Celia Bookshop Opens Doors in Swarthmore, Inviting Community

A new chapter is beginning for the borough of Swarthmore as the vibrant community welcomes the Celia Bookshop, set to open its doors on October 4, 2023. Located at 102 Park Avenue, the space, which once housed an Italian shoe store, is being transformed into a lively venue for readers, writers, and friends to gather.

Founders Beth Murray and Rachel Pastan envision Celia Bookshop as more than just a retail space; it is aimed at fostering community connections. “Swarthmore has a vibrant community of readers and writers,” said Murray. “We want everyone to feel at home here, whether they’re hunting for their next favorite read, joining a conversation, or just pausing to recharge.”

A Revival of Independent Bookstores

Once facing decline, independent bookstores are experiencing a resurgence across the country, and Swarthmore is no exception. The newly opened Celia Bookshop embodies this movement, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can relax at cozy café tables, enjoy self-serve coffee, and immerse themselves in literature.

“Our hope,” expressed Pastan, “is that Celia Bookshop is a place where readers find new authors they love, and where some lesser-known books find new readers to love them.”

The bookshop is named after Joseph Celia, an Italian immigrant who established a family-run shoe business in the building during the 1920s. “Some people in town still remember coming here to get their school shoes,” Pastan noted, highlighting the connection to the community’s history. The store’s mascot, a figure named Celia, is designed to reflect this legacy, sporting a pair of vintage shoes.

Complementing the shop’s charm is a striking outdoor mural by Pepe Gaka, which depicts children atop stacks of books amidst oversized flowers, symbolizing the connection between past, present, and future. This artwork adds a unique flair to the store, making it a new landmark in Swarthmore.

A Hub for Events and Community Engagement

Inside, Celia Bookshop offers a diverse selection of books, including fiction, memoirs, poetry, and a dedicated children’s area. The store features intimate nooks perfect for reading or socializing, providing a conducive atmosphere for community engagement.

The flexible space is designed to host a variety of events, such as author talks, book clubs, and writing workshops. The first class, “In Case You Missed It: Revisiting the Classics,” will focus on Anna Karenina and is set to begin on October 28, led by Sibelan Forrester from Swarthmore College.

Celia Bookshop’s Grand Opening promises to be a festive occasion, featuring live mural painting, special giveaways for all ages, and a champagne toast at noon on October 4. Murray and her husband are not only the owners but also plan to reside above the shop, further embedding themselves into the fabric of the community.

Reflecting on the significance of the bookstore, Murray stated, “I’ve always loved the idea that the right book in the right hands at the right time can change a life. This bookstore gives us a chance to change lives for the better every day. How great is that?”

Celia Bookshop will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. For further information, potential visitors can call 610-871-6329, visit the bookstore at 102 Park Avenue, or follow @CeliaBookshop on social media.