Brookline Booksmith is so cute, I can't believe this was my first time visiting! I always find myself on Harvard St, whether on the Brookline or Allston side LOL, & have definitely walked past this store thousands of times. This day, I found myself curious of the shops around & entered Brookline Booksmith w/ an optimistic mind! Okay, so I was totally not expecting this store to be so big. It has two sides, one with little Knick knacks, stationery items, + gifts & the other side was mostly books! They had a great selection of books, basically most things you could find at your local Barnes & Noble, just with a better gift selection hahaha. The gift side reminded me of the paper store almost BUT BETTER. Anyways, yeah so I will be back soon & I'd say it's worth the visit if you haven't explored this gem yet ;) Great place for book lovers, gift givers, & even just if you like finding cute things that you typically wouldn't see at other stores around. read more

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Love coming here to search for a new read, find a gift or fun knickknack for a friend, or honestly just spend some time in an aesthetically pleasing environment! They've got all the vibes and have a lot of hidden gems to be found. Some things can be a bit pricey especially on the gift side, but I would say otherwise on average for the type of items. I love that they always have bargain books and the whole used book section downstairs (that's where you can definitely find deals)! Worth exploring if you're checking out the area or a local who loves books and/or cute things! read more

I used to be a fan and regular patron of Brookline Booksmith, and recommended their bookstore to everyone I knew who was visiting Boston. I will never patronize this business again, fortunately there are plenty of other, inclusive bookstores in Brookline, Boston and the surrounding area. In the past 2 years Brookline Booksmith has began to push a certain agenda on their clientele, including making Jewish authors and patrons unwelcome. This includes having their children's booksellers - Sara, Diana among others CHILDRENS BOOKSELLERS at Brookline Booksmith push children's books with ideologies they ascribe to. Let children be children? Provide equal representation for all groups and communities? The icing on the cake has been the exclusion of Jewish authors at speaking events, in a community such as Brookline with a significant Jewish population, unless those authors agree with Brookline Booksmith's ideologies. What happened to bookstores presenting and selling books from all points of view and all backgrounds? No longer present at Brookline Booksmith. For Jewish American Heritage Month this May, Brookline Booksmith did not post on their social media (they did post twice in April for Arab American Heritage Month) and they posted in May for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The month of May is BOTH Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage and Jewish American Heritage Month- May is a time to celebrate the contributions and diverse histories of both communities. Brookline Booksmith proudly replied, "we have a beautiful Jewish American Heritage collection up in our store and online for browsing now!" Upon examination of this "Jewish AMERICAN" heritage collection, 2 of the authors featured- Bonny Reichert and Leonard Cohen are CANADIAN. Surely there is no paucity of Jewish AMERICAN authors that Brookline Booksmith could feature? A SHANDA! read more

This is one of my all time favorite bookstores I've ever visited and I can't believe it's taken me so long to visit here for the first time when I was visiting a few friends who lived near Coolidge Corner. The bookstore's looks can definitely be deceiving - I was so surprised by how large and how much space everything took up! I came by during a weekend morning and while there were quite a few people there already browsing the shelves and tables, it didn't feel particularly crowded. I loved how many bargain sections they had for both nonfiction and fiction dramas. There were honestly so many books I could've spent hours on end browsing - I ended up picking out a short anthology of essays written related to the Gilmore Girls series, which I found to be such a cute and niche topic! And it was such a steal, only $6.99 (definitely had to exercise a ton of restraint to not go insane getting more titles to carry around when I still had a long day ahead of me haha). I also spent a ton of time downstairs where they offered more second-hand titles. When I went back to the first floor, I walked further in and was shocked by how many gifts and trinkets and stationery and adorable trinkets they had! And while it was early March, a ton of their Easter items were already on display as well. Can't emphasize how much I enjoyed browsing this bookstore - this is such a gem and a huge shoutout to all the friendly workers at the register - this is truly a dream bookstore and I feel like I'll have to make a visit back everytime I'm in Boston :) read more

Was super packed when I visited (right before Christmas) and I can see why! There were so many good books and gifts around the store I could have spent a whole day browsing. I really liked that a lot of what they sold was practical, not just "stuff" and trinkets but glassware, cookware, and quality items. read more

Amazing selection of books and trinkets for anyone with interests in any genre!! I have visited this place several times since discovering it because it is so good!! Everyone there is super nice and things are priced fairly -- especially the bargain books. read more

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Awesome bookstore with on-year and in-demand book. You can read in the chairs they provide. Friendly staff. It is not free so I would recommend borrow from Boston and Brookline's amazing libraries but they have great cards too. read more

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My happy place in Boston. The best place to buy great books for cheap prices and room after room filled with the cutest knick knacks. I love it here!! read more

Brookline Booksmith - Bookstores Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Love this little shop! Visited many times while in town over the past couple months! Even picked out some gifts to bring home to family

Lovely bookstore that has a wide selection of books and gifts alike! I miss browsing this store after relocating away from Massachusetts.

