This brand new bookstore just opened. I was curious, so I checked it out. It's all bright and clean and new. The workers seemed friendly and there were quite a few other customers there, within an hour of opening. But it never seemed crowded and remained pretty quiet. Here and there they have chairs and tables, so it could be a nice place to sit down with a book for a while. The rows are not straight, so it was a little hard to navigate the store. There were lots of books, but also lots of other things on sale. Puzzles, toys, records, pop culture gifts, and stationary/journals. They had a whole Harry Potter section with the books, of course, but lots of other Potter paraphernalia, like toys, mugs, etc. The signage over some of the sections was missing letters, I think whatever adhesive they used to affix the letters had issues with the curving surface of the book shelves. This store also had lots of events with authors on their event calendar. The cafe seemed like it had the regular snacks and beverages on offer, but I didn't look too hard at the menu. I don't really buy books much anymore (recovering book hoarder here), but this seems like a good addition to the bookstores in the area. I was a little surprised to hear of a new corporate bookstore opening up, but I see they are covering their bases a bit by selling tons of other gifts (and food) along with books. I bet this place will be packed leading up to the holidays! read more

Barnes and Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Salem, Oregon

See all

Although I am fanatical about giving my trade to independent bookstores, I have regularly purchased here. It fills a niche in the book market. If a hot book hits the market, the holds at the library will stack up six deep and you have to wait a year to borrow a copy. Also, the library is no longer a reference library, and if you want a classic out of the past, you can find it here. New books are expensive, but that is not this firm's fault. I enjoy getting a coffee and reading my purchase before I leave. The bathrooms need a code for access but employees have been gracious in giving it to me and indeed the behavior of all the employees has been impeccable. I invariably leave in an enhanced mood. read more

Moved to the area almost 2 years ago and have been starving for a book store! My youngest and I did a little dance when we heard this place was opening up as the rest of the bookstores we have found in the area are pretty dirty and have never felt safe. The employees here were very friendly, it was very clean, organized and so much more. Some of the signage is missing letters but I'm sure that will be fixed soon. read more

Barnes and Noble - Bookstores Near Me - Salem, Oregon

The store was beautifully arranged and employees were very helpful with recommendations.

This is one of Barnes & Noble's new midsize footprint store. It is not huge but it's larger than most independent bookstores it is extremely clean and incorporates a synergy with lots of gifts journals as well as a reasonable spread at their Starbucks cafe. I'm not really the type who spends a lot of time on money at corporate shops but I do enjoy coming in here from time to time just for the atmosphere and occasionally a good cup piece of quiche at the food bar. I tend to do my actual book money purchases at independent bookstores when possible however when in a hurry this store is reasonably well stocked and I can get the book I want instantly which is a great boon. I wish the store extremely well the service is excellent this selection is pretty good and the value is what you make of it for me the value is in the atmosphere in the preview of me getting my investment in books into independent bookstore hands while still contributing to this place's bottom line by buying food etc. however you ethically source your books this place is still a wonderful place in Salem for a clean broad general bookstore with good bites. read more

So happy to have this store open in Salem! It is not as big as other locations, but it still has a large selection of books and gifts. Quiet and friendly atmosphere with chairs found here and there. read more

they profiled my special needs brother the whole time we were in the store. the workers stared us down and talked over their headset about us. we were just browsing and looking like everyone else in the store but were treated completely different. the workers at this barnes & noble are definitely ableist. :) read more