WE CARE FOR EVERY PATIENT WITH COMPASSION & COMMUNICATION
At Big Blue Marble Bookstore, we are dedicated to providing a diverse range of books for our neighborhood of readers. Our mission is to bring people together through literature and create a sense of community among book lovers. We are committed to offering a wide selection of titles, expert recommendations, and exceptional customer service to ensure a memorable experience for every customer who walks through our doors.
Our Story
Big Blue Marble Bookstore was founded in 2005 by Sheila Allen Avelin, who had a vision to create a welcoming space for readers of all ages and backgrounds. With decades of experience in customer-centered retail and a passion for literature, Sheila curated a team of dedicated booksellers who share her vision. Over the years, our store has become a hub for book enthusiasts, authors, and community leaders to come together, share ideas, and discover new stories.
Our Services
At Big Blue Marble Bookstore, we offer a range of services designed to make your shopping experience seamless and enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a specific title, seeking recommendations, or need assistance with gift certificates or audiobooks, our knowledgeable staff is always ready to help. We also offer delivery services for homebound customers, making it convenient for everyone to access our vast selection of books.
Explore Our Store
Our store is located in the heart of Mt. Airy Village, Philadelphia, and features a carefully curated selection of thousands of titles. Our booksellers are always happy to help you find your next great read, whether you're looking for fiction, non-fiction, children's books, or anything in between. We also host author events, book clubs, and workshops to foster a sense of community among our customers.
Online Services
In addition to our physical store, we offer online services to make it easy for you to shop with us from anywhere. Our webstore showcases a small selection of our vast inventory, and we're happy to help you find any book you're looking for. We also partner with Bookshop.org, a platform that supports independent bookstores like ours, and Libro.fm, a leading audiobook provider.
Meet Our Staff
Our team of dedicated booksellers is passionate about literature and committed to providing exceptional service. From our owner, Sheila Allen Avelin, to our manager, Jennifer Woodfin, and events coordinator, Wendy Gale, every staff member is dedicated to helping you find the perfect book.
Overall Experience
The reviewers describe their experiences at the bookstore as warm, welcoming, and friendly. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable, with recommendations for book suggestions and ordering out-of-stock items. The store is well-organized and packed with a wide selection of books across multiple genres.
Ambiance and Comfort
The bookstore is described as a cozy and comfortable space, with inviting atmosphere and natural light. The store has a reading room with comfortable furniture, a backyard nook with native plants, and a children's section with a play area. The employees are warm and welcoming, making customers feel at home.
Book Selection
The reviewers praise the store's impressive selection of books, including children's books, young adult literature, poetry, non-fiction, fiction, and science fiction. The store also has a large LGBTQ+ friendly selection and a diverse collection of books with characters of color.
Staff and Service
The staff are described as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. They are happy to recommend books and order items not in stock. The store also offers a frequent buyer discount and has a loyalty program.
Limited Feedback
A limited number of reviewers mentioned minor issues with the store's hours or accessibility, but these were not significant and did not detract from their overall positive experience.

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