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Upcoming Events

Youth bookstore growing readers and storytellers

Upcoming Events

Monday Morning Storytime

Monday Morning Storytime

Multiple Dates

Monday Morning Storytime

Mon, Jun 15

Midsummer Books

A gentle start to the week for our littlest readers and listeners - a time to play and explore with other caregivers and their littles

Story Lab - Imagination Theme

Story Lab - Imagination Theme

Story Lab - Imagination Theme

Tue, Jul 07

Midsummer Books

Stories can transform ordinary objects into extraordinary adventures. Featured Book: Not a Box — Antoinette Portis

Story Seekers - Imagination & Belonging

Story Seekers - Imagination & Belonging

Multiple Dates

Story Seekers - Imagination & Belonging

Tue, Jul 07

Midsummer Books

Unexpected friendships lead to unforgettable adventures.

Shop our curated lists on bookshop.org to find great new books for kids and teens

The Latest from Midsummer Books

Registration is now open for our Mid-Summer of Stories!

Starting in July, we invite young readers, writers, makers, dreamers, adventurers, dragon trainers, mapmakers, and storytellers to join us for drop-in classes that fit your schedule and your budget.

With classes for toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens, we will use books to explore everything from creative writing, hand lettering and worldbuilding to crafts and hands-on maker activities.

Whether your child loves picture books, graphic novels, fantasy quests, creative writing, art projects, or discovering new stories, there's a place for them here.

Programs available for:
• Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Early Elementary Readers
• Middle Grade Readers & Makers
• Teens

Our classes are designed for easy drop-in, although pre-registration is encouraged. Classes will be limited to 15 participants.

Participants receive 20% off a youth book purchase on class days.

🔗 Sign up today for a summer of stories Visit our link in bio or go to https://www.midsummerbooks.com/summer-programming

We are still adding a few more classes so keep an eye on this page! Adult classes will be added shortly

Registration is now open for our Mid-Summer of Stories!

Starting in July, we invite young readers, writers, makers, dreamers, adventurers, dragon trainers, mapmakers, and storytellers to join us for drop-in classes that fit your schedule and your budget.

With classes for toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens, we will use books to explore everything from creative writing, hand lettering and worldbuilding to crafts and hands-on maker activities.

Whether your child loves picture books, graphic novels, fantasy quests, creative writing, art projects, or discovering new stories, there's a place for them here.

Programs available for:
• Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Early Elementary Readers
• Middle Grade Readers & Makers
• Teens

Our classes are designed for easy drop-in, although pre-registration is encouraged. Classes will be limited to 15 participants.

Participants receive 20% off a youth book purchase on class days.

🔗 Sign up today for a summer of stories Visit our link in bio or go to https://www.midsummerbooks.com/summer-programming

We are still adding a few more classes so keep an eye on this page! Adult classes will be added shortly

New analog fun in the shop!

Many customers come to us looking for screen-free activities, creative gifts, and boredom busters. These items make excellent birthday gifts, rainy day activities, travel companions, and "just because" surprises.

These new Loop Brigade kits join our collection of analog crafting fun - the kids use colorful loops to create surprisingly satisfying designs and patterns. Great for crafty kids, tweens, and adults who enjoy hands-on projects. Designed for ages 12+ but could skew younger for the right maker.

New analog fun in the shop!

Many customers come to us looking for screen-free activities, creative gifts, and boredom busters. These items make excellent birthday gifts, rainy day activities, travel companions, and "just because" surprises.

These new Loop Brigade kits join our collection of analog crafting fun - the kids use colorful loops to create surprisingly satisfying designs and patterns. Great for crafty kids, tweens, and adults who enjoy hands-on projects. Designed for ages 12+ but could skew younger for the right maker.

This June we're taking some time to wrap up the school year and embrace the summer. But that's just a little reprieve before we start the most epic programming schedule of our lives…

Beginning in July, we're launching eight weeks of stories, creativity, adventures, and community for babies, kids, tweens, teens, and even grown-ups.

Whether your child wants to discover dragons and cryptids, explore underwater worlds, solve mysteries and create maps, make art inspired by books, or create journals, and literary-inspired projects ...we've got something for them.

With themed weeks, and classes for every age group, we are so excited to embrace the joy of reading and storytelling this summer.

This isn't summer camp, but instead a chance to dip into some creative programming, designed as drop-in experiences so you and your kids can easily join us for a single adventure when it works for your schedule, or spend the whole summer exploring.

