15 Best Bookstores in Massachusetts 2024
Bookstores in Massachusetts are turning every stone to give readers a chance to get lost in the era of paper and ink. For an ardent reader, to be in a room full of books is similar to being in heaven. These stores are bringing back the nostalgia lost in online reading.
Each one of them offers a well-curated selection of books of different genres. Some even have adjacent cafes to provide something to munch on while reading. Many of these bookstores are improving social literacy with their additional programs.
15 Top Bookstores in Massachusetts
1. Trident Booksellers & Cafe – Boston, Massachusetts
Trident is a prominent indie bookstore by Bernie and Gail Flynn. Starting in 1984, this bookstore gained popularity day by day. It also has a cafe where you can munch on something while reading. This family business is now by the next generation and considered a cultural part of the Back Bay and Boston community. The relaxed vibe of the bookstore makes the whole experience very pleasant.
The bookstore has an impressive collection of books. Ranging from antiques, fiction, biographies, cooking, health, histories, gardening, non-fiction, and many genres are available. Different types of collectibles, figurines, glassware, kitchenware, music, etc., are also there. Audiobooks and gift certificates are also present here. All-day breakfast, coffee, appetizers, and desserts, along with ample veg options, are on the menu.
- Best Selling Books: If We Were Villains: A Novel by M. L. Rio, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Three Stories (Mass Market) by Oscar Wilde, Peter Raby (Afterword by), Gary Schmidgall (Introduction by)
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Contact: 617-267-8688
- Nearby Attractions: The Fenway Garden Society, Gibson House Museum
Address: 338 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115
2. Harvard Book Store – Cambridge, MA
Harvard Book Store has been run by Micheal S. Kramer since 1932. This independently run store has been a landmark in the neighborhood since its opening. It has gained fame for its broad inventory and thoughtful collection. Their warehouse sales and top-notch author events are extraordinary.
They have a huge selection of new, used, and remaindered books. All genres are present under one roof, from biographies, African-American Studies, Anthologies, Classical Studies, European Histories, and Graphic Novels to Philosophy. They have an enormous collection of children’s and teen-adult books covering fiction, non-fiction, gift books, etc. Several digital audiobooks are also available here. Gift cards and codes are there to gift someone along with university clothing.
- Best Selling Books: Sing a Black Girl’s Song by Ntozake Shange, America Fantastica: A Novel by Tim O’Brien
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Contact: 617-661-1515
- Nearby Attractions: Harvard Art Museums, The Hahvahd Tour
Address: 1256 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
3. An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe – Plainville, MA
An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe in Plainville is a special place to spend quality time. Located in iconic Falk’s Market, this was created by Julie and Jeff Kinney. It is an ideal space to relax with a good book, coffee, and delicious food. The ‘Second Story’, their upstairs section, is for hosting community events, trivia nights, open mics, author readings, signing, workshops, etc.
Their collection is elaborated with lots of various genres. Tons of fiction, non-fiction, and kids’ books are present in their selection. They also have a vast staff-enlisted collection. While reading, the cafe has various delectable food items, coffee, and beers. Apart from books, they have puzzles, brain games, gift cards, journals, etc.
- Best Selling Books: Midnight Is the Darkest Hour: A Novel (Hardcover) By Ashley Winstead, So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men (Hardcover) By Claire Keegan
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cafe hours are from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.
- Contact: 508-699-0244
- Nearby Attractions: Wrentham State Forest, F. Gilbert Hills State Forest
Address: 111 South Street, Plainville, MA 02762
4. Porter Square Books – Cambridge, MA
Porter Square Books is an independent bookstore present in Cambridge. They also have another branch in Boston. The Cambridge location has a cafe named Zing that serves fantastic coffee and snacks to munch on. Local bakery items are served here, along with fair-trade coffee.
Their collection is unmatchable when it comes to variety. There are several bundles, novels of different categories, non-fiction books, and many other types. The author’s event of this place is another attraction. This bookstore includes kids’ books, teens’ collections, and digital audiobooks.
- Best Selling Books: Where the Wild Ladies Are (Paperback) By Aoko Matsuda, Polly Barton, Lost Children Archive: A Novel (Paperback) By Valeria Luiselli
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday.to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cafe hours are the same as store hours.
