This bookstore balances national best sellers along with books written by local artists. I appreciated the way they organized the books by genre and incorporated the decor into the flow. Even on a busy weekend, there was enough space to comfortably browse through. The staff behind the counter appeared friendly and knowledgeable about their inventory and the business. We didn't purchase anything, but thoroughly enjoyed browsing through and added several books to our "need to read" lists. read more

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What a great bookstore! Walk inside and thousands of books are displayed in one large room. There's mystery books, travel, and a great children's section in the back. We ended up buying four books for our eight-year-old daughter. Staff are friendly and helpful. If you don't want to browse books, there are a few chairs throughout near outlets to charge your phones. read more

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I'll admit, this is my second time visiting this bookstore. The first time, I just browsed around everywhere looking at everything. On my way out, the cashier engaged me in real conversation and mentioned that they can order just about anything I might want that's not currently in stock. Overall, it was a decent experience, and I made a mental note to come back again. Contrast that with today's visit. From the get-go, I was greeted with a high-pitched disingenuous voice by the cashier as soon as I walked in on a weekday afternoon. Since I already know the layout of the store, I went straight to the "Classics" section. I was in the mood to pick up something, maybe an old favorite like Edith Wharton, that I could carry around and read rather than scrolling on my phone. Cue the hovering cashier. As I scanned the shelves I could see her across the store watching me. She never came close to ask if I needed help, so I sensed her surveillance was judging the color of my skin since she wasn't stalking any other customer in the store besides me. I picked up "Frederick Douglass: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave" as a change of pace because I typically like to sink into the comfort of a slow languid novel. I really had to cringe at the fake-nice verbal exchange made by the cashier after she scurried to the front of the store as soon as she saw me pull the book off the shelf and head toward the counter. Everything about her demeanor made me deeply uncomfortable. Could I go to the library instead? Yes. Could I order all of my books from an online behemoth that also sells pills and groceries? Yes. However, I like the feeling of browsing through a small bookstore and discovering (or rediscovering) a title that I get to keep for my very own (dog-earred pages and underlines, notes and all.) I would not recommend this place unless it was last bookstore left on earth. read more

Riverstone Books, Squirrel Hill - My purchase during a.n unpleasant experience because I really wanted the book - Bookstores Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Completely delightful spot. Staff was so helpful and friendly. Little extras like cool stickers and notebooks and kids stuff was a plus. I loved the layout of the store. Things were easy to find and I appreciated the staff recommends on the shelves- spot on. We're going back for a book that I shouldn't have left behind. read more

I was recently in the neighborhood and had about an hour to kill in between work meetings, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this bookstore. First, I think the selection in the store is fantastic - and everything is very clearly organized. Additionally, they have a nice mix of other items for sale, like local art, stickers and games. This is definitely a place I could browse for hours. read more

I really loved the set up of this store. Felt almost like walking through someone's personal collection. I also loved the staff reviews, helpful to discover new books. I am currently on a book purchasing ban (my to read pile is insane) but once I let myself out of book jail I'll be back! read more

Loved this little bookstore! They had a lot of variety to choose from and well organized. I bought a few kids books for my nephew and niece.

Visited while in town for a reunion and picked up several books. And although small, pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of a romance section. Super cute store. Looking forward to reading the books I purchased! read more

Look, it takes A LOT for me to leave a bad review for a bookstore. They are my favorite type of business, and I have a lot of respect for those that are just out there trying to make it in the era of Amazon. But I am heartbroken. Riverstone recently took ownership of what was Classic Lines, a beloved indie bookstore in my neighborhood. Classic Lines was my favorite store in Pittsburgh. I was nervous when Riverstone took over, but still hopeful. Unfortunately, after two visits, I can say those hopes have been dashed. While the selection of books is fine, I'm sad that the selection of hard-to-find used books disappeared, as did the ARCs that were free to take with a purchase. Those are minor gripes, but add to my overall ambivalence towards the new shop. What I really dislike is the unfriendliness of the new employees/owner. Either they are so unfriendly (or shy, I suppose?) that you're lucky to get a "hello" at check-out, or they're the sort of "friendly" that feels contrived just to sell you more. When I'm asked, "Is there something I can help you find?" and I respond "No, just browsing," I feel that's a clear indication that I want to be left alone to browse at will. I don't want to be sold on anything, I don't want to be hovered over, and I certainly don't want my every move to be watched as I peruse the shelves. I enjoyed going into Classic Lines where the staff and owner were friendly but kept their distance unless I engaged first. I could chat with them without feeling like every sentence was being judged for what they could try to sell me next. And I liked that they never felt so...corporate. Riverstone, with everything from their attitude to their branded uniform t-shirts (seriously? Even Barnes & Noble did not make us wear uniform shirts for goodness sake) feels downright corporate, though I know it only has two stores. I'm just deeply bummed to see my favorite store go down this way. read more

Riverstone Books in Squirrel Hill is conveniently located, large, has wide selections (more online than instore but they have free in store pick up) and helpful staff! Its set up very beautifully. Me and my boyfriend marveled at the shop windows before entering. The store is well kept, every book was in order. Sections were clearly defined. They also had the book i was looking for which was awesome!! Thank you riverstone :) read more

Love this new bookstore in Sq Hill. It's full service and great selection. The staff was so helpful and it felt like home.

Since arriving in Pittsburgh for school last autumn, I've made it a point to visit as many bookstores in the city as I could. I think I've been to just about all of them now, and Riverstone in Squirrel Hill has definitely been my favorite. They always have the newest releases in-store, there is a wonderful staff recommendation section, and they have a wide variety of genres. The store's kids and middle-grade section is also adorable. read more

Favorite bookstore in PGH. Not sure how there could be a 2-star review. They also have a great yearly membership.

Like the previous reviewer I was a frequent customer at the old Classic Lines Bookstore, and so I was apprehensive about its being bought by someone else. My apprehension was completely unwarranted. Riverstone Books is cleaner, has a larger selection, handles special orders much better and has a more helpful staff. It is true they no longer have used books but that's because just across the street is the great used bookstore, Amazing Books and Records. I don't think they wanted to be in competition and so they decided to sell only new books. Perhaps the issue early on was that there were several new hires combined with other employees making an effort to get to know their new customers of Squirrel Hill? Small bookstores very often have many repeat customers and become an important part of the neighborhood where they exist. I think, having talked to the staff at Riverstone, that they sincerely wish to be a warm and welcoming part of Squirrel Hill. And I personally think they have done just that. I highly recommend them to anyone who loves to read or knows someone who does. read more

i felt compelled to rate riverstone after seeing the 2-star review. i think the 2-star review can be chalked up to pain at losing classic lines more than valid complaints about riverstone, which is lovely. i do miss the feel of classic lines, which was a bit cozier than riverstone--especially now that riverstone has moved to a larger location down the street. but missing classic lines doesn't take away from the loveliness of riverstone. it's a comfy, clean store with a great variety of books, including hard-to-find books and books in translation, and they're filling out their new location nicely. it's got a great vibe. i've never experienced anything other than good, respectful service. (if you want to chat with the seller, amazing books across the street might be the store for you; it's also a lovely shop.) i'm happy to see riverstone is doing well enough to expand and i hope they stick around. read more