Registration opens Monday, and we'll be sharing the full schedule, themes, and details throughout the week. In the meantime, you can learn more on our website: https://www.midsummerbooks.com/summer-programming

Summer at Midsummer is going to be our biggest season yet—and we can't wait to create, read, imagine, and explore with you.

Stay tuned!
#PhiladelphiaKids #FishtownPhilly #SummerReading #dropinclasses #PhiladelphiaFamilies

This June we're taking some time to wrap up the school year and embrace the summer. But that's just a little reprieve before we start the most epic programming schedule of our lives…

Beginning in July, we're launching eight weeks of stories, creativity, adventures, and community for babies, kids, tweens, teens, and even grown-ups.

Whether your child wants to discover dragons and cryptids, explore underwater worlds, solve mysteries and create maps, make art inspired by books, or create journals, and literary-inspired projects ...we've got something for them.

With themed weeks, and classes for every age group, we are so excited to embrace the joy of reading and storytelling this summer.

This isn't summer camp, but instead a chance to dip into some creative programming, designed as drop-in experiences so you and your kids can easily join us for a single adventure when it works for your schedule, or spend the whole summer exploring.

Registration opens Monday, and we'll be sharing the full schedule, themes, and details throughout the week. In the meantime, you can learn more on our website: https://www.midsummerbooks.com/summer-programming

Summer at Midsummer is going to be our biggest season yet—and we can't wait to create, read, imagine, and explore with you.

Stay tuned!
#PhiladelphiaKids #FishtownPhilly #SummerReading #dropinclasses #PhiladelphiaFamilies

Somehow it’s June already which means Father’s Day will be here for you know it, if your pop loves trivia, books, and a good joke, stop by and we’ll help you find something thoughtful, unexpected, and memorable.

And because it wouldn’t be Father’s Day without a dad joke:

Why don’t books ever get cold?
Because they always have a good jacket.

Somehow it’s June already which means Father’s Day will be here for you know it, if your pop loves trivia, books, and a good joke, stop by and we’ll help you find something thoughtful, unexpected, and memorable.

And because it wouldn’t be Father’s Day without a dad joke:

Why don’t books ever get cold?
Because they always have a good jacket.

Summer reading is ahead of us if your kid likes to get lost in a series I have seven great actions for you reader this summer- whether they fantasy adventure or big feels, there’s a series for them!

Summer reading is ahead of us if your kid likes to get lost in a series I have seven great actions for you reader this summer- whether they fantasy adventure or big feels, there’s a series for them!

This Friday we are so excited to host EM and David Elliott, father/son co-authors of Bonebag. I have so many questions about the writing process for these two… and this event is definitely one of both for the kids and the adults because this book is so incredibly unique and curious and fun and a little creepy but mostly it has so much heart. I hope you can join us at 5 PM on Friday!

This Friday we are so excited to host EM and David Elliott, father/son co-authors of Bonebag. I have so many questions about the writing process for these two… and this event is definitely one of both for the kids and the adults because this book is so incredibly unique and curious and fun and a little creepy but mostly it has so much heart. I hope you can join us at 5 PM on Friday!

UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS AT MIDSUMMER BOOKS In JUNE…

First up, this Friday, June 5 - E.M. and David Elliott - co-authors of Bonebag, will join us in the shop at 5PM for a book reading and signing. Their book, Bonebag, is a spooky, strange, funny middle grade adventure that is perfect for kids who love eerie forests, weird creatures, dark humor, and stories that feel like a campfire tale told by someone who may or may not be cursed.

Next week on June 11, Brittney Morris — author of SLAY, The Cost of Knowing, The Jump, and This Book Might Be About Zinnia, will join us at 5PM. Brittney is one of the most exciting voices in YA today, writing smart, emotional, deeply relatable stories about identity, fandom, grief, gaming culture, friendship, and finding yourself in a complicated world.

So yes you are reading this right - we have: ~ one event for the kids who veer to the goosebumps section of our shop, and  ~ one event for the teens who love video games, annotate books, and have emotionally devastating playlists

…and here’s a secret - both are for also adults too, because children’s and YA literature is 100% accessible and enjoyable for adults too (hey it’s my personal favorite and not just because I work here!)
So for both you can expect - author talks + Q&As
- book signings - opportunities for kids, teens, and adults to meet real working authors - inspiration to start writing their own stories (and then me, trying to act normal and professional instead of yelling “I LOVE YOUR BOOKS” repeatedly)

As always, these events are about helping young readers discover stories that make them feel seen, excited, curious, brave, weird, and creative.
We will see you there! At Midsummer Books in Our Mutual Friend Community Room. 
RSVP is encouraged because our bookstore is cozy in the “indie movie montage” sense, not the “stadium seating” sense. You can do this in our link in bio. #authorvisit #fishtownphilly #phillykids
@daelliott1234 @brittneymmorris

UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS AT MIDSUMMER BOOKS In JUNE…

First up, this Friday, June 5 - E.M. and David Elliott - co-authors of Bonebag, will join us in the shop at 5PM for a book reading and signing. Their book, Bonebag, is a spooky, strange, funny middle grade adventure that is perfect for kids who love eerie forests, weird creatures, dark humor, and stories that feel like a campfire tale told by someone who may or may not be cursed.

