This is a lovely, small local business. The book selections looked interesting and there were lovely cards, paper, and hobby kits near the back door. There's parking in the rear and on the street. read more

This is a charming little store with a surprising variety of books! The store had to downsize, and moved as well to a location on Main Street. They are set back a bit from the road but they have a sign on the sidewalk so you don't miss them. The staff are warm and welcoming. There are loads of recommended titles, and the staff loves to chat about books if they're not too busy. They also have a nice little collection of used books. read more

I can't believe I've never been to the Andover Bookstore before last week! I even went to college up the street and majored in English. This bookstore has a fantastic history - it's the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the US and was established in 1809! I love small, independent bookstores. The selection here is fantastic. I have several books that were featured that are on my must read list. They actually ordered a book for me and had it within two days to pick up. Super fast! Everyone I dealt with was super friendly and you got that definite book lover vibe so I knew I was in good company. Support local bookstores! read more

Staff is very helpful, caring, and very easy to work with when needing assistance. Everyone I have spoken to at Andover Bookstsore has a great attitude. I highly recommend visiting this bookstore or calling when needing a gift book or one to read. The current staff at the new location has rekindled the spirit and memories of the past - never forgotten and always cherished Andover Bookstore. read more

This has always been my last choice for stores when I need a book. I have always found it to be a bit too crowded and far too expensive. I have seen the same books in other stores for half the price as the ones in the Andover Bookstore. I was also unimpressed with the service at the Andover Bookstore. They are less than helpful and I have found that most of their employees are not very friendly. read more

Very nice people working in here, great shop... why shop at a huge chain store with people who might not even read anything they sell? They also have loads of boxes, bubble wrap etc for free if you are moving, shipping stuff, etc.... it's like one-stop for everything! read more

As an indie bookstore, this one actually has quite a big collection. "Best" list of everything, curated staff picks and quite a few YA choices. The kids book section seems a bit lacking, but then I learned children's book upstairs, and soon they will move upstairs to be exclusively for Andover Academy. They put a little sticker with the store name on every book. That made me having a second thought buying gift here. Won't mind if you root for the indie store. read more

Andover Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Andover, Massachusetts

I spent many an hour waiting in lines stretching out the door of the Andover Bookstore waiting to get in and buy textbooks for my classes. Thankfully, a new book-ordering system has alleviated lines, and going to the bookstore is always a nostalgic experience. The other reviewers are right when they say you get a warm fuzzy feeling when browsing. Whether it is walking around the tables and shelves neatly stacked with wonderful books on the first level, or browsing through the Phillips Academy paraphenelia upstairs, the bookstore is a charming experience. read more

This is my favorite bookstore in the whole world. It has a really nice homey feel and I would recommend making a trip there around Christmas. I knew people who would go there from towns over because it was so much better than anything else they had near them. Its a favorite of mine because not only do they stock bestsellers and classics but they also sell beautiful wrapping paper and cards. This is must visit for anyone in the area. read more

It is so refreshing to know that there are still some bookstores out there, let alone independent ones! This place is charming, with a great selection of fiction and non-fiction, a wonderful children's section, and lots of Andover-themed goodies for sale, as well. The woman I checked out with was also super friendly and informative (telling me a bit about the history of the store). A+ read more

Giving book browsers warm fuzzies since 1809. Quaint and cozy (it has a fireplace!!! free coffee...it has one of those oldschool dumbwaiter things too oooh), the store has three floors of books and a very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Occasional readings and events like that too. Located right off of Andover's main drag read more

This is such a cute little bookstore and the staff are very humble and quick to assist. I love going in here after I have breakfast at The Lantern, next door. Though as stated in other reviews their options are limited, there are plenty of books to browse. A lot of which I wouldn't necessarily notice at a generic store like Barnes & Noble and as an Andover resident I love knowing that my money is going to a local business. read more

