Full disclosure: From 1994-1996 I worked here. I figure it's been long enough for me to review it as it is and keep this from being spelp, but I wanted to put that out there. This is one of the few independent booksellers in the country that not only survived a Barnes and Noble opening directly on top of them, but eventually sent them packing. There's a good reason for this - they are awesome. Booksmith is at or near it's 50th anniversary in Coolidge Corner. The staff are here because they love books - nobody's going to get rich selling books, and yet these people do it with aplomb. What I particularly love about the store are the myriad serendipitous discoveries you'll make while working there - I've found bookmarks hidden inside books from staff members, with notes like "oooh! wasn't that passage awesome? If you like it, go read _________". I've discovered tons of new writers because the staff took the time to point them out. Booksmith has an aggressive events schedule, and they bring the big names along with the little guy. Add in their used Book Cellar, and there's stuff for folks on a budget. The fact of the matter is you can find books cheaper online. You can't find the ambiance, level of service, intelligence, and generally cool vibe anywhere outside of this store. This is a great date place, and you will frequently find couples holding hands, wandering the aisles and showing off their literary brains in an attempt to show off their less literary parts. The store gives back to the community as well - so spending dollars here keeps dollars in town. read more

This place is deceptively large! Lots of books and gift-y items on the first floor as well as used books and a meeting area in the basement! Very nice! That being said... there should at least be one bathroom. Call me stubborn for docking two stars for this seemingly minor issue but to have customers to be told, somewhat rudely --i might add, to go to the starbucks next door only to wait in line with starbucks customers as well as other booksmith customers for the bathroom is unacceptable in my book. After about a 15 minute wait/ordeal, I was able to go back into the store and start my perusing for books. Yes, they have a good selection and I even bought an interesting read for only $5. However, the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth. read more

From actual books (and a huge sale section) to notebooks and art supplies to calendars to trinkets to jewelry, you're pretty much guaranteed to find an awesome gift for someone else or a treat for yourself. The only downfalls are that it's always pretty crowded, the checkout line can get a little long, and prices are usually a bit more expensive than what you'd find online (duh). But it's worth it. I could easily spend hours wandering around, and I rarely walk out empty handed. The best part is, you're supporting a local bookstore! read more

I LOVE THE BROOKLINE BOOKSMITH! This is by far one of my favorite places in my beloved Coolidge Corner. Aside from their book selection, the highlight of BB is the card/gift section. They have some of the best cards in Boston! Also, they have a great assortment of funny gag gifts, etc. and some really cute scarves, bags, etc. The selection is unique and changes often. Also, they have a great used book floor downstairs where you can get books for half of the price. The staff are friendly & helpful and I have ordered books that I needed that they didn't have. Also - they have authors come and do book signings. I have a soft spot for the Booksmith in my heart! read more

One of my all-time favorite bookstores. The store is so enticing organized in such a way that it is really easy to find new and interesting titles. Their topical displays are great and if you read a review of it you can find it here, even it is by a lesser-known author. I can't leave here without buying at least one or two books and the staff recommendations have never let me down. read more

This is what a neighborhood bookstore should be. Brookline Booksmith (BB) is staffed by intelligent people who can recommend new and exciting books (their "staff picks" are often quite wonderful). BB is particularly strong on fiction and hardcover non-fiction. Like most neighborhood bookstores, this is not the place to go looking for - let's say - Judith Butler. Finally, BB routinely brings amazing authors to the bookstore, and, when need be, to the Coolidge Theater across the street. Highlights have included Andre Aciman, Mary Oliver, Edward P. Jones, and Tobias Wolff. Downside: I've found the used section - which seems to be shrinking - to be a bit lackluster. read more

Brookline Booksmith is a great alternative to the big box bookstores. I never leave the store without buying SOMETHING! The prices are pretty reasonable, specifically on paperbacks. I don't feel rushed at the store either; it's great to linger on a cold January weekend day or after work. The book signings they have are very good too. Sometimes, the book readings are done at the Coolidge Corner Theater, so it feels more like a big event. I also like the area where there are cards and other knick-knacks; things I never thought I needed until I was browsing there. Overall, if you are looking for a less formal bookstore, I recommend Brookline Booksmith. read more