Next week on June 11, Brittney Morris — author of SLAY, The Cost of Knowing, The Jump, and This Book Might Be About Zinnia, will join us at 5PM. Brittney is one of the most exciting voices in YA today, writing smart, emotional, deeply relatable stories about identity, fandom, grief, gaming culture, friendship, and finding yourself in a complicated world.

So yes you are reading this right - we have: ~ one event for the kids who veer to the goosebumps section of our shop, and  ~ one event for the teens who love video games, annotate books, and have emotionally devastating playlists

…and here’s a secret - both are for also adults too, because children’s and YA literature is 100% accessible and enjoyable for adults too (hey it’s my personal favorite and not just because I work here!)
So for both you can expect - author talks + Q&As
- book signings - opportunities for kids, teens, and adults to meet real working authors - inspiration to start writing their own stories (and then me, trying to act normal and professional instead of yelling “I LOVE YOUR BOOKS” repeatedly)

As always, these events are about helping young readers discover stories that make them feel seen, excited, curious, brave, weird, and creative.
We will see you there! At Midsummer Books in Our Mutual Friend Community Room. 
RSVP is encouraged because our bookstore is cozy in the “indie movie montage” sense, not the “stadium seating” sense. You can do this in our link in bio. #authorvisit #fishtownphilly #phillykids
@daelliott1234 @brittneymmorris

Do you want to teach a class or workshop or lead a group in a craft?

This summer, we are looking for workshop leaders and creatives who want to help keep kids reading, exploring, creating, and connecting offline. Whether you want to do a one time workshop or would like to teach a series, we want to hear from you.

Fill out our form (link in bio or https://bit.ly/summer-activity-form) and let us know who you are, what age group you'd like to work with and what you'd like to teach.

If you filled this form out already, please do so again - we had an error that is now fixed.

#kidsclasses #summerlearning #fishtownphilly

Do you want to teach a class or workshop or lead a group in a craft?

This summer, we are looking for workshop leaders and creatives who want to help keep kids reading, exploring, creating, and connecting offline. Whether you want to do a one time workshop or would like to teach a series, we want to hear from you.

Fill out our form (link in bio or https://bit.ly/summer-activity-form) and let us know who you are, what age group you'd like to work with and what you'd like to teach.

If you filled this form out already, please do so again - we had an error that is now fixed.

#kidsclasses #summerlearning #fishtownphilly

Only 2ish weeks of school left…Have a teacher to thank? We’ve got you! From candles and cards to cute stickers and pen sets. And of course you can never go wrong with a good book.

Only 2ish weeks of school left…Have a teacher to thank? We’ve got you! From candles and cards to cute stickers and pen sets. And of course you can never go wrong with a good book.

Did you know we also carry Spanish language books? Our collection is small, but we are working to grow it so that more readers have access to great books.

Did you know we also carry Spanish language books? Our collection is small, but we are working to grow it so that more readers have access to great books.

We are so excited to welcome bestselling author Brittney Morris to the shop on June 11.

Come hang out with one of the most exciting voices in YA right now for a conversation about storytelling, fandom, identity, gaming, writing complicated characters, and all the chaos that comes with growing up online and offline at the same time.

More details + RSVP in our link in bio
#PhiladelphiaEvents #PhillyBookstagram #YABooks #IndieBookstore #BookEvent #Fishtown

We are so excited to welcome bestselling author Brittney Morris to the shop on June 11.

Come hang out with one of the most exciting voices in YA right now for a conversation about storytelling, fandom, identity, gaming, writing complicated characters, and all the chaos that comes with growing up online and offline at the same time.

More details + RSVP in our link in bio
#PhiladelphiaEvents #PhillyBookstagram #YABooks #IndieBookstore #BookEvent #Fishtown

Maycember is not over yet!

Next week, we will be closed for Memorial Day but we will be open on May 27 as the school district has the day off for Eid.

Just like we did for election day, we've packed in the programming for those of us who (forgot - self own, not judgment!) to sign up for one of those day off camps around the city.

