which is most of them).
Also Presidential stuff (it is also the Visitors Center for the
Eisenhower farm).
Shippensburg PA:
All the King's Books (50 E King, 17257, 717-477-2665, FAX 717-477-9210,
waynez@allthekingsbooks.com). Used books. Used to be A-Z Used Books
in Gaithersburg, MD. From I-81, take PA-174 exit and head for
downtown; turn left onto US 11 (E. King Street); it's on the left
just before Apple Avenue.
Lancaster PA:
Barnes & Noble (1700 H Fruitville Pike, 717-290-8171). Modern, well-stocked
store with vast selection of book and music offering in pleasant
surroundings. Starbucks Cafe.
Book Bin (14 W Orange, 717-392-6434). "A better store than you would expect
in Lancaster. Broad and interesting selection with good prices."
Book Haven (146 N Prince, 717-393-0920). A quirky place with a relatively
old but large stock.
Borders (off Rt. 30, at the Franklin & Marshall exit, across from Park City
Mall, 717-293-8022). Older store and somewhat cramped but large
selection. Includes Cafe Espresso. No music store.
Chestnut St. Books (11 W Chestnut, 717-393-3773). Mainly hardcovers and
not cheap, smallish but good collection.
Harrisburg/West Shore:
Barnes & Noble (Camp Hill Shopping Mall, along the Camp Hill Bypass off
Rte 11 & 15). 25,000 sq ft store with large inventory of books
along with wide-ranging music department and a Starbucks coffee
store. "Pricey, and lousy parking/traffic flow but very inviting
setting and selection. Closest superstore to downtown Harrisburg
and state capitol. Located 1 mile from Borders.
Borders Books and Music (Bon Ton Center near Capital City Mall, off US Route
15, Lower Allen Township). 23,000 square feet, 150,000 book titles
along with music, periodical and video titles. Usual Borders
superstore.
Windsor Books. "A small independent that carries a wide assortment of new
and older/used books as well as a huge inventory of magazines and
numerous out-of-town newspapers. It also offers highly personalized
service including special orders."
============================================================================
------------------------------
State College PA:
The Comic Swap (106 S Fraser).
Barnes & Noble. The usual.
Penn State Bookstore. "Just acquired by Barnes & Noble and terribly
inadequate."
Webster's Bookstore Cafe (128 S Allen, 814-234-9712,
http://www.webstersbookstorecafe.com). Used. "100K books,
with strengths in random areas: writing, education, Russian and
Soviet history, railroads. Oddball books and comfortable chairs,
so feed the meter well. SF includes some unusual and rare books,
priced accordingly and not. I'm told the coffee is good. Used to
be Seven Mountains (which used to be Book Swap)."
============================================================================
------------------------------
Pittsburgh PA:
Barnes and Noble (Murray Ave, Squirrel Hill).
Barnes and Noble (Smithfield Street in the old Gimbels building). The
store has a espresso bar and a Software Etc. in it.
Bookends on Carson (2628 East Carson, South Side). Goodwill's book outlet.
They are reasonably large used bookstore.
Borders (5 miles south on US 19, 412-835-5583, borders@telerama.lm.com).
"It's a ways out from Pittsburgh for someone without a car." (A
5-minute walk after a 20-25-minute trolley ride.)
Borders Books & Music (Northway Mall, McKnight Rd, 412-635-2665). Super
bookstore with CD section and espresso bar.
Borders (Monroville on Business 22, near the Monroville Mall).
Bradlees Book Centre (downtown on Fifth Avenue). Pretty good. Small
by Borders standards, but bigger than your typical mall bookstore.
Bryn Mawr (Winthrop east of Craig). Used. "Smallish, low prices, benefits
Bryn Mawr scholarships."
Caliban Book Shop (410 South Craig St, Pitsburgh, 15213, 412-681-9111,
FAX 412-681-9113). Deals in rare and scholarly books and is quite
decent. It's clean and well-laid-out, though crowded. It's about
a block from the Carnegie Museums near Pitt.
City Books (1111 E Carson, 412-481-7555; on the South Side of the Monogahela
river across from downtown). Used. "Decent. Its books tend to be
older but the quality was quite good." Particularly good for
philosophy. They have a cat.
Duncan Comics (1047 Perry Highway, 412-635-0886). Used. "Mostly, comics
aside, SF; also horror. Not big, but has an interesting selection,
rapid turnover, and an owner who knows the books. Certainly worth
a side trip from a McKnight run." I would say that while the store
is small, the selection, at least in SF, is fairly big. Also has
mysteries.
Eide's Entertainment (1111 Penn Avenue, 412-261-0900). Used to have a lot
of SF, but now only a couple of shelves, all new.
Eljay's Books (1309 S Carson). Used books, strong in fiction and SF, some
children's.
Half Price Books (4932 McKnight Rd, 412-369-0860). Remainders and used. "A
lot of glossy soul-sucking books, but that's remainders for you, and
the place is big enough that there's good stuff to find. Spotty
organization: stacks of NOVELTY trade paperbacks displayed overa
romances, FEAR AND LOATHING filed in Misc Ref?"