I love you Booksmith! Thanks for giving me 10% off with my Coolidge Corner Theater membership. Thanks for having such incredible sales - even on fairly new titles. Thanks for promoting used-book-buying-and-selling. And thanks for making my horrid commute slightly more enjoyable by allowing myself to be distracted by an engrossing book. Gotta knock 1 baby star off for your lack of techie books (not even the #1 web analytics book on the market? I can understand not stocking a variety, but I'd at least appreciate the top books of each field). Anyway, if I could knock off only half a star for that, I would - sorry. read more

O, Booksmith how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: 1. Excellent selection of books, new and used. 2. Extremely friendly knowledgeable and passionate staff. 3. Great author events 4. A community focal point for YEARS. My whole lifetime in fact. read more

I cannot be trusted in a bookstore. I buy and buy until l have to go to Ikea to build a bookshelf to hold my addiction. This bookstore is perfect; it fuels my addiction without breaking the bank. I've never looked upstairs, I head straight downstairs to the used books. I think a book is better when someone else has already loved it; it's like a shared experience. And the price is right, let's not lie. They also have a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, textbooks, criticism, etc. read more

is is everything you want in a bookstore. It's designed to make browsing easy, with tables up front where they group books by new releases or sale books or by theme. The back half of the store is laid out in traditional topics. read more

Lively bookstore with lots of gift items, too. Enjoyed browsing and def will be back.

The book nerd's bookstore. So I was on the hunt for these three dragon books for my mom's birthday, as my mom is into such things. Started out in three or four books stores in Harvard Sq., but no luck. These are fairly new books too so I didn't think this would be a challenge. Hopped on the 66 to Coolidge -- got out across from the Borders there so I tried it first. Nope. Walked down to the Booksmith and there they were. [palm slaps forehead] Now, why didn't I just go here first? It makes you feel good to buy your books here too -- like you're contributing to some large literary society in the ethers. Somehow it seems your money's worth more here. They have all the good magazines here too. Back issues of Believer and other charming McSweeney's related items... Just as the video store next door is the one the film nerds will recommend, such is the Booksmith for all things wordy. read more

I found this place when I came to Brookline to interview for a job. I was so lost lol, and I walked in to ask for directions and fell head over heels in love with this store! The staff is so friendly and has great recommendations. I have spent more time than I would like to admit in the basement looking for books and unfortunately I haven't been to see any of the authors. *note to self MUST do this! The selection is wonderful and feel of the place is great I could stay there for hours. I'll be stopping by later this week to pick up next years calendars and look for new and interesting titles to read. read more

My favorite bookstore in Boston! They always have the latest reads in hardcover and paperback. Even if I don't buy anything, I'll always stop in to find a new book. They even have a gift/knick-knack section with Birthday cards and other fun trinkets that are great for those holiday secret Santas. Everyone is bound to find something they like here! Downstairs has a used book section. All the books are in great condition and you can usually find popular books or classics. They even have used test prep books, which is a great deal for the many students in the area. read more

I'm a thrifty shopper when it comes to books. You won't catch me in a Barnes and Noble or a Borders buying books at full price. At Brookline Booksmith I bought "Persuasion" by Jane Austen used for $3.50!! Upon arriving at Brookline Booksmith there was a rolling cart outside with $1 books. "So far so good" I thought. And when entering it's a beautiful store that is brightly lit, easy to maneuver and find what you're looking for, and an added extra bonus; it's pet friendly. Now obviously hitting the downstairs area first where the used book section is aka "the cheaper section" I was relatively surprised of the quantity of different genres. Kids, Mystery, Fiction, Classics, Art, Drama, Comics, Sci-fi, History, American History, Travel, Health and more. Overall it's a very dense area that requires some time to browse through everything. Books are organized by author. Upstairs knick knacks like bookmarks, bowls, reading lights etc are a little on the expensive side. $12 for a bookmark... no thanks. I did appreciate the employee recommendation cards where an employee wrote about a book they enjoyed. It's a solid bookstore that I will be happy to return to! read more

Dear Brookline Booksmith, I love you. You get me. Sometimes you get a little crowded but I know that's because I have to share you with everyone else who loves you. XOXO read more

