It felt like the end of an era when the original Barnes and Noble Bryn Mawr PA shut its doors back in 2007. For nearly two decades, that corner of Lancaster Avenue was just... missing something. Sure, the Main Line has plenty of charm, but there’s a specific kind of gravity a massive bookstore holds. People missed the smell of the paper. They missed the cafe. Most of all, they missed having a "third space" that wasn't just a loud bar or a cramped coffee shop.
Well, things have changed. Big time.
In February 2025, Barnes & Noble pulled off a move that nobody really saw coming: they moved back into the exact same building they left 18 years ago. It’s located at 720 W Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. If you’ve lived here long enough, you remember it as the old Walgreens. Now, it’s a two-story, 18,000-square-foot temple for readers.
The Comeback of Barnes and Noble Bryn Mawr PA
Honestly, the retail world usually only goes one way—stores close, they become "ghost kitchens" or luxury condos, and we all move on. But this reopening is part of a much larger shift in how the company operates. Under CEO James Daunt, the "cookie-cutter" corporate vibe is out. The new Barnes and Noble Bryn Mawr PA is designed to feel more like an independent shop than a massive chain.
Store manager Len Benefico, a veteran bookseller with three decades of experience, has been vocal about this new approach. Instead of a computer in New York deciding what sits on the "New Arrivals" table, the local staff actually has a say. They curate the shelves based on what people in Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Villanova are actually reading. It’s a localized strategy that’s clearly working.
What’s Actually Inside?
The layout is massive but surprisingly cozy. You’ve got:
- Two floors of books: It’s not just the hits. The selection of manga, young adult fiction, and local history is notably deep.
- The B&N Cafe: Yes, they still have the cafe. It’s been updated with a more modern look, but it still serves that familiar Starbucks coffee and those oversized cookies we all love.
- Event Space: This isn't just a place to buy a book and leave. They’ve already hosted big names like author Hannah Nicole Maehrer for the grand opening and Jo Piazza shortly after.
The building sits right across from Staples, and while the parking lot is notoriously narrow (classic Main Line, right?), it’s almost always full. People are actually sticking around. They’re sitting in the cafe for hours. They’re browsing the LEGO section with their kids. It feels alive.
Why the Main Line is Buzzing (and a Little Worried)
It’s not all sunshine and new book smell, though. The return of Barnes and Noble Bryn Mawr PA sparked a real debate among the local community. The Main Line is home to some incredible independent bookstores, like Main Point Books in Wayne.
Cathy Fiebach, who owns Main Point, has talked about how hard independents work to build a community. When a giant like B&N moves back in, there’s always a fear it’ll suck the air out of the room. But here’s the counter-argument: a big bookstore often acts as an "anchor." It brings people to Lancaster Avenue who might then wander down the street to a local boutique or a small cafe.
Basically, the "book market" isn't a fixed pie. If more people are excited about reading because there's a shiny new two-story bookstore in town, everyone might actually end up winning.
The "Third Space" Factor
We talk a lot about "third spaces"—places that aren't home and aren't work. In 2026, these are getting harder to find. Libraries are great but often have limited hours. Coffee shops want you to buy your latte and move along so they can flip the table.
This location is different. It’s designed for lingering. You can grab a chair, crack open a biography, and just be for a while. In a world that’s increasingly digital and isolated, that’s a huge draw.
Planning Your Visit: The Logistics
If you’re heading over, here’s the lowdown on the practical stuff. The store is open seven days a week, though the hours shift a bit on Sundays.
Current Hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
The phone number is (484) 222-4599. If you’re looking for a specific title, I highly recommend calling ahead or checking the "Pick Up In Store" option on their website. It saves you the heartbreak of driving through Lancaster Ave traffic only to find out the last copy of that buzzy new thriller just sold.
🔗 Read more: The Real Reason Drink Water Mind Your Business Became the Internet’s Favorite Mantra
One pro tip: the parking lot is small. Seriously. It’s narrow and can be a nightmare on a Saturday afternoon. If it’s packed, there’s usually street parking nearby, or you can park a block or two away and enjoy the walk. It’s Bryn Mawr—the scenery is worth it.
The Future of Books in Bryn Mawr
The revival of Barnes and Noble Bryn Mawr PA is more than just a retail opening; it’s a bellwether for how we want to live. Do we want everything delivered in a cardboard box by a van? Or do we want to walk through aisles, talk to a bookseller who actually knows their stuff, and run into a neighbor in the cafe?
The early numbers suggest we want the latter. The crowds at the grand opening were huge, with lines wrapping around the building. It’s a bit of a "full circle" moment for the town. Eighteen years is a long time to wait for a bookstore to come home, but it seems like it was worth it.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
To get the most out of the new location, you should check their local event calendar on the Barnes & Noble website before you go. They frequently host Saturday morning storytimes for kids and evening book signings that aren't always widely advertised on social media. If you're a student at one of the nearby colleges, bring your ID—while B&N doesn't always have a blanket student discount on books, there are often cafe promos or specific membership perks that make the "study session" much cheaper. Lastly, if the parking lot is full, don't circle like a hawk; try the municipal lot a few blocks over. It'll save you ten minutes of frustration.