New bookstore opens near campus

Beckoning costumers with a sign that reads "RARE, USED AND OUT OF PRINT BOOKS. WE BUY USED BOOKS," a new used bookstore recently opened near campus.

Informally, The Last Word Bookshop opened last Thursday, but store owner Larry Maltz is still moving things in. However, Maltz said he is planning on having an official grand opening party for the store -- located at 3925 Walnut Street -- in late August or early September.

"Maybe I'll have it on my birthday [August 31st]," Maltz said.

The bookstore may not be fully furbished, but Maltz -- an '84 College graduate -- is building all of the bookshelves himself. Maltz constructed everything except the coffee counter with tools borrowed from his friends living in West Philadelphia.

"It's just the easiest and cheapest way to go just to do it myself," Maltz said. "Since I've been open at least a dozen people have come in and asked to buy shelves right off the walls."

In addition to the homemade woodwork, the store will also have a coffee bar, a seating area and plenty of local artwork decorating the walls.

Moreover, Maltz wants to have music playing all the time -- whether it is live or recorded. In fact, Maltz himself plays in a band.

Maltz is even considering selling used records in addition to the books.

So far Maltz has collected over 20,000 used books for all age groups in diverse topics.

"I'll have books that you won't find anywhere else," Maltz said. "It's going to be the best bookstore in Philadelphia."

However, Maltz said he likes to collaborate with other bookstores. And there are two other independent ones in close proximity to campus -- The Penn Book Center and A House of Our Own bookstore.

Penn Book Center Manager Keith Helmut thinks The Last Word will be a good addition to the neighborhood.

"It is a good opportunity for people to find books that go out of print," Helmut said. "Many books go out of print so quickly nowadays."

However, The Last Word Bookstore poses more of a problem for A House of Our Own bookstore since it also sells used books in addition to new ones.

"We have to hope the neighborhood can support a multiplicity of bookstores," A House of Our Own bookstore co-owner Deborah Sanford said.

The 2,700 square feet space that Maltz's bookstore now occupies was previously used as a storage space for all three diners that have been located right next door during their respective times.

According to Vice President of Facilities and Real Estate Omar Blaik, administrators had several ideas for what business might take over the empty space, but a bookstore seemed most appropriate for the University City neighborhood.

"When you go around a university place there are normally four or five used bookstores, and we only have one," Blaik said.

It has taken Maltz nearly three years to get his own bookstore up and running. However, he has been collecting books all his life.

The prices for books range from as little as 50 cents to around $50.

As of now, The Last Word is open from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, these hours are not set in stone.

"I'm not going to kick anyone out [at 10]," Maltz said. "I'm kind of a night owl anyway."

Even though Maltz has many ideas for the bookstore that have yet to be completed, he feels like he has already reached a milestone.

"I'm so excited. I've been putting so many hours into this for so long and I've reached my first goal," Maltz said.

College sophomore Emily Dubin is also excited about having a new bookstore close by.

"The store has a really local atmosphere and I think having art work and live music will make it even more vibrant and eclectic," Dubin said.

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