Let's Read: The Big Blue Marble Bookstore

Are you tired of the same old big, chain bookstore?  Then it's time for a visit to The Big Blue Marble Book Store in Mt. Airy.

This is a wonderfully quaint little shop right next to the Weaver's Way Co-op.  There is only on-street parking and it does sometimes get crowded in this area, so walking might be nice if you're close by.

 

The children's section is small, but fabulous, set down from the rest of the shop with plenty of toys for kids to play with and a kid-sized table to accommodate little readers.  They have a great selection of books and other products, such as "Knuffle Bunny" shirts for kids.  The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable about the books they carry.

The Big Blue Marble specializes in "progressive and multicultural titles of interest to Philadelphians in general and Mt. Airy-ites in particular: children’s books; woman-centered pregnancy and parenting; sustainable living; lesbian/gay, African-American, and Jewish studies; feminist science fiction; literary graphic novels; and smart, fun fiction."

After perusing through the titles downstairs, take a minute to wander up to the second-floor book section that borders a full cafe serving coffees, teas, and desserts.  The kids will be entertained by the colorful foam seating on the floor for them to lounge on or run around in circles on, as my son did.  Or, they can cook up a meal for you at the adorable wooden toy kitchen.

If the weather is nice, follow the back door out to a private deck with seating to enjoy your book and coffee or tea.  There is just enough room for the little ones to roam around happily, but safely, as well.

The story time on Thursday has been small lately, but the story teller is engaging, fun, and very understanding of distracted children.  She is flexible and happy to read a book pulled off a shelf by a child.  She obviously knows children's books well and reads them like a true story teller.  

If you have you have a bigger kid at home, he or she can go to the Big Blue Marble on the fourth Thursday of the month for the Big Blue YA Book Discussion.

Baby Group: Tuesdays at 10:00am -- An informal gathering of babies (and parents) playing, reading, and hanging out.

Story Time: Thursdays at 11:00am

Open Mon- Wed 10-7, Thurs 10-8, Fri 10-9

New Weekend Hours:  Open Sat. and Sun. 10-5

Located at 551 Carpenter Lane Philadelphia, PA 19119 

215.844.1870
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