- Contact: 617-491-2220
- Nearby Attractions: Powder House Park, The Harvard Museum of Natural History
Address: 25 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140
5. Brookline Booksmith – Booksmith, Massachusetts
Brookline Brooksmith has established itself as one of the premier bookshops in Coolidge Corner. Since 1961, this independent bookstore has been an integrated part of this society. It is a multi-generational family shop that encourages others to maintain literary traditions.
They have 12,500 sq. ft full of curated books from eclectic titles to current favorites. Their collection also offers bargain books and used book assortments. Every year, they host an award-winning author event series. The transnational literature series is another groundbreaking feature. Gift cards and several gift items are present here.
- Best Selling Books: Trouble Is What I Do (Leonid McGill) By Walter Mosley, The Nickel Boys: A Novel By Colson Whitehead
- Hours: Monday from 9 a.m. to 9.30 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Contact: 617-566-6660
- Nearby Attractions: Hall’s Pond Sanctuary, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Address: 279 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446
6. The Montague Bookmill, Montague, MA
The Montague Bookmill is widely popular as a used bookstore. It is located on the banks of Sawmill River and is home to the river arts. This is also a part of Turn it Up! music and movie empire. All the books, including publisher’s overstock, are half of their prices.
Though the collection is academic-inclined, it offers everything a customer can need. They select books in good condition and without any markings or highlights. During summer, fall, and spring, many concerts are held by them. Food and drinks are available at Watershed Restaurant and Killigrew Cafe. By appointment, they can only buy books.
- Best Selling Books: Jamie MacGillivray: The Renegade’s Journey by John Sayles
- Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Contact: 413-367-9206
- Nearby Attractions: Bridge of Names, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory
Address: 279 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446
7. Tatnuck Bookseller – Westborough, MA
Tatnuck Bookseller is the largest of all in New England. This award-winning store is also known for its art gallery and cafe. It offers women’s accessories, fashion items, jewelry, handbags, decorative items, hostess pieces, etc.
This bookstore comprises non-fiction, fiction, kids’ specials, and other genres of books. Besides books, they also have games, toys, puzzles, baby gifts, apparel, etc. Gift cards and wraps are present in the store.
- Best Selling Books: Going Infinite- The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon By Micheal Lewis, Throne of Glass By Sarah I. Mass
- Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Contact: 508-366-4959
- Nearby Attractions: Westborough Historical Society, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Address: Westborough Shopping Center, 18 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581
8. Wicked Good Books – Salem, Massachusetts
Wicked Good Books is an independent indie bookstore in Salem, established in 2014. Denise Kent and Mike Gibson own this famous shop. They recently started a new toy store named ‘Silly Bunny’, which offers exclusive brands not often found in the big stores.
Several categories are present in the bookstore’s collection. From horror, fiction, and biographies to non-fiction, they have many genres to suit their customers’ tastes. Many audiobooks are also available here. The store accepts donations of used books but does not buy them. They don’t have a consignment program. Gift cards are present here.
- Best Selling Books: Being Henry- the Fans and Beyond By Henry Winkler, The Woman In Me By Britney Spears
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Contact: 978-594-1938
- Nearby Attractions: Bewitched Tours, Peabody Essex Museum
Address: 215 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
9. Beacon Hill Books & Cafe – Boston, MA
Beacon Hill Books and Cafe is the newest addition to Boston’s society. It is a place to gather, learn, and have the most fantastic time. The warm atmosphere, literary events, pop-ups, and author events make this place popular among the neighbors. Their cafe has a full range of delicious fare with locally sourced ingredients.
Their in-store inventory comprises several categories to satisfy the readers’ needs. Books of fiction, non-fiction, novels, kids’ and young adults are in the bookstore. Games, puzzles, and gift cards are also part of this shop.
- Best Selling Books: The Great Reclamation By Rachel Heng, The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder By David Grann
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Contact: 617-945-4713
- Nearby Attractions: Black Heritage Trail, Gibson House Museum
Address: 71 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114
10. More Than Words – Boston, Massachusetts
More Than Words is a non-profit social organization in Boston. Its mission is to empower youth who are homeless, in foster care, court-involved, or out-of-school. They have another branch in Waltham. This store deals with books, gift items, merchandise, jewelry, handbags, personal care, youth-made products, etc.
The shop features books in various genres, including biographies, memoirs, cooking, LGBTQ+, Sci-Fi, mysteries, etc. They also buy used books in good condition. This space can be rented for corporate retreats, pop-ups, book launches, film screenings, weddings, etc.
