The Book Trader is one of my favorite bookstores in Philly[1]. It's well-lit and has quite a stock of books, mostly used, but some new. They've also got records, old postcards, and I think I spotted a tote. To me, it felt *generally* organized inside, but YMMV, right? Bring your old books in to trade - read their policies on their site: https://www.phillybooktrader.com/menu - and while you're there, search for deals. The more books you buy, the more you'll save. Find them in Old City, convenient to the 2nd Street SEPTA subway stop. [1] There's a shop cat here! The famous Dr. Pickles is usually taking a catnap, so respect their space. Meow. read more

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One of Philly's favorite book stores. While it's a bit overwhelming with tiny aisles, one way signs, and a bit unorganized, its a great spot to wander. If you are looking for something hyper specific, this might not be the spot. There are thousands of books in every category you could imagine. The staff is helpful and friendly, and the resident cat that wanders the shop is even better. Pricing is cheap and there's always some sort of deal going on. read more

If you love a bookshop with piles of books and shelves crammed with books - books everywhere, almost so there's nowhere to walk - then The Book Trader is the shop for you. It's a used bookstore with no shortage of books. Good selection, good prices. I'm a little claustrophobic, so The Book Trader made me a little anxious when I visited this past Saturday. But it would be a great shop for anyone who loves a browse or who is looking for a good deal! They certainly have a little bit of everything. read more

The Book Trader - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I randomly found this place when visiting the nearby Liberty Bell - you won't want to come here if are shoret on time, like I was. I could have browsed here for hours - and I wish I had the time to browse more. I found one CD that I was interested in - and they have a limit on what you can spend before they will run a card transaction. I was really interested in the CD so I asked for them to just charge me the minimum amount. There are two floors full of great books to look through - all very well organized. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area - and I love that they have a bookstore cat! read more

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The friend who told me about this store and recommended I check it out commented that it was "a lot" and they weren't wrong. It's a bit overwhelming when you first walk in, because it's packed with books. But the selection is amazing, and it's more organized than it seems at first. There are signs to direct you around the different sections and the shelves are pretty well organized for the volume of items. If you're claustrophobic you'll have trouble here, because the shelves are pretty close together, but if you're OK navigating tight spaces you're sure to find something here you want to purchase. I left with three books, including one I'd searched several other used bookstores for and hadn't been able to find, but they had two copies of it here, both in great condition. The prices are great - the books I looked at were between $7-$8. I did find the CD selection a bit underwhelming, but since the store name is Book Trader, books are clearly the focus here. The employee who rang up my purchase was pleasant. And they have a bookstore cat! Definitely recommend making a trip to Old City to spend some time browsing here. read more

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Physically, it's a lot to take in. I don't think I've ever seen this many books in close quarters. I'd like to echo what another reviewer mentioned; it's a very no-nonsense place but certainly filled with knowledge. Unfortunately I didn't realize the one-way signs until I was already deep in a stack, and there is very little room to move around even if you are alone in a stack. I appreciated that they had a new releases section near the front, as I was actually able to pick up a hardcover version of this month's book club book and even found another paperback (albeit more beat-up) version upstairs! Very blessed to have run into the resident cat. So adorable and what a great touch! There is a small section upstairs to sit and read, but I wouldn't count on it being available. Great place to hide from bad weather or build into a trip around Old City. When I say you can get lost in here, I really mean it. read more

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What an amazing little bookstore. I had a couple authors in mind when I walked in and there was a phenomenal collection of books to peruse. I even found the one I had in mind! I'll take a $5 book from a local store any day. Great shop, great staff, great cat! read more

The Book Trader - Shop cat! - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great selection and two floors of everything! You always know when it is a good bookstore when there is a cat roaming around. The owner is a sweet person and any of the volunteers working know how to direct you to the selection you are looking for. The books are priced fairly based on condition. They also have 20% if you spend $50 worth of books. It is a little dangerous! read more