Heads Together/The Bookworm (1914 Murray Avenue, Squirrel Hill,
412-521-3700). Combination video and used book store. One poster
says, "Pretty meagre." Another agrees but says the science fiction
selection is "tolerable."
Jay's Bookstall (Fifth Avenue, Oakland). Probably, overall, the best
bookstore in Pittsburgh after Borders.
Mystery Lover's Bookstore (Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont). A very
nice mystery book store. They have a good selection. They also
have a number of book related events at the store.
Outdoor Experience (Walnut, Shadyside). The basement of this yuppie camping
store has a fine travel book section.
Pinsker's Bookstore (2028 Murray Avenue, 800-JUDAISM [800-583-2476],
800-776-9545 [in Canada], or 412-421-3033, FAX 412-421-6103,
info@judaism.com). Will ship worldwide from its very extensive
stock of Judaic books. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Sandy's. Used books.
Townsend's (Henry east of Craig). Used and rare. "Medium-sized; general,
particularly literature, sociology, and local history."
University of Pittsburgh Bookstore. Pretty good.
Yesterdays Books (3967 William Penn Highway, Murrysville, 724-325-2354).
Used. "Some of everything -- it's a big house with bookshelves
installed even into halls and closets; they say 200K books -- but
their forte is genre fiction. Lots of SF, westerns, and mystery,
and what has got to be a world-class collection of romances. Some
unlikely hardcovers: Wilson Tucker, Schmitz, Lindholm, Ormondroyd.
Yes they do have hardcover general fiction, in a separate building."
There are several more (St. Elmo's probably merits addition as well). The
CMU-SCS-student's Guide to Living In Pittsburgh gives a long descriptions of
the various kinds of bookstores in the area, but it's probably more
information than you want. (It would take up a whole posting by itself, and
the bookstore pickings in Pittsburgh are a good deal slimmer than NYC or the
Bay Area.)
One area possibly worth mentioning is Craig Street in Oakland between Forbes
and Fifth. While no one store stands out, there are three used bookstores
(Caliban's, Bryn Mawr, and Townsend) either on or just off this two-block
stretch; plus a comic shop (Phantom of the Attic) and a used-CD store (CD
Trader). So it can be a pleasant place for a book-browser to spend an
afternoon.
Other "super-stores" are due to open in the Pittsburgh area soon; for
instance, Barnes and Noble is putting one up near the Waterworks mall.
(Most of this section was contributed by John Ockerbloom and Laurie Mann.)
============================================================================
------------------------------
PA (other):
Allengheny Book Mart (314 Second Ave, Warren, PA 16365,
http://www.alleghenybookmart.com). New and used book and
paper co-op. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM. [05/05]
============================================================================
------------------------------
DE:
Between Books (2703 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, 19703, 302-798-3378,
gschauer@postoffice.dca.net). SF specialty store. New and used
books and games.
Borders (Workman Rd off exit 4B on Route 95, Wilmington, 302-366-7661).
Usual superstore with espresso bar and music/video store.
Lambda Rising (39 Baltimore Ave, Rehoboth Beach, 302-227-6969,
http://www.lambdarising.com). Gay, lesbian, and bisexual
bookstore; part of the East Coast chain. Cosy and friendly,
with outdoor patio. Good stock of "summer reads" for this
resort town, plus magazines, newspapers, videos, music,
etc. Community bulletin board, free map guides. Open all
year; summer hours are 10AM to 12M seven days a week; winter
hours are slightly shorter. [04/04]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Baltimore MD:
Allen's (416 E 31st across from the 31st Street Bookstore, on the second floor,
410-243-4356). Used.
Baltimore Book Co. (2112 N Charles, 410-659-0550). Open Mon-Fri 11AM-5PM.
Barnes and Noble (basement of Gilman Hall on JHU Homewood campus at 34th and
Charles). Has a wide selection of "serious" books.
Book Rendezvous (805 Light, Federal Hill, 410-332-1664).
Book Rendezvous (611 S Broadway, Fells Point, 410-327-8327).
The Book Thing (rear entrance of 2645 N Charles, 410-662-5631,
http://www.bookthing.org/). "A novel kind of non-profit
exchange where thousands of books are given away each weekend."
No heat and not much light. Tens of thousands of books, all
free. Every book is stamped "THIS IS A FREE BOOK" stamp, so
you're not going to make much money picking books up here to
re-sell. There is an estimated 20,000-book turnover each
weekend! Open Sat-Sun 9AM-6PM. [01/05]
Borders (115 York Road, Towson, 410-296-0791).
Drusilla's Books (859 North Howard, 410-225-0277, FAX 410-225-9920,
DRUSILLA@mindspring.com). Used bookstore specializing in
children's books. Open Wed-Sat 12N-5PM. [10/03]
John Gach Books (10514 Marriotsville Rd, 410-465-9023).