Expanded version of the bookstore! The new area contains the Art books, and more of a gift section (calendars, lavendar, mugs, even some gourmet food items). I wish that that area would have been dedicated to more shelves of books! I'm not sure what the strategy is here ... do they think that they would encourage more book buying if they led off with some potpourri? :) Anyways the strength of BB lies in ... the books! The downstairs used section is always scintillating, and you can get used copies of solid texts in all fields and disciplines. The upstairs has the new books, with plenty of remainders to be found in the front piles. Nice that the holiday hours are extended. read more

I was visiting Boston and really enjoyed Brookline Booksmith. It's such a large bookstore and even has a used section downstairs with great prices and selection. A great selection of many and many books. Staff is nice and helpful. Lots of other things sold from magnets, jewelers, coffee, snacks. A one-stop shop! read more

I called Brookline Booksmith to have changes made on an online order. I spoke to Nina, who promptly made the changes I needed. She was extremely friendly and gave excellent customer service. Thank you Nina! read more

As a visitor, Brookline Booksmith was recommended to me as "the best bookstore in Boston" so I HAD to come visit... and I was not disappointed! The overall look and feel of the store is so comfy and the vibes are so positive and chill. On a Sunday afternoon, this store was PACKED. They have a great selection with some great deals on the tables. In the basement level, they carry used books for cheaper prices. On top of that, they also carry cute Boston merch (which I was really looking forward to, as a tourist). Everyone I spoke with was very nice, including the person who rung me up at the register. I walked away with a ton of postcards, stickers, and goodies! I will definitely be coming back the next time I'm in town! read more

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Definitely the best bookstore in the area! It is very big and absolutely adorable. They have tons of journals, notebooks, pens, candles, jewelry and other cute trinkets. They also have new books and used books in the basement. They have bargain deals and a large variety of books and items. They even sell drinks, snacks and candy! My friend and I spent over an hour in there. I couldn't recommend somewhere more! read more

Brookline Booksmith - Bookstores Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

This isn't all time favorite bookstore. Not only do they have a great selection of books, they also have a used section + a large section of trinkets, candles, journals, funny socks, cute little gifts. The workers were also extremely kind. I got a couple cute books and will return!! read more

An incredible selection of books. Large, clean, organized. I could spend hours here. There's something for everyone. I love their selection of used and bargain books-- there's something to fit any budget. read more

One of my best friends lives a few blocks from here and recommended stopping in while walking around The Brookline neighborhood and this beautiful bookstore definitely did not disappoint! They have a great assortment of gifts sourced from small business, any new title you're looking for, and an extensive and organized used book section (the entire basement floor). My favorite part was the top 100 book shelves-I took a picture of them (attached here) and can't wait to try and work my way through the list! Everything was well organized and artfully decorated and it was such a joy to walk around Brookline Booksmith on a sunny Sunday afternoon! read more

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Love, Love, Love this bookstore. Located in a bustling neighborhood in Brookline. On street meter parking and the Green Line T across the street. First floor handicap accessible. They have a great selection of books, but if a book you want isn't in stock, they can also order it for you. They have had some epic book signing from popular, favorited authors. It's Dog friendly!! They have doggie water bowl outside for anyone walking by with a dog. In addition, dogs are welcome inside as well. The cashier gave our dog a treat before we left. The also sell dog toys. read more

Another shout-out to the most amazing store in Brookline, and perhaps in the entire Boston Metro area: stop buying books from Amazon and putting more $$ in their pocket! Shop here and meet nice employees who actually do read and are incredibly helpful. Pick up some hilarious cards, a nice dish towel and maybe a mug or two for yourself. Or someone you work with or someone you like who needs a surprise. I stopped in over the weekend to pick up some boxed holiday cards, and I had a screenshot from their Facebook page so I could locate the design I had my eye on. I looked through the huge wall of cards, and asked a nice woman working if she thought there were more downstairs? She did a thorough search for one box of $16 cards, and while those were gone she said I could call the next time I saw it to have them held, or she could take my contact info and let me know. Does Amazon do that??? Of course not, and that is just one of the many reasons why you need to get in here. Pick up your free "I (heart) Brookline Booksmith" pin and share the love for this store which is now in its 61st year of business! read more