- Best Selling Books: Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel By Taylor Jenkins Reid, The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle By Stuart Turton
- Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Contact: 617-674-5565
- Nearby Attractions: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Trapology Boston
Address: 242 East Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02118
11. Belmont Books – Belham, MA
Belmont Books is a popular bookstore, owned by Kathy Crowley and Chris Abouzeid. This store has been serving the community since its opening. Besides books, they have a cafe named Black Bear Cafe that serves delicious food.
Their inventory is filled with several categories of books. For kids and teens, they have a special program to give them the chance to read and review any book before publishing. The store offers gift cards, codes, books, and picture books.
- Best Selling Books: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (Hardcover) By V. E. Schwab, How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America (Hardcover) By Heather Cox Richardson
- Hours: Store Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cafe Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
- Contact: 617-932-1496
- Nearby Attractions: Menotomy Rocks Park, Spy Pond Park
Address: 79 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA 02478
12. Titcomb’s Bookshop – East Sandwich, MA
Titcomb’s is an iconic bookstore in East Sandwich, started in 1969. It is the brainchild of Ralph Titcomb. The bookstore is in a barn-style housing and now thrives as a three-story retail shop. The International Booksellers Federation has recognized this store for its excellence and unique approach.
The bookstore deals with new books, used books, rare collections, and others. Toys, games, puzzles, and cards are part of this shop. Ceramic mugs, tote bags, and other merchandise are available here. They host some fantastic author events and allow the locals to listen to amazing stories.
- Best Selling Books: Code Name Sapphire: A World War 2 Novel (Paperback) By Pam Jenoff, Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick (Hardcover) By Shelby Van Pelt
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Contact: 508-888-2331
- Nearby Attractions: Thornton Burgess Society, Heritage Museums & Gardens
Address: 432 Route 6A., East Sandwich, MA 02537
13. Frugal Bookstore – Boston, MA
Frugal Bookstore is a unique approach to improving society. Their goal is to promote literacy among kids, teens, and adults. The incredible pricing is their other focal point. This community store is aiding society and reaching out to more people to accomplish their goals.
They have everything covered, from brand new titles and gently used books to remaindered books. Their collection includes biographies, health, fitness, classic literature, romance, history, law, fiction, political science, business, etc. Comics, graphic novels, computer, technology, drama, theatre, art, and other genres. E-gift cards and gift registry are their additional features.
- Best Selling Books: American Whitelash: A Changing Nation And The Cost Of Progress By Wesley Lowery, Allow Me To Retort By Elie Mystal
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday closed.
- Contact: 617-541-1722
- Nearby Attractions: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Address: 57 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
14. The Silver Unicorn Bookstore – Acton, MA
The Silver Unicorn Bookstore is an independent store situated in West Acton Village. Popular sportswriter Paul Swydan started this shop in March 2018. In these five years, they have established themselves in a permanent place by selling 100 copies of books.
There is an abundance of different kinds of books in this store. It includes juvenile fiction, biographies, history, Social science, political science, young fiction, etc. Games, puzzles, cookbooks, plushies, toys, stationeries, greeting cards, etc are part of their collection. In the non-book section, they sell coasters, hoodies, postcards, spices, harbor sweets, etc are present.
- Best Selling Books: The Secret Hours by Mick Herron, Democracy Awakening- Notes on the State of America by Heather Cox Richardson
- Hours: Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Contact: 978-274-2757
- Nearby Attractions: Discovery Museum, Walden Pond State Reservation
Address: 12 Spruce Street, Acton, MA 01720
15. Newtonville Books – Newton, Massachusetts
Newtonville Books is an independent store serving the community for over two decades. It has been helping society since 1998 and has become a huge part of the Boston Literary community. It is an ideal place for young readers. They also host parties, events, author gatherings, etc.
Their impressive inventory offers everything a reader can need. They even have a collection dedicated to young readers. The store offers gift certificates both online and offline. There are some special offers available for membership holders.
- Best Selling Books: Chain Gang All Stars: A Novel (Hardcover) By Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, The Covenant of Water (Oprah’s Book Club) (Hardcover) By Abraham Verghese
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Contact: 617-244-6619
- Nearby Attractions: Webster Conservation Area, Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
Address: 10 Langley Rd, Newton, MA 02459
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Conclusion
These are the popular bookstores in Massachusetts. They are aiding society by creating an awareness of reading books. Each one offers different kinds of books to cater to everyone’s needs. They’re doing their best to improve the quality of literacy in the neighborhood and beyond. Take a trip to these fantastic bookstores and enjoy the pleasure of reading.
