Love, Love, Love This Little Gem of a Bookstore! If you're anywhere near Manasquan, do yourself a favor and pop into this lovely little bookstore. I found books I absolutely love--some I discovered on my own and others that were personally recommended by the store's fabulous curator, and owner Peter. When I mentioned a book I had recently read and loved--Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin--Peter immediately jumped up, went straight to the bottom shelf, and pointed it out. There was even a handwritten staff recommendation and summary attached to the book. Many of the books throughout the store have these thoughtful mini-reviews, which made browsing feel so personal and engaging. I love the overall vibe of this shop. The selection of gifts is just right: a charming mix of journals, candles, book-themed merchandise, and a few toys--including stuffed animals. I fell in love with a stuffed bear and now I'll have to go back because I didn't purchase him (regret!). If you have the time, I highly recommend setting some aside to slowly explore the shelves, stacks, and cozy nooks of this beautifully curated bookstore. It's an absolute delight read more

Booktowne - Welcoming and wonderful - Bookstores Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

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Booktowne is such a gem. It's not only a gorgeous shop filled with amazing books, but also a treasure trove of unique gifts that make it the perfect place to shop for readers and nonreaders alike. What really sets them apart, though, is their kindness. My son, who has special needs, needed help with a project, and the staff at Booktowne volunteered their time to work with him. They were so kind and patient--we'll never forget it. This is the kind of business our community needs. So stop clicking "Buy Now" on Amazon and head to Booktowne Manasquan instead. You'll walk out with something great and know your money is supporting a generous, caring local business. read more

Support your local bookstores-you develop a nice relationship with the staff and get great recommendations. Like hardware stores, you're better served by your local shop instead of going to Home Depot. read more

Extremely cozy bookstore that has a very good deal of great selections. Compared to Barnes & Noble - it's tight. But don't count them out. They do have some of the latest bestsellers but they also have personal recommendations that the staff personally read and stand behind when you see their "staff recommends" display. They also have cute gifts for those of us who love the literary world. read more

Open during quarantine for pick up! Just call to place an order. They seem to have a good selection - I was happy that they had the new book I wanted, which had just came out. The owner left a nice note on my bag, which put a smile on my face during this crazy time. Definitely plan on returning when the store officially reopens! read more

Booktowne - Great bookstore, open for pick up (order online/call) during quarantine! - Bookstores Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

What a great experience. The bookstore is just the right size. Its not overwhelming and there is something for everyone. The kids section is quaint and has a great variety. The diversity in such a small space is awesome. The books range in all prices and they offer many gift options as well. The customer service was so sweet and welcoming. Especially when compared to the big book stores that you have to look for a desk or a person to help you and maybe they will. The sales person told us they where offering a sale today and at the end of the purchase she offered a free gift book... Yay!! the free gift book was price was greater than my purchase :) yessssss and she gifted me a cute pen. I was so impressed with the personable service and the warm feeling of the employees of this store.. Reminds me of what bookstores where like some time ago... The prices of books are going up but the customer service is going down... but not here at Booktowne... highly recommend it. read more

Booktowne - Awesome - Bookstores Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

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I've always felt so fortunate to have such a great local bookstore. Nothing makes me happier than wandering around a store looking for a good read and my boys love checking out their beautiful window displays every seasons. Yes, they're on the smaller side but I've never had an issue finding what I was looking for and if they don't have it in stock they are quick to order it. Their kids section is phenomenal and they carry some of the best toys around. Seriously, my go to for gifting. What really sets Booktowne apart is the people who own it and work there. I really dropped the ball on my sons 2nd birthday this year and when I called the day before in a panic Kira was an absolute lifesaver. She asked me a few questions about him and a few minutes later sent me an email with a ton of suggestions. She placed my order over the phone so I didn't have to run out during naptime, wrapped everything and had it waiting for my husband to pick up on his way home. Last night they hosted a Christmas PJ story time and truly went above and beyond. Gifts for the kids, giveaways, and cookies and cider for all of us. Of all of the holiday events we've been to (and with a 2 and 4 year old we've had a very busy month) this was one of our favorites. You can tell everyone in there loves what they do and we are so grateful for that and for them. My family and I will be booktowne customers for life. read more