Brookline Booksmith is such a wonderful bookstore in the heart of Brookline. I have come here many times on my trips to Boston, and it's a must! Whether you are looking for books, used books, Boston souvenirs, or gifts, this is the place to come. I love exploring the expansive store, especially the YA books and used book section in the basement. The used book section in the basement is extensive, with amazing deals and usually almost like new books. On a recent trip, I scored a signed book in the used YA section for $6! The store inside is pretty accessible on the top level, but they do not have an elevator to the basement where all the great used books are, which is very unfortunate. There are also two single bathrooms inside the store that are public. The parking is paid street parking or paid public parking a couple of streets over. Overall we have always found parking not too far from the store and other shops along the street. I have never been to an event here as my trips have never lined up with them, but I always see that they have fun events and would like to attend one in the future. read more

A lovely store in the heart of Coolidge Corner, Brookline Booksmith continuously proves that it has the community in mind. They not only have an amazing selection of books, both used and new, and fun gifts for all interests, but they also host events that amplify the voices of authors who are part of underrepresented groups. Brookline Booksmith is my go-to place to shop for books and I highly recommend a visit! read more

Came here just to check out their selection and left with two books! The organization is perfect, had no trouble finding any of the authors I was looking for. They have books in every genre, including cooking, which I made a purchase from! The store is HUGE, and they have fun trinkets, snacks, and more along with their book selections. Staff was extremely kind and the person who checked me out gave me helpful recommendations and applauded my choice in cookbooks! The value is fair and even, I paid even a little bit less than I would have at a chain like B&N. Will absolutely be returning with friends. read more

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I have been coming to the Booksmith for years now, and was eager to patronize it again on my most recent trip home to Boston. The Booksmith is just as great as it was, and now has a much larger footprint as it's taken over some of the other stores next door. They now have a much expanded gifts and homegoods section and offer higher-end goods now, plus many local makers and businesses. Their famous used books floor seems larger too? As always you can easily get lost in the stacks, and there are plenty of comfy seats to get settled with a good book. The booksellers and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and are very good at finding what you need. Always shop local! read more

I recently relocated to Boston and was on the lookout for a privately-owned bookstore. I'm not a big fan of shopping at the "big-chain" book stores. I also am not huge on reading books from an electronic device. I'm on my computer and phone all day. My eyes prefer a physical paper book. I scoured Yelp and found a spot called Brookline Booksmith. The reviews were solid and I knew I had to check it out! I am glad I did! The size and selection is unmatched. This isn't your ordinary bookstore. While they do have a plethora of books to choose from, they also have a massive selection of other products. They have a massive selection of craft-made sweets, snacks, sauces, craft-sodas and drinks, CBD infused drinks and candy, craft-beverage mixes, cocktail kits, sugar cubes/sticks, cocktail rim salt/sugars, craft chocolate bars + truffles, craft teas, rice crispy treats, craft popcorn, cookies, nuts, and so much more! If you're looking for home-goods, they have you covered! They have a solid selection of glassware, plates, mugs, teapots+cups, bowls, chopsticks, utensils, platters, bar ware, kitchen tools, and more! The quality is top-notch and the items are incredibly unique. I've never seen such an incredible selection! They also have a solid "self-care" section with incense, candles, body care, cosmic crystals, crystal sets, stones and stone sets, crystal candles, chakra stones, meditation stones, healing stones, serenity stones, grounding stones, and other assorted minerals and stones! If you're looking for gorgeous jewelry, they have you covered on that too! They have a huge selection of anklets, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and so much more! Now, onto the books! After all, it is a bookstore! They have a massive selection of books in every genre you can imagine. They also have a solid selection of cookbooks and adult coloring books! They do have a solid selection of book lights for those who like to read at night without disturbing others. I love the adult coloring books and they have the largest selection I've seen anywhere. You can even find the profanity-laced coloring books here! They have a solid selection of quality, high-end colored pencils and such so you don't have to go anywhere else! If you're looking for a new journal, THIS is the place for it. They easily have HUNDREDS of choices in nearly every size, color, and pattern imaginable. They also have a solid selection of accessories for your new journal, like a loop to hold your pen. Honestly, it was overwhelming there were so many choices. You'll see what I mean when you first walk in. It is the biggest selection anywhere! They also have a great selection of calendars in different themes, sizes, and designs. I strongly suggest spending an afternoon taking in everything they have to offer. The amount of stuff is incredible! The book selection is massive. I wish I had more time on my first visit here, I did not realize how large the place was. I will certainly be back on a rainy afternoon to really spend some time shopping and picking out a few good books. I did end up grabbing some craft snacks and sweets and a CBD infused beverage! I look forward to coming back! The only thing that could make this place even better would be a small cafe! However, I understand why they don't have one. There likely wouldn't be the space to accommodate a cafe. Service is friendly and efficient. The line at checkout moves quickly and they do have employees on the floor to help guide you to that perfect book! Prices are very reasonable for the quality products offered. I can't wait to come back! read more

