The Book Trader

Category:	Used Book Store
Address:	7 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Phone:	+1 215-925-2080
Site:	phillybooktrader.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 18

A Private User

I went to this store yesterday just to simply pick up a book that I was told over the phone was definitely there. That is all I wanted to do,simple right?. Well when I arrived I was told the girl that I spoke to didnt exist b/c there arent any girls working there or the girl that was there visiting may have picked the phone, which she wasnt supposed to do,HUH?!! What!! I was told over the phone that this store was in old city, they closed at 10pm,and the book I was looking for was upstairs.They still proceeded to tell me I had the wrong store! Ive never been to this store in my life. How would I know all of this information about this place if I didnt speak to someone that worked there!!!! To make a long story short,after all the bickering,sarcasm, and crazy eyes back and forth where was the book!!! Well well surprise surprise it was upstairs I wasnt crazy after all. The ghost I spoke to on the phone was right! Please dont go to this store. BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DRAMA OMG all I wanted to do was buy a book can you imagine!

A Private User

I dropped off four boxes of books for them to look through and give me some store credit for. They told me that they werent going to go through them that day, but gave me a notebook (with other names and numbers in it) to write my info on and they said theyd call me. Its been almost two months and Ive gotten no phone call. Granted some of the books werent high selling items, others were classics that no book store should be without. The clause that allowed them to STEAL my books from me was: if there are books we dont want, do you want us to just put them out front for free? Sure, I said. Duh! they clearly just took them and when I call them theyll say something like: Oh, we just put them all out for free. .

Rebecca Mendoza

My absolute favorite used bookstore. They have the most generous trade in policy. Big Philadelphia/PA centric section in front of store. Sections for a huge variety of topics: from politics to mysteries. From Hollywood and theater to sifi. LGBT womens studies religion, you name it, they have a section. Separate childrens section that is quite extensive. I miss Pumpkin resident cat. Someones little monster, I mean child poked at him and got scratched. Instead of being admonished for tormenting cat, store was forced to get rid of Pumpkin. Hope monster, I mean child, and its parent were banned from store. Chairs on second floor encourage browsing.

Nikolaus Maack

A messy bookstore needs to be careful. Dont cross the line to full blown madness. This store comes close. Some of the towering aisles of books are claustrophobic. A good earthquake could kill you. But what a way to go. Upstairs, fiction. After ten minutes of looking, I found two books that appealed. Then I stopped looking. If Id continued, I would have left with armloads of books. If youre not a random book shopper, this store will drive you crazy. If you like picking up random books, taking a gander, buying what appeals - this bookstore is a great find.

Carlos Diaz

I realize there are always a few people at any establishment that can ruin a costumers experience. I, luckily, had a good experience. I ordered "Rendezvous with Rama" off of a book seller on amazon for $4. Problem was that Fedex lost it. I checked out this store and I found it for $2 and some change. The gentleman that was there when I purchased it was more than helpful. I will be back for any books I am looking for in the future.

A Private User

the book trader- not only are there thousands of books to choose from, the staff is helpful and friendly, the location is right in old city philadelphia, but the other customers are interesting and friendly as well. this is a gem of a place to spend time browsing around or looking for a particular book. i love to come down and check out the stacks and stacks of books. i always find something interesting.

Leif Skoogfors

If you cant get to Foyles book shop in Londons West End, the Book Trader is the place to go. Thousands of good used books at very reasonable prices and a knowledgeable and courteous staff. With its wide selection, it is a worthy successor to Philadelphias famed Learys Book Store, a cultural landmark which closed in 1969.

Tom Dascole

Charming used book store, the place is literally stacked full of narrow passageways full of piles and piles of used books, Id you spend time looking you can find some great things, but the sorting system seems outdated and just plain mislabeled in some sections. Definitely worth checking out if you have a minute.

Jon McNabb

I stop in here a couple times a month just to peruse the shelves. Sometimes I find something, sometimes I dont. I love that theyre open so late. However, in spite of the already narrow aisles, there always seems to be stacks of boxes and books on the floor next to the shelves that can make browsing difficult.

A Private User

Left me alone when I walked in, I always like that. My kids set themselves up to have their mother take a picture of them in a "real" bookstore. The huge wall of books intimidated the kids. Might have to come back for just them. Not the cleanest, but no dust. I could have spent some real time here.

Jessica Villarreal

This is definitely the kind of place you can get lost in for hours which makes it amazing. The shelves are very high so its difficult to see past a certain point and its hard to get around people in the isles. That being said, thats part of the places charm and its a great used book store.

Patrick McCoy

Omg this place was so fun. My fiance and I came here for our engagement photos and we had a blast exploring the TONS of shelves of books. There are books of every variety here and we found ourselves some real gems. If I lived close Id be here weekly and buying a ton!

Chris H

I love going here, they always have neat and interesting old books. I personally go for the photography books; not only do they have great out-of-print art books, but lots of how-tos about film processing and printing, as well as essays by master photographers.

DL DoubleG

I love books. I love used book stores, but my first time into this store will be my last. Their books are way overpriced and some of the books are in very bad shape. They charge near full-price. I will never shop there again. Just stick with amazon.

K. Friedgen

A great place in the city to get lost in on a rainy Sunday. Dont go here looking for a specific book, as youll be disappointed. But definitely come here if youre just looking. A great place to find hidden gems, inspiration, and surprises.

Marina Savage

Amazing atmosphere - I loved that it was jam packed with used books in a kind of chaotic fashion. I especially loved that they had a deal on where you would get store credit if you donated money to help save a sick cat!

Andrew Taylor

High prices, poor organization/labeling, boxes strewn everywhere. Guy behind the register who couldnt be less interested in you. Both the book corner and brickbat books are better. Just go to one (or both!) of those.

Ned Kuczmynda

Very well organized book store. Cluttered slightly, which only adds to the character. Bargain priced books that are in fairly decent condition. I will be returning next time I am in Philly.