Starting at 10 we will have a drop-in storytime and craft

At 11 we will pull out our glue and sparkles to bedazzle some stunning bookmarks or you can BYO book.

from 12-2 we encourage you to come by and use the space to play board games or work on a puzzle

Finally, at 3 we will make some beautifully crafted pressed flower bookmarks with local flowers (PS did you know you can press your own flowers with @gusandrubyresale's hand-crafted flower-press kits?)

#dayoffevents #thingstowithkids

Maycember is not over yet!

Next week, we will be closed for Memorial Day but we will be open on May 27 as the school district has the day off for Eid.

Just like we did for election day, we've packed in the programming for those of us who (forgot - self own, not judgment!) to sign up for one of those day off camps around the city.

Starting at 10 we will have a drop-in storytime and craft

At 11 we will pull out our glue and sparkles to bedazzle some stunning bookmarks or you can BYO book.

from 12-2 we encourage you to come by and use the space to play board games or work on a puzzle

Finally, at 3 we will make some beautifully crafted pressed flower bookmarks with local flowers (PS did you know you can press your own flowers with @gusandrubyresale's hand-crafted flower-press kits?)

#dayoffevents #thingstowithkids

We are open special hours the election day, 10-5. We have drop in crafts at 11 and 3, storytime at 10 and all day drop in and send a postcard to your Rep to ask them to stop the federal book ban! More details at our link in bio.

We are open special hours the election day, 10-5. We have drop in crafts at 11 and 3, storytime at 10 and all day drop in and send a postcard to your Rep to ask them to stop the federal book ban! More details at our link in bio.

We’re looking for educators, artists, writers, performers, makers, storytellers, and generally creative humans who would love to lead workshops, clubs, camps, or drop-in activities at Midsummer Books / Our Mutual Friend this summer.

We’re especially interested in programming that helps kids and teens build literacy skills in fun, creative, low-pressure ways — the kinds of activities that make reading, writing, storytelling, communication, and imagination feel exciting.

Some examples:
- creative writing
- comics & graphic storytelling
- D&D/worldbuilding
- journaling
- zines
- mythology & folklore
- nature journaling

We are open to one-time workshops, recurring clubs, camps, or experimental weird little ideas.

Please note: because this programming involves working with children, facilitators will need current Pennsylvania child clearances before leading programming.

If you have an idea, we’d love to hear it. Visit our Link in Bio to fill out our form or send an email to Lindsay@midsummerbooks.com

We’re looking for educators, artists, writers, performers, makers, storytellers, and generally creative humans who would love to lead workshops, clubs, camps, or drop-in activities at Midsummer Books / Our Mutual Friend this summer.

We’re especially interested in programming that helps kids and teens build literacy skills in fun, creative, low-pressure ways — the kinds of activities that make reading, writing, storytelling, communication, and imagination feel exciting.

Some examples:
- creative writing
- comics & graphic storytelling
- D&D/worldbuilding
- journaling
- zines
- mythology & folklore
- nature journaling

We are open to one-time workshops, recurring clubs, camps, or experimental weird little ideas.

Please note: because this programming involves working with children, facilitators will need current Pennsylvania child clearances before leading programming.

If you have an idea, we’d love to hear it. Visit our Link in Bio to fill out our form or send an email to Lindsay@midsummerbooks.com

A year ago I did my first pop-up with the kind of confidence reserved for people who say things like “how hard could it be to open a bookstore?”

Then suddenly I blinked and there were book clubs and story times and events and workshops and shelves and inventory.

It’s honestly a little surreal to look back at that first setup and realize how much has happened in a year.

And also — I still have SO much I want to build. More programs. More community events. More weird creative ideas. More ways to make this space feel magical for kids, teens, and the grown-ups who still secretly want to sit on the floor and read fantasy novels for three hours.

But this year has taught me something really important: tiny beginnings count.

So thank you. Truly. Thank you for buying books from an indie shop when it’s easier to click a giant website. Thank you for bringing your kids. Thank you for coming to events. Thank you for sharing posts. Thank you for telling your friends. Thank you for trusting this little dream of mine.

I’m still very much figuring things out as I go. But apparently that’s how bookstores are built: one pop-up, one recommendation, one community moment at a time

A year ago I did my first pop-up with the kind of confidence reserved for people who say things like “how hard could it be to open a bookstore?”

Then suddenly I blinked and there were book clubs and story times and events and workshops and shelves and inventory.

It’s honestly a little surreal to look back at that first setup and realize how much has happened in a year.