Kelmscott Bookshop (32 W 25th between Charles and Maryland, 21218,
410-235-6810, http://www.kelmscottbookshop.com). High-quality
used bookstore. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM. [10/03]
Lambda Rising (241 W Chase, 410-234-0069, http://www.lambdarising.com).
Gay, lesbian, and bisexual bookstore; part of the East Coast
chain. Large stock includes new and out-of-print; search
service. Also magazines, newspapers, videos, music, etc.
Community bulletin board. Open 10AM-10PM seven days a week.
[04/04]
Mystery Loves Company (1730 Fleet, Fells Point, not far from the Book
Rendezvous on Broadway, 410-276-6708,
http://www.mysterylovescompany.com). Mysteries exclusively.
Open Mon, Thu-Sat 11AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM. [01/08]
Mystery Loves Company (202 S Morris, Oxford, 21654, 410-226-0010,
http://www.mysterylovescompany.com). Mysteries, local authors,
children's books, and books on the Chesapeake. Open Sun-Tue
10AM-4PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-6PM. [01/08]
New Era (408 Park Ave, 410-539-6364). Mainly new books on social change.
Open Tue, Thu-Sat 10AM-6PM.
19th Century Shop (1047 Hollins, near H. L. Mencken's house). Rare books and
manuscripts, autographs. By appointment.
Normal's Books and Records (425 E 31st, next to the 31st Street Bookstore,
Hampden, 410-243-6888). Used. "I think they have a better selection
of paperback literature than the remodeled Second Story."
The Perfect Ending (1004 Reistertown Rd, 410-448-5340). Used bookstore
specializing in children's books. Open Fri 11AM-4PM, Sat 10AM-10PM,
Sun 10AM-5PM.
Royal Books (32 W 25th between Charles and Maryland, 21218,
410-366-7329, http://www.royalbooksonline.com). High-quality (ABAA)
used bookstore. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM. [03/06]
"Just [west southwest] of Baltimore is a town called Elicott City, which is
an old 18th/19th century mill town. Lots of very neat architecture and a
great train museum, and chock full of antiques stores many of which
have nice selections of books. Worth your while to rent a car for the
day, drive out and spend the afternoon browsing. There is also a huge
antiques gallery (over a hundred vendors I believe, with many featuring
good selections of books as part or all of their inventory) in a town a
little further south called Savage (coincidentally another old mill
town)."
Gramp's Attic Books (8304 Main, Ellicott City MD 21043, 410-750-9235,
jacksonw1@mindspring.com). Used books, with an emphasis on
medical and maritime history. Open 11AM-6PM daily. [10/03]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Charleston WV (and other WV):
Harpers Ferry Books (175 High, Harpers Ferry VA 25425, 304-535-1862,
http://www.harpersferrybooks.com). Used books. Open seven
days 11AM-7PM. [10/03]
Trans-Allegheny Books (725 Green, Parkersburg, 304-422-4499). "A used
bookstore that is especially good that I've found here in West
Virginia." General stock of used books (half a million). Largest
selection of Appalachian regional books in "one" place. New stock,
special order, book search service, mail order. "I've been told
that there are several such stores in Morgantown near WVU, but I
haven't been there." The store is housed in a Carnegie Library
and is on the national registry. "You get to wander up
wrought-iron spiral staircases and over glass block floors from
'poetry' to 'mysticism' ... definitely worth a stop if you're
going through." Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM.
============================================================================
Comments:
For more used bookstores, you might check http://www.abaa-booknet.com/ or
http://www.bookweb.org/bookstores/usa_states.html.
There are also Book Hunter Press's USED BOOK LOVER'S GUIDE TO [various
regions], seven regional guides to over 7,900 used, out-of-print, and
antiquarian book dealers in the United States and Canada. The complete
database is online and can be searched by location, dealer name, specialty,
and type of dealer. Access to the database is available on a two tier basis:
partial access is free, full access is by subscription.The web page also
includes free access to regional and city maps showing locations with used
bookstores. For more information or a free catalog, check their web page at
http://bookhunterpress.com/.
And there is also ANTIQUARIAN, SPECIALTY, AND USED BOOK SELLERS
DIRECTORY 1997-98, covering 5,261 dealers in 863 pages. For more
information, send E-mail request asubs@aol.com, or check their web page
at http://www.auldbooks.com/biblio/asubs.
============================================================================
Copyright Notice
Information contained in this FAQ is compiled from many sources. The
compiler accepts no responsibility for the comments contained herein.
The comments are provided "as is" with no warranty, express or implied,
for the information provided within them.
This FAQ is not to be reproduced for commercial use unless the party
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4) They will agree, in writing, that the collection including the FAQ will
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counts.
To support this, this FAQ is Compilation Copyright 2008 by Evelyn C. Leeper
(the FAQ maintainer).
===========================================================================
Evelyn C. Leeper (eleeper@optonline.net)
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