City Books
About the Business
City Books: A Literary Haven in Pittsburgh
Welcome to City Books, located at 908 Galveston Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233. Since 1984, City Books has been a cornerstone of creativity, discussion, and literature in the heart of Pittsburgh. Our bookstore is more than just a place to buy books; it's a community hub where readers and writers alike can come together and share their love for the written word.
A Unique Atmosphere
Step into City Books and you'll immediately feel the welcoming ambiance created by our great lighting, soothing soft jazz, and a gender-neutral bathroom to ensure everyone feels comfortable. We offer free Wi-Fi to all our visitors, making it an ideal spot to read, work, or simply relax.
A Rich History and a Diverse Collection
For nearly 40 years, we've proudly offered an exceptional inventory of used and collectible books. Our shelves are filled with wild, second-hand books that have a charm all their own, unlike the domesticated volumes found in traditional libraries. We also fulfill special orders for both new and old books, and we can customize curation requests to fit any budget.
Community and Creativity
City Books is more than a bookstore; it's a vital resource for the greater Pittsburgh community. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, we continue to serve our patrons with dedication and care. Masks are required without exception to ensure everyone's safety.
Meet the Owner
Arlan Hess, the owner of City Books, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur who actively contributes to the literary community. She directs the City Books Writer-in-Residence program, which supports emerging and marginalized writers. Arlan also serves on the board of Write Pittsburgh and is a founding member of The Cohort, a Pittsburgh-based creator community.
Additional Services
In addition to our extensive book collection, we offer a selection of branded merchandise and provide domestic shipping for a small fee. Whether you're looking to take a quick peek or enjoy a long afternoon browse, City Books welcomes you.
Visit Us
We are open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM, and on Tuesdays by appointment only. City Books is proud to be a member of the American Booksellers Association and the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association.
Come visit us at City Books, where every book has a story, and every reader is part of our community.
Photos
Location & Phone number
908 Galveston Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233, United States
Hours open
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday:
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Reviews
"Stopped here on a run today and got some awesome books and loved this place! Will be back soon!"
"If you're looking for a great place to explore and discover surprising titles, City Books is a hidden gem located in Pittsburgh's North Side. This unique bookstore offers a wide selection of used and rare books that are sure to surprise you. Stepping into City Books, you'll immerse yourself in a cozy and charming atmosphere. Its shelves are filled with books from different genres and eras, giving you the opportunity to uncover literary treasures you may have never considered before. The personalized attention from the bookstore staff will be invaluable in guiding you and helping you find those surprising titles. Located in Pittsburgh's North Side, City Books is surrounded by a small yet vibrant ambiance of terraces, restaurants, and pubs. After perusing the bookstore, you can enjoy a delicious meal at one of the nearby restaurants or simply relax on a terrace with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while delving into your new book. City Books is the perfect place for book lovers seeking that sense of discovery and surprise when finding unique and special titles. As you immerse yourself in the bookstore's ambiance and enjoy the surrounding culinary and leisure offerings, it will be a complete and enriching experience for avid readers. In summary, City Books in Pittsburgh's North Side is the ideal spot to explore and discover surprising titles. With its cozy atmosphere and the backdrop of terraces, restaurants, and pubs, this literary gem provides an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind books while enjoying an enriching experience. Don't hesitate to visit City Books to immerse yourself in the pleasure of reading and uncover new literary horizons."
"This is an awesome little book store. The owner was lovely. The books are a mix of new and previously loved before by someone else. The store has beauty and classic flare!"
"An absolute gem of a bookstore in an adorable neighborhood of Pittsburgh. I can’t say enough good things about how much I enjoy this shop!"
"Great selection of mostly used books and some new. Had a great pit stop on a walk and walked out the door with 4 books! Great place to find some treasures!"
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