Bookstores in Western Massachusetts

 

Last change: 
 4 Sep 2008

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Cities (listed west-to-east more or less) include: 
Charlemont MA 
Sheffield MA 
South Egremont MA 
Southampton MA 
Easthampton MA 
Amherst MA 
Northampton MA 
Huntington MA 
Florence MA 
Whately MA 
Shelburne Falls MA 
Bernardston MA 
Greenfield MA 
Montague MA 
North Hatfield MA 
Sunderland MA 
South Deerfield
South Hadley MA 
Springfield MA 
Palmer MA 
Wales MA 
West Brookfield MA 
Townsend MA 
Worcester MA 
Comments 
other geographic areas 

[Note 1:  This list includes cities in Western Massachusetts (defined 
liberally to include Concord and Lexington, because I've been there and no 
one else was listing them--so shoot me).  There are separate lists for 
Cambridge and Boston, Vermont, and for the rest of New England.

[Note 2: I collected these comments from a variety of people.  I personally 
have no knowledge of many of these places and take no responsibility if you 
buy a book you don't enjoy. :-)  Phone numbers and precise addresses can be 
gotten by calling directory assistance for the appropriate city.  Call ahead 
for precise hours, as even when I list them they are subject to change.] 

[Note 3: If you can add information for any of these, in particular 
addresses when they are missing, please send it to me.  *PLEASE SPECIFY CITY 
AND STATE.*] 

[Note 4: Area codes change so quickly these days that these may be wrong.] 

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Charlemont MA: 

Zoar Books and Gallery (399 Zoar Rd, Rowe, 413-339-4308, 
	http://www.abebooks.com/home/ZOARBOOKS).  Used books.  Open 
	Apr 15-Oct 31, Wed-Thu 10AM-5PM. Ri-Sun 10AM-6PM.  [09/06] 

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Sheffield MA: 

Berkshire Book Company (510 S Main, 01257, 413-229-0122, 
	bbookco@bcn.net).  25,000 used art, children's, 
	cookbooks, history, first editions.  Open Thu-Sun 11AM-6PM, 
	Jul-Aug daily 11AM-6PM, closed Jan.  [09/06]

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South Egremont MA: 

B & S Gventer: "Books" (1 Tyrell Rd, 02158, 413-528-2327, 
	http://www.madenbridge.com).  10,000 used and rare, including 
	Medieval and Renaissance pages and hand-colored plates and prints.  
	Open Jun-Oct Wed-Sun 11AM-4PM, Nov-May some weekends 11AM-4PM.  
	[09/06]

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Westfield MA: 

Dragonfly Books (71 Elm).  About 5500 used books in paperback and 
	hardcover in various different categories.  Open Wed-Sun 
	9:30AM-3:30PM.  [04/07]

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Southampton MA: 

Heritage Books at the Old Library (Route 10, near Sage Books, but on 
	the opposite side of the road).  They have apparently moved 
	from their old location further down the road, but their web 
	site has not been updated in over ten years, so I do not know 
	the full address, current phone number, or hours.  [10/07]
Sage Books (220 College Hwy, Route 10, 01073, 413-527-7703, 
	FAX 413-527-1990, http://www.sagebks.com).  30,000 used books 
	in all categories in a light and clean old house.  Prices 
	reasonable.  Basement has a bargain section of hardbacks for 
	$3, paperbacks for $1.  Has cats.  (In fact, there's a sign 
	warning that if you left your car windows open, you should 
	check for cats before driving off.  It seems that one couple 
	from Florida got as far as the Mass Pike before they realized 
	that one of the cats had hitched a ride!)  Open Tue-Wed, Fri, 
	Sun 12N-5PM; Thu 12N-9PM; Sat 10AM-5PM.  [09/06]

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Easthampton MA: 

Cherry Picked Books (101 Main, 413-529-2665).  Used books.  "We're 
	sort of a recycling center for readers.  It's just this huge 
	cycle of books."  [03/07]

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Amherst MA: 

