A Guide to Helping Philadelphia Indie Bookstores
As we tuck ourselves away, hiding inside during this strange time, it’s impossible to avoid seeing the social media feeds billowing over with news about small businesses closing up shop, laying off staff, and just having a horrible go of things.
And while there are a few places labeled as essential businesses and staying open, like grocery stores and pharmacies and other life sustaining places… bookstores are shuttered. One could argue those are essential life sustaining businesses too, because books, hello. But I digress.
I want our local booksellers to have a home to come back to, and to stay safe and healthy, so instead of a Twitter thread, here’s a roundup of some of my favorite local indies here in town, and how you can support them.
Harriett’s Bookshop
My local indie here in Fishtown, Harriett’s opened just a month ago. Launched by Jeannine A. Cook, the shop has a beautifully curated collection of new books, and even a small shelf of used titles. It’s a stunning gem here in Fishtown and has already become a staple of mine.
Jeannine has a few really lovely offers put together for folks buying up books during the quarantine, including free canvas totebags stuffed with goodies (while supplies last of course, be sure to tweet their way to see if they still have more), and a newly built online shop.
That expert eye of Jeannine’s has resulted in an online store that includes books by authors like N.K. Jemisin, Colson Whitehead, Morgan Jerkins, Celeste Ng, Emily St. John Mandel, and Philadelphia’s own Liz Moore and Kiley Reid… and tons more, of course. Miss browsing your local indie’s bookshelves? Enjoy this virtual one.
They’re hosting an online discussion with Minista Jazz this week, with a deep dive into Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, and if you register, the bookstore will send you a copy of the book.
Uncle Bobbie’s
When I moved back to Philadelphia last year, the very first event I did back in my beloved home city, was a talk with Brittney Morris, whose book Slay is just a must-read in the world of YA.
Right now the Germantown shop has a GoFundMe live, and according to the shop, “these donations will go towards providing financial relief to staff, paying our vendors, and paying our other bills.”
They’ve also got IndieLite and Libro.fm accounts so you can shop for books and audiobooks online.
You can check out the GoFundMe here. They’re at a little over half their goal, so let’s keep it going.
A Novel Idea
Fun fact, the owners of this bookshop went to graduate school with me! Christina and Alex are an absolute joy, and I adore this South Philadelphia bookshop, located over on the bustling street of Passyunk. Right now that street isn’t as bustling as it used to be, so be sure to shop online and support this beloved new spot.
You can shop A Novel Idea on websites like IndieBound and Bookshop, and they’ve launched an online webstore that has their entire inventory. They sell new and used books, and also have some really lovely merch. T-shirts! Totes! Gift cards! If you can’t make up your mind what to pick up, get a gift card. Treat yourself later.
Head over to the order section of their website and click “current inventory” to see what they have in stock.
The shop just celebrated their one year anniversary. Let’s make sure they stick around.
And also, Christina’s collection of feminist fairy tales is out and about. Expect a release party at the bookshop when things cool off, but order one here!
Brickbat Books
Located in Queen Village, this super charming little shop hosted plenty of memorable events that I adored, including a launch of a book by Doogie Horner. Their website on Blogspot doesn’t have much to dish, but if you follow them on Instagram, you can get information on books they’ve got available for shipping, or neighborhood pickup and delivery.
They’ve got a $4 flat shipping fee for all book orders, and you can email them for inquires. Details on their website.
Headhouse Books
When I did my little tour for Welcome Home, I had the most wonderful event in this bookshop, which you can find tucked away in Old City near… well, Headhouse Square.
They are currently offering free shipping on all orders over $35, sent via media mail. Details here on their website. It’s also worth noting that Headhouse offers up a monthly book subscription of curated titles. Learn more about that here, and maybe sign up!
Giovanni’s Room
A historic landmark here in Philadelphia and one of the first queer bookstores in the country, Giovanni’s Room is an absolute favorite of mine, offering up a fantastic selection of used books and new titles… as well as odds and ends due to also being a thrift shop. Clothes and a new paperback? Boom. This is your stop.
I’ve raided their used bins more than I can count, and if you want to support them during this time, you can order a gift card from the bookshop. Details on that here, via their Twitter.
You can also order books from them online, via their website!
People’s Books and Culture
The newly relaunched Penn Book Center is a place of total joy. I went here just a few weeks back, while Brandon Taylor (pictured above, taken while I was fanboying in my seat) was on tour, and goodness, it was amazing being in that new space.
While you can’t order from them at the moment, I’m making sure I shout them out, and that you head right here once things quiet down. This place absolutely deserves your support.
Big Blue Marble
There are a lot of ways to support this lovely indie bookstore. In a recent newsletter they brought up shopping via Bookshop.org, which will let you buy books off them still, as well as Libro.fm… who are donating 100% of new memberships and gifts memberships to indie bookstores this month.
There are all kinds of delivery and curbside pickup options, which they dished in this newsletter. Click through, and see how you can help.
The Head & the Hand
An indie publisher slash indie bookstore slash vending machine chapbook machine, the folks at The Head & the Hand are a nonprofit who… well, they just do amazing things. I’m such a fan, and their pop up shop in Kensington is great.
Since they’re a press, you can absolutely support them by treating yourself to one of their many books.
You can also request direct orders from the shop, via their website and this form.
Brave New Worlds
My favorite comic book shop in Philadelphia, they are regularly updating people via informative (and also very charming) videos across social media. Be sure to follow along to find out what Brian, Rob, and the rest of their knowledgable staff have planned.
If you’re a bookseller following along, and your shop has plans, please email me and I’ll share! ericsmithrocks@gmail.com