Walk into Let's Play Books at 379 Main Street in Emmaus and two things will happen immediately. First, you will notice that this is not a quiet, hushed bookstore. The shop is known for its no shushing policy, especially during story times when the energy is gloriously chaotic. Second, you will probably meet Garfield or Bernie, the two resident cats who consider the shelves their personal kingdom.
Three Floors of Books
Founded in 2013, Let's Play Books started as a children's bookstore but has grown into something much bigger. The shop now spans three floors with books for all ages. The ground floor is filled with new releases, bestsellers, and curated picks. The upper floors offer deeper dives into genres and topics. The top floor attic is reserved exclusively for events and birthday parties, giving the space a community hub feel that goes beyond retail.
The Lehigh Valley Author Program supports local indie authors, giving them shelf space and visibility alongside nationally published writers. It is the kind of commitment to local voices that sets independent bookstores apart from the chains.
The End: A Second Chapter
In 2023, the owners opened a second location called The End: A Bookstore in South Whitehall Township, focused on independent and local authors with a strong literary community presence. The name is a nod to the final page of every good story, and the shop has quickly built its own following among book lovers in the western Lehigh Valley.
An Emmaus Anchor
Emmaus is one of the Lehigh Valley's most walkable small towns, and Let's Play Books is a big part of why people come here. It is woman owned, community focused, and unapologetically fun. Whether you are buying your toddler their first picture book or picking up a novel for yourself, this is the kind of bookstore that reminds you why physical bookshops still matter.
