We love Barrington Books. Such an incredible selection of local authors and an even bigger selection of best sellers. The staff is so helpful and accommodating! read more

I usually wouldn't post this but my group and i had SUCH an awful experience at barrington books today it was awful: My group came in and this lady with brown hair yelled at us because we had drinks and didn't see the cart/sign, I understand that it was further down next to the shop but it wasn't right next to the door so we didn't see it. When we saw said this and apologized she rudely told us it was right there and proceeded to get close to us and asked us to leave, we had passed 2 other workers when we walked in and they hadn't said anything, we also saw an older lady with her grandchild and she had a drink. It felt like she was targeting us as we were the only people of color, she proceeded to follow us out and watch us through the window. She was also berating us while we were leaving. The issue isn't the drink policy but the way she went about it felt very aggressive, racist and hostile. read more

I love this store. My new go to for gifts. Great selections for kids. I highly recommend.

My friend who lives in Barrington brought me here as part of a Saturday afternoon tour/ introduction to the town. This store is a real gem! Excellent selection of greeting cards including some so gorgeous you could frame them, and they cards for every occasion! I picked up some cool Easter cards for my parents. They also have an adorable selection of stuffed animals including a number of food themed ones; the anthropomorphic croissant was my favorite! There's a large selection of Scout brand bags and some interesting home decor items including dishes and drinking glasses, all mixed in with books. They also sell a number of gift items including fancy soaps and chocolate. Kind of unusual that the store maybe really only half books and half other stuff, but no complaints from me. It was a really fun place to shop and the staff were friendly and helpful. Prices were reasonable and they even have a small clearance section which included some discounted Scout merchandise. read more

The selection of gifts is good. I recently went to purchase a wedding gift and chose a Simon Pearce decanter (not an inexpensive item); however the store had no boxes for this expensive, hand blown, glass gift!?! How is that possible? The store offers gift wrapping but without a box not sure how that would work...or more importantly...look. If you're selling breakable and valuable gifts, I suggest keeping the item's original box or stocking a proper variety of generic boxes. Would go back but would look elsewhere for a breakable high end gift that has a box. read more

I've never been very interested in reading. I picked up a book for the first time in years and quickly discovered why people love reading! Only problem was I had no idea what book to read next or even what genre. I decided to stop by today and found a little trouble picking something out. Summer at Barrington Books was absolutely wonderful in helping me pick out not one but three books I am more than exited to dive into! She even shared one of her favorites with me that I am excited to share with my mother as well! Thank you Summer and Barrington Books! I will see you really soon!! read more

Loved this store for kids and gifts. Decent value and everyone was pretty nice although if you bring children there make sure you buy things. They kept an eye on us to make sure we weren't just playing in the toys. read more

I was recently in Barrington Books, shopping for Christmas gifts for my younger grandchildren and great grandchildren. I found an adorable charade game for my babes who could not yet read words, and a word learning game. While checking out, I started to have an asthma attack (not horrible, I just couldn't stop coughing, my eye was running, blah) and the owner was walking by and noticed my distress. She immediately offered water and went and brought me a cup from the back. I am incredibly grateful for this very important kindness to me. In these days of most people glaring and concerned for themselves when something like this happens, she instead chose kindness and concern for another. Thank you very much, Barrington Books. May God bless you greatly. In Jesus name, amen and amen. read more

I am a fan of this store . This is a great little book store. It's in a nice plaza. It has all the latest books and the staff is very helpful, they knew the exact book I was looking for and help me out picking the best read. There is a gift store connected that has unique gifts but a little pricey. They carry the scout bags which is s summer favorite of mine.There is s huge kids section so they can stay busy while you shop around. Toys book ,etc. The parking is great. Easy to get to. The staff will order what ever your looking for if they don't have it. There's a nearby Starbucks you can hang out and read. If your in the area stop in and check it out, I think you'll be happy with your findings.:) read more

Barrington Books - Tons to choose from. - Bookstores Near Me - Barrington, Rhode Island

Great independent bookshop with a super helpful staff, and great gift selections too.

OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOKSTORE! I'm so happy I recently stumbled upon this gem. They have a wide variety of genres and authors, and even have a cute little reading area! The staff was very friendly and helpful, I felt very welcomed here! Will definitely be back. read more

OK, so this is the 5th strike for Barrington books. It is a shame that the East Bay does not have an actual functional bookstore. 1. I was looking to buy a book of poetry by Robert Frost, a quintessential New England poet. The guy at the desk was insistent that they didn't carry any, but he could order one for me online. Right, I can do that myself. 2. I noticed there were almost zero books by women in the History section. When I mentioned this to a (female) staff member, she informed me that there was in fact a Women's History Section. Seriously. 3. They hosted Sean Spicer for an event. I don't care if he's a home town kid; we should all be ashamed. 4. I went looking for simple book ends. The woman said they had plenty of book ends and then pointed me to various giant ones shaped like squirrels, birds, whatever. I asked if they had anything less sculptural. She said "what do you mean?" And I said, "You know, just something simple." She replied: "Oh gosh no!" 5. (The straw that broke the camel's back.) I just called looking to see if they carried the Atlantic. The staff member said she was going to put me on hold while she checked (she hung up on me, of course, but that's nbd). I called back and she didn't apologize for hanging up on me, then told me they don't have any right now but maybe next week. I said the Atlantic is a *monthly,* so would they really be getting new August issues next week? She said, if we get them, maybe it'll be August, maybe it'll be September, I don't know. She couldn't have been less helpful. This all happened over the last few years, but literally every experience I've had with them has been marred by one of these episodes. If you want a giant bookend shaped like a squirrel or the latest self help book or some weird flowery home goods, this is the "bookstore" for you. If not it's Providence or bust. read more

Barrington Books is a great little shop to have in town. Yes, it's a book store and they do have a good selection of books including some great specialty cook books and other best sellers but I mostly come here for the gift options. Brands they carry include: Alex & Ani Jewelry Rifle Paper Co. Snow & Graham Kate Spade Jonathan Adler Barr-Co. Apothecary Sloane Ranger Simon Pearce and more! Their hours are convenient and the selection is pretty great. Customer service is good but they do seem to play favorites to regular customers. (aka the local squad of Barrington Rich B**ches) Definitely worth checking out if you're in need a gift for someone or you just want to treat yourself with a little something. read more

What a great bookstore! We are new to the neighborhood and we were surprised and delighted to quickly discover Barrington Books. I didn't even have time to miss my our old local bookstore, the Booksmith in Brookline, MA. Like snowflakes, no two indie bookstores are alike so I will not bother to compare. Barrington Books has a well-curated selection of books and gifts for all ages. I haven't spent much time in the adult sections, but we have tremendously enjoyed the awesome children's selection, which has a nice variety for all ages and is thoughtfully laid out. Although my daughter is only 2, the 4- to 6-year old bookshelf is quickly becoming our first stop in the store. That and the hand puppet stand. For books and unique gifts, we will be back again and again! read more

In this day and age of brick and mortar bookstores closing their doors, it's nice to have a place like Barrington books. They have a thoughtful selection with friendly staff. They have a large area for children's books as well as toys. They also have a good magazine and greeting card selection. In an attached room is "The Studio" where they sell thoughtfully selected gift items as well as Stonewall Kitchen products. There was definitely a nautical theme among the gift items on the day I was there. Some of the items I saw were handbags, Simon Pierce crystal, wine accessories, candles, dish towels, soaps and lotions. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but it is worth the stroll through after perusing the book selection. read more

I have been shopping at Barrington Books for a long time, ever since it changed from Little Professor. They have a very good selection of books for quite a variety of readers. They have excellent coverage of books on the New York Times bestseller list (usually with a discount). They have an excellent selection of children and young adult books. Most other categories are well represented: travel, mystery, biography, general fiction, graphic novels. They have a smattering of poetry books and a serviceable selection of cookbooks. As pointed out elsewhere, they have added a section with toys and gifts for children. They also have one of the best selections of cards: birthday cards, sympathy cards, etc. But also blank cards and stationery. Barrington Books took over an adjacent shop, which is now a small gift shop. Barrington Books regularly sponsors book signings in the store. They have some well-known authors, as well as some local authors. At certain times, they will feature live music in the store (usually just one person on an electric keyboard). They offer free gift wrapping, using nice paper and ribbon. My favorite aspect of Barrington Books, though, is the people who work there. They offer extremely good advice. I regularly rely on them for suggestions for books for my nieces and nephews. They know of the books from reading reviews and blurbs, but they also know the books from actually reading the books. It's great! I can ask them if the book is particularly dark or scary, who the main characters are, what other books it might be like. read more

Great book store find! Super customer service! I needed a gift for an avid reader and found it ! Wrapping also! I was more than happy with my experience read more

