The Last Word Bookshop

This place is a wonderland for a used book lover! I would have absolutely LIVED here in my 20s. The whole place is well-organized and clean with just an incredible selection, affordable prices and a lovely owner. I was on the hunt for some metalsmithing/historical jewelry art books (which I’ve yet to find in person) and found three treasures! My three year old had a great time sifting through the large selection of children’s books. We found all three very specific types of cookbooks I had on my list, plus a beautiful historical book of Philadelphia that will be a gift. If I had more time or less toddlers to wrangle, I would have dove head first into their oversized Philosophy section. I really feel like they pay special attention to the "niche" genres; I guarantee you’ll be surprised with what you find! The shop cat we heard about was in the back room but the owner was so lovely as to let us go back and meet her, as she shares a name with my kitty-loving daughter, Millie. He even gave us a free bookmark on our way out, which my Millie was very excited to put right to use. We will definitely be back soon!

I spent an hour in this bookstore and could have spent more. This is a shop where the treasure hunt for books is worth the time. I love how organized every area was ( even the stacks on the floor) there is a method to the madness! I found some really unique books that i can’t wait to dive into. Definitely recommend!

Last word, last stop before I left Philly. As if I didn't have enough books weighing my carry on down I still stopped here. It's a large used book store with a sizable history section. I'll need to come back next visit and really dig through it. Both the American and international sections were broad in scope and topics/events covered. Even after I told myself I wouldn't, I still ended up buying another book.

Owner is unethical, sells donated neighborhood books for profit: My friends and I have noticed the owner of this bookstore taking ALL of the books from the local little libraries around West Philly. He then SELLs the books that people have DONATED for his own profit. This saddens me as I see many children walk up to the little library eager to grab a book to take home; however, often times no books are left because this man takes all the books for himself. I find these actions to be selfish and unethical, the purpose of the little libraries are to give other people the opportunity to read books. You take one and give one. Not take all and sell for profit and greed. Please beware some of the books in this store were donated by locals with the intention of them being FREE for others to read and pass on. Now you’re buying them from an unethical person.

Huge selection of books! I found several books that I wanted just by browsing around. Great prices. Everything is also very organized and categorized. Love that they're open until 10pm. Cute cat too!!

If you enjoy wasting money on overpriced books you can find cheaper elsewhere, this is your place! The selection is pathetically limited - I've seen better variety in airport convenience stores. But the real highlight is the owner, who treats customers like unwelcome intruders. Heaven forbid you ask a question about a book - you'll be met with sighs, eye-rolling, and condescending remarks. Save yourself the frustration and shop literally anywhere else. One star only because zero isn't an option.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

A great place to spend a few minutes, hours--or days looking for books. There's a wide variety and the prices are fair. The owner is a little...eccentric; however, the sheer volume of books and the cute bookstore cat make up for that. Everytime I go into the store, I come out with three or more books without breaking the bank. It's just the kind of store needed when you have Amazon trying to take over the world.