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The Best Bookstores in Pittsburgh


 

There鈥檚 no doubt that Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a city that loves the written word. All forms of literature are welcome here. It is no wonder then that visitors and locals love to spend their time in both public and independent bookstores.

Walking around Pittsburgh, you will come across several bookstores. They are each unique and stock books by local authors. 

These bookstores also allow their customers to sit and read, catch up with a friend over a book or just browse then buy one.

If you love pre-owned books, to borrow a book or to buy a brand new one, then I got it covered.

The bookstores also host local authors who promote their books, host talks and book signings.  

As you look for your next great read or a place to just relax with a good book, check out these best bookstores in Pittsburgh.

1. Penguin Bookshop, Sewickley 鈥 Since 1929

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When this bookshop was re-opened in 2014, it was described as 鈥渁 very precipitous time鈥 for independent bookstores.

The bookstore is a community institution with a long-standing tradition of reading culture.

They host monthly events with rotating authors, a total of 50 authors a year. This bookstore is loved by many locals from different states.  

One famous author, Stephen King, went to the Penguin Bookshop for a book signing.

This bookstore stocks indie books and audiobooks.  

Practical Information:
Address: 417 Beaver St., Sewickley, 15143.
Opening Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. 鈥 5:30 p.m. Closed Sundays.
Telephone: 412-741-3838
Website:

2. Caliban Book Shop 鈥 Used & Rare books on different topics

An illustrated image of Caliban Bookshop. Image sourced from Caliban Bookshop’s

Caliban Bookshop stocks quality used and rare books that are a favourite of college professors.

Located on St. Craig鈥檚 St, drop by and check out obscure Renaissance books or Beat tome. D

One section of the bookshop specializes in indie, folk, jazz, Americana and blues LPs and CDs.

Another section has books and magazines by local authors. This is another unique feature and is loved by regulars and new customers.

If you would like to privately browse early hours or late evenings or other special requests, you can always book an appointment.

There is a curated booklist that helps readers discover something new to read. This is a perfect place for reading, research, gift-giving, book clubs, or course requirements.

Practical Information:
Address: 410 S Craig St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Website:
Opening Hours: Open seven days a week 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm

3. East End Book Exchange

If you love to attend book events such as launches, reading for kids, signing or just interacting with local authors. Then East End Book Exchange is where to go while in Pittsburgh.

This book started as a pop-up store and grew to be a fully-fledged bookstore with more than 8,000 titles.

They host about 50 events a year and in most weeks they have at least one or two events.

Most of the books here are about 95% used. The rest are new releases by local authors with a leaning on the humanities, contemporary and classic literature, poetry, history, travel and more.

This bookstore shows just how the indie scene has developed in Pittsburgh city.

4. Copacetic Comics

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AS the name suggests, this bookstore specializes in comics and graphic novels by major and very small presses and self-publishers.

It is owned by Bill Boichel who says they have hundreds of titles only found in a half dozen shops throughout North America.

The other shops that stock classic comic books are found in Chicago, Portland, San Francisco, Baltimore and Toronto.

This bookstore stocks brand new books which are well tailored for their customers. One of the popular local artists, Ed Piskor, has been featured severally in this bookstore.  

Practical Information:
Website:
Address: 3138 Dobson Street 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA  15219
Opening Hours: Thursday 鈥 Monday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | Saturday – Sunday 11:00 am 鈥 05:00 pm

5. Beyond Bedtime Books 鈥 Children鈥檚 books

Image sourced from Beyond Bedtime

This bookstore is where to find a selection of new and gently used books; rare and out-of-print books; a wonderful children鈥檚 room; unique greeting cards.

The staff here are always delighted to recommend books based on your preferences. If it happens that they do not have the book you are looking for, they will gladly place an order for you.

Beyond Bedtime has been in business for more than 3 decades. Over the years, it has established a strong relationship with its customers.

There are cosy reading corners at the back of the bookstore. Check out the children鈥檚 room that is filled with vintage books.

You will also find books written by local authors books.

Practical Information:
Address: 1453 Potomac Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, +1 412 341 3838
Website:
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00am to 4:00pm | Sunday 11:00am to 4:00pm
Telephone: 412-341-3838

6. Amazing Books 鈥 Used Books

Books in this bookstore are stacked from floor to ceiling and the titles are vast.

There are also more books on the tables while newly ordered books are kept in boxes in front of the register waiting to be displayed.

You are certain to find a classic by Ernest Hemingway or a six-volume collection of the Talmud in Hebrew.

This bookstore has two locations, downtown and Squirrel Hill. Books in both stores feature over 30,000 titles, 99% of which are gently used.

Amazing Books is one of the most successful independent bookstores in Pittsburgh.

Practical Information:
Address: 5858 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill PA
Opening hours: Different locations different time
Website:

7. Riverstone Books

A person in a bookshop. Photo by Maia Habegger on

Riverstone Books was opened in October 2017 in the North Hills. It is the second bookstore owned by Barbara Jeremiah.

She considers this bookstore is a part of the community. It hosts book clubs, storytime events and author talks and signings;

This bookstore has featured hometown writers and New York Times bestselling authors alike. The collection of books here is entirely curated by staff at the bookstore.

At Riverstone, they care greatly for their customers and they stock books that sell.

Riverstone鈥檚 children鈥檚 section is loaded and quirky; there is a wall in there painted to look like Hogwarts.

Practical Information:
Address: McCandless Crossing, 8850 Covenant Ave. McCandless; 412/366-1001
Website:
Opening Hours: McCandless Crossing Monday – Thursday:  10AM – 7PM|Friday – Saturday:  10AM – 8PM | Sunday:  11AM – 5PM
Squirrel Hill: Monday – Friday:  10AM – 6PM| Saturday:  10AM – 7PM| Sunday:  11AM – 5PM

8. Phantom of the Attic 鈥 Best for Comic Books

This is said to be one of the best-named bookstores in Pittsburgh. It is loved by comic fans.

There are two establishments in this bookstore; one for books and one for games. Although separate, the two are adjacent to each other.

It is considered to be a unique space for collectors and comic lovers. Additionally, it is a great place to chat with the friendly and knowledgeable staff. They are always ready to assist you to find that one comic that you can鈥檛 find.

Practical Information:
Address: 3766 William Penn Highway, Monroeville, PA 15146
Website:

 

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