If you like independently owned bookstores, please consider making a special trip to Andover Books if you're on the North Shore. For a relatively small store, there's a great selection and the "Staff Recommends" section is helpful for finding a new book that I didn't realize I was looking for! I've not been here during textbook buying season, so I can't speak to the crowds. It's always been pleasant when I've been there, with a spare chair for sitting and enjoying a book. The staff are friendly and helpful, and reaffirm my opinion that people who love books are very nice people indeed! There is a frequent buyer program which is useful if you live locally. They will also special-order books for you. read more

Nice to see a small, local bookstore doing well. I love going in here and always try to leave with something even when I don't need anything new to read. read more

LOCAL BUT BAD SERVICE Its nice to have a local bookstore, but they lost my business over unfriendly, unhelpful staff, a horrible return policy, and a lousy attitude. For example, I needed to return a gift that was a duplicate. It was unread, unused, unopened, but the manager said absolutely no exactly 1 month from purchase date. One could argue that you "pay" for good service with a bad return policy and high prices, but no, good service is not the case. What is the point, then, of a local bookstore when service and attitude are awful. The big stores, even Amazon are way better, and cheaper to boot. My advise: borrow books from our wonderful town library. Buy books elsewhere! read more

Awful, terrible service! I have lived in the Andover area for nearly 35 years, and I have never been treated so badly by a local merchant! I bought a gift for a family friend and decided return it a few days later. Upon my return to the shop, I learned they had a no refund return policy! When I stated I wasn't made aware of the policy, the "owner" rudely pointed to a sign on the desk (which was hidden by impulse buy items like buttons and book marks) noting that the policy was posted. When I said I did not see it because of the clutter on the desk, he told me, "that's too bad!" Then he prodeeded to tell me that he "could" take the return and issue me my refund if it was the same day of purchase; however, since it was not, I was stuck. THEN, he proceeded to tell me that if I wasn't happy, I should give my credit away! How rude! I will never, NEVER shop in this store again. And in the age where customer service is the only thing that distinguishes you from the big corporate sellers, you would think customer service and flexibility would be your number one game. Maybe ABS should order some books that explains how to keep customers happy. They certainly need it. Oh, and if you need a nice gift or book, go to BN or Border's Books. They know how to treat a customer!!!! p.s., ABS - you wouldn't be in business if it wasn't for your contract with PA. read more

I love independent bookstores but avoid this one because of the trouble I have had using the parking ticket dispensing machines in the adjacent lot. They reject my bills maybe half the time. In the past when this has happened I have just given up and gone home (I wonder how many others do too), but today I really wanted to make a purchase, so I went in the bookstore and asked for change, figuring coins might work better, and to my surprise, the woman at the counter made it very clear she was put out by my request. I will not be back again ever. read more

I asked if they had a book in stock which is out of print...the girl who answered the phone stated "No offense, but im not surprised something like this is out of print"-Snobby read more

I have always found the staff to be helpful and courteous. They have a very nice selection of books for a small store. Sure you could order anything you want from Amazon, but if you want to support a local business, this place is worth it. read more

nestled in the back area of "Ye Olde Andover Village", is the real deal...a small town, old-fashioned book store, complete with fire-placed reading area. the folks who work there are friendly and beyond helpful...i think they actually like their jobs! strange, but true. they love finding books for their patrons - there is a wall of staff favorites/recommendations, and other favorites or best-sellers set out for you to peruse. the staff enjoy helping you find just the right book, and never mind taking a moment to chat, although there are times in the day when they are swamped. the store is easily navigated, and they have an absolutely beautiful selection of cards and wrapping papers. the second floor is primarily for the PA students, but even us townies are allowed to wander freely and buy at will. downstairs, where your child can roam unattended and you know they are safe, is the children's room. the books range from the " read to your child" variety to young adults. they carry all the big name classics and are always in the know as to what is the newest and best book out there for your child and/or teen. through the years, andover bookstore has filled their house with eager youngsters waiting to experience their weekly story telling events, as well as teens and adults alike for their very popular visiting author series...my 11 year old cut her teeth during story hour and i have enjoyed some of the best talks and readings by authors during my nine years in town. if you are passing through, you should not leave until you've taken a step inside their door...a blast from the past, the whole small town deal, with a real sense of the here and now. oh, and don't forget to grab an extra cookie or two for the road! read more