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This bookstore was already great with new and used books and now they've expanded with even more adorable bookish, foodie and other gifts. Brookline is one of my favorite places and this bookstore is part of reason why. read more

EVERYTHING about Brookline Booksmith is wonderful. Absolutely great selection of books; I always look first at their "bargain" fiction and nonfiction tables, which have an array of great deals on both very recent and classic books. They also keep up-to-date on issues, and provide lots of variety on books that are just appearing. The non-book side is fun, too, with lots of "gifty" things. AND, very important, they have great staff. Don't know of a better bookstore! read more

Huge thanks to Brookline Booksmith for supporting my classroom through DonorsChoose! Their generous donation helped bring much-needed resources to my students, and it means the world to us. It's clear they care deeply about the local community--not just through books, but through real action. A truly wonderful independent bookstore with an even bigger heart! read more

I don't get the chance to go to brookline often but whenever I do I always make sure to stop here. They have an awesome selection of books and a lot of cute trinkets. Absolutely love this place. FAIR WARNING!!! if you're trying to sell books though, I did not have a great experience. The dude that was appraising my books was pretty rude to be honest. He barely looked at most books for a second and didn't even open most of them to actually check the condition. He took about a quarter of what I had which I'm grateful for, but a lot of what he took left me really confused?? I usually try to ask if there's anything that buyers are looking for specifically so that I don't bug them with obvious things they can't take, but he would barely talk to me if I asked questions. I don't usually care cause I also work customer service so I get it but the guy was just straight up rude. I might try again if I see someone else there if I need to sell, but this place definitely won't be on the top of my list. Again, I don't care if they can't take what i bring it was just bad customer service. read more

Unfriendly to customers. Haughty & rude. While there are many physical books, the topics are repetitive. Don't waste the time or money here.

I absolutely love this place, it's such a gem of Brookline and would recommend it to any book lover in the Boston area! The outside seems already very long but doesn't even begin to encapsulate the inside!! It's absolutely oozing with the most comfy and beautiful ambiance. The attention to detail from the lights to the aroma and placement of home goods all work together to create this picturesque scenery and I love that I get to pass by it all the time! I also love that they have such fun books, are super helpful, and have that underground used books section that's super cheap! Whether you're a book lover, or someone wanting to find quirky and fun gifts, this is the place for you! read more

Brookline Booksmith - Bookstores Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I used to purchase books from this store, but unfortunately they seem to push a radical far left agenda by wearing "Palestinian" flags on their clothes and peddling LGTBQ+ books meant to groom children. My son and I felt very uncomfortable in this store for the reasons listed above. I recommend shopping at any other book store that doesn't push their politics so heavily. read more

I love the Brookline Booksmith. It is definitely my go to bookstore. Although it is more than just books. They have notebooks, candles, food items, stationary, gifts, jewelry, and more! It is pretty big and they have just about any book you could want. They always have sale books in the front and I have gotten some great finds there. They also have a top 100 book section which I love to look at. They have two huge sections for cookbooks and a kids section in the back. You can order books by the phone and pick them up curbside which is cool although I would recommend going in. read more

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Such a great local place to look for books and gifts! If you even want to pop by for a stroll the vibes are always good. Truly think there's something for everyone there. read more

Drove here yesterday for a book signing event with Lev Grossman! My husband is disabled and is in a wheelchair and Silas and the entire staff at the store were wonderful! Very accommodating! Lovely people we had a lovely time and I just wanted to say thank you so much. We appreciate everything you did for us. read more

Friday mini review. Books. More books. Gifts. Super helpful staff. I absolutely love it here. read more

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The service was great. The staff was very friendly and helpful. There is a great selection of books. I was having trouble choosing titles. The have used books and books at a discount. There's so much to choose from. read more

A must see this bookstore has something for every budget and every interest.. I am particularly bias for bargains and they not only had bargain choices upstairs for new books, they have used books at a discounted price all throughout, downstairs !! If you're a book lover you could easily lose yourself for hours between all the options and novelty gifts, journals, knick nacks and food options! Honestly it's what I always wished bigger corp bookstores were like and I can't wait to return here, recommended to friends and family to visit already! The Staff is welcoming, helpful and plentiful which is great when looking for assistance. read more

Brookline Booksmith - Artwork on the way downstairs - Bookstores Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

A friend had recommended Brookline Booksmith to me as her favorite bookstore in the area and I was not disappointed. They have such a large selection of books - and there's even a sale section for cook books, fiction, and nonfiction! Books are all priced affordably. I picked up a few cookbooks and was very tempted by a planner, but opted to wait until it was closer to the end of the year. Staff were super friendly and you can literally spend hours in here if you're not careful. read more

Great book selection and gift area. I also like the bargain book selection. Friendly neighborhood bookstore.