Everyone knows that Pittsburgh’s coldest months are January and February. Although it may seem gloomy, the rain and snow means that it’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book, and a nice hot cup of tea. There’s no better place to find the perfect novel, biography, or love story than one of our local bookstores.
Here are some of the independent, local bookstores where I like to find my literary adventures:
White Whale Bookstore
White Whale Bookstore is a family-owned bookstore in Bloomfield. Not only do they sell books, but they host events like author readings, writing workshops, and more. They’ve pivoted seamlessly to virtual events in 2020. White Whale Bookstore carries an impressive selection of BIPOC authors, and I know that I’ll always find amazing recommendations of new books to check out.
City of Asylum Books
City of Asylum is more than just a bookstore in the North Shore. They are a non-profit organization that provides sanctuary in Pittsburgh to endangered literary writers from all over the world. The bookstore specializes in works of translation, and world literature. You can find different genres from bestsellers, to children’s books. Additionally, they carry a unique collection of literature from their Exiled Writers-In-Residence.
Classic Lines
Classic Lines in Squirrel Hill was awarded the Squirrel Hill Treasure award. They were also a finalist in Publisher’s Weekly Bookstore of the Year in 2019. It’s the perfect place to check out books, magazines, puzzles, and more treasures for avid readers.
Do you have a favorite local bookstore? Tell us about it in the comments so that we can check it out!
I also love Penguin Bookshop in Sewickley! It’ s very cute, independent bookstore that also holds author readings.