The Indie Bob Spot: Baldwin's Book Barn

Baldwin's Book Barn, West Chester, PA

(Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on Twitter)

Cozy up to this antique wood-burner in the main room

Brace yourselves. When you enter Baldwin's Book Barn in rural West Chester you're going to be sucked into a time machine. You'll be taking a trip back to early Americana and it hit me just inside the door with the smell of the antique wood-burning stove. This place oozes history and books. How could it not? It truly is housed in a barn built in 1822. Over a century later, in 1946, it began on a run that continues today and is owned by Tom Baldwin, the son of the original owners. As Fred D. told me, this bookstore is a destination. He confirmed to me what I knew before arriving that it is indeed a destination. And
if the history doesn't suck you in, the 4 floors of books, maps, and antique effects will.

This historic building has been recrafted into 4 floors of used books, a 250,000+ inventory. There is also a 5th floor of books but it is not open to the public. Even though it houses books, the thick wooden beams and narrow wooden steps speak to what it used to be. The store has really cut back on the number of books it takes in, however, many customers simply donate their good used books. Aside from that, unless a book can be resold for $50 or more, they generally don't take it. The store offers many vintage and collectable books, but with the internet offering many of these, sales become difficult. If there are collectors who don't know about Baldwin's Book Barn, they should absolutely visit.

I didn't meet the 2nd generation owner, Tom Baldwin, but I did meet Fred who is one of three retirees who take care of this place. He was great to talk to and since he's a former English teacher, I hope he's not too hard on this brief essay! You'll especially enjoy talking to him about an old man who was reading a newspaper upstairs a few years ago. Fact or fiction? Let's just say that some old buildings have unexplained "inhabitants."

This destination is right along the tourist trail, which brings in great business for the store. And even though things are going well, the business is for sale. For many of my followers and bookstore friends, here's your chance. Grab this piece of history and continue the fine tradition of a bookstore that was once recognized as a best used book store in Pennsylvania. Check out this must-see in the picturesque countryside of West Chester, PA. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Last Night At The Lobster, Stewart O' Nan. Story about a staff working their last night at a Red Lobster which will close permanently. This night there is a fierce blizzard and customers are slim but there is a tour bus that gets their hopes up except they only want to use the restroom. This is a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Why Dogs Chase Cars, George Singleton.

You'll know you're in the right place when you see this sign.

Another exterior view and the spacious parking lot.

Main entrance.

View looking to the left of the main entrance.

View looking to the right from the main entrance. Through that door you'll find a few more book rooms and then a stairway that will get you up to the 2nd level.

Some of the encased collectable editions at the main counter.

The inventory grows and these books will need a home.

Lots of maps.

One of the side rooms on the main floor.

Looking back across the length of the first floor. You can see the thick wooden beams of the ceiling and for those of you about 6'0" and taller, heads up. Watch what you're doing or you'll bump your head.