15 Independent Bookstores Around Boston
When:
Sunday, Jan 01, 2023 9:00a -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 6:00p
Sunday, Jan 01, 2023 9:00a -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 6:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Drinks, Food, Kid Friendly, Photoworthy, Rainy Day Ideas, Shopping, University
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/13-independent-bookstores-around-boston
Boston has a reputation as a smart city and that’s evidenced in the many incredible local bookstores around the city. Amazon can’t compete with the cozy nooks, dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and robust events calendars at these local businesses. Pick one and find your next read waiting on the shelves.
by Celina Colby
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe (pictured) ☕️🍷
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: Boston’s newest (and perhaps prettiest) bookstore just opened in Beacon Hill and it’s causing a literary stir. Book lovers are waiting in line to get into the highly anticipated shop and cafe in the historic Boston neighborhood.
Where: South End
Info: This charming neighborhood bookshop in the South End isn’t just a paradise for readers, it’s also dog friendly so your furry best friend can peruse the shelves with you. They’re also open 9am-9pm every single day for any last-minute book buying needs.
Where: Chestnut Hill
Info: This charming bookstore and community hub is one of the newest on the Greater Boston scene. Browse for books, join a writing class, bring the kids for story time, and so much more at this charming shop.
Where: Harvard Square
Info: Despite the name, this shop isn’t run by the famous university. Harvard Bookstore is an independent shop with a robust calendar of events focusing on author talks and panel discussions, plus new and used books for sale.
Where: Coolidge Corner
Info: Okay, so technically this is in Brookline not Boston, but it’s one of the most beloved bookstores in the surrounding area. The newly expanded store offers a huge selection of new books, discounted copies, and used books as well as unique gifts.
Trident ☕️🍷
Where: Back Bay
Info: Part bookstore, part cafe, and part meetup space, Trident has become known for their delicious all-day menu and robust events calendar. Peruse the latest book selection, have a coffee or a glass of wine, and attend a Trivia Night or Skip the Small Talk gathering.
Pro Tip: you can also order a surprise book to go if you get takeout!
Where: Somerville
Info: All She Wrote Books highlights all the writers that are typically neglected in big chain bookstores: female, POC, and queer authors. The owner Christina has selected an incredible array of books across all genres and is on site most days to give recommendations.
Where: Cambridge and Seaport
Info: This beloved shop now has two locations, one in Cambridge and one in Boston, each one offering a great selection of books. The staff here are true booklovers, they all put together bundles of books they personally recommend in different genres.
Where: Downtown
Info: One of Boston’s most charming and historic bookstores, Brattle offers two floors of general used books and a third floor of rare and Antiquarian books. They also put out carts of books in the outdoor space next to the store for open-air discount browsing year round.
Where: Downtown
Info: Tucked into an alley in Downtown Crossing, Commonwealth Books is the winding used bookstore of your literary dreams. You’ll find a huge selection of volumes, as well as rare books, maps, and even retro comic book editions.
Where: South End
Info: As if you needed more motivation to buy books, you can now do it for a cause. More Than Words is a nonprofit organization that provides real life job training and personal empowerment to young people in difficult situations. The store is completely run by youth workers and offers a great selection of new condition used books and local gifts.
Where: Roxbury
Info: Boston’s only Black owned bookstore showcases an extensive array of diverse books for readers of all ages. It’s a particularly good spot to grab children’s books and YA novels by authors of color.
Where: Jamaica Plain
Info: This female owned indie bookstore stocks a great collection of new books and gifts. If you’re looking for activist literature this is the spot. Right now they have a curated selection of books relating to abortion rights, in response to that political battle.
Where: Harvard Square
Info: Raven stocks more than 15,000 used books at any given time. Even more impressive, they turn over a third of that collection every month. Here you’ll find current popular titles alongside rare, niche finds.
Tres Gatos Book and Record Shop ☕️🍷
Where: Jamaica Plain
Info: If you want to pair your books with a cocktail (and who doesn’t), head to Tres Gatos in JP. The front is a killer tapas restaurant and the back is a small but mighty book and record store with a diverse selection of titles.
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Photo by Sarah Winchester
