5 Must-Visit Black Owned Bookstores in Philadelphia

Beyond the Covers: A Guide to Philadelphia's Must-Visit Black-Owned Bookstores

Philadelphia is a city of stories, and its independent bookstores are vital hubs where those narratives are shared, celebrated, and preserved. Among the most important of these are the city's Black-owned bookstores. More than just retail spaces, these shops are community gathering places, cultural centers, and sanctuaries for intellectual curiosity and joy. From historic institutions that have stood for decades to modern cafes that blend coffee with conversation, this guide will lead you to five must-visit Black-owned bookstores that are essential to the fabric of Philadelphia.

1. Hakim's Bookstore & Gift Shop (West Philadelphia)

• The Vibe: Stepping into Hakim's is like stepping into a living piece of history. As one of the oldest Black-owned bookstores in the country, it has a warm, welcoming, and wonderfully old-school feel. It is a place of deep knowledge and community pride, a true Philadelphia landmark.

  
  
  

• What You'll Find: Founded by Dawud Hakim in the late 1950s, the store is now run by his daughter and specializes in African American history and education. You'll find a rich and curated collection of books, from rare and hard-to-find titles to children's literature and contemporary bestsellers.

• Don't Miss: In 2023, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission erected a historical marker in front of the store, officially recognizing its immense cultural and historical significance.

  
  
  

2. Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books (Germantown)

• The Vibe: Uncle Bobbie's is the quintessential modern community hub—a bustling and inviting space that perfectly blends the atmosphere of a great coffee shop with a thoughtfully curated bookstore. It's a place where people come to work, socialize, and connect with their community.

• What You'll Find: Founded by author and activist Marc Lamont Hill, the bookstore features a fantastic selection of fiction, race and queer studies, cookbooks, and a wonderful children's section. The cafe serves up delicious coffee, sandwiches, and vegan-friendly snacks.

  
  
  

• Don't Miss: Uncle Bobbie's hosts a vibrant and consistent calendar of free community events, including author talks, workshops, and a weekly story time for kids, making it a true gathering place for all ages.

3. Harriett's Bookshop (Fishtown)

• The Vibe: Named in honor of the great abolitionist Harriet Tubman, this Fishtown bookshop is a beautiful and inspiring space with a clear and powerful mission. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and unapologetically dedicated to celebrating Black women.

• What You'll Find: The shop's collection is lovingly curated to celebrate women authors, artists, and activists. You'll find the complete works of literary giants like Toni Morrison alongside the latest bestsellers and important works on social justice.

• Don't Miss: Harriett's has a sister store in South Philadelphia named Ida's Bookshop, which honors the pioneering journalist and activist Ida B. Wells. Visiting both is an essential Philadelphia literary experience.

4. Black and Nobel (South Street)

• The Vibe: A cultural center and a longtime anchor of the South Street community, Black and Nobel is more than just a bookstore. It's a vibrant and creative space that offers a unique blend of literature, wellness products, and cultural items.

• What You'll Find: The store offers a wide range of book genres, including education, novels, and an excellent children's section. In addition to books, you can find a variety of health and wellness products, from natural soaps and oils to sea moss and herbal teas. They also offer a popular service of shipping books to incarcerated individuals.

• Don't Miss: The store often hosts community events and is a great place to connect with the vibrant culture of one of Philly's most iconic streets.

5. Books & Stuff (Germantown)

• The Vibe: Located in the historic Germantown neighborhood, Books & Stuff is a charming and vital space dedicated to multicultural and Afrocentric literature, with a special focus on young readers.

• What You'll Find: The store is a fantastic resource for children's books that celebrate diversity and Black culture. As owner, Lynn Washington has stated, the mission is to provide "just enough for teens and adults" while offering a rich and deep selection for children, ensuring that young readers can see themselves represented in the stories they read.

• Don't Miss: This is one of the best places in the city to find unique and meaningful gifts for the young readers in your life.

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