And also — I still have SO much I want to build. More programs. More community events. More weird creative ideas. More ways to make this space feel magical for kids, teens, and the grown-ups who still secretly want to sit on the floor and read fantasy novels for three hours.

But this year has taught me something really important: tiny beginnings count.

So thank you. Truly. Thank you for buying books from an indie shop when it’s easier to click a giant website. Thank you for bringing your kids. Thank you for coming to events. Thank you for sharing posts. Thank you for telling your friends. Thank you for trusting this little dream of mine.

I’m still very much figuring things out as I go. But apparently that’s how bookstores are built: one pop-up, one recommendation, one community moment at a time

Okay, I need everyone to understand that I am not a sports person. I do not know what an offside is.

BUT.

I just got this incredible FIFA World Cup pop-up book and honestly? It is SO COOL. The engineering! The tiny stadiums unfolding dramatically like they’re accepting an Oscar! The little details! It somehow activated the exact same part of my brain that loves elaborate children’s books, dollhouses, and unnecessarily ambitious paper crafts.

There’s something so exciting about seeing Philly connected to this huge global event. Millions of people. Fans from everywhere. Probably someone crying dramatically in face paint…

Anyway, for those who love soccer, this is quite a keep sake, and even for those who don’t and just admire some good engineering via paper, it is incredibly impressive. #fifa2026 #phillysports #popupbook

Okay, I need everyone to understand that I am not a sports person. I do not know what an offside is.

BUT.

I just got this incredible FIFA World Cup pop-up book and honestly? It is SO COOL. The engineering! The tiny stadiums unfolding dramatically like they’re accepting an Oscar! The little details! It somehow activated the exact same part of my brain that loves elaborate children’s books, dollhouses, and unnecessarily ambitious paper crafts.

There’s something so exciting about seeing Philly connected to this huge global event. Millions of people. Fans from everywhere. Probably someone crying dramatically in face paint…

Anyway, for those who love soccer, this is quite a keep sake, and even for those who don’t and just admire some good engineering via paper, it is incredibly impressive. #fifa2026 #phillysports #popupbook

We’ve got about one month left of school, if you need extra encouragement to keep your reader on track, and avoid summeritis (a very real common, non-medical term describing a severe lack of motivation, productivity, and focus, usually appearing at the end of the school year) make sure you grab your bingo card in the shop. Your kids can earn real prizes for continuing to read even when all they can think about is their future cannonballs at the swimmo.

We’ve got about one month left of school, if you need extra encouragement to keep your reader on track, and avoid summeritis (a very real common, non-medical term describing a severe lack of motivation, productivity, and focus, usually appearing at the end of the school year) make sure you grab your bingo card in the shop. Your kids can earn real prizes for continuing to read even when all they can think about is their future cannonballs at the swimmo.

We had such a fun time, exploring wings of fire in our Book club today, it is so inspiring how immersive this reading experiences is for a range of ages. Whenever we do events like this I like to give the kids a chance to do some writing as well, this included making up our own animous spells, creating unique tribes and playing a little “what if”

We had such a fun time, exploring wings of fire in our Book club today, it is so inspiring how immersive this reading experiences is for a range of ages. Whenever we do events like this I like to give the kids a chance to do some writing as well, this included making up our own animous spells, creating unique tribes and playing a little “what if”

Can you believe we are nearly halfway through May? We still have so much planned for the month including a fundraiser for @fishtown_playschool this weekend, day off events for those pesky extra days off on the school calendar, and drop-in classes.

Also, a confession on best laid plans. I really am so excited to dig into more book clubs, but I recognize that May is just a crazy time for parents. So after today's Darkstalker event, we will pause youth book clubs until after the summer. BUT we will have so many fun drop-in classes centered on reading and writing as we make space for another chaotic summer of parenting. More details to come for June-August plans.

#raisereaders #phillyevents #eventsforkids

Can you believe we are nearly halfway through May? We still have so much planned for the month including a fundraiser for @fishtown_playschool this weekend, day off events for those pesky extra days off on the school calendar, and drop-in classes.

Also, a confession on best laid plans. I really am so excited to dig into more book clubs, but I recognize that May is just a crazy time for parents. So after today's Darkstalker event, we will pause youth book clubs until after the summer. BUT we will have so many fun drop-in classes centered on reading and writing as we make space for another chaotic summer of parenting. More details to come for June-August plans.

#raisereaders #phillyevents #eventsforkids

Do your kids like spooky stories? Weird little creatures? Mild emotional damage? Excellent. We have an event for you.

