Giovanni's Room Bookstore

Giovanni's Room is a bright corner store at 12th and Pine Street filled with over 15,000 books focused on LGBTQ literature and feminist works. The shelves offer both new and secondhand books for various interests and reading levels.

The store opened in 1973 and was the second LGBTQ bookstore in the United States. It followed New York's Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop and marked an important moment in making LGBTQ literature available beyond New York.

The bookstore serves as a gathering place for those seeking LGBTQ and feminist literature and holds an important role in Philadelphia's cultural life. Readings and discussion events happen regularly here, strengthening connection within the community.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and Sundays from 11 AM to 7 PM, making it easy to browse new and secondhand books. The corner location at 12th and Pine Street is easy to find and accessible for those visiting downtown.

The store is managed by Philly AIDS Thrift, and profits from book sales support local organizations fighting HIV and AIDS. This connects the bookstore's operations directly to helping the community.

Inception: 1973

Founders: Tom Wilson Weinberg, Dan Sherbo, Bern Boyle

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00-20:00; Sunday 11:00-19:00

Website: http://giovannisroom.com

GPS coordinates: 39.94517,-75.16120

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03