Beyond Bedtime Books - Pittsburgh, PA

Beyond Bedtime Books, Pittsburgh, PA

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Every used book store I visit has its own unique way of keeping a book inventory.  Some use an inventory program and meticulously enter every book so they know exactly what they have.  At the other end of the spectrum are the used book stores that don't even try, simply because of their immense number of books.  Owner Jamie G. at Beyond Bedtime Books has her own method.  Jamie can confidently tell you whether a book is in her store or not.  She relies on her memorization of book covers to know her inventory.  Honestly, this is exactly the talent EVERY bookseller should possess.  It's even more impressive when you consider this store has approximately 75,000 books.  Well done Jamie.

Beyond Bedtime has been around for 13 years, all of them at this great corner location of the business district in the Dormont burrough.  The store is a smallish space packed to the gills with all used books.  Books of local and Pittsburgh interest are among the popular sellers.  There are some greeting cards offered but other than that its just the books (well, and the free Dum-Dum suckers for kids on their way to the children's area).  I was happy to hear that the store did more than merely survive the pandemic by offering free home and front door delivery.  That makes the store success all the more impressive since they don't offer online sales.  

Best of all, Jamie has created a true family bookstore with the assistance of her dad, Jim.  He even helped build some of the bookshelves and I'm POSITIVE his help extends way beyond that.

Readers, here's an additional tip for when you visit this store.  After you finish up at Beyond Bedtime (and buying A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Jamie's best recommendation), stroll down the street for a lunch at Dor-Stop Restaurant, featured on the TV show, "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives".   

If you ever find yourself on Potomoc Ave in Dormont, pay this terrific bookstore and its knowledgeable owner a visit in this vibrant area of Pittsburgh.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Medicine Walk, Richard Wagamese.  A 16-year old boy was raised by an old man and now he goes in search of a father he has never known and wants to learn more.  Unfortunately, his father is dying and his son Franklin Starlight accompanies his alcoholic father on a journey to the end of his life.  I cannot recommend this author highly enough.  Highly recommended.  Also by this author, Indian Horse.  Outstanding. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The Story of a Bad Boy, Thomas Bailey Aldrich. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Carnegie Maid, Marie Benedict.

Beautiful display window. 

The store has two large display windows with the entrance between the two. 

Independent bookstores have the most creative sidewalk signs. 

Looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Looking to the left from the front entrance. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

A Beyond Bedtime tradition, free Dum-Dums for the kids.  Way to go Jamie!

A few of the greeting cards available. 

Have a seat and take a book for a spin. 

One of the many book aisles. 

An overview at the back of the store. 

A long aisle of books awaits your browsing.  This is looking from the back toward the front.

An overview looking from the back toward the front entrance.  X-ray vision will enable you to see through the books and book shelves to the front door. 

Through this door to the children's area. 

Wasn't there a movie about flying sharks?  But I digress. 

Overview of a beautiful children's room. 

Another angle of the children's room. 

Pricing guide. 

Kids will love this place. 

Area at back of store. 

One of my favorite things here is the organization of books by author into these boxes.  These line the walls of the store. 

Just look for your favorite author's name on one of these boxes, very easy to find. 

Another view. 

I probably should've picked this one up!

This is practically a Stephen King mecca!

Very cool book art. 

I love this.  A local customer created this miniature version of Beyond Bedtime Books.  You need to see this in person to get a true perspective of this model.