Molly's Books & Records

Molly's Books & Records sits in Philadelphia's Italian Market, where tourists, neighbors, city shoppers, and suburban visitors naturally pass through. The shop has been open since 2001 and combines books, records, CDs, and a deliberately old-school retail feel: most sales happen in person, not online.

The record side is broad rather than narrowly "collector-only." Classic rock, soul, and jazz are the mainstays, but Molly's also carries classical, blues, world, folk, gospel, spoken word, kids' records, 45s, and even 78s. Budget records, books, and CDs outside the shop make it easy for Market visitors to stop, browse, and impulse-buy.

For sellers, Molly's is always looking to buy or trade for vinyl, CDs, and books. The best first step is to call, talk with the shop, and make an appointment. They can do house calls for collections or special circumstances.

Interview with Molly's Books & Records

Molly's sits right in the Italian Market. How does the Market shape the store's daily life?

The Market is indeed an excellent location. It attracts people from so many different sources: tourists, neighbors, shoppers from all over the city and suburbs. Everybody has to eat, right? And lots of them like music and reading too. It all mixes quite naturally. We very much feel part of the Market.

How do the books and records talk to each other? Do readers become diggers and vice versa?

Joe says that in the 16 years he has been there, and Molly's has been open since 2001, he cannot say there has been crossover as such. Molly adds that books and records do go well together, and people are often interested in both.

What kind of records feel right at Molly's?

What really influences record buying for the store is variety. Molly's has customers with a wide range of interests, and the shop feels comfortable for people who might be intimidated by a "hipper" store.

The store carries a strong classical section, spoken word recordings, world and folk, blues, gospel, jazz vocals, and a kids' section with Disney and Sesame Street records. It also carries 45s and, more unusually these days, 78s. The only format they do not carry is 8-tracks.

What do regulars hunt for most?

The meat and potatoes are classic rock, soul, and jazz. Molly's also occasionally gets real rarities, and its Instagram page alerts collectors when a gem comes in. The store does very little online selling, probably about 1%, and remains very old school.

Does younger music shape the bins too?

Yes. Johnny and Carla, who both work at the store and are musicians in the local band Nadafinger, help keep the shop current. They know newer music better than Molly and Joe could on their own.

Does South Philly music history come through in collections?

South Philly history has not played a major role in buying record collections; most large buys come from outside the neighborhood. But the building itself has a music connection: it was once owned by jazz violinist Joe Venuti, according to someone researching buildings in the Market.

What do Market visitors impulse-buy?

Visitors naturally look for Rocky or Godfather-related records and books, but nostalgia drives a lot of purchases too: someone spots a Beatles record they had as a kid. The budget records, books, and CDs outside also draw people in, especially the $2 records.

If someone wants to sell books or records, what's the best way to start?

Molly's is always looking to buy or trade for vinyl, CDs, or books. The best first step is to call and speak to someone at the store, then make an appointment. The shop does house calls for collections or special circumstances.

First visit to Molly's: how should someone split their time?

Molly's is open 363 days a year, from 10 AM to 6 PM, so there is plenty of time to browse all the sections.

FAQ

Does Molly's Books & Records buy used records?

Yes. Molly's buys or trades for vinyl, CDs, and books, and can look at collections by appointment.

What is the best way to sell records to Molly's?

Call the store first, describe what you have, and make an appointment. House calls may be possible for collections or special circumstances.

What genres are strongest at Molly's?

Classic rock, soul, and jazz are core categories, with additional strength in classical, blues, world, folk, gospel, spoken word, kids' records, 45s, and 78s.

Does Molly's sell online?

Only a very small share of sales happens online. Molly's is primarily an in-person, old-school shop.

What should first-time visitors check?

Browse both the books and records, check the budget records outside, and look for new or rare arrivals that the shop may also mention on Instagram.

Last updated: 2026-07-11