Join us at Midsummer Books on Friday, June 5 at 5PM for an evening with Bonebag authors David and E. M. Elliott. We will have all the usual: reading, Q&A, signing, plus a collaborative “story chain” activity where we all slowly descend into collective literary chaos together.

Visit our link in bio to learn more!
#booksigning #authorevent #kidlit

Do your kids like spooky stories? Weird little creatures? Mild emotional damage? Excellent. We have an event for you.

Join us at Midsummer Books on Friday, June 5 at 5PM for an evening with Bonebag authors David and E. M. Elliott. We will have all the usual: reading, Q&A, signing, plus a collaborative “story chain” activity where we all slowly descend into collective literary chaos together.

Visit our link in bio to learn more!
#booksigning #authorevent #kidlit

New drop in class alert for Philly Tweens. The incomparable @writewitholivia will be leading a weekly session in the community room Sundays at 2pm

This is a great opportunity for the creative writer in your life to grow their storytelling skills. Sign up directly with Olivia!

New drop in class alert for Philly Tweens. The incomparable @writewitholivia will be leading a weekly session in the community room Sundays at 2pm

This is a great opportunity for the creative writer in your life to grow their storytelling skills. Sign up directly with Olivia!

New time alert!

Join us at 10AM on Fridays for our a fun movement and story call with @phillystorystudio

This class is such a fun way to grow early literacy, each class includes a related craft and music.

#earlyliteracy #storiesandsongs #fishtownkids #phillykids

New time alert!

Join us at 10AM on Fridays for our a fun movement and story call with @phillystorystudio

This class is such a fun way to grow early literacy, each class includes a related craft and music.

#earlyliteracy #storiesandsongs #fishtownkids #phillykids

If there’s one thing you can say about May as a parent in Philly, it’s this: absolutely nobody knows what day it is anymore.
Days off, field trips, midday performances, spirit weeks… it’s chaos out there. So we figured we’d help fill a few of the gaps.

This Election Day — Tuesday, May 19 — Our Mutual Friend will be open all day with special drop-in activities for kids, tweens, teens, and grownups who just need somewhere cozy to exist for a few hours.

Most importantly, all day long we’ll be hosting a drop-in postcard writing station in opposition to H.R. 7661, the federal book banning bill headed to the House floor.
We’re proud to join the @authorsagainstbookbans effort to support the freedom to read and stand against legislation that targets diverse stories, educators, librarians, and young readers.

Schedule of Events
10AM — Drop-In Story Time (ages 0-7) 11AM — Bookish Craft Hour: Zentangle Art (best for ages 10+) drop in $10 1PM — Board Game Free Play (FREE) 3PM — Fantasy Map Making Workshop (best for ages 8+) drop in $10

Come for one activity or stay all day. Bring a friend, grab a snack, write a postcard, play a game, make something creative, and spend the day surrounded by books and community.

Space for crafts is limited, so we definitely recommend registering ahead of time through the link in bio.

#phillykids #booksbooksbooks #bookishevent

If there’s one thing you can say about May as a parent in Philly, it’s this: absolutely nobody knows what day it is anymore.
Days off, field trips, midday performances, spirit weeks… it’s chaos out there. So we figured we’d help fill a few of the gaps.

This Election Day — Tuesday, May 19 — Our Mutual Friend will be open all day with special drop-in activities for kids, tweens, teens, and grownups who just need somewhere cozy to exist for a few hours.

Most importantly, all day long we’ll be hosting a drop-in postcard writing station in opposition to H.R. 7661, the federal book banning bill headed to the House floor.
We’re proud to join the @authorsagainstbookbans effort to support the freedom to read and stand against legislation that targets diverse stories, educators, librarians, and young readers.

Schedule of Events
10AM — Drop-In Story Time (ages 0-7) 11AM — Bookish Craft Hour: Zentangle Art (best for ages 10+) drop in $10 1PM — Board Game Free Play (FREE) 3PM — Fantasy Map Making Workshop (best for ages 8+) drop in $10

Come for one activity or stay all day. Bring a friend, grab a snack, write a postcard, play a game, make something creative, and spend the day surrounded by books and community.

Space for crafts is limited, so we definitely recommend registering ahead of time through the link in bio.

#phillykids #booksbooksbooks #bookishevent

Huge shout out to @thatkristenagain for making our shop an extra special place to hang yesterday! Plus, she left behind a few goodies and signed copies!!

Huge shout out to @thatkristenagain for making our shop an extra special place to hang yesterday! Plus, she left behind a few goodies and signed copies!!