Great organization and the staff picks appeal to a larger crowd than most other stores (everything in Harvard, I'm looking at you). They usually have the cheaper and used version of most books downstairs, so it's almost like a double bargain. Their section of fun "stuff" is half the reason I go in there. I recently fell in love with the brand Seawicks Candles that Booksmith carries; the jewelry is also to die for. One major factor for me in any bookstore is the layout. While Booksmith isn't incredibly large, there is still space to sit and read. The Children's Section is also well placed so that no one is overwhelmed. Also - and major points - everyone here is incredibly friendly! read more

I lived in Brookline 20 years ago and was so happy to see that the Booksmith is still there! They have a wonderful collection of books as well as quirky gifts, candles, etc. And their staff is FRIENDLY and helpful. If you miss spending time in a REAL bookstore, it is definitely worth the time to take the Green C line out to Coolidge Corner for a visit. Grab a coffee and spend an hour in bookstore heaven! read more

The Brookline Booksmith is one of the towns many hidden gems. There is a great selection of books choose from and they have discounted books downstairs if you're on a budget. Parking is terrible. Walk and get some fresh air. read more

Got a dollar? Well you're probably thinking you can't get much for it nowadays. ACTUALLLYYY, at Brookline Booksmith you can buy a used book with it and enjoy hours of reading! Just go downstairs to the $1 book section and find a treasure. I've found that they update the section quite frequently and I always walk away with at least one book (even though I truly don't NEED another one). Their used book section in general is fantastic and they have a bargain book section upstairs with the rest of the new books. And what if you don't have a dollar? Well Brookline Booksmith has multiple FREE book events every week that are really worth checking out! read more

Booksmith is a gem. An independent bookseller with a vast selection of best seller, used, and bargain books. Spent an hour in there and it wasn't nearly enough. Probably only covered a quarter of the store. I was very impressed by the wide array of helpful and thoughtful staff recommendations. They are color coded so it's easy to navigate--once you find out you align with a staffer's tastes on a certain book, it's interesting and easy to find new recommendations from them across the store. I really enjoyed this spot and hope to spend more time in there soon. read more

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Brookline Booksmith brought Derek Smalls to the Coolidge Corner Theatre to read from the novel he penned under the pseudonym "Harry Shearer." That totally earns Brookline Booksmith five stars. THIS REVIEW GOES TO ELEVEN! read more

This is a life-long love affair that I will remain loyal to until the day I die. All other bookstores will always be compared to Booksmith, and fail miserably to measure up. It has an excellent selection, but is not an overwhelming superstore. I rely on checking out the staff recs and comparing them to my own taste. From there I go down to the bargain basement. THE BARGAIN BASEMENT IS MY JAM. Not only do I love getting books for cheap, I'm one of those nerdy types who thinks a well-worn book makes for a better reading experience. I'm also loving the whole philosophy behind passing along and making the most of the books people love. Also, the acknowledgement and promotion of local writers is a huge deal. Kudos, Booksmith. Even though I now live in DC, I always take a trip to Booksmith every time I'm in the boston area. I gotta stay true to my one-and-only. read more

I love this bookstore! Sometimes I make a special trip to Brookline, just to go downstairs to the used book section. They have a great selection of pre-owned books there, and a lot of them are current bestsellers. The booksellers themselves are also really knowledgeable. They seem to enjoy reading and will actually make decent suggestions if you ask them. A second part of this store is an "arts and crafts" section that is really cute and has a bunch of unique items. I like it, but I almost wish they would take it out and fill it with more books. It's fun to browse though, and I have picked up some cute presents there during Christmas time. You won't regret it. This is the type of store that would put Barne and Noble out of business. read more

We must preserve and reward our independent bookstore! Great selection, great sales, the only reason not to go into the Booksmith is to avoid purchasing books (which does keep me away sometimes). They also have an interesting and vibrant author reading program, sometimes in conjunction with the Coolidge Corner Theatre, and are great supporters of the local community. Go Booksmith! read more

