Hibernation mode activated. Nothing quite hits like cozying up with a good book during the freezing temps and spiraling flurries of January. But before you get lost in between those pages, explore these local Pittsburgh bookstores to grab a few bounded treasures, dinner, a hot coffee or tea, and more.
City of Asylum Books
Open from noon to 6pm every day, City of Asylum Books in the North Side has genres for each person’s taste, including the latest releases, bestsellers, and notable staff picks. They have a passion for international and translated works, as City of Asylum provides sanctuary to persecuted and endangered writers from around the world.
Check out the events calendar for a relaxed, cozy night out. Or stop by 40 North Restaurant, the neighboring restaurant, for happy hour and delicious dinner.
Riverstone Books
Located in the North Hills and Squirrel Hill, Riverstone Books has popular fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and other pickups like puzzles, games, greeting cards, and small giftables.
Discover an all-new genre or author and get lost in a newfound interest! Check out their events calendar for upcoming children’s events, book clubs, and book launch parties.
Shadyside Books
Located at 5900 Ellsworth Avenue, Shadyside Books has a huge selection of used books — over 5,000 books with specialties including history, arts, and the sciences.
Looking for an area focus for yourself? Check Shadyside Books out online to peruse categories ranging from chemistry, cooking, drawing, geology, philosophy, religion, and plenty more. All at a budget fit for everyone!
The Big Idea Bookstore and Cafe
Located in the heart of Bloomfield, The Big Idea Bookstore & Café is a volunteer-run neighborhood anarchist bookstore.
Spark some radical thinking fostered in anti-capitalist, nonbinary, anti-oppressive, and intersectional values, and grab a hot coffee or tea while you’re at it. They also have a lending library!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
Love this list of local bookstores! As a fellow Pittsburgh resident, it’s great to see support for our own bookstores. Will have to check out a few of these stores next time I’m in the area. 📚🏗️