Oh hello, welcome! Apparently there are over 400 of you here now, which means I am legally obliged to share an "about me" post.

So hi! I'm Lindsay and I own (and obsess over) Midsummer Books - a youth bookshop inside @ourmutual_friend in Fishtown. I spend most of my time in the shop:
- aggressively recommending middle grade and YA fantasy
- laughing at the hilarious stickers I find on Faire
- carrying around boxes and stacks of books that are objectively too tall
- saying "I have an idea" and then immediately attempting to execute said idea in the most borderline insane way possible.

The shop is a special part of my life story, and I am so excited about this chapter. I opened Midsummer Books because I wanted to create the kind of bookstore I wish I had growing up. One that takes young readers seriously, celebrates imagination, welcomes teens, and feels genuinely centered on the youth experience.

And honestly, now that I am doing it, I love it more than I can explain. Even on the days when I am working with my partners @gusandrubyresale and @fingerprint.bookshop to build ikea furniture and rearrange the shop, yet again...(currently doing that now actually), or staying up way too late reading book reviews and obsessively trying to find a story for everyone, this space and this community we are building has become my true happy place.

So thank you for being here. Truly. Every follow, RSVP, repost, conversation, book purchase, and "my kid loved that recommendation" message means the world to me. Thanks to my shop partners for going on this crazy adventure with me, and special thanks to @ssmphotog at @icimageworks for taking these gorgeous pics of the shop!

And because I deeply want to know this about everyone I meet now...what book turned you into a reader?

Oh hello, welcome! Apparently there are over 400 of you here now, which means I am legally obliged to share an "about me" post.

So hi! I'm Lindsay and I own (and obsess over) Midsummer Books - a youth bookshop inside @ourmutual_friend in Fishtown. I spend most of my time in the shop:
- aggressively recommending middle grade and YA fantasy
- laughing at the hilarious stickers I find on Faire
- carrying around boxes and stacks of books that are objectively too tall
- saying "I have an idea" and then immediately attempting to execute said idea in the most borderline insane way possible.

The shop is a special part of my life story, and I am so excited about this chapter. I opened Midsummer Books because I wanted to create the kind of bookstore I wish I had growing up. One that takes young readers seriously, celebrates imagination, welcomes teens, and feels genuinely centered on the youth experience.

And honestly, now that I am doing it, I love it more than I can explain. Even on the days when I am working with my partners @gusandrubyresale and @fingerprint.bookshop to build ikea furniture and rearrange the shop, yet again...(currently doing that now actually), or staying up way too late reading book reviews and obsessively trying to find a story for everyone, this space and this community we are building has become my true happy place.

So thank you for being here. Truly. Every follow, RSVP, repost, conversation, book purchase, and "my kid loved that recommendation" message means the world to me. Thanks to my shop partners for going on this crazy adventure with me, and special thanks to @ssmphotog at @icimageworks for taking these gorgeous pics of the shop!

And because I deeply want to know this about everyone I meet now...what book turned you into a reader?

This week at Midsummer Books:
Friday at 11:30AM: @phillystorystudio class- an early literacy class for kids and caregivers! �All weekend long: Shop the whole store and help us raise funds for Adaire while we restock the library classrooms and your own personal bookshelves! �Saturday at 11AM: Meet author Kristen Mei Chase and enjoy free pastries as we discussed social and emotional learning through storytelling with her Gracie Wei series- this is a special time for moms and kiddos to bond over books�Saturday at 1PM: Make a pressed flower bookmark for mom
All events are in our community room. Come hang out, make something sweet, support a local school, and stock up on books while you’re here. Is it our Lincoln bio all the event details!
@thatkristenagain @ourmutual_friend @tiny.jawn #fishtownphilly #phillyliteracy #kidsread #phillywithkids

This week at Midsummer Books:
Friday at 11:30AM: @phillystorystudio class- an early literacy class for kids and caregivers! �All weekend long: Shop the whole store and help us raise funds for Adaire while we restock the library classrooms and your own personal bookshelves! �Saturday at 11AM: Meet author Kristen Mei Chase and enjoy free pastries as we discussed social and emotional learning through storytelling with her Gracie Wei series- this is a special time for moms and kiddos to bond over books�Saturday at 1PM: Make a pressed flower bookmark for mom
All events are in our community room. Come hang out, make something sweet, support a local school, and stock up on books while you’re here. Is it our Lincoln bio all the event details!
@thatkristenagain @ourmutual_friend @tiny.jawn #fishtownphilly #phillyliteracy #kidsread #phillywithkids