Amherst Books (8 Main, 413-256-1547, http://www.amherstbooks.com).  
	One of my personal favorites in Amherst for new books, though 
	the classification of some of the books makes finding things 
	difficult.  (Hannah Arendt was in both "Philosophy" and in "
	Social & Political").  Also carries textbooks for some Amherst 
	College and UMass courses.  (One of our favorite things is to 
	look at a shelf of books and try to guess what the course is 
	without reading the shelf tag.)  No longer interfiles used 
	books--they are in the basement.  Formerly Atticus, formerly 
	Albion.  Open Mon-Sat 6:30AM-9PM, Sun 6:30AM-5PM.  Book buying 
	done Mon-Fri 6:30AM-5PM.  [10/07]
Barnes & Noble (Route 9, Hadley).
Food for Thought Books (106 N Pleasant, 413-253-5432, 
	).  New books with 
	a definite liberal tinge.  [07/08]
Jeffrey Amherst (55 S Pleasant, 413-253-3381).  The oldest bookstore 
	in town.  New books and textbooks.  
L.A.O.S. (Interfaith Bookstore of Amherst) (233 N Pleasant, 
	413-253-3909, http://www.laosbooks.org).  New books.  World 
	religions and philosophy.  Tue-Sat 11AM-2PM.  [07/08]
Main Street Antiques & Books (321 Main, 413-256-0900, mainstbk@charter.net).  
	Used books, with emphasis on textiles and general.  Open 
	Wed-Sat 10AM-4PM: Sun 12N-4PM.  [05/04]  
National Yiddish Book Center (Hampshire College Campus, Route 116, 
	http://www.nybc.org, http://www.greatjewishbooks.com).  
	A non-profit organization which works to salvage old Yiddish 
	books and other materials, one of its goals is also to get 
	them back in circulation rather than hoard them in one 
	location.  In addition to their conservation efforts, they 
	sell in-print Jewish and Yiddish books, as well as 
	print-on-demand of tens of thousands of digitized books.  
	(They are planning to digitize *everything* and provide it 
	both on the Web and with print-on-demand.)  A truly unique 
	resource.  Open Sun-Fri, but closes at least a couple of 
	hours before sunset Friday, and is closed on Jewish holidays.  
	[07/08]
University Store (UMass Student Center, 413-545-2619).  The usual.  
Valley Books (220 N Pleasant, 413-256-1508, FAX 413-256-8190, 
	http://www.valleybooks.com).  Used books (the one 
	remaining used book store in Amherst, which used to have five 
	or six).  Across the street from its old location, and around 
	the back on the lower level.  It is now all on one level, and 
	seems even more interesting to browse than before.  Buys books 
	only by appointment.  Open Mon-Fri 10:30AM-5:30PM, 
	Sat 10:30AM-5PM, Sun 12N-4PM.  [10/07]

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Northampton MA: 

Beyond Words (189 Main, 413-586-6304).  New books. Inner development 
	and self-help.  
Broadside (247 Main, 413-586-4235).  New books. 
Gabriel Books (21 Market, 01060, 413-586-5596, 
	http://www.abebooks.com/home/gabebooks).  Used books.  
	Open Tue-Sat 12N-5PM, Sun 12N-4PM.  [09/06]
Haymarket Bookstore Cafe (18 Amber Ln, 413-586-9969).  
Metropolitan Books and Records (9 3/4 Market Steet).  "There are lots 
	of books, with a scholarly emphasis, scrunched uncomfortably 
	together in two rooms, but if you're patient and willing to dig, 
	there's a good chance you'll find something."  Just a few doors 
	from Gabriel Books; the 3/4 means they're upstairs, on the second 
	floor.  [09/07]
Seth Nemeroff (46 Green, 01060, 413-586-2220).  Used books.  Scholarly 
	and unusual, especially in religion, spirituality, and 
	classics.  Open Mon-Sat 11AM-4PM (call to verify).  [09/06]
Old Book Store (32 Masonic, 413-586-0576).  Used books.  We've been 
	going here for almost forty years.  It's now run by the son of the 
	original owners, but the prices are still the best in the area.  
	Open Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM.  
Pride and Joy (20 Crafts Ave, 413-585-0683).  Gay/lesbian/bisexual 
	bookstore.  
Raven (4 Old South, 413-584-9868).  Used books.  Good selection in a 
	variety of areas.  Better, more modern selection than the Old 
	Book Store, but slightly higher in price.

