Pittsburgh’s White Whale Bookstore and Cafe is a spunky independent bookstore on Liberty Avenue.
Within the store, the creative energy is tangible; employees and customers alike are buzzing with conversation, discussing new releases and the classics.
Though small, every wall houses countless titles – contemporary and literary fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, poetry and more – and spotting a few popular BookTok favorites was inevitable.
The bookstore doubles as a cafe, with a selection of coffee and espresso drinks, tea, and even draft beer and wine, for individuals who prefer a drink with their newest read.
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Various book types and genres on display within White Whale Bookstore (Alayna McBeth)
Cozy seating welcomed customers to sit and stay a while, and the unique atmosphere fostered creativity in a way other stores I’ve visited do not.
Not only is the store itself inspiring, but the events they host are also that of the creative variety.
White Whale hosts readings, silent reading nights, writing workshops and other literary events. More than just a place to buy books, they wish to create a sense of community for Pittsburgh readers, and provide a space for creatives to thrive.
The staff at White Whale are friendly and personable, eager to partake in conversation with customers.
In a quick conversation with the girl at the counter, she shared that she was not only working “the best job ever” already, but was also studying literature and film in college.
I was elated to hear of her creative pursuits, and secretly envied her studies – perhaps a work of her own will be on the shelves of White Whale one day.
This Liberty Avenue bookstore offers not only great reads, but a place to get a little lost in a city that can sometimes be overwhelming.
Stop in and grab a drink, a new book, and maybe find yourself in conversation in between the shelves. Creative spaces are meant to inspire, and White Whale does exactly that – and who doesn’t need a little inspiration sometimes?