The Book Trader - Books - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

My second home, call me the librarian while you're here :) This is a landmark almost of a book store. Makes Olde City feel complete. While you have every other kinds of store in town, this is a book store that rivals barns and noble. Pretty much has everything youre looking for and CDs, DVDs. Huge section of nonfiction on the first floor and fiction on the second floor. Generally well organized in their respective categories, the prices range from $4.95 to $12.95. The condition of the books are overall used but surprisingly there are new ones as well. I'm a BOTM collector, and they're hardbacks that have been let go by the subscriber, pretty much new when you find one. The fun part is browsing through these tight aisles. Reminds me of walking through Harry Potter's library. Very vintage. Go ahead, have a photo shoot here, youre probably not the first. read more

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One of those places you could easily get lost in if you weren't on a clock. My friend and I were, yet even as we waited at the checkout line we each found a couple titles we wanted and as I hesitated over a beautiful Library of America edition of Dashiell Hammett novels, the cashier said, "You get 20% off $50 or more," which pushed me over the edge. So often, particularly in used book stores, the right books find you, even if they weren't the ones you were looking for when you came in. read more

Lovely the selection was great the help was great he vibe was great the cat and owner are great

This book store is VERY cramped, especially on the first floor. There are one-way signs on the floor, and it's easy to understand why, once you've set foot inside. Stacks of books everywhere. Shelves fully stocked and close to each other. CDs, DVDs, and records on both floors. There's not that much space to walk (or crouch), and it can be a bit overwhelming. The second floor is definitely a lot warmer and more humid than the first. I did not spot the cat :( It's a no-frills sort of place. I wasn't greeted when I walked in, and I wasn't acknowledged when I walked out. read more

If your a book lover definitely check this place out. It has two levels, first floor is mostly non-fiction and second is fiction. It gives a nice cozy vibe that you can read in and you're greeted by a cute cat when you walk in. Employees there are super kind as well! I would say be careful walking around since it gets pretty crowded. read more

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Go upstairs to fiction: it's a lot better organized. Downstairs can be chaotic and is much more cramped but there are neat finds to be had. Bonus if you see the local shop cat! read more

Whenever I travel to a new city I make it a point to check out used bookstores. I visited Philadelphia in the summer of 2019 and stayed in center city. This was my favorite bookstore in Philly and has every genre that I enjoy browsing. The clerk was very friendly and even said that the store would stay open last the normal closing time so I wouldn't feel rushed. I purchased a few books about local history and hope to visit again someday. read more

Fantastic array of all manner of mostly gently used books & vinyl LPs, & some great CD buys. Paperbacks available are especially impressive. An utterly amazing, engrossing shopping/selling/trading place! read more

This is quintessential Philly: old-school cool, inviting, no-frills, and has a residential cat (Dr. Pickles). Their two floors are stacked floor to ceiling with books, vinyls, and dvds to the point where you may feel a bit claustrophobic. If you're looking to hunker down with a book, you can find a few stools and chairs scattered throughout the place. They have an excellent variety of inventory, and I always manage to find a neat book (or three). If you're looking for a deal, there's a couple $2 book bargain shelves, and most of the books I've checked are in the $5-9 range. However, one thing that caught my attention was the pricing of a couple books, where the written price was marked higher than the original retailer price. Pro tip: be sure to catch a glimpse of Dr. Pickles! He's often on the second floor by the windows. read more

The Book Trader - The Picture of Dorian Gray. Priced at $6.95 when originally $5.95 - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Great spot! Just what we like, weird shop, packed to the gills with all sorts of books. Found an author signed hardcover with a personal note in the book I didn't know I had to have. Owner very friendly. Prices were less that I thought they'd be. Cute cat. read more

This place is jammed packed with books. The guys who ran it were super chill and helpful. Got some great good books for an excellent price. read more

The Book Trader - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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What an awesome spot, though I'd caution anyone claustrophobic before stepping into this bookstore. There are a couple chairs upstairs, some really good prices on books.. anyone can find something here. Try to spot the resident cat ! read more

