A Novel Idea

I love this bookstore. I love their selection on folk tales and fairy tales from different countries as well as their poetry section! Owners are so helpful and friendly, truly a gem.

In this era of megacorporations and online retailing, it is difficult to conceive of the sort of coziness we have lost. It seems that A Novel Idea is attempting to return us to that level of coziness and connection that we once enjoyed with local businesses. I am not sure how long it has been since there was a locally-owned bookstore in this neighborhood, but it is a welcome development that one now exists. It is a shame that the idea of a bookstore owned by people in the neighborhood with a commitment to local authors and creators is a “novel idea,” but that is the world in which we live. This bookstore has a cozy lay out and nice selection of new releases and used books, but what sets it apart is the commitment to local artisans, authors and publishers, the small presses that are increasingly proliferating in our hunt for authenticity and community. This commitment to buying local and selling local, but also being local, sets A Novel Idea apart, and, hopefully, will contribute to its long term success. Come in to browse some local books and products, and stay for one of the readings or events.

This is a very cute bookshop. My mom and I went in to look around. Everything is organized and they have a good selection of books as well as little notes around the shelves with recommendations. The employee their was very kind. I can't wait to go back once I have some extra money to purchase some of the books. I much prefer going to smaller book shops like this than Barnes and Noble.

A Novel Idea may be a small shop, but it is lovingly curated, with a great selection of hidden gems, small publisher works, and the classics. Also has a selection of young adult and children's books. Worth a stop in for sure!

I see all the good reviews but I have to dissent. Went here for the first time and came away thinking it was the worst bookstore I've ever been to. Poor selection, especially for fiction, and the employees showed zero interest in customer service or being friendly. Also got no feeling from them that they knew anything about books or care about them. Terrible hours too: they closed at 3PM ON A SATURDAY. Bookstores like these make me want to support Amazon or Barnes & Noble. And the "they can order whatever book you want" is nothing special; every bookstore can do that, and A Novel Idea's turnaround time for that service is extremely slow. And when we got home I realized that they overcharged me for a book by charging the Canadian Dollar price. Disappointing in every way. Support a used bookshop which has 10x the selection instead of this place.

A Novel Idea is far and away my favorite bookstore. I was fortunate enough to meet the owners prior to their store’s opening, so of course, I went to check it out and support. Two and a half years later I’m here to say being a part of ANI’s community has changed my life. Not only are they are at the ready and willing to help me acquire whatever books I may want when I visit the shop, but the events and the classes have led me to meet some of the best artists, witches, and generally cool people in Philadelphia that I am humbled to call friends. That doesn’t happen at your everyday independent bookstore! I’m so grateful for their team and for opening such an incredible and welcoming space for bibliophiles who like other cool stuff, too.

Great shop with a wide variety of books and a knowledgeable staff.

Super cute book store and friendly staff! I love ordering books from here!

Love this place! Always a great selection. The employees are great - very friendly and knowledgeable.

Wonderful bookstore offering works from a diverse set of authors, also hosts several local book clubs!