There are probably other small stores scattered around as well.

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Huntington MA: 

Paulson's Books and Ephemera (24 Allen Coit Rd, 01050, 413-667-3208).  
	Used books and other antiquarian paper materials.  Open 
	Fri-Sun 10AM-5PM (May-Oct).  [09/06]  
Ida Read Used & Out of Print Books (5 Main, 01050, 413-357-6603 (home), 
	http://www.idaread.com).  General used books, specializing in 
	New England, military, and children's books.  Open Tue-Sat 
	10AM-3PM.  [09/06]

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Florence MA: 

Bookends (80 Maple, 01062, 413-585-8667, bookends.co@comcast.net).  
	35,000 used books--literature, natural history, biography, and 
	others.  Open Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM.  [09/06]

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Whately MA: 

Whately Antiquarian Book Center (13 State Rd, Route 5, 413-247-3272, 
	whatebks@crocker.com).  Group of 45 dealers.  Open Mon, Tue, 
	Thu-Sat 10AM-5:30PM; Sun 12N-5PM.  [09/06]

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Shelburne Falls MA: 

Nancy L. Dole Books & Ephemera (32 Bridge, 2nd Floor, 01370, 
	413-625-2210, ndole@crocker.com).  Used books and ephemera.  
	Open Tue-Sun.  [09/06]

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Bernardston MA: 

Bernardston Books (219 South, Route 5, 01337, 413-648-9864, 
	FAX 419-648-5395, bernbook@comcast.net).  60,000 used military, 
	history, and exploration.  Open daily 9AM-5PM.  [09/06]

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Greenfield MA: 

Federal Street Books (8 Federal, Route 5, 01301, 413-772-6564, 
	fsbooks@shaysnet.com).  30,000 general used books.  Open Tue-Fri 
	10AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-4PM.  [09/06]

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Montague MA: 

Book Mill (Greenfield Rd, near intersection of Routes 63 and 47, 
	413-367-9206, FAX 413-367-0104, http://www.montaguebookmill.com).  
	Used and half-price new books, with emphasis on philosophy and 
	other academic areas.  Little SF.  Also cafe, performance hall, art 
	gallery, deck, and a waterfall.  The cafe is closed during the 
	winter.  Driving directions (from Amherst): drive north on Pleasant
	St to Route 63, then north to the intersection with Route 47.  Turn 
	left, drive a short distance to a T intersection.  Turn right, drive 
	through Montague, following the road as it bears left at the common, 
	then right again.  The Montague Mill is on the left, by the stream.  
	Open Sun-Wed 10AM-6PM, Thu-Sat 10AM-8PM.  [09/06]

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North Hatfield MA: 

Troubadour (336 West St (Route 5/10 south of Route 116), 01066, 
	413-247-3028, troubadourbooks@verizon.net).  Used books.  Scholarly with a 
	good literature section, also art, poetry, religion, medieval 
	history.  Special sections for modernists, Beat Generation, etc.  
	Only SF is in the "Vintage Paperbacks" section, but one SF 
	author says they have interesting old pulp magazines as well.  
	Open Tue-Sat 10AM-5:30PM, Sun 12N-5PM.  [09/06]

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Sunderland MA: 

Chandler & Reed Rare Books (207 N Main, 01375, 413-665-0064, 
	chandlerbooks@comcast.net).  Stock at Antiques at Deerfield, 
	Rtes 5 & 10.  Antiquarian.  Open Thu-Sun 11AM-5PM.  [09/06]

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South Deerfield MA: 