A ton of new picture books in stock… I don’t just go for pretty covers (altho children’s book illustration is often stunning). I understand that when it comes to early reading, the reader is often the parent who has to read these stories over and over again. So I make an effort to find stories I could read on repeat in the hopes that if it becomes your little one’s favorite, you’ll enjoy it the first time and the hundredth time they ask for it…
#readinglist #picturebooks #readtoyourkids

A ton of new picture books in stock… I don’t just go for pretty covers (altho children’s book illustration is often stunning). I understand that when it comes to early reading, the reader is often the parent who has to read these stories over and over again. So I make an effort to find stories I could read on repeat in the hopes that if it becomes your little one’s favorite, you’ll enjoy it the first time and the hundredth time they ask for it…
#readinglist #picturebooks #readtoyourkids

This Mother’s Day weekend, join us at Midsummer Books for a special Mom and Me Book Club Brunch with author Kristen Mei Chase.

We’ll be celebrating her wonderful Gracie Wei series, which follows determined fourth-grader Gracie Wei as she tackles everything from spelling bees to summer adventures with heart, humor, and plenty of books along the way.

To make the weekend feel extra special, we’ll have pastries, treats, and plenty of cozy conversation as we chat about: • books and reading • social-emotional learning • growing up and growing together • motherhood and connection

Perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory — especially readers who love funny, heartfelt stories full of big feelings and big imagination.
Come celebrate stories, family, and a little bookish joy with us. Join us at 11 on May 9 at Our Mutual Friend in the community room - and PJs are encouraged!! RSVP at our link in bio

Taking place during @nowandthen_marketplace   Be sure to check it out: @fishtownhappenings @fishtownneighbors @tiny.jawn

This Mother’s Day weekend, join us at Midsummer Books for a special Mom and Me Book Club Brunch with author Kristen Mei Chase.

We’ll be celebrating her wonderful Gracie Wei series, which follows determined fourth-grader Gracie Wei as she tackles everything from spelling bees to summer adventures with heart, humor, and plenty of books along the way.

To make the weekend feel extra special, we’ll have pastries, treats, and plenty of cozy conversation as we chat about: • books and reading • social-emotional learning • growing up and growing together • motherhood and connection

Perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory — especially readers who love funny, heartfelt stories full of big feelings and big imagination.
Come celebrate stories, family, and a little bookish joy with us. Join us at 11 on May 9 at Our Mutual Friend in the community room - and PJs are encouraged!! RSVP at our link in bio

Taking place during @nowandthen_marketplace   Be sure to check it out: @fishtownhappenings @fishtownneighbors @tiny.jawn

A new adventure is growing at Midsummer Books…

Calling all kids who love secret worlds, dangerous forests, magical creatures, and stories that feel like stepping through a hidden door.

Our Greenwild Book Club starts May 15th.

Over 3 weeks we will be diving into Greenwild: The World Behind the Door. We will begin the story together and at each meeting spend and time on:
- discussion
- themed crafts & activities
- adventure + worldbuilding
This will be a fun, low-pressure book club atmosphere

Perfect for readers who love:
- Wings of Fire
- Keeper of the Lost Cities
- Amari and the Night Brothers
And other great fantasy with big adventure vibes

No
Spots are limited — RSVP from our link in bio. #kidsreading #kidsreading #phillyfamily

A new adventure is growing at Midsummer Books…

Calling all kids who love secret worlds, dangerous forests, magical creatures, and stories that feel like stepping through a hidden door.

Our Greenwild Book Club starts May 15th.

Over 3 weeks we will be diving into Greenwild: The World Behind the Door. We will begin the story together and at each meeting spend and time on:
- discussion
- themed crafts & activities
- adventure + worldbuilding
This will be a fun, low-pressure book club atmosphere

Perfect for readers who love:
- Wings of Fire
- Keeper of the Lost Cities
- Amari and the Night Brothers
And other great fantasy with big adventure vibes

No
Spots are limited — RSVP from our link in bio. #kidsreading #kidsreading #phillyfamily

Congratulations to our @librofm golden ticket winner Katie and our #indiebookstoreday swag bag winner Megan!!
And a huge thank you to all who came out and shopped our little Indie bookshop and @fingerprint.bookshop at Our Mutual Friend on our very first Indie book store day. Your support means the world to us!!

Congratulations to our @librofm golden ticket winner Katie and our #indiebookstoreday swag bag winner Megan!!
And a huge thank you to all who came out and shopped our little Indie bookshop and @fingerprint.bookshop at Our Mutual Friend on our very first Indie book store day. Your support means the world to us!!

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