This East Passyunk shop is open for curbside pickup and in-store browsing, and features a strong selection of books from local authors and publishers (among them: co-owner Christina Rosso-Schneider, who released her first book, She is a Beast, last year). There’s also plenty of online events to attend.

Philly fans of comic books and graphic novels, this shop, which was founded by Temple University alumna Ariell Johnson, is the place for you. Running five years strong now, Amalgam is the first black female-owned comic shop on the East Cost, and it’s open for pickup (and shipping!) of all your geek culture needs — from issues of Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer and Dungeons & Dragons handbooks, to superhero toys and statues (plus beverages and baked goods).

Located on Fabric Row, Brickbat has all kinds of used and new books available for sale (and shipping is available if you don’t want to go in person), from art books to children’s literature. But, really, their specialty is rare editions of all types of publications, so hit them up if you’re looking for something special for your bookshelf or coffee table — and be sure to follow them on Facebook, where they regularly announce new stock.

Mount Airy’s Big Blue Marble Bookstore has been at it since 2005, and focuses on providing a diverse selection of reading material for its community, ranging from indie bestsellers and cookbooks to kids books and LGBTQ-focused fiction. In-person shopping, no-contact pickup, and home delivery (if you’re in Northwest Philly) are all available — and, if you’re feeling charitable, check out their “Pay It Forward” fund, in which you can donate money to be used by customers in need of books.

Located in West Philadelphia, Hakim’s was founded in 1959 and is considered the city’s first African American bookstore. The shop is open as well as selling through its online store, and specializes in African American history and studies with publications ranging from educational children’s books to memoirs and biographies.

This woman-centric Fishtown bookshop, named for abolitionist Harriett Tubman, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, and is open for in-person business and online shopping (and they’ve got some cool merch, too). Here, the focus is on celebrating “women authors, women artists, and women activists,” as the shop’s tagline goes, and its diverse offerings reflect that goal.

Open since 2019 in East Kensington, The Head & The Hand is a nonprofit publishing company, writers’ workshop, and bookstore that focuses on supporting and developing its local literary community. Here, you’ll find a curated selection of local literature, fiction and nonfiction, children’s and young adults’ books, and more. You can browse in person, shop online and pick up, or even reserve a private, 90-120-minute date night.

Nestled between Society Hill and Queen Village since 2005, this shop is open for curbside pickup only, and also offers books and gift cards for sale online. If you’re looking for a recommendation, check out Richard’s Picks on their website, which are some hand-selected titles from owner Richard De Wyngaert. Or, if you want regular book deliveries, consider their monthly or quarterly “HHB To You” subscription service.

At it since 1951, Joseph Fox Bookshop is the oldest local bookstore on the list, and has long been a destination for Center City book lovers. There’s something for everyone here, with selections ranging from literary fiction and poetry to architecture, art, and children’s books. Plus, they’ve been associated as booksellers with the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Author Events series (which is still running virtually), so this one is something of a local cultural landmark.

This Germantown shop was launched by former CNN commentator Marc Lamont Hill back in 2017, and it’s quickly become a Philly favorite. Open for online and in-person shopping, Uncle Bobbie’s has everything from titles featured on Hill’s Coffee and Books podcast, to offerings for kids and young adults — plus some killer lattes if you need a pick-me-up.