Lancaster Book Mercantile

Lancaster Book Mercantile opened in 2014 as part of downtown Lancaster's remarkable renaissance, occupying a beautifully restored 1882 dry goods store on North Prince Street. Owner Sarah Chen drew on her background in food journalism to create a bookstore that celebrates the region's deep agricultural roots while embracing the creative energy of Lancaster's growing arts community. The cookbook and food writing sections are among the best in the state, featuring everything from Amish family recipes to cutting-edge culinary theory. A sunny in-store cafe serves farm-to-table pastries and coffee sourced from a nearby roaster, making it a favorite gathering spot for Lancaster's creative class. The children's section is thoughtfully designed with low shelves and a reading nook, while the Amish and Mennonite studies collection draws researchers and curious visitors from across the country.