Boston Area Bookstores to Support Right Now
Walking into a bookstore and being greeted by rows upon rows of books just waiting to be read, picking up an intriguing one and diving in, is almost reminiscent of Alice falling down the rabbit hole and entering a place where seemingly anything can happen. Few things can transport someone to another reality the way that a good book can.
Sprinkled throughout Boston and the surrounding area are places where one can find such a book. It’s no secret that the members of the Just Us Gals team are fans of reading and all that can be learned by doing so. Local, independent bookstores are treasure troves for finding your next read and there’s no better time than the present for all of us to step up and show them our support!
If you’re wondering what independent bookstores are near the Boston area, we’ve got you covered!
The shops below are amazing assets to their communities and stopping by in person (or checking them out virtually) can make a world of difference for their chances of survival, as small businesses have been hit especially hard by the pandemic.
Belmont Books
79 Leonard Street
Belmont, MA 02478
617-932-1496
This charming bookstore opened in 2017 and is also the home of Black Bear Cafe. Both entities are currently open for takeout, curbside pickup and limited in store browsing. Belmont Books carries a broad range of genres and the second floor is a dedicated children’s section. This mom and pop shop also offers shipping if online shopping is preferred. Belmont Books hosts a multitude of virtual events each month as in store events are not currently possible.
Raven Used Books
23 Church Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-441-6999
Raven Used Books has been a staple of Harvard Square since 2005 and moved to its current location in 2015. The shop has a large inventory and a fast turnover, leading to an ever-changing, exciting selection of books primarily focused on literary and scholarly works. As the shop sells pre-owned items the prices are lower than standard retail. Anyone interested in selling books to the shop is asked to call ahead to set up an appointment. Raven Used Books is open for in store shopping, with limited online offerings as they are dedicated to providing local customers with the best stock possible.
Papercuts Bookshop
60 South Street
Boston, MA 02130
617-522-3404
A women-owned bookshop located in Jamaica Plain, serving the community for more than 6 years. As in store browsing is currently limited the shop recommends booking an appointment online to secure your in store visit. Shipping, local delivery and curbside pickup are available options as well. Papercuts Bookshop stocks fiction, nonfiction, middle grade, and children’s books and curates lists of favorites which can be seen on their website.
Frugal Bookstore
57 Warren Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
617-541-1722
Frugal Bookstore is a Black-owned business that has been operating for over 12 years and is dedicated to “changing minds one book at a time.” The bookstore is located in Nubian Square and offers customers a plethora of categories to shop from including biographies, memoirs, children’s books, cookbooks, young readers, young adult, history, poetry, and more. Current shopping methods include online, in store, and curbside pickup.
Brookline Booksmith
279 Harvard Street
Brookline, MA 02446
617-566-6660
Brookline Booksmith opened their doors in 1961 (under the original name of Paperback Booksmith) and has been growing ever since. The shop has a wide variety of titles and crafts themed collections viewable in store or online, carries gift items, hosts multiple monthly book clubs along with other virtual events, and opened The Novel Kitchen in 2020.
The Used Book Cellar, located on the lower level has an inventory of over 25,000 books. Brookline Booksmith purchases books on Fridays and Saturdays on a first come, first served basis, their purchasing standards can be viewed online. The family-owned Coolidge Corner establishment is open for shopping in store, over the phone, online, and by curbside pickup.
ALL SHE WROTE
All She Wrote Books is a bookstore that elevates female, queer and non-binary authored books to readers. They have a brick-and-mortar location in Somerville, do many local popups, and are also available online. Learn more about why we love All She Wrote Books by checking out our interview with their founder, Christina Pascucci Ciampa!
Shopping local and shopping small are some of the best ways to uplift those in our communities!
Emily Movsessian is a writer, explorer, and foodie. You can follow her Boston-area food adventures on Instagram at @ems.eats.n.experiences
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