“The staff was flexible and able to accommodate my requests. They were able to check the supply closets to assist me in finding what I was looking for. However, the products, specifically the t-shirts, were rather expensive as compared to the other institutions I have visited.”
“This is primarilly a non-profit used book store but also has clothing and household accessiries. The store hires people from 16 to 24 who are struggling and helps to give them the life skills for further employment and like skills to succeed. They take donations of clothing and housdwares as well as books only excluding textbooks. Their store and workspace is going to be expanded shortly. This us a great asset to the community serving Waltham and surrounding areas.”
“Kind staff, great selection of toys and games, my go-to store for when I need gifts for my niece and nephew. Free present wrapping is clutch, and their rewards program often has actually great deals. Thanks, Boing!”
“A wonderful, cozy indie bookshop with a great selection of titles across ages and genres, a cute little cafe, and friendly and helpful staff! They’re even a dog-friendly space, which always makes me so happy. If you haven’t been to this bookshop yet, you are missing out!”
“Harvard Book Store sits on Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square and has been a fixture of the Cambridge intellectual landscape long enough that it functions as a landmark rather than just a retail destination. The large windows and stacked displays visible from the street invite you in before you have made any decision to enter, and once inside the floor-to-ceiling shelves and the density of the selection create an atmosphere that is difficult to rush through even when you came in with a specific title in mind. The main floor covers new releases, staff picks, and a broad selection organized by subject across fiction, nonfiction, and a range of specialized categories. The curation reflects the surrounding community in the best way, with titles that reward browsing beyond the obvious bestseller tables. Staff are knowledgeable and genuinely helpful when you want a recommendation or need to locate something specific, and the information desk handles navigation questions efficiently without making you feel like you are interrupting. The basement is where the store distinguishes itself most clearly from a standard bookshop. The used and remaindered book sections downstairs cover an enormous range at a fraction of the cover price, and the quality of the used stock tends to be high. Spending time down there is one of the more rewarding ways to move through the store, and most visitors come up with something they were not looking for when they went down. The remaindered section in particular offers discounted new copies of titles that did not move at full price, and the selection rotates enough that regular visits continue to surface new things.”
“You will always find an exciting new book at the Book Rack! Whether new releases or a cozy used book, they’ve got books floor-to-ceiling! You’re bound to find your next read here.”
“Lots of used romance and fantasy books which is my favorite genre. Was able to get my favorite book and a new book I wanted to read for about $20! Their used book section is about half of normal prices but most of the used books are basically new.”
“Easily one of my favorite book stores. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Especially love the local book recs. The bathroom is clean and functional, the arts and witchy sections are well stocked. Worth popping in for any book lover 📚✨”
“My first time discovering this spot, and I love it! Lovely to see locals coming in with friends and family for quality time chatting over a cup of coffee. Nice background music. I enjoyed the Mexican mocha and cranberry/orange scone, and I got a toy truck for my friend's little one. The bookstore employee was very nice and engaging with the customers and ready to help with recommendations. I'll be back soon!”
“I came into this bookstore knowing that I wanted a book, but I didn't know what kind. Even though I used to be an avid reader, I couldn't remember the last time I picked up a book. The handwritten summaries of recommended books helped me quickly narrow down which book I wanted - and I simply can't put it down! My love of reading has been rekindled.”
“One of our favorite local bookstores- have a great kids selection. They also have some gifts and cards if you need something for a birthday present. They have a used book section in the basement.”
“I went there 2 weeks ago, they have a huge collection compare to their size. I walked in with a low hope because I was looking for philosophy books and did not expect to find any. To my surprise, the staff showed me their philosophy section which is hard to find even in bigger book stores. I bought six books and even though they are used, the condition is like new with great deals. I will definitely come back.”
“Had the best time at the PLAVE Caligo Pt.2 event today! Huge thanks to the super kind staff for making it such a happy experience. Wishing all PLLI a magical time!”
“I am a huge fan of local and independent bookstores, and I make it a point to visit them regularly and support them as much as possible. Book Ends is one of the oldest independent bookstores in the Boston area. I have visited it many times, and it is one of my favorite places. They have an amazing collection of books, from classics to the latest releases, across all genres. They also have a great arts and crafts section, and visiting Book Ends feels like being part of a beautiful community. I absolutely love Book Ends and would strongly recommend it to any book lover.”