I went to this bookstore out of convenience during the holiday season. First impressions....they had a live musician singing random non holiday songs (ok, not too bad) and they had other music in the background. Double the music did not equal double the pleasure, in this case...it made me want to get out quicker! My dissapointment mainly lies their low selection of cooking books. It seemed they had not stocked more or were just out of many. Perhaps it was poor planning for Xmas times, stress, who knows, I will cut them a break and try the bookstore again at some point... read more

This quant book store in the center of Barrington has been there for over 30 yrs. They have a great kids section where my daughter can stay for hours. I love the perfect gifts throughout the store beside books. The staff is very friendly and helpful. read more

Barrington Books has the best service in any bookstore. I think right now they're doing very good with the SARA-CoV-2 restrictions. At the cash register there are 6 feet marks and everyone is required to wear masks. All the employees wear their masks even when people are not looking which is very good. They have all the summer 2021 books for students. And if they don't have some thing they will be happy to place an order for you. Also if there is a wait it usually is not long because the employees make it very quick. If you need help finding something be sure to ask them and they'll help you right away. They also have great gifts as well as great books. read more

I love this bookstore. It's one of the very few in the area and have an amazing selection for the size of the store. Over time, Barringtom Books has added great gift and card departments. I will always recommend Barrington Books. read more

I live in NJ and consistently buy "An Octopus Named Mom" for baby shower gifts, signed by the author, from Barrington Books. They are ALWAYS nice, efficient AND offer FREE gift wrap! Talk about GREAT customer service! read more

Good place to go for a few minutes or a few hours. Lots of interesting books and displays around the store. Plus they have a gift shop attached that's a good spot to find gifts. read more

I love this bookstore. It has a rich variety of books and provides an environment where I want to sit, stay and explore. They also have a unique selection of greeting cards I love, a children's section with books and games and a young adult section. The bookstore is also connected to a pricey gifts tore that is fun to browse through read more

I have visited this location in years past and most recently the newly opened Barrington Books in Garden City. I'll compare both locations as yelp offers no option yet to review the newer location. While I like both stores but I enjoy the original better.The Barrington location has well defined departments with a large book area with a side wall of magazines, a children's section containing books and games and finally a smaller room containing the nicely appointed gift items. In summary the Barrington location comes across to me as a book store which happens to sell gifts on the side. The garden City store is much glitzier but seems to lack the neighborhood vibe or history of the Barrington store though with time that may changed. Ironically maybe because the gifts items were so beautifully arranged throughout the newer store I feel I was in in gift shop which which main focus is on gifts items with books as a side item ( Like the Paper Store). I thought the store possibly offered less books than the Barrington Store but another reviewer thought there were more choices here at Garden City.. In closing, to me both locations were nice but offer something different. Hopefully the staff will continue to be the same (attentive and polite) at each location. Glad to see a local business do well. read more

I just visited the new location in Garden City and was not disappointed. The selection of books was enormous and the staff is fantastic. In addition to the books I was also impressed with their selection magazines and gifts, plus in the back there is a huge section of books for children. I will definitely make Barrington Books a regular stop for my literary purchases. read more

I am extremely disappointed in my visit to Barrington Book Store today. Prior to entering, I was searching for a particular book on jewelry. I visited the website, which said they had the book in stock. Not only did I check the website and reserve the book online, but I called the store and asked if they are positive that they had this book. After speaking with the sales woman, she confirmed that the book was at the store and even told me the business hours. I then drove out of my way to get this book that I was excited to buy. When I arrived, the women said that the book was out of stock, even though I had called her just an hour prior. Then she goes saying that we had a totally different conversation, which was false. Then another salesman said that if they ever sold a book, it would be on their website, even though he explained to me that the book is no longer in print or available. Not only am I disappointed about my failure to receive this book, but about the attitude between myself and the workers at the Barrington Book Store. Extremely bad customer service. It is a shame because there are not many book stores around, but I guess I will just buy my books from Amazon from now on. read more

It's nice to have a bookstore in town but too bad this is the only option. It's overpriced, and the selection is pretty small. Nice cards and gifts, though. My biggest issue is the older female employee with blonde hair who kinda looks like a piece of beef jerky. She is completely rude. Ive been in twice in the last month and both times she was blatantly rude to me. First the register card reader was broken so she asked if I was paying with cash or check when I said card she was like nope. Didn't even offer to hold my items while I went to an ATM, didn't apologize for the inconvenience. Nothing. So I just left my stuff on the counter and walked out. She couldn't have cared less. Then today I went to cash out and she's the only one at the register. So I obviously walk up and she completely ignores me and yells to another salesperson in the other room "come to the register I'm on the phone!" THEN she picks up the phone and makes a call. She just didn't want to cash me out? She never even looked at me or spoke to me while I was standing right in front of her face. She's honestly a rude old hag and I hate going in the store and being treated like trash by her. read more