[1157] 2/2021 When I worked in Philly I loved visiting this local used book store on a regular basis. I always found great books in amazing condition at a 1/3 or the price. The aisles are tight but it gives more room for books. There is an upstairs section with more books. The staff was very nice I'll definitely be back read more

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This is an amazing place to just go inside and get lost. So many different books...stacked to the ceiling! It is amazing just to walk through and see everything that they have. Friendly service and super organized. Definitely go! read more

The Book Trader - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I love a nice used book store and this was a little piece of heaven in the city. Say hi to Dr Pickles the cat too! read more

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They had soooooo many books to look through. They had almost every genre you can think of. I really liked the selection of poetry they had. They had tons of records and dvds too. I love supporting local book shops rather then just buying form Barnes and noble. They had a variety of eclectic books. The shop has an upstairs and downstairs, covered top to bottom with books.I definitely would recommend. read more

The Book Trader - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This shop is dangerous. It may steal away my free time. I mean, it's practically floor-to-ceiling books. It smells heavenly. It's beautiful. It's *the* perfect store. (And reasonably priced to boot.) I'd like to move in and spend week after week just going alpha order down the fiction section reading away. That would be the ideal life. I could retire here one day. Yes. That would be nice. read more

This place was very cool!!! Every kind of book and genre you can think of. The narrow rows made me feel like I was wandering in The Restricted Section of Hogwarts or something! I also appreciated the small, but nevertheless there, Latin American section. Wish there were more actual Spanish literature books, not just Spanish class textbooks and Spanish-English dictionaries. Allergy sufferers be warned, as it is an old bookshop, it is a little dusty and you may end up with the occasional sneeze, but it's well worth it in my opinion. read more

The Book Trader - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I used to visit this store on a regular basis when they were located in My neighborhood. Now, I really have to plan my trips here. It's the best used book store that I've Ever been in!! I have a large balance in my account, because I have been bringing my books here for decades. I live in the city and I had to go pretty hard eventually due to space problems. I'm going there today so I can find some George Eliot or maybe Trollope in hard back form. I've been reading some pretty dense non-fiction and I need a little break. read more

How have I not reviewed The Book Trader? This is a couple blocks from my house and it's like a treasure hunt every time I go, except that I can't have a particular treasure in mind. It's hit or miss if you go in looking for something specific- about 50/50 I find the exact thing- but browsing is fascinating. I can spend hours on the second floor where there are comfortable couches and old furniture and an occasional cat to pet. They are helpful and accommodating if you're looking for something specific and will provide you with boxes, stools or a chair as needed. Just be careful not to create your own book avalanche! read more

The Book Trader - Bookstore cat - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Roam the narrow lanes of this incredible multilevel used bookstore. There are volumes on every subject and genre. I've always been able to find what I'm looking for here. On the other hand, there have been times I've walked into The Book Trader without a specific goal. And I've walked out with a new discovery. Besides books, there are also CDs to choose from. Before going on a recent trip to Paris, I was able to purchase an excellent street map at way less then the original price. read more

My husband and I come to this book store any time we're in the city! It is magical! They have every kind of book your heart could ever desire and even have records! Our book cases are overflowing because of this place and may j tell you, it is wonderful. Another plus is you get to hang with the adorable book store cat! read more

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The Book Trader for sheer volume can't be beat as far as secondhand bookstores go in Philly. Two floors of used books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, VHS tapes, & greeting cards. Every genre is packed. Be prepared to grab a stool so that you can station yourself comfortably in an aisle to be able to peruse. So even though I didn't find some specific titles by a specific author under fantasy & sci-fi, the amount of titles is still overwhelming compared to some of the other secondhand bookstores in town. This visit I lucked out finding The Lizard King - The Essential Jim Morrison by Jerry Hopkins. The music bio section here is always full. For classic rock artists, especially, you're bound to find something. The art book section - lots of coffee table books. If you're looking for artists that are not Impressionists, you might be disappointed. The gentleman who rang me up was friendly, & they have a plexiglass screen up due to the pandemic regulations. Hand sanitizer is placed near the front door & at the foot of the stairs going up to the 2nd floor. Very good. I had a credit which I placed towards my purchase. Book Trader is awesome about giving you credit from the books that you no longer want. What they can't use they'll donate for you. Great that they'll do that so you don't have to drag any books back home. One of the few places I go to in Old City, & am pleased they're still around long after their tenure on South Street. read more

