Beloved bookstore Baldwin’s Book Barn is a local literary treasure trove like no other, writes Marilyn Sanders for PhillyBite Magazine.
Housed in an 1822 stone barn, the world-renowned shop blends local history with an extensive literature collection. The multi-floor space features books, maps, prints, and more.
William and Lilla Baldwin started their business journey in 1934. The couple bought an old milking house in nearby Wilmington that they converted into a country store and collectible business.
In 1946, the duo purchased “The Barn” and the business relocated to West Chester. Son Tom Baldwin joined the operation that year to establish the book barn in the Brandywine Valley.
Now, Baldwin’s Book Barn boasts five floors and more than 300,000 new and used books in addition to paintings, antiques, and other rare items.
Throughout its history, the shop has received local and national attention, including profiles from ABC, PBS, and a 1994 tour by Good Morning America.
Tom continued to run Baldwin’s along with his wife Carol until his passing in 2019. Thanks to his legacy and a decades-long love of reading, tourists and locals alike continue to enjoy this treasured piece of local history.
Read more about Baldwin’s Book Barn and the local business’ long history in PhillyBite Magazine.
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