I am really appreciative of the diverse selections this (New England) bookstore has to offer…read more I would highly recommend to all.

Great independent bookstore with a wide and eclectic selection of books, a generous kids' section,…read moreand a lovely view of the Squamscott river from a nice reading table in the back. Lots of helpful book recommendations are noted throughout the store. Not to be missed!

The service was nice and welcoming. Great selection from abc books to Witch information. Prices…read morewere good and 10-20% off can't remember which.

Great selection, fair pricing & kind staff. I picked up a few great things here, and the nick…read moreknacks were very unique. the organization is also the best ive seen in a bookstore of this size. will definitely be back with my heart Gianna

The second of third Portsmouth book stops for Indie Bookstore Day. This is a spot you could easily…read moreget lost in spending hours searching for that hidden gem/special book. Many older books in really nice condition. In what appears to be a house converted into a literary haven for book lovers, it's a spot that could easily be missed if you aren't directly searching for it! Despite having many older and used books they did honestly have a good selection of newer and popular books too! Compared to many other spots of similar nature I really appreciated the fact they had some newer and popular books in contrast to used books. It's a great way to bring in both those who want the popular and new and those looking to search through the shelves for that hidden gem! Prices seemed reasonable and while we did not interact with the owner nothing negative to say. A spot worth checking out if you find yourself in Portsmouth. One of a few Indie Bookstores you can support here in town!

I went in looking for a James Baldwin novel and an Ursula LeGujn novel and found both, plus a…read morememoir that I wasn't seeking. Not that I'd expect to find exactly what I wanted each time I go here, but this place has a wonderfully curated inventory and the feeling of a flea market too, among the used books. Who knows what you might find, browsing while independent radio plays in the background?

On my way out of town decided to stop into this little shop right at opening. I knew it would be…read moregood based on how many people were already getting food and drinks. They have such cute names for specialty drinks that I was having trouble choosing. I settled on a classic honeybee latte (honey and vanilla) which was the perfect combination of both. I tried the chopped Italian cream cheese which was unique but I really liked the depth. The service was super great and the library feel made it a nice place to sit down. Prices are great as well and hope to go back soon !

Excellent coffee and old-school ambiance. There is a long line here on weekend mornings. I could do…read morewithout the political signs on the door. Unfortunately, decent coffee and leftist politics seem to run together these days. A coffee shop should be a hospitable place. Instead of telling us who isn't allowed inside, why not state something positive you represent? Eg "we support immigrants". Nearly all of the customers are white anyway, so it looks like a transparent marketing ploy, and is poor business practice.

Visited for the first time and was blown away! Incredible selection with multiple price points…read morebased on format/condition, and then some! Went on a Saturday afternoon and it was far busier than I had anticipated which was great, love that for them and the bookish community, and the staff were very friendly. Will be back!

Huge store with all types of used and new books. I only had time to look in the children's section…read morewhich was huge and decently organized by categories such as (sensory/cause and effect, holidays, popular authors, language, potty training, family). You could spend a good chunk of time browsing through the bins and shelves. It is great that they have a train table in the kids area so they kids can play while you browse the books. I was searching for Lunar New Year books, but couldn't find any. They had a bin for the big holidays like Christmas, Halloween, Easter and a general holiday bin for smaller holidays. The employees were nice and can system search by author/title, but they couldn't do a search by general topic/genre.

This is by far the best book store that I've been into. Many many years ago I found an amazing…read morebookstore in Aspen, Colorado . . . it was always my very favorite, until Illume came to town. They have a beautiful collection of classics, more than you'll find anywhere else. There's absolutely a book for everyone at Illume. The atmosphere and the wonderful energy in Illume is undeniable. My hope is that they have found their permanent home in Market Square, here in Newburyport. Debra D.

Illume bookshop is a must visit destination in downtown Newburyport. A highly curated store,…read moreIllume's Jen Perry has all the books you've been meaning to read over your lifetime, as well as books hot off the press. If you don't see the book you want, Jen can order it for you. There are author talks and book signings, event nights and giveaways, as well as board games and art for sale. Several book clubs are offered during the winter months for thoughtful discussions, learning new skills, making new friends, and reading fun. There's value in community. I visit often to pick up my next read, meet with friends, and chat with Jen. Excellent and friendly service, I highly recommend Illume for your go to bookshop.

This is the best bookstore in the seacoast area, period…read more I've been to other small bookstores in the area, and none of them can match the selection of well curated titles this store has in its collection. If you want to support something genuine and real, then support this shop.

He is a liar. He lied to me about the value of a book I had, then after paying me $200 for it, put…read moreit up for sale for $10,000. I can't imagine this was the first time he swindled someone. Stay away.

I absolutely LOVE this bookstore. I don't live close but the selection of books, as well as the…read moreamazing staff, are so worth the drive. It's a cozy place to shop and hang out in. They have a fantastic collection as well as numerous special events and book clubs to join. I'll take this place over any other bookstore out there. Definitely check them out. ~Sheriff Smutt

Cute bookstore alert! While I haven't been in to the store yet because I live in a different state,…read moreI've seen pictures, I know one of the employees very well and follow the store's instagram feed. They offer great community gathering opportunities for kids and adults, are friendly and are ready to recommend books! Stop by and see for yourself!

This is the type of store that really adds something intangible to a town. Andrew is not only…read morehelpful, but is personable and can talk about any genre of books, it seems. I've been going here since they first opened, and my son has graduated from playing with the toys in the fully stocked and very convenient "kids area", to looking at chapter books while I browse the rare and obscure selections from social sciences, geography, history, you name it. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing artwork and cool gifts and games for sale as well. A lot of the art is locally made. It's a funky store, and absolute opposite of Amazon. Go here.

A huge selection of books adult and children, jewelry, puzzles and music. Great value and awesome…read moreservice by owner, Adam. You can donate a few boxes of books and get a store credit!