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Great selection at affordable prices. There selection on history for China and the Middle East is particularly robust compared to other book stores, as well as that of England. Also have a fairly built out occult section if that's your thing. Check here before anywhere else. read more

So far the Book Trader has proven to be my set destination for picking up the Yelp Book Club books that I didn't own yet (2/2 so far :( ). And for that reason it's owned up to another star, especially since I scored a hardback 1st edition copy of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" for $7. And on both occasions the tattooed guy working behind the counter proved to be a real cool dude. read more

I kinda like their theme-based instead genre-based bookshelf arrangement, which suits my preference anyway.

Great prices and helpful staff. The cat is a little standoffish, but you cannot have wverything

Would burning a Kindle count as burning a book? I don't think so. I think it would make great kindling, after all (get it? get it?). There is no way to replace the feel, the smell, the friendship of a physical book. There's the wear and tear of a physical volume, a history of abuse and repair that tells a story as rich as the one within its pages. Bibliophiles are a dying breed, but the ones left intend to fight tooth and nail for the preservation of the craft and artwork of the tome. From illustrators to editors, there are those who flock to the Book Traders of the world, to dusty rooms that still smell like the corner of your small town library. The gentlemen that frequent and operate this store are part of the lore of the place, friendly but not too friendly, knowledgeable but not pretentious. Trying to find a used bookstore in downtown Philly isn't exactly impossible, but it's definitely not easy. Their prices are respectable - still expensive by used book standard, but you'll save money when you compare it to the other options (Barnes & Noble or your ol' reliable Amazon). They encourage browsing, in my experience, so stop by 2nd and Market and roam the crowded shelves and aisles, overflowing with books old and new, thin and thick, good and, well, bad. Such is life. read more

The Book Trader - The Book Trader's my new favorite book place in Philly. - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I've been touring Philly and really enjoying the used book scene, and was excited to check this place out. Overflow selection of books, magazines, which is great. Could be a little more organized but with the massive amount of books in there, it's organized by category to the best of shopkeeper ability. I was pretty happy until I got to check out. I love supporting small business, however, when customer service is poor - it takes away from the experience and more likely than not I will not return. read more

The Book Trader - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Well, this place definitely has books. If you don't have a genre or topic you're looking for, this place may be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, for me I'm a huge Lincoln fan so i knew where to start. (Or thought I knew.) The sections about history and war are downstairs so I spent quite a while searching and searching for Lincoln. Then, my sister called down to me and said all the presidents are upstairs. That was a bit odd to me. Overall, I found plenty of books I was interested in. But, for a used book store it is on the pricey side. Around 8 bucks for a used book? I'm all for keeping these types of stores in business, but then reality tends to hit and I need to learn to settle with just a few books. read more

The Book Trader - Books on books on books - Bookstores Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I've long been a fan of Book Trader. It's absolutely packed with tons of choices! Aisles are narrow, so leave any bulky bags at the desk. Prices are reasonable and turnover is quick so there's always something new to check out. Allow plenty of time to check out this gem, and if you see multiple copies of your title, be sure to compare prices. This can sometimes save you a buck or two! read more

I would block off a good two hours of your schedule to come here. This book store has two floors packed (and by packed I mean be careful where you step this place might trigger your claustrophobia) with books. They have everything from popular brand new releases to titles no ones ever heard of. And as messy as the place looks when you walk in, everything is actually very well organized. They also have books in many languages. The second floor has plenty of small nooks for you to hide away and preview any books you will be purchasing. And the windows give a great view of the neighborhood. The also have a small section of music and record for sale available in a room upstairs. I can't wait to back here again on a free Saturday and load up with books to read all winter long. read more