Lose yourself in the shelves of Pennsylvania’s independent bookstores! Whether you’re a devoted bookworm or a just a curious shopper, see for yourself why PA’s indie shops are more than places to buy books - rather community hubs where connections are made, and stories come to life.
Harriett’s Bookshop
Philadelphia
Located in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, Harriett’s Bookshop is a warm, spirited space named for the historical heroine Harriett Tubman. Founded by author Jeannine A. Cook, the bookshop’s mission is to amplify voices often overlooked, and to celebrate Black female authors, artists, and activists. Hariett’s has become a sanctuary in the Philadelphia community, with bookshelves full of powerful literature and quiet corners meant for exploration.
Mondragon Books
Lewisburg
Tucked into the quaint town of Lewisburg, Mondragon Books now sits in a historic downtown building since its move in 2024. Community-centered in spirit, Mondragon Books carries mostly used books, alongside a curated selection of new works, in genres like poetry, nature connection, and health & wellness. The store’s annex, Roller Mills Book Annex, is located only few blocks away and houses collections in U.S. history and presidential administrations. A warm and welcoming store, this bookstore near Williamsport is the perfect small-town spot for learning and discovery.
Otto Bookstore
Williamsport
Established in 1841 in downtown Williamsport, Otto Bookstore is one of America’s oldest independently owned bookstores. For generations, the store has been a booklover's paradise, where readers from Williamsport and beyond have gathered to find something exciting to read. As a cornerstone of the community today, Otto hosts regular community events from princess story time, where kids gather to listen to readings of Alice in Wonderland, to open mic poetry nights for young adults.
Lost & Found Bookshop
Scranton
Lost & Found Bookshop brings Scranton readers a colorful mix of new and gently used titles in a friendly downtown setting. Known for its creative book displays and community events like author meet and greets, the shop is a gathering space for book lovers. Their novel selections ensure that every visit offers a fresh discovery, whether you’re searching for a classic, a new release, or a hidden gem.
Bookish
King of Prussia
Bookish, a boutique bookstore owned by authors, is located inside the largest retail mall in the Commonwealth and the third largest nationally, King of Prussia Mall. Founders Scott and Becky Minor focus on carrying books that are signed copies, deluxe editions, or simply bestsellers. If you’re taking a shopping trip to the KOP mall, Bookish is well worth a stop.
Hakim’s Bookstore
Philadelphia
Founded in 1959 by Dawud Hakim, a scholar, author, and publisher, Hakim’s Bookstore in West Philadelphia is the city’s oldest African American-owned bookstore. The shop has long been a center for African American literature and history, offering titles that explore culture, politics, and heritage often absent from other shops. Still family-run, Hakim’s is a living piece of history, where browsing the shelves feels like tapping into six decades of community and family pride.
Cupid’s Bookstore
Manayunk
Cupid’s Bookstore is Philadelphia’s first romance-only bookstore, bringing a trendy twist to Manayunk’s main street. From spicy bestsellers to classic rom-coms, their shelves are dedicated to love. Having just opened in spring 2025, Cupid’s has quickly become a hot spot for romance readers in the city. The shop is AAPI-owned and offers an inclusive space where readers can immerse themselves in relationship stories of every kind.
Baldwin’s Book Barn
West Chester
Housed in a five-story stone barn built in 1822, Baldwin’s Book Barn is as much an experience as it is a bookstore. With more than 300,000 rare and used volumes stacked floor to ceiling, visitors can wander through creaky staircases and cozy nooks while searching for hidden treasures. From first editions to maps to prints, this Brandywine Valley landmark has been enchanting readers and collectors since the 1940s.
Pocket Books Shop
Lancaster
Founded by a trio of women in 2022 with a passion for great literature, Pocket Books Shop is a cozy, eclectic spot for booklovers in Lancaster. The shop has a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and amplifying under-represented authors. Visitors will find a blend of new and used books, gifts, and stationery, all selected to make people feel safe exploring something new and giving them a place of true belonging.
Pressed Books & Coffee
Erie
A combination of books, gifts, and great coffee, Pressed Books & Coffee is a heartwarming hangout spot in the heart of Erie. This cozy, family-owned shop offers a mix of new and used titles, a café with pastries, and a calendar of community events. At Pressed, they live by the motto that book shopping shouldn’t be a chore, but rather a pleasant process of leisure and discovery.
In Between Pages
York
In Between Pages, an independently owned bookstore, recently relocated and expanded their store in the Royal Square District of downtown York City. The store, which takes up two gigantic floors, is bright and open, and is a lively spot for bookworms to spend hours exploring. Alongside their shelves of new and used books, they stock puzzles, games, and gifts that make it easy to linger and browse. Their welcoming space reflects their motto: “something for everyone between the pages.”
Midtown Scholar
Harrisburg
With thousands of books all under one roof, Midtown Scholar has been a family-owned community cornerstone in Harrisburg since 2001. The massive, multi-floor store is a haven for readers, offering everything from academic works to rare collectibles. Visitors can check out the award-winning bustling café and event space that regularly hosts nationally-known authors. Midtown Scholar also plays host to the annual Harrisburg Book Festival, held each fall.
The End Bookstore
Allentown
The End Bookstore is a small but mighty indie shop in Allentown with a strong focus on independent and local authors. The End is a local hub for literary culture, hosting readings and fostering connections within the Lehigh Valley community. Each month, the shop hosts a number of book club events where readers join together to discuss the latest selections.
White Whale Bookstore
Pittsburgh
Tucked in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood, White Whale Bookstore is a family-owned bookstore that offers a strong selection of beats in poetry, local authors, children’s books, and indie press finds. Founded over a decade ago by Adlai and Jill Yeomans, former book editors who wanted White Whale to serve as a community space, the store now hosts poetry nights and writer workshops. Whether you come for a book or for conversation, it’s one of those spots where you leave richer in ideas than when you came in.
With so many great shops to stock your TBR pile, Pennsylvania makes the perfect destination for a reading-focused escape. Booklovers will find haven at Chester County’s Bookhouse Hotel, where rooms are stocked with their own libraries for guests to browse. Looking for a different type of stay? Create your own bookish getaway adventure to top resorts and B&Bs across the state, or explore some of PA’s unique accommodations.