I will start by confessing that I am an avid fan of my local Brookline Library. However, when it was shuttered (temporarily) due to the Coronavirus, I decided to purchase a few books online. My immediate instinct was to go to Amazon, with free shipping using my wife's Prime Membership. When I saw the expected delivery date of April 21st, I decided to go local and buy from the Brookline Booksmith, where my wife had just purchased 2 books. The end of the story is simple. I will always buy my books from the Brookline Booksmith and never from Amazon or any other vendor online or brick & mortar. The Brookline Booksmith's customer service is beyond amazing. They offered advice while I was placing my order, then followed up to keep me posted on my order status. To find this level of "personal" customer service in our (new) online world is AMAZING in all capital letters! Thank you! read more

Was less than 2 blocks from a Barnes & Noble... which is now a fitness center for women. Brookline Booksmith does it right. From the awesome reader night series to the used book selection to the personalized service, this is the only bookstore I'll go to and one I'll frequent every week as a rule. Not the largest bookstore ever but what they lack in pure quantity they more than make up for in delivery. The store is fantastically organized (I say this as they were reorganizing this week to move paper products to the front...) but before you get into the depths of the shelves you can see the new releases, the clearly argued staff picks, the bargain shelves and all with ease. Nothing feels forced here. The staff and service are phenomenal. I'm picky about my moleskins... large cahier red soft back ruled... Ya I wasn't kidding. They had tan and blue but not the red so I just checked with one of the employees and she happily checked their inventory to see if they just hadn't put them out, found out they were on backorder, then took my name and # and promised to call me when the red ones came in. So I bought a pack of the blues and will make due, but the reason I'll never go anywhere else... any other store employee does that I sort of assume I won't hear from them. But one at Brookline Booksmith puts it on scrap paper handwritten and I haven't a doubt in my mind I'll know the day they hit the shelves. If you're a local to Brookline shame on you for any book you buy somewhere else, if you're not, you won't be disappointed if you make the trip to Coolidge Corner. read more

I get lost in bookstores. For me, crossing over the threshold is like entering a time warp where time stops and I'm alone with all kinds of goodies. And Booksmith is no exception. A plethora of books, gifts, cards, magazines to delight the senses. The front of the store is filled with tables and tables of books with some small knickknack objects (impulse buy) scattered about. There's also a great selection of magazines that range from the typical to the much more specific, hard-to-find in typical bookstores. I absolutely love their collection knicknack's and gift items. Lots of unique and fun things to play with, investigate and purchase. I've definitely picked up more than the odd gift for people here. Plus they have a good selection of cards too (I've gotten my holiday cards here on more than one occasion). Staff is helpful and has in the past made special orders for me on a book that was not in stock. They also have a fab selection of touring authors who do readings in the store. It's a great atmosphere for browsing - relaxing and much less "corporate" than those chain bookstores. read more

Going to a bookstore is not my norm. At least the act of buying books is not. I was told that Coolidge Corner has a bookstore so I stopped by prior to work so I can find something for my T rides. I am giving this 5 stars because I never thought I'd come across the book I wanted to read in the bargain table. I didn't think any bookstores carry this novel. At least I couldn't find the sequel when I finished the first book by Anchee Min. It's been quite a few years so I was just stunned to come across this when I actually wanted to pick up a book to read. I can surely tell you that time flies by so much faster when reading than staring at the ads on the subway walls! read more

I hand over almost all of my paychecks directly to Brookline Booksmith. It's places like this that make me want to ban internet purchases. Because honestly, nothing beats a great local shop! They have a fabulously edited selection of fiction, art, philosophy, cook books and children's books. I could live in their bargain basement and they constantly have amazing deals going on all over the store. Also, If you want something you can't find they will order it for you! The customer service is fantastic and I can always find the latest popular reads, as well as awesome gifts for friends! Sometimes I go to "just browse" and I leave with over 4 books. My book shelf loves me, my wallet, not so much. read more

My favorite bookstore. Cute setup, friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere. Just be careful..if you're like me you might lose half your day in the store fascinated by all the book choices. They have great sales and great employee selections. I also really like their gift section for fun gifts and cute wrapping paper. Keep up the awesome work! I'll be back in soon... read more

I love this place! The relaxed atmosphere lends itself to endless browsing, the ample book tables provide you with a plethora of familiar and non familiar books, and the staff is friendly and not in your face. I like that is not all shiny and sleek like some other bookstores. The booky smell is not overpowered by Starbucks or Seatle's Best or Harry Potter merchendise. Whenever I am here, I end up browsing, collecting and then whipping out my wallet. The prices are not that bad, so in the end, everyone is happy - the bookstore, me AND my wallet. it's a great way to kill some time before dinner or a movie in Coolidge. read more