“Over and above the large variety of wonderful books and religious gifts, the sisters that operate this location are truly a model of humility, wisdom, patience and kindness. It is like a sanctuary enetering this store. Peace, Wisdom and Love.”
“Amazing selection of things. I'm a University student and I've found books that I needed for several classes. Huge historical/political selection, reasonably priced crystals, and cozy.”
“This is probably my favorite bookstore. I was looking for recommendations for Mother’s Day and a staff member did an excellent job giving me suggestions. The store also offered three different gift wrap options for free, and it was difficult to choose because the designs are all awesome. The store is a little small, but I love walking around and finding books that are hidden gems. It’s such a great place to find gifts. They have all sorts of stickers, greeting cards, and little knickknacks in addition to their expected inventory.”
“Super cute bookshop! Bigger than I thought, with a great selection and cute decor. The owner (or who i assume was the owner) was very nice and seems lovely! Will definitely be back soon :)”
“I absolutely love local bookstores like Hummingbird because I can tell that the employees actually read and enjoy the books they sell. Nothing makes me happier than being complimented on my book choices when I check out, or a random comment about how they loved a particular book I'd picked up. It gives it an extremely warm and welcoming vibe, and that's why I visit as often as I can! Their selection of titles is great too and I always find something new and interesting.”
“I’m not into Romance or Romantasy novels, but this place makes you fall in love regardless. And they truly have books and goodies that appeal to everyone. AND, if you like Romantasy, this is your Mothership.”
“What an amazing little independent bookstore! The store offers both new and lightly used books. They also have an antique book selection. There are some specialty gifts, teas, tea towels, T-shirts and cute gift boxes, as well. The store is cozy and browsable. Cool selection and set up, lovely staff person or manager/owner. Free street parking and a municipal parking lot across the street are both available. Can't wait to visit again.”
“Love this place!! They have every book you’d ever seek on all ritual art subjects and great insight if you don’t know which to get. Their jewelry is gorgeous and handmade. I love every piece I’ve ever bought, even found matching crystal studs of the same crystal”
“Griffin was the man ! Took his time & went through 2 binders filled with vintage Pokemon & gave me the best price possible. Tbh more than I was expecting. Nothing but honest & warm welcoming people as soon as you enter the establishment. Thank you Griffin !”
“Love this cute, little bookstore!! It’s a wonderful place for gifts for children. Their book selection is perfect and the owner gives great advice on what kids of different ages would like. They also support local authors—we actually met one in the store who drew a custom drawing for our son. It’s obvious a lot of love goes into this place.”
“I think they said this is the oldest poetry bookstore in the U.S. or something like that?? Definitely worth checking it out, it's a very small bookstore and is completely full of poetry! Lots of notable authors there, I think they have a lot of events and things happening at the store as well. Very kind workers as well.”
“We have wanted to come for awhile but kept getting the days and times mixed up. So glad we came!! Parking wasn't bad midday on Wednesday and each month there's a special. This July is half off fiction. Super staff!!”
“Delightful place and people (or maybe I was just starved for conversation with some fellow designers?) Either way, thank you for providing the opportunity, Michael!!”
“I love Maxima. I went there looking for books for my kids and a very friendly employee gave me advice on which books were popular with different age groups. She did a beautiful job with wrapping the books up. Both of my kids loved the recommended books! Great bookstore!”
“The experience very nice and welcoming. They have a large selection of books, and hadassim that stayed green throughout Sukkot. Good service and prices too. Nice place”
“Very Well Stocked Store with reasonable prices for all things a student might need. Lots of small to large items with Harvard on them. Lots of clothes. Lots of sales. Books too! Chill basement. Go!”
Barnes & Noble is proving that physical bookstores aren't going anywhere. The retailer just opened three new locations across Texas and South Carolina, marking another step in its comeback story. Barnes & Noble opened 57 stores in 2024 alone - more than it had opened in the entire decade from 2009 to 2019. The company isn't slowing down either, with plans to open more than 60 new stores in 2025 and a goal of reaching over 1,000 stores nationwide in the coming years.