I stopped by to pick up a book that I had ordered, however, there was a mix-up and a different book had been ordered instead. What happened next, I felt was truly incredible. The gentleman who had made the error was sincerely apologetic, and offered to pay for the book himself! The owner, immediately offered to assist me in choosing a similar book ( I had ordered a crock-pot cookbook) and insisted that I not be charged. Oh, and did I mention, this was on Christmas Eve. What a gem we have here in the East Bay. A small business with a sense of community and kindness. I have always patronized them in the past but felt compelled to write a review so that others may know what a wonderful place this is. Mary Beth Lescault read more

My friend and I visited the Barrington location. My friend stood there waiting to ask a question, for about 5 minutes with 6 employees behind the counter. When my friend expressed her disappointment with the situation, the OWNER was so rude. When my friend said she was not trying to be rude, just expressing her disappointment, the OWNER told her she could just shop at WalMart (maybe a way to call my friend trash??). I was mortified and horrified that the owner would speak to any customer that way. read more

This store has a great selection of books and toys for children. It's a great place to get gifts since they also provide complimentary wrapping that looks great. read more

This morning a friend in I stopped in for a quick purchase. While my friend looked for a book, I stood in line with a question. There was one woman waiting in line in front of me. There were 6 employees behind the counter, only one of which was actively acknowledging customers in line. After about 5 minutes it was my turn, my friend had since found her item and had joined me in line. We were short on time so I let the friendly cashier know that she could just ring up my friend. I mentioned that it was odd to wait over 5 minutes without being acknowledged since there were 6 employees behind the counter doing various things.The woman next to her had been chatting with a friend the entire time. After saying her goodbyes she says to me that this was a community store and that if I couldn't wait 2 seconds then I should just go to Walmart and then walked off. She returned and I stated to her that I wasn't trying to be rude, but it was disappointing. She came around to the front of the counter and went off, raising her voice and berating me. She told me that she had worked hard on this store and that it was a community store and people "like me" should shop elsewhere. I was taken aback and asked if she was the owner. She replied "yes I am, and there's the door" Totally shocked, I looked around; the looks on the faces of the employees and other customers told me that I was not imagining how insane this was. To say the least, this is no longer my family's go to place for books and gifts. read more

I most especially enjoyed browsing the shelf of recommended reads. With each book a handwritten index card outlines why the reader recommended the book. Such a warm and personal way to market. All in all this is a wonderful book store with a large assortment of higher end childrens toys. The only reason I couldnt give 5 stars was because the toys were overpriced. read more

Love this sweet store in Barrington. The one in Garden City is amazing. This one is more cozy, both are very very family friendly. Patient staff don't mind fun kids. read more

My children love this store! We'll walk down and always find great children's books in the adorable kids section! Not to mention story time during the summers which is a wonderful treat. Thrilled we have this so close to home. read more

I miss it being a real book store, now it's more of a children's store. I understand they have to change to keep up with the times and that e-readers are taking over, but their card selection is even bad now. I still go in to check on the latest and greatest book and buy too. read more

This store is shockingly unfriendly towards children. It has a glowingly inviting children's toy display, but this is purely targeted toward wealthy parents rather than the children themselves. Heaven help you if you want your children to stay long enough to read several books and try out several toys; you will be harassed by the sales staff repeatedly with pointed questions asking why you are still there. They also accused my daughter of breaking and opening a package that was open when we got there, and accused her of lying when I told them it was already broken. This was after I had already purchased a $17 book from the babies' section that I didn't want (I left it there for them) because my 8 month old son had made a small tear on one page. read more

What a delight discovering this Barrington store! It has a great children's section with the best toy selection I've seen anywhere...all the classic/ new kids books with a beautiful area for kids and parents to browse. I was looking for a gift for my sister-in-law's baby shower and one of the friendly young women who works there helped me to pick two books and a few very cool baby toys, then wrapped them in a beautiful gift basket. (Which was great because I was on my way to the baby shower!) It made such a lovely shower gift, that Barrington Books will now be my go-to for baby showers, or any kids' gifts!!! There was also an event going on in the adult books section and I purchased a signed book for my husband, whose birthday is next week. I plan on going back soon to check out their gifts/cards section because I only had an hour to shop... and I could spend hours in that section alone. Lovely selection...really helpful/nice staff... a neighborhood gem! read more