It’s undeniable that the city of Pittsburgh has a love affair with books.
We’re the birthplace to the modern public library system (thanks, Andrew Carnegie!), and have one of the highest concentrations of locally owned bookstores in the country.
Think you’ve browsed all the shelves in the city? Think again, and read all about these 6 (+1 for good measure) off the beaten path bookstores in Pittsburgh.
The Little Idea Bookshop
An offshoot of Bloomfield’s Big Idea Bookstore, the Little Idea specializes in books and zines and also offers coffee and snacks. Located in the Bloomcraft building on Melwood Ave, the Little Idea shares the building with the Glitterbox Theater, Prototype, and a host of other locally owned businesses.
Know Before You Go
Address: 460 Melwood Ave // Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11am – 9pm // Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Cooper-Siegel Community Library
Recommended by local fellow book lovers, sales from the used bookstore at the Cooper-Siegel Community Library in Fox Chapel benefit the library.
Know Before You Go
Address: 403 Fox Chapel Rd // Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Hours: Monday: 10am – 8pm // Tuesday: 10am – 5pm // Wednesday – Thursday: 10am – 8pm // Friday – Saturday: 10am- 5pm // Sunday: 1pm – 5pm
Spaces Corners
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfJBuxnhxv5/
Launched in 2011 as a studio and project space, Spaces Corners specializes in contemporary photography and art books. The store’s original location in Troy Hill is open by appointment only, but you can also find a selection of the store’s books in its reading room at Silver Eye Center for Photography on Penn Ave.
Know Before You Go
Address(es): 1721 Lowrie Street // Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (open by appointment only)
Spaces Corners Reading Room at Silver Eye: 4808 Penn Ave // Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Hours: Tuesday: 11am – 6pm // Wednesday: 11am – 6pm // Thursday: 11am – 8pm // Friday: 11am – 6pm // Saturday: 11am – 5pm
Mt Lebanon Library Book Cellar
Run by Friends of the Library, this used bookstore tucked away on the lower level of the Mt. Lebanon Library recently celebrated its ten year anniversary. Proceeds from sales of the gently used books sold in the cellar benefit the library.
Know Before You Go
Address: 16 Castle Shannon Blvd // Pittsburgh, PA 15228
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 8 pm // Friday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm // Sunday: 1:30pm – 4pm
Copacetic Comics
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrvDEaFh0yC/
Located atop a coffee shop and record store in Polish Hill, Copacetic is a haven for the comic book lover. With a wide array of titles, from popular to indie and zine the shop has hard to find titles even the most particular graphic novel reader will enjoy.
In addition to comics, this self proclaimed “crossroads of culture” bookstore also has books, art, CDs, and DVDs.
Know Before You Go
Address: Copacetic Comics Co // 3138 Dobson Street // Third Floor // Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am – 5pm // Sat: 11am – 7pm // Sun: noon – 5pm
East End Co-op
East End Co-op might just the only place in Pittsburgh where you can find fresh, local produce and a fresh new book housed under the same roof. The co-op has a wide selection of books “from the practical to the poetic.” The wide array of books includes cookbooks, health books, books by local authors, and more.
Know Before You Go
Address: 7516 Meade Street // Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Hours: 8am – 9pm, Daily
Little Free Libraries
https://www.facebook.com/lflofpgh/photos/a.1137185839759132/1473671342777245/?type=3&theater
A bookstore/library hybrid, Little Free Libraries is a world-wide lending movement. In various neighborhoods across the city, you can leave a book, and take any of the library’s offerings. Check out the program’s map to find a little free library in your area.
Did we miss your favorite under the radar bookstore? Share it with us on Facebook or Twitter.
Header Photo by Ryan Neeven
