West Chester’s Baldwin’s Book Barn is a pillar of the Chester County independent bookstore scene, and its origin story begins in the family. The stone barn was built in 1822 and founded as a bookstore in 1946 by William and Lilla Baldwin, writes Marilyn Sanders for PhillyBite Magazine.  

Their son Tom Baldwin grew up helping out in the store as a child. He has fond memories of watching bibliophiles gather around the stove to discuss history and politics, writes Sanders.

Now he keeps the family business and landmark alive with his wife Carol.

Bookworms can climb up all five floors to explore the over 300,000 used and rare books. In addition to books, patrons can also find maps, manuscripts, and other archival materials. There are numbered maps to help patrons traverse around the stone barn.  

Read more about the abundant rare bookstore in West Chester in PhillyBite Magazine.  

More about Baldwin’s Book Barn.