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Insider’s Guide to 15 Fab Boston Bookstores

Boston is known for being a city that is obsessed with reading. From the university bookstores to the cute niche book nooks in the streets, book lovers are drawn to Boston. Even though E-books continue to dominate the literary scene, independent stores have found a new way to cater to bookworms and their diverse genres of books. In this article, I will go through all the fab bookstores in the city that have been a vital part of the community. Most of the stores in Boston are known for hosting author talks, book clubs, poetry readings, and children’s story times. 

It should be noted that some of the bookstores listed below offer a comfortable seating area where you can enjoy your new books while also soaking in the city’s rich view. With their niche decor and the memorized new book smell that surrounds the store, these bookstores cater to the needs of all readers.

1. Brattle Bookshop

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It is the oldest used bookstore in the United States. It has a vast collection of over 250,000 books. The bookshop offers a wide variety of used, rare, and out-of-print books as well as maps and prints. The store has been featured in movies such as The Departed and The Good Will Hunting as well as the TV shows Boston Legal and Cheers. Brattle Bookshop is known for being a popular destination for tourists. Throughout the year, the store hosts events such as author readings and book signings.

2. More than Words Warehouse Bookstore

It is a unique store that empowers young adults who are facing homelessness, and foster care. The store offers job training as well as support through operating a used bookstore. The program serves over 250 young adults annually by equipping them with valuable job skills, financial literacy, and personal development opportunities.

More Than Words has over 50,000 used books across various genres including fiction, non-fiction, children’s, and rare finds. The store also hosts workshops that help to bring together the community. It should be noted that the store has received numerous awards and accolades for its approach to youth development and social impact.

3. Commonwealth Bookstore

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It was founded in 1980 and has since been a haven for bookworms and bibliophiles. The store had over 40,000 books on its shelves with a diverse collection that encompasses new releases and popular fiction. The Commonwealth Bookstore is known for housing an impressive collection of antique prints, maps, and engravings.

It is a community hub for book lovers, author readings, book signings, and literary discussions. Commonwealth Books has received accolades such as “Best Used Bookstore in Boston” and “Top 10 Independent Bookstore in America” 

4. Beacon Hill Books & Cafe

The store has four floors each curated with specific themes and aesthetics which exude a whimsical charm. It offers new releases and popular titles as well as curated sections that are dedicated to local authors. Beacon Hills Books is committed to supporting independent voices. The cafe is located on the ground floor which is the perfect setting to enjoy your book and unwind with a cup. Beacon Hill Books has a great menu that is filled with many options for each visitor. 

5. I AM Books

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The store is a cultural hub for Italian as well as Italian American culture. The store includes fiction and non-fiction books by Italian and Italian American authors. It offers many books in Italian, cookbooks, travel guides, and sports literature. I AM books have an entire section that is dedicated to young readers, learning materials, games, and toys. The store also hosts events such as author readings, lectures, presentations, and concerts.

6. Porter Square Books

The store was established in 1965 by Murrary Yanowitch and Barbara Goldsmith. It has new releases and bestselling fiction as well as a curated selection of used, rare, and out-of-print books. The store offers unique gifts, greeting cards, and stationery. It should be noted that The Porter Square Books has a foundation that fosters a love for reading, particularly among children and families. The store has a website that allows readers to online browse as well as purchase their desired books.

7. Posman Bookstore

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The store was opened in 2023 and has since become a great part of the community. It has a curated selection of new releases, fiction, and non-fiction with an ice cream parlor. 

8. Trident Booksellers & Cafe

It is an indie bookstore that has over 20,000 new books across various genres. The store caters a diverse literary interests that go over genres such as fiction and non-fiction. Trident Booksellers hosts events such as author readings, book signings, and trivia nights. The store has received accolades like “Best Independent Bookstore in Boston”

9. Bromer Booksellers and Gallery

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The store is a renowned establishment that specializes in rare and antiquarian books, fine art, and prints. It was founded by Anne Bromer and has since been a vital part of the community. Bromer Booksellers boasts an extensive collection of rare books spanning centuries and covers diverse subject areas. The gallery showcases an impressive selection of fine art including prints, drawings, paintings, and sculptures.

The store is known for hosting events and exhibitions as well as gallery openings, artist talks, author readings, and book signings. Bromer Booksellers and Gallery often participate in book fairs and other industry events as a way to showcase their unique offerings to a wider audience.

10. Frugal Bookstore

It is a thriving black-owned bookstore in Boston. Their mission is to promote literacy, cultural awareness, and community engagement with the Black community. Frugal Bookstore has a curated collection of new and used fiction, children’s books, and non-fiction. There is also a section that focuses on works by Black authors. It should be noted that the store has gained national recognition for its impact. It has received awards and media attention for its role in promoting community empowerment.

11. Emerson College Bookstore

The store offers a variety of products and services including textbooks and course materials. It also has a wide selection of general interest books including children’s books, and horror. Emerson College Bookstore hosts author events that offer readers as well as students an interactive day with their favorite author. The store also has a website that allows you to browse its inventory.

12. Northeastern University Bookstore

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The store provides textbooks, academic supplies, and course packs. The store is known for hosting community events such as author signings, workshops, and alumni gatherings. Northeastern University Bookstore also offers technology products such as laptops and printers.

13. UMass Boston Bookstore

It is officially known as the University of Massachusetts Boston Bookstore. It is stocked with textbooks, course packs, academic supplies, and a curated selection of books. UMass Boston Bookstore has a section that is dedicated to showcasing books written by the faculty members. The store hosts book signings, author talks, and other literary events to promote engagement.

14. Lucy Parsons Center

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It was established in 1969 as the Red Book Store. It is an independent, non-profit bookstore that is run by volunteers who are passionate about social justice, community engagement, and activism. The center is known for hosting events such as film screenings, book talks, discussions, and open mic nights. It also distributes donated books to incarcerated individuals as a way of promoting literacy and access to information.

15. Barnes & Noble

There are two Barnes & Noble stores in Boston. The first one has a vast selection of new and used books across various genres including young adult titles, fiction, and children’s books. It also houses a cozy cafe that serves Starbucks coffee. The second store offers a comfortable atmosphere with a well-curated selection of books, toys, games, and music. Both stores participate in Barnes & Noble’s membership program.

All in all, Boston is an endless hub filled with unique bookstores and amazing selections of books. These stores have been designed to cater to the dreams of book lovers and bibliophiles. With their comfortable atmosphere and unique decor, these bookstores are known for being the perfect escape from reality. Aside from having a vast collection of books, Boston bookstores are known for being a community hub.