They were closed when I walked by on Sunday morning but noticed that had a lot of different types…read moreof puzzles in the windows. Now that it's getting chiller, people staying in more due to Covid wanted to share this!

Gulf of Maine is one of my favorite indie bookstores anywhere!…read more There aren't many places in Brunswick that date back to my youth that I can say that I've been a fan of and someone who shops there. Gulf of Maine. Not even Bull Moose has been around since 1979, like Gulf of Maine. Back when my politics and literary tastes were still forming, I ventured into the store that Beth Leonard and Gary Lawless were running (on the other side of Maine Street, if I recall). They've managed to maintain a presence in downtown, long after many other similar stores have disappeared. For me, there is no other bookshop that carries such a wide array of what I'd characterize as politically progressive books and authors--Noam Chomsky, Ward Churchill, Howard Zinn, Barbara Ehrenreich and a host of others. But to label G of M as merely a political bookseller misses the point entirely. Both Gary and Beth carry a wealth of Maine writers, too. I mean, even a veritable unknown writer like me has had success selling his titles through their store. Plus, I now know who Ruth Moore his simply because Gary and Beth are a fan and I asked about the bumper sticker I saw on their car that read, "Read Ruth Moore." I believe that bookstores make communities richer, especially stores that don't just cater to the lowest common denominator, or stock merely bestselling hacks and their trade paperbacks, not that there's anything wrong with them. The next time you are in downtown Brunswick, park your car on Maine Street, walk up and down the vibrant main thoroughfare, bordered by an ample village green, independently-owned coffee shops and other unique shops, and make sure you stop in and see what a real bookstore looks like. That would be Gulf of Maine Books.

I went into Sherman's book store today. When I walked into the store an older woman at the register…read morelooked at me and said " We close in 10 minutes!" in a very gruff tone. I picked up what I needed and went to pay and another woman at that register was just as unfriendly as the older woman. Very disappointed as I traveled quite a ways to go to Freeport. I won't be going back to that store anytime soon. Not the first time I have experienced rudeness in this Sherman's ( Freeport)

We love independent book stores. We like Sherman's, which has been around Freeport since 1998 and…read moreis one of a group of Sherman stores around the state (the chain started in Bar Harbor, apparently). Our first visit recently was good but not exceptional. It's a moderately large store with a very large areas set aside for gifts, toys, puzzles, Maine souvenirs, etc. We thought their classics section and history were a bit underwhelming, but we enjoyed going through bargain books and just spending time looking through the inventory. We did not find the staff particularly friendly; they seemed distracted even when we checked out. Maybe they were having a bad day... Even so, it's a nice bookstore and there are few better places to spend time anywhere.

Don't be thrown by the location - this is a neighborhood gem. We went in right before closing with…read moretwo energetic kids. The staff could not have been more kind or helpful. They took time to get down to the physical level of my four year old, asking him what he liked and helped give us recommendations for his first chapter books. The diverse books and Maine authors featured made me really happy and although the shop is small, there was quite a wide variety. They also made it very easy to order anything they didn't have in stock. We will definitely be repeat customers!

Great place and very helpful service. The woman with whom I dealt even mailed the gift certificate…read moreI bought!

Very good selection of books; old and new..I enjoy the History Section as well aa the Classics"…read more Also maps and charts galore..not just a few, but more..and Smores..- Recipes..Gardening know how..a Treasure trove for the literary craving you may have..

Always a highlight of my trips to maine; pretty good selection. it's got a large section on the…read morehistory of the area

This shop is amazing and the fact proceeds support the library is awesome!…read more I make sure to stop in this place every time I am vacationing in the area because of the great prices and selection of books. I have been lucky in the past and have almost always found a book that I've been looking for (sometimes more) or have stumbled upon great books by chance. Hidden behind he main shops along the main street with ample parking, you won't want to miss this bookstore. There is something for everybody in this nicely organized shop!

I think, if you're going to come to a chain bookstore, this should be the place you visit. It's so…read morenew; it's got that new book smell (not really, but... maybe, kinda, sorta?)! 1. So much easy, free parking in their huge shared lot. 2. There's a Starbucks-adjacent cafe. NOTE: it's NOT actually Starbucks though, so you can't order ahead or pay with your app. Just a heads-up! The cafe portion of the bookstore is spacious and clean, with the tables themselves also being spaced quite far apart from one another. It creates a real sense of privacy no matter where you sit! 3. The atmosphere/layout here is very modern and inviting; the selection itself is enormous. Genres are clearly labeled, and there's a tremendous amount of content available no matter what you're looking for (so be prepared to spend some time here wandering around and taking it all in... then you'll probably have to come back, because there's no way you'll actually be able to take it all in on the first visit!). They've got new releases, popular books, recommendations, board games, and more. And, of course, the random armchair for you to sit and peruse your possible purchase. Obviously, support local first. But if you're looking for a slow-paced, wide open, very quiet, very tidy spot to spend a little bit of time (without feeling rushed or forced to purchase something) finding your next favorite read, I'd suggest visiting here!

This is a newer location, and it's absolutely stunning! Nice lighting, open concept, beautiful cafe.read more

The oldest book store in Maine filled with tons of books, great sales on selected books, greeting…read morecards, gifts, candies and more! I loved checking out the Maine Mysteries section and also the staff picks. The store is well laid out and organized although it would be easy to get lost in here for hours. I bought a few books on sale, some candies and a magnet. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Plenty of parking in lot. I will be back again and would highly recommend a stop in.

Shermans aren't all alike, and that's really refreshing! While the bones of the business are the…read moresame, each spot has their own personality and charm. Personally, I like the way the Falmouth store is laid out more (having so many staff and neighbor recommendations immediately at the front of the store). This Sherman's in Topsham feels like it wants you to do your own exploring; it's cleverly/cheekily organized (make sure to look at the bookshelves titles). We were here for at least an hour just leisurely looking through the bookshelves, before making another lap, and another... I'm sure we could have been here even longer, and no one would have minded. It helps that they have chairs throughout! From what I understand, this Sherman's does an exceptional job with special orders, so if you're looking for something specific, reach out to these folks! The staff seemed *very* selectively friendly (I wasn't on the receiving end of that warmth, but I watched them have welcoming, neighborly banter with other customers [regulars, I'm guessing]). This is one of those places you WANT to sign up for their rewards program: you just need to give them your name and phone number and for every $200 you spent you get $10 a credit!

Very good selection of books. Friendly staff. Pleasant setting on Main Street. Always a fun trip!read more

I love local bookstores and this one did not disappoint! I should say that I've only ever bought…read morechildren's books here but they have a great selection. I was in need of some new books for my son (because there are only so many times that you can read the same book over and over again). I chose some books that I wouldn't get tired of and the woman working was able to make some great recommendations, specifically Rosie Revere Engineer-love this book! They also offer gift wrapping which is good to know if we need to pick up a birthday present on the way to the party!