Meetinghouse Books (70 N Main, 01373, 413-665-0500, 
	http://www.meetinghousebooks.com),  About 25,000 used books in 
	many different categories, including all sorts of fiction, lit 
	crit, history, poetry, fine arts, performing arts, etc.  Good 
	selection of SF, especially older books.  Used to be Blue Moon 
	Books in Wellesley.  Now inhabits a 19th meeting house--lots 
	of room and light.  Driving directions: from Route 5 North 
	turn right onto Elm just north of the intersection of Route 
	116. then left onto Main.  Open Wed-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat-Sun 
	12N-6PM.  (Best to call ahead in January and February.)  [09/06]
 
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South Hadley MA: 

Odyssey (9 College, 01075, 413-534-7307, FAX 413-532-3654, 
	http://www.odysseybks.com).  New and used books.  A local 
	tradition, though of late, it has mutated into a less 
	"personal" store with shorter hours.  New and used are filed 
	together (thought the used all have stickers on their spines, 
	which helps when browsing).  Open Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat 
	10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM.  [09/06]
Thirsty Mind (same shop cluster as Odyssey).  Cafe with some used books.  
	A much better quality of books than this sort of place usually 
	has--good fiction, etc., in good condition at reasonable prices.  
	Trade paperbacks and hardcovers, with few if any mass market 
	books.  Also has board games available for patrons.

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Springfield MA: 

[A note in passing to mourn Johnson's Books, which closed a few 
years ago after 113 years in business.]

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Palmer MA:

The Book Loft.  Library sale store.  [10/05]

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Wales MA: 

The Wayward Bookman (18 Main, 01081, 413-245-3706).  25,000 general 
	used books.  Open Mon-Fri 9AM-12N, Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM.  

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West Brookfield MA: 

The Book Bear (West Brookfield, Rte 9).  "Excellent all around 
	variety."  Open 10AM-6PM every day.  [12/05]

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Townsend MA: 

Duncan Matthew Books (269 Main, 01469, 978-597-6000, 
	duncan@bicnet.net).  Antiquarian.  Open Mon 10AM-5:30PM, Wed-Sat 
	10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM.  [09/06]

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Worcester MA: 

Ben Franklin Bookstore, Inc./Worcester Antiquarian Book Center 
	(21 Salem, 01608, 508-753-8685, 
	http://www.benfranklinbookstore.com).  General selection of 
	used books.  Group shop.  Open Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 
	10AM-5:30PM.  [09/06] 

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Comments: 

Special mention: 
Union: Traveler Restaurant Book Cellar (I-84 at the MA/CT border: 
Exit 74 [visible from the Interstate], 203-684-9042 for the bookstore, 
203-684-4920 for the restaurant.

The upstairs is a restaurant with the gimmick "a free book with every meal," 
though the books here are the sort one finds at the end of the day at a 
rummage sale and the food undistinguished.  The walls are covered with 
autographed fan mail from famous authors.  The basement is a serious used 
bookstore.  It's out in the middle of nowhere, but definitely worth a visit 
if you're passing by on your way between NYC and Boston, for example.  
The restaurant is open seven days a week, 7AM to 9PM; the bookstore hours 
are Sun-Mon 12N-8PM, Tue-Wed 10AM-2PM, Thu-Fri 12N-8PM, Sat 8PM-8PM.  

For more used bookstores, you might check http://www.abaa-booknet.com/ or 
http://www.bookweb.org/bookstores/usa_states.html.  

There are also Book Hunter Press's USED BOOK LOVER'S GUIDE TO [various 
regions], seven regional guides to over 7,900 used, out-of-print, and 
antiquarian book dealers in the United States and Canada.  The complete 
database is online and can be searched by location, dealer name, specialty, 
and type of dealer. Access to the database is available on a two tier basis: 
partial access is free, full access is by subscription.The web page also 
includes free access to regional and city maps showing locations with used 
bookstores. For more information or a free catalog, check their web page at 
http://bookhunterpress.com/.

And there is also ANTIQUARIAN, SPECIALTY, AND USED BOOK SELLERS 
DIRECTORY 1997-98, covering 5,261 dealers in 863 pages.  For more 
information, send E-mail request asubs@aol.com, or check their web page 
at http://www.auldbooks.com/biblio/asubs.  

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