Introduction to Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books is an influential Black-owned business located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. Founded in 2017 by renowned author, professor, and commentator Marc Lamont Hill, the establishment seamlessly blends a bookstore with a café, fostering a welcoming space that celebrates literature, culture, community, and great coffee.
More than a retail space, Uncle Bobbie’s is a community cornerstone aimed at providing underserved neighborhoods access to books, art, culture, and education. This hybrid coffee shop and bookstore offers locally roasted coffee, delicious food, a curated selection of books—especially spotlighting Black authors—and a dynamic calendar of events designed to inspire, engage, and uplift residents and visitors.
The Vision Behind Uncle Bobbie’s
Marc Lamont Hill’s vision for Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books was rooted in the desire to create a space where people from all walks of life, especially those in underserved communities, could come together to enjoy literature and quality coffee in an inclusive environment. Named affectionately after Hill’s uncle, the establishment embodies values of empowerment, education, and cultural pride.
This bookstore and café serves not only as a hub for readers but also as a venue for authors, artists, and community organizers to connect with audiences through workshops, readings, and gatherings. Uncle Bobbie’s has become a vibrant cultural institution that champions Black voices and narratives while welcoming all who seek knowledge and community.
What You’ll Find at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
Books and Merchandise
Uncle Bobbie’s offers a carefully curated collection of books with a strong emphasis on Black authors, social justice, Afrocentric literature, poetry, children’s books, and academic works. This selection serves readers who are passionate about diverse voices and stories that celebrate Black culture and history.
The shop also features signed books, unique merchandise like apparel celebrating Black art, and children’s games that encourage literacy and learning through play.
Cafe Experience
Visitors to Uncle Bobbie’s enjoy a high-quality café experience, with locally roasted coffee and a menu of beverages and food items designed to delight. The café creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for reading, studying, or socializing.
The cafe menu includes a variety of specialty coffee drinks, teas, fresh pastries, and light fare available for customers to enjoy onsite.
Community Engagement and Events
Author Talks and Workshops
Unofficially recognized as the official bookseller for Free Library of Philadelphia author events, Uncle Bobbie’s regularly hosts free talks with authors, poets, and thinkers, creating enriching dialogues that invite the community to participate.
Story Time and Educational Programs
The store is committed to nurturing younger readers through weekly storytime events where children can discover the joy of reading in a friendly environment. These story sessions are part of ongoing efforts to promote literacy and education.
Back to School Drives and Community Support
Uncle Bobbie’s actively participates in community enrichment activities such as back-to-school drives, ensuring that local children have the necessary supplies and support to thrive academically. These initiatives illustrate the business’s commitment to uplifting the Germantown community.
Location and Contact Information
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books is conveniently situated in Germantown, a historically rich and culturally vibrant neighborhood in Philadelphia.
- Address: 5445 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144
- Phone Number: (215) 474-1800
- Website: http://www.unclebobbies.com
- Google Maps Directions: Directions to Uncle Bobbie’s
Store and Café Hours
Uncle Bobbie’s operates with hours designed to accommodate customers and community members throughout the week:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
These convenient hours reflect the store’s dual role as a bustling café and community anchor.
The Atmosphere and Experience
Step inside Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, and you enter a space alive with the aromas of freshly brewed coffee and the quiet hum of literary admiration. The environment is warm, inviting, and imbued with a sense of cultural pride and inclusivity.
Customers snap up best-selling books, browse artful merchandise, or simply enjoy peaceful moments sipping coffee. The walls are adorned with artwork and photographs reflective of Black heritage and contemporary creativity, which enhances the décor and deepens the cultural experience.
Supporting a Black-Owned Business with a Purpose
Supporting Uncle Bobbie’s means supporting Philadelphia’s Black community culturally and economically. By prioritizing local artists, authors, and entrepreneurs, the bookstore and café contribute to a resilient local economy and nurture Black cultural expression and education.
The store’s collaboration with the Free Library of Philadelphia and its community programs demonstrate its commitment beyond commerce toward social uplift and empowerment.
Events that Enrich
Uncle Bobbie’s regularly curates book signings, panel discussions, and workshops that bring community members face-to-face with influential thinkers, creative professionals, and change-makers. This programming supports ongoing cultural education and critical dialogues on race, history, and art.
For children and families, the weekly storytime offers a joyful introduction to literature, encouraging early literacy and fostering love for books in a culturally affirming setting.
Online and Social Media Presence
For those who can’t visit in person, Uncle Bobbie’s offers an online storefront featuring books and merchandise, making it accessible to a national audience. Their website provides current event listings, shop details, and ecommerce options.
Additionally, the store maintains active social media channels on Instagram and Facebook, keeping followers updated on new releases, author events, special promotions, and community stories.
Why Uncle Bobbie’s is More Than a Bookstore
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books embodies the power of literature and community to unite, educate, and empower. It transcends the typical bookstore model by integrating social justice, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging into every aspect of the shop.
Its roots in Germantown, a neighborhood with a rich African American history, spotlight the essential role such institutions play in fostering sustainable community growth and cultural continuity.
The store’s founder, Marc Lamont Hill, envisioned a place where both empowerment through education and joyful community living could thrive—an ambition fully realized through Uncle Bobbie’s dynamic offerings and programs.
Quick Contact Information
- Address: 5445 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144
- Phone Number: (215) 474-1800
- Website: http://www.unclebobbies.com
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
Experience the vibrant intersection of literature, culture, and community at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books—a beloved Philadelphia institution where stories and coffee are shared with warmth and pride.