108 S. 13th St., 215/735-9600,
www.robinsbookstore.com [1]
HOURS: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. noon–8 p.m.
The oldest independent bookstore in Philadelphia [2], Robin’s opened in 1936 and is still the place to go for rare poetry as well as psychology, political, and new-age books. Jazz and classical music typically provide the background soundtrack as you browse the ample fiction and children’s sections.
With hundreds of in-store author readings through the years from greats like Sonia Sanchez, Walter Mosley, and Maya Angelou, the history of this liberal and counter-cultural literary outpost is palpable.
The 2nd floor is filled with magazines and discounted books, and a smaller second store (1837 Chestnut St.) is fully devoted to discounted books and magazines.
Links:
[1] http://www.robinsbookstore.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/philadelphia/discover-philadelphia