I regret that I don't have any photos to add to this review. The day I went to Harbor Books, it was pouring down rain. My date and I walked to the bookstore in the pouring rain, and not only did I not want to get my phone wet, I also didn't want to have to keep her waiting for me under the downpour any longer than was necessary. I guess I'm a nice guy...Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone! When I realized I would be meeting someone for a date in the area, I went online to see what Old Saybrook has to offer on a Sunday. I hadn't been to Old Saybrook in at least a couple years, and I'm not too up-to-date on the goings on in the area. My search turned up a small cafe nearby...and Harbor Books. After a small but pleasant lunch, we walked to Harbor Books in the rain. Upon first walking in, I noticed a $1.00 bin where all the books were on sale for, yep, a dollar. I noticed one title in there I decided I would pick up and purchase on the way out (I did), one of Mary Higgins Clark's older novels, hardcover, in excellent condition. Looking through Harbor Books, I quickly realized I would need much more time in there than I suspected my date was willing to spend. I guessed 5 hours. No joke. Not only do they have a great selection of titles, they also have a great selection of vintage and antique books. Many of which are in excellent shape and are marked with a great price. There are probably more antique books in this little bookstore than at the antique shop a couple towns away, that has a ton of books. Five hours is likely an understatement. While looking through the bookshelves, I happened upon a book by a local author whom I had met at least a couple times, now about 10 years ago. I picked up the book, and asked the store owner how long he had had that book in stock. He estimated 7-8 years. I put the book back on the shelf, stepped away, then immediately turned back and grabbed it. After bringing the book home, along with a couple others I purchased along with it, I looked up the author online, wondering what he might be up to these days. Turns out he's up to nothing. He's dead. He died about 4 years ago, while his book was sitting on the shelf of this little bookstore, waiting years for me to come and pick it up. I got to thinking: what are the odds? This book, which I am certain had a very small print run, sat on a shelf waiting 7 or 8 years for me to find it, authored by a man I had met 10 years ago, who is now dead. I took it as a sign that the copy of the book had always been mine, waiting there on that shelf until just the right circumstances led me into Harbor Books and to it. The thing is, I'm willing to bet Harbor Books is JUST the right kind of store for that sort of thing. And I think the next time I go in there, I'll likely find something else that was there waiting for me, somewhere in those tightly-packed shelves. What will I find when I go there next? And will it really take 5 hours? We shall see. read more

My husband and I were in Old Saybrook for an overnight stay. We stayed at a local B and B, had dinner at Penny Lane Pub on Saturday night and attended a wonderful blues concert at The Kate. Sunday morning we had breakfast at Mirsina's which was delicious. We then took a walk on Main Street. We were talking about what a sweet town this is and the friendliness of all the people we interacted with. We enjoy book stores and decided to explore Harbor Books. When we walked in, we greeted the woman at the desk. She was the wife/ owner I believe. We made small talk and looked around for books we might want to buy. During this time, a male patron came in and was talking about a 20th century European history book he had read and asked for help finding 2 other out of print books by the same author. I was preparing to make a purchase of at least 1 or 2 hardcover novels and my husband was interested in local history. A conversation took place between the owner and patron and was pointedly opinionated political talk that was very disturbing and inappropriate. Needless to say, we abruptly left. I am sorry our wonderful overnight was marred by hateful this experience. I will never go there again. read more

I LOVE this bookstore. It's not very wide, but it is long and tall. If I didn't stop myself at three books and postcards, I'd still be there looking at their fiction and cozy mysteries. The books are used, and their prices are written on the inside cover. They have a huge selection, every genre you can think of, and except for more popular titles, have one copy of each book to (I assume) allow for even more selection. I cannot recommend this bookstore enough. They also have a display of scouting materials in the back. read more

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Amazing selection for the size. The owner is adept at finding rare and out of print books.

I brought some of my used books to them and they gave me book credit to use towards their store! I got 7 books and a bookmark for about $25. The gentleman working was a pleasure to talk to and I hope to visit this store again soon! read more

Great store. Not good customer service. I guess 10 o'clock doesn't mean 10 o'clock. I arrived at 10:16. Still locked. I could see the guy in there. He acted like he didn't see us. read more

My favorite used book store around... better than the options where I live in Cambridge/Somerville. Go at the end of the summer to get all the recent, best summer reads after the renters have gone! He always has a great selection of all the genres. There's some 'new' books at a small discount in the front and he can special order any new books, too. I've seen cheaper prices in other used book stores, but I find this selection to be the best so it's worth it! read more

Put me in a used bookstore and I instantly become like a kid at Disney World -- I could spend hours sifting through the shelves, enjoying the used book smell, and hunting for my favorite authors. Not only is Harbor Books located on one of the cutest Main Streets in all of New England, its staff members truly love to read and offer great suggestions based on your author or genre of choice. Even better, all used books are at least half the price of the original cover cost. Steeper discounts are given for less popular, or more "loved" books. Also present are a great array of coffee table books detailing the history of Old Saybrook (famous for being Katherine Hepburn's last hideaway and real home), as well as photos of the beautiful coastal scenery. I've been happy to see Harbor Books thrive for several years in a location where other stores come and go. I hope to count it as one of my regular summer stops for many more to come. read more

Very disappointed in our recent visit to Harbor Books on the Saturday before Mother's Day. I am a big fan of Harbor Books and have shopped there for years but was surprised that the always friendly and welcoming staff were nowhere to be found. I was the only customer in the store and made a point to say hello as I always do. The woman who was at the desk was unwelcoming and couldn't be bothered to look up from whatever she was doing. I spent 15 mins in the store browsing, not once did she make any attempt to make a sale or offer any suggestions. She didn't even respond when I said goodbye. Disappointing. read more

Wonderful little shop conveniently located along Main Street in Old Saybrook. Parking is easy. A nice selection of used and new books; the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. I picked up a couple of used current hardcovers for 5 bucks apiece. I'll be back! read more

Staff know their stuff and are super helpful. Why pay retail when you can get used for 50% of the cover price and new books substantially discounted. If you are a K. Hepburn fan there is a huge section dedicated to the long time Old Saybrook resident. Lots of local interest and nautical collection as well. Worth the trip!! read more

Small town used bookstore. The man who helped us was wonderful.

Highly cynical curmudgeonly owner. Not actually interested in good books. Just in selling the most mainstream titles he can find. Ones that "sell themselves" as he put it to me. Couldn't care less about independent or local authors. Rather ironic for a small town shop. read more

We stopped into Harbor Books today with our children, who are 2 and 4. They are young children and energetic, but they also know how to behave. My younger daughter handed me a Children's book off the shelf, I said yes, that's a book, and I put it back on the shelf. The man behind the counter VERY rudely said "Those books are for adults to buy," to which I said, "Yes, I realize that." He replied with (still quite rudely) "This is NOT a library. Those books are for purchase." I took my children and left. They weren't causing any sort of trouble, there wasn't anyone else in the store, and the display of children's books are right at floor level very accessible for young children to look at. I understand the concern about children potentially destroying books and displays, but mine were not misbehaving, I put the book back as soon as it was handed to me, and I was getting ready to tell my daughter that we look at them, not touch. I don't know ANYONE who goes to a book store without thumbing through the books, and this employee (I don't know if he was the owner or a clerk) made it quite apparent that we were not welcome there despite the prominent display of children's books and the open door to the street. I wouldn't recommend this store to anyone. read more