Booktowne - Bookstores Near Me - Manasquan, New Jersey

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I have a soft spot for local book shops. This one is very cute, a good selection of all types. It also has a decidedly beach flare. Being right on the main street in quaint Manasquan adds to the appeal read more

I held a book-signing at Booktowne last year (and am going back again this summer!) and found this to be a quaint little independent bookstore. They have a great selection of books, a place to sit quietly and peruse your selections and a great kids section! Rita and Janice are super-nice and helpful -- you couldn't pick a better bookstore at the Jersey Shore. read more

Usually, I am all about indie bookstores, but this one just doesn't make the cut. It sells bestsellers, but if you're looking for more than the mind-numbing best sellers, you're out of luck. In addition, I did not find the staff that be friendly at all. When We has a question, I was treated like I was disturbing the employee. It's a shame because I am a local, but I will not be back. read more

Cute book store in Manasquan. It is small but seems to have a good selection. Fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, cookbooks, etc. I was able to pre-order a book that hadn't been released yet and picked up. Staff is friendly and helpful. I love supporting local businesses, especially an independent book store. I like walking through to browse books and finding just the right book. read more

Such an amazing hidden gem! Easy to miss on busy Main St, but well worth stopping in. I am always amazed at the wide selection for such a tiny little store. And if they do not have it they will order it for you! So refreshing compared to that big chain store. read more

Very friendly staff. I love supporting indie book shops..this is a classic.

Super cute place and great selection, especially like the kids books area. Employee was very kind and helpful.

Years ago when I first moved to the Jersey shore there was a small book shop in Spring Lake which I was in all the time. Then came the big super book stores and the little guys were a thing of the past. Finding Booktowne in Manasquan is like finding a lost long friend! Booktowne is the way a book store should be........full of selection, great advice and help provided, and the cozy feeling that makes you want to sit right down and open the book right then and there! Thank you for providing such a great store in our little town! read more

Local. Tiny. Perfect. I am thrilled I live around the corner of such a great book store. The staff is always friendly and available to help (they happily order books for you if the title is not in the store). The kids/young adult selection makes me smile! As well as the rest of the inventory -- even small gifts & cards! Manasquan is a perfect town to visit. read more

I really want to like this bookstore, I sincerely do. Espeically because I want to support local, independent book sellers and would prefer to spend my money here rather than at a big box chain. The people that work here are nice and friendly and the store itself is clean and well kept. My biggest complaint and the reason I will not rate this place higher than two stars is because of my experience when special ordering books. Twice I have speical ordered books... The first time, months in advance, I asked them to get me a national best seller and have it arrive on the day it was due out in stores. When I went in to pick up my purchase, they told me they forgot to order the book. Because of the hour I went in for the pick up, it was already too late in the day for orders to be placed and I was told it would be two more days before my book would come in. I told them not to bother and went elsewhere. Just last week I placed an order and was phoned to pick up my book two days later (Friday). When I went to get the book they couldn't find it. It turns out they gave it away to another customer who was supposed to bring the book back. They said they would phone me to let me know when it was returned. I didn't hear from them through the weekend and when I called Monday to inquire, was told the customer never came back. The staff member was apologetic and said she would order me ANOTHER book which I should be able to pick up Tuesday. I'm waiting for my phone call. Sadly for Booktowne I will take my special orders to another independent book store in my area rather than here. I'm not saying I will never patronize this establishment again, but these two experiences have soured me on trusting them to order books for me in the future. read more

The moment you walk into BookTowne you feel welcomed. That's one of the reasons I wanted to hold the launch of my first book there. The publicity and media coverage arranged by owner, Rita, and event organizer, Maribeth, was another important factor. And I made the right choice. Yesterday, I felt completely at home as I greeted guests and signed books~a feeling shared by all who attended. read more