📚 Pittsburgh’s best indie bookstores

💸 Zappala Sues County Over Pension System

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala filed a lawsuit against the county and its retirement board alleging the pension system is severely underfunded, and current and former employees are at risk of losing their benefits. According to one report, the fund is expected to be insolvent as early as 2040. [90.5 WESA]

👟 City To Review Site of Pedestrian Death

Pitt staff member Jessie Maroney, 37, died when she was struck by a box truck in the crosswalk at Darragh and Terrace streets in Oakland earlier this month — and now the city is reviewing the intersection to make safety changes. Another pedestrian was killed in the area last year, and seven pedestrians have died in crashes in Oakland since 2009. [Union Progress]

• 🛑 The city hopes to completely eliminate traffic deaths through its Vision Zero program. How are they going to do it? [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

❤️‍🩹 Clinic Needs Help After Roof Collapse

The Hill District’s Mathilda H. Theiss Health Center is a safety net organization that provides everything from cardiology and psychiatry to nutrition and social work. But after their ceiling collapsed, flooding destroyed dozens of toys and children’s supplies they collected for new parents. Check out their wish lists on Amazon and Target. [WTAE]

• 🧸 Listen to our podcast to learn more about how to help these neighbors in need. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

You hear that? It’s the turn of a crisp new page. Find a fresh read for yourself or your favorite bibliophile from indie booksellers all across the Burgh.

White Whale Bookstore

📍Bloomfield

Grab a coffee from the cafe inside of White Whale Bookstore and browse their selection of contemporary and literary fiction and nonfiction, poetry, history, philosophy, local authors, children’s books, and more. Plus, they have really cute stationary and wrapping paper for a perfectly packaged gift. Don’t forget to check their calendar for book launches, community conversations, and poetry readings.

Stories Like Me

📍Greenfield

Representation matters, and that’s why Stories Like Me offers diverse, accessible, and empowering children’s literature — all focused on equity and inclusion. Browse their collections to find a book that represents your family, and look out for events like storytimes and dance classes.

City of Asylum

📍Mexican War Streets

It’s more than just a bookstore — City of Asylum provides a sanctuary for persecuted writers being silenced in their home countries, all while exposing Pittsburgh residents to a multitude of voices through their literary, arts, and humanities programs. Explore their shelves, join their bookclub, or attend a free event.

City Books

📍Allegheny West

Tucked between charming rowhouses, you’ll find Pittsburgh’s oldest used bookstore filled with everything from classic to contemporary reads — and a special section highlighting local authors. The shop is led by Arlan Hess, who hosts book launches, community events, and a writer-in-residence program for emerging and marginalized storytellers.

Beyond Bedtime Books

📍Dormont

This shop is packed with reads in every corner: new and gently used books, rare and out-of-print books, and books for kids in the children’s room. Take your time to meander the shelves, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations!