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The Moravian Book Shop, established in 1745, is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is described as the oldest bookstore in America and the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world by both Moravian University and Lehigh Valley Chamber Of Commerce. Moravian Book Shop is also considered the oldest retail store in America of any kind.

It was founded in 1745 when the Moravian Church appointed Samuel Powell of the Church’s Crown Inn on the south side of the Lehigh River to operate a book store. After operating at several locations, the Moravian Book Shop was moved to the church’s publications building near the Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem in 1871.

In the 20th century, the Moravian Book Shop expanded its offerings to include a wider range of books, gifts, and other items. It became a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, known for its unique charm, historic ambiance, and friendly service. In 1995, the Moravian Book Shop underwent a major renovation, preserving its historic character while modernizing its facilities to better serve its customers.

The location was closed in May 2017 to refocus on the Bethlehem location and remaining stock was moved there. In April 2018, nearby Moravian College announced the acquisition of the shop and it became the central student bookstore for the college.

Today it operates on the same site on historic Main Street. For nearly three centuries, book lovers have looked to the bookstore for its selection of books and iconic Moravian- and Bethlehem-themed gifts. The Moravian Book Shop continues to offer its iconic book section that features indie best sellers, trade books, and select books highlighting the history of Moravians, Bethlehem, Bethlehem Steel, the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania. 

The shop sells and buys back student textbooks. It also stocks Moravian College apparel and gift items, reference books, stationery and art supplies, greeting cards, candy, and health and beauty aids. The inventory also includes traditional Moravian- and Bethlehem-themed gifts and College faculty- and alumni-authored books. In 2015, the store opened its first satellite location in Center City Allentown as part of the Two City Center complex.