We were quite excited to check out this bookstore during our vacation. We had just arrived in our…read morecar with our 13-year-old Labrador Retriever (we planned to take turns in the bookstore with the other hanging out with the dog), when our cellphones let us know that we were under a tornado warning and should take shelter immediately. We had no place to go, so my husband ran in and asked the manager/owner if, given the circumstances, we could take shelter there until the emergency was over. We thought, given the types of folks who tend to run independent bookstores, that question would be a no-brainer. To our stunned amazement, he said no. "Nice" guy. Our everlasting thanks to the employee who ran out into the parking lot and helped us find our way to the local Tractor Supply Company, where we took shelter. We give this place 1 star - zero for the bookstore and its owner and five for the employee, because at least one person in that place has a truly kind heart.

Owner was very helpful and a nice selection! We stopped in after walking near the river, and he…read moregave suggestions for around town for our short stay.

"Books, you don't need, in a place you can't find" an ironic slogan for one of the most hospitable…read moreand inspiring bookstores I've ever visited. Many comfy nooks for reading, shelves filled with quirky adventures, kind & helpful staff. Delicious coffee available at the adjacent Lady Killigrew cafe.

Lots of great reads to find here and also so many music selections both new and old as well as cd…read moreand vinyl! Cannot believe how many areas there were that had been filled with books, yummy lunch options at the cafe as well!

Great selection of music, and friendly owner. Found more than I expected to. And a free tote bag?…read moreYes please! Will definitely be back for more music

I've been to a many record stores and hands down this is my favorite place for vinyl and vibes. The…read moreowners are very knowledgeable and really cool, they answered all the questions I had and if we all didn't know they had a way to find out aka Google. I seen albums in this place that I'd never thought would be here. They are very meticulous, so you can be sure whatever you get is well taken care of so If you're thinking about visiting don't hesitate to stop in. This place also has a really nice community vibe you never know who's stopping by to share in the love of music and conversation about music. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this place it's better than any holiday. They have CDs too a ton of music for all of us to discover.

4th and final stop on my "Used bookstore trail in MASS" journey today. AGAIN, I had to deal with…read morethe "Mask Police", as soon as I entered Federal Street Books, the woman (behind a 4 foot high clear plexiglass shield) informed me it's a requirement to have a mask on while in the store. Fine, I complied, just wanted to find some books and get going. I did snag two paperbacks I wanted to purchase, but the same "Mask Cop" was having issues with a customer before me, with the cc machine. So I waited, and waited some more, while suffocating wearing a "face diaper". All that for two paperbacks for around $5 and change, unbelievable. The weird thing about today's "Used bookstore trail in MASS" was that the only books I purchased were at the "mask required" shops, maybe that's because the type of people who purchase the books I'm interested in don't put up with this nonsense ? Well, I put up with the nonsense, and walked away with a few Used paperback deals ! I work in the healthcare industry, and have not worn a mask for a good number of years now. Why these bookstores are requiring masks is beyond my understanding, it's a MYSTERY...I just don't do that genre !

I love bookstores. There's just something about the smell that gets me. Federal Street has that…read moresmell. I tried hard to just browse and not buy everything in sight, managing to walk out with just two books that I really don't need but I guess I do need them. Great selection of science fiction here! [Review 18433 overall - 1151 in Massachusetts - 1955 of 2022.]

Been there three times. Quality scholarly bookstore with very little garbage. Also unusually clean…read moreand roomy. Not really an antique bookstore but whatever nonfiction subject you are interested in, you will find something. Prices are reasonable and owner well informed and friendly. Has fiction and a kids section also. Worth a detour.

Awesome selection and incredible prices in a unique location. Well worth your time to check out!…read moreThey play records on a turntable in the store and also have coffee on-site.

First time at this location. The guy working was very friendly, and helpful. Their used/online…read moresection is super impressive. I was also able to find a RSD 2 weeks after the fact, so I was very impressed with that as well. We frequent the Manchester location, but this is a fun alternative if you're in the area. Just check your finds before purchasing, I did have to put back a few things due to a lot of scratches, that shouldn't have been put out for sale. But that's the gamble with stores like this, it can be hit or miss with quality, & condition. Overall, great store with a great selection of vinyl and cds.

From the owner: We're A Physical Media Store! Loaded with Vinyl Records,…read moreCDs, Cassettes, 45s, DVDs/Blu-Rays, Accessories and Vintage & New Audio Equipment.

Boswell's Books is a cozy and spacious store where you can browse titles from all genres, whether…read moreit's the local authors highlighted in the front, to the fiction + mysteries, to physics + math, spirituality to technology, or even the kids corner/teen wing. They have old classics in fantastic condition, and the newest selections with everything in between. Boswell is the cutest cat who I had the pleasure of being followed by during my 30 minute visit. I was browsing when this beautiful black-and-white cat came strolling up to me from laying in the window. They also have Boswell souvenirs, such as gift cards and mugs. We played while I browsed, and she was so friendly at 12 years old! She was incredibly sweet and made this experience 11/10. They have an amazing selection of vintage books in amazing quality, which was my second favorite part of this store. Maria + Joe were fantastic guides, and there was no pressure to buy at all, although I couldn't resist supporting this awesome store. I will 100% return when I visit again. You should definitely check this bookstore out, whether you have 10 minutes or an hour.

This book store has everything: new books, used books, and a book store cat. What more could anyone…read moreask?