New Independent Bookshop Opens in Swarthmore, Offering a Potential New Hangout Spot for Residents.

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, is set to welcome a new independent bookstore, named Celia Bookshop, which is scheduled to open its doors on October 4. Strategically located at 102 Park Avenue, adjacent to the Swarthmore Library, the bookstore will occupy a 1,200-square-foot space that previously housed Gallery on Park and Harvey Oak Mercantile, both of which have since relocated within the area.

Celia Bookshop will feature a curated selection of nearly 8,000 titles, encompassing a diverse range of genres such as fiction, mystery, thriller, romance, literature, young adult, horror, and true crime. Emphasizing local interests, the store will also dedicate sections to local authors and topics, cultivating a sense of community engagement. Bookstore owner Beth Murray and literary director Rachel Pastan envision Celia Bookshop not merely as a retail establishment but as a vibrant social hub—referred to as a “third space” where patrons can gather outside of their homes and workplaces.

Both Murray and Pastan have strong ties to the Swarthmore area and identified a significant gap in the local book retail landscape. After two years of planning and collaboration, they are determined to fulfill this community need. Murray is transitioning from her role as a lecturer at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, with Pastan, a published author, seeking to expand her contributions to the literary world in new and meaningful ways.

To ensure the success of their venture, the duo consulted extensively with other independent bookstore owners and engaged in hands-on experiences within the industry. The storefront itself, having undergone significant renovations, is characterized by its welcoming façade with expansive windows, inviting the community to explore its offerings.

In addition to a rich inventory, Celia Bookshop will host various events, including regular children’s story times, book launches, and literary clubs. An innovative guided reading series featuring Tolstoy’s revered work, Anna Karenina, will commence on October 28, led by a