The brookline booksmith is a ton of fun-- but my favorite part is the gift section. I did a bunch of my holiday shopping there (that was part of the theme this year, local shopping). I got a disappearing red states mug for daddy, a cute bag for little sister, a frame for me (xoxoxoxoxo typewriter keys), a robot shaped alarm clock for the gf. I also got a bunch of fun cards and little stocking stuffers-- don't tell me you don't know someone who needs wind-up jumping sushi, becuase I know you're overlooking someone. I also sold a bunch of books to help defray the cost. Yay for that. read more

More so than the upstairs, where all the modern ish, main stream type books are, I love the creaky down stairs. The bargain area, is seriously a bargain - the books are quality also~ The smell of old books is so appealing. Wish they have a bigger area to sit (not like the chain stores) but just some corners to take a break from browsing. read more

My name is Julie and I have a book buying addiction. No, seriously, I cannot walk by a bookstore without going in and making a purchase. Good thing I spent 150 bucks on a kindle. Oh wait... I hopped on in to Brookline Booksmith for a few minutes before a dinner reservation and was overwhelmed. This place is big, has an incredibly selection of all types of books, and has so many great deals!! I scored a new copy of Half Broke Horses for $5.99! The used section in the basement is AMAZING, and is probably alone worth the horrendous trip on the C line. The staff was so friendly and helpful and they have some really great author events -- check out the calendar. Wish it was closer! read more

Before the days of ubiquitous Barnes & Nobles and Borders, i used to have to make do with the B. Dalton or Waldenbooks in the local mall, which was enough to get by, but only just, particularly if you were looking to read something whose author wasn't in humongous print on the cover. Brookline Booksmith is similar in size to those late, unlamented stores, but the similarity ends there, since it ten times more with it, with shelves packed with every genre you can imagine. It's neither cramped nor teeming, but the variety is what impresses. If you go in looking for a title in particular, you might not find it, but if you just go in looking for something, you'll probably find a bunch of somethings. and then there's amusing selection of wacky gifts and the downstairs used book selection. read more

Ever wonder why people care which bookstore they go to? You'll understand when you go here. The owners actually pay attention to only selling worthwhile reads. This is my favorite bookstore of ALL TIME! LOVE their art books section upstairs - it's my first "go to" location. A+ also for their unique gifts section, used books downstairs, buying my old used books for mega cash, and for their great discount tables upstairs. read more

Anyone can carry good books. It's nice when the store is local, of course, but a bookstore is a bookstore is a bookstore. But three things separate Brookline Booksmith from the faceless corporate giants: the awesome author circuit, the used books section, and the small-circulation/foreign publication rack. I've seen some brilliant writers speak downstairs for freezies, and because of the small venue, you can totally chat them up (unlike at Border's, where I was practically yanked away by security while waiting for an autograph from Gene Wilder.) Check the reading schedule on the website and get ya'self some culture. Also, there is ALWAYS a dog to play with outside. Always. read more

I love to read... but I don't have a library card. It's not because I don't know how to get one; it's because I know myself and I know I'd end up racking up billions of dollars in fines. (That's a joke, friends.) Brookline Booksmith has probably one of the most logical setups for a bookstore I've ever seen. I always have a hard time finding books, because unlike libraries, bookstores don't have a reliable system. These people, however, do a pretty good job. Anyone who knows me, knows I love non-fiction, and that I'll read a memoir before any other non-fiction book first. Those are usually nearly impossible to find, especially because of cross-categorization. There are a few chairs throughout the store. It is no major bookstore, obviously, so you shouldn't sit there and read an entire book and then leave. I have read about 10 pages to a full chapter before deciding on reading a book, because it's easy to sit here and do that. It is also a pretty good place to go to spend time with children. The kids' section isn't huge, but it has a pretty good selection, and it's a good way to instill print awareness and a love of reading in very little kids. I love, love, love this place. They always have the books that are sold out at all the other major bookstores...or even local bookstores with more foot traffic. read more