The Penn Bookstore, as anyone who’s walked by the mammoth building on the corner of 36th and Walnut knows, is a lot more than just a bookstore. Sure, it has books – lots and lots of them. Anything that an ordinary Barnes & Noble carries can be found on the first floor, including a cute kids’ book nook. Since this is a university bookstore, head upstairs and you’ll find shelves upon shelves of neatly organized course books.

But the store is filled with tons of other less bookish goodies, too. The first floor houses the Penn apparel section, which is filled with Red & Blue paraphernalia for proud Penn students, alums, and families. The hoodie selection alone will make you swoon as winter approaches. If sweats aren’t your thing, there’s a seemingly endless assortment of t-shirts, cashmere sweaters, water bottles, bags, bumper stickers, and cold weather gear of all sorts – hats, gloves, scarves, you name it. There’s also more expensive keepsake merchandise, like watches, glassware and chairs all emblazoned with the Penn logo. Next to the apparel, running through the center of the store, are tables overflowing with note cards, beautiful appointment books and diaries, hot items, and gift ideas. Upstairs you’ll find the well-appointed café (hot and cold beverages, snacks and energy boosters to keep you well-fueled while browsing), comfy chairs for reading, and dorm essentials, electronics, notebooks, binders, ink, paper… you get the idea.

None of this is news to anyone who’s been in the store. What you may not know about is the plethora of events that the bookstore hosts, ranging from readings and book signings to discussions, talks, and advice sessions. Some upcoming highlights include bestselling author Jonathan Safran Foer talking about his new book “Eating Animals” on December 15th, and a signing event for a vegan ice cream cookbook on the 11th. You can check out the full schedule of upcoming events here. There’s also a monthly book club - contact Risa at rkredo@exchange.upenn.edu to join the group or get more info about it. And lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the awesome upcoming holiday extravaganza. On December 10th and 11th all merchandise will be 20% off, and there will be free gift wrapping and live music. There will also be a free holiday photo op – get your picture (or your friends’, co-workers’, family’s…) taken in a festive gingerbread house. So cheesy it’s awesome. Check out the store’s Facebook page to stay in the loop!

University of Pennsylvania Bookstore
3601 Walnut St - University Sq
Philadelphia, PA 19104
http://upenn.bkstore.com
(215) 898-7595