Who knew that Harvard Book Store is actually an indie bookstore and not actually owned by the University? If I had known that awhile ago, I would have been here more before my last week in Boston! Like Brookline Booksmith, the basement holds a comparable amount of used books while the first floor houses the new books. I do find it to have more selection than Raven Used Books. Unlike Booksmith, however, the used books are a bit more pricey like other things in Harvard Square. read more

Although cramped and boasting the staircase from hell (a million people trying to go up and down one tiny stairway,) the Harvard Bookstore is your go-to place for knowledgeable book service. Just ask the staff, they can tell you anything about books. Especially the older guy... ask him a question, I guarantee he'll know what you're looking for. The collections are a little cluttered, and they're hard to manuever, but overall this place is a good experience. Much more personable than the "Coop," Harvard Book Store is your place to go if you're looking for a book in Harvard Square. read more

Christians have heaven. The ancient Greeks have the Elysian Fields. Buddhists achieve nirvana. Lit majors go to the Harvard Book Store and die happily in a basement overflowing with cheap used books and remainders, clutching vintage copies of "Lolita" to their scrawny, heaving breasts. I heart the heaving breasts off this place. read more

This is a fantastic bookstore for many reasons. One is that it is independent, the closest thing that Boston has to the holy grail of ginormous independent bookstores, Powell's. I say this because you can almost get lost in this bookstore due to sheer size and amount of books in both the new and used sections, and also because the scope of material available. The Harvard Book Store gets five stars instead of four because it had "Last Exit to Brooklyn," a book that, shockingly, my other favorite independent bookstore in the greater Boston area did not. Please, if you are buying books in Cambridge, support this lovely bookstore instead of a heinous chain one. And if you are ever unsure of what book to read next, a problem I wish I had because it would mean less books cluttering my living space, the staff recommendations are usually terrific. read more

This is a very tardy review for a business that I hope lasts forever! The books are phenomenal - I also love to scout the remainders and used books sections. But now that I've discovered the many warehouse weekend events, I'm even more enthralled. The author events are top notch. Staff knows books, authors and all things literary. I find myself consulting them with the expectations of a reference librarian, and I've never been disabused of that notion. I purchased "The Art of the Trot", and the register clerk lit up and said, "I just knew someone would appreciate that book!" And we launched into a discussion of Xenophon, classical dressage, war horses, and strategy and tactics. (There were no customers waiting while we chatted - other staffers stepped in, and contributed to the discussion while efficiently packaging purchases and ringing up customers.) Given the store's very limited space, the Harvard Bookstore will special order or check warehouse stock for any desired titles not fitting into their burgeoning shelves. It doesn't have room to lounge about in chairs and read, think or just watch life go by, a la B&N, but as a bookstore, it's tops, A number 1. A must stop and purchase business. read more

Can bookstores have class? If so this one has it in spades. Now we all know Harvard Square has a dozen bookstores. Some as fancy and commercial as the COOP. Others in basement rooms with a vintage used feel. This one is a little bit of both. They've got a large selection on the ground floor and a basement level packed with used books. You really won't find the Harvard feeling here. As in they aren't peddling the Harvard tourist merchandise as hard as the COOP but that's what I like about this place. Also if you go around the store you'll find various little note cards on a few of the staff's pics. I love a recommendation every now and then. Instead of reading the propaganda on the back of a jacket you get a mini review of sorts on what a particular staff who actually read the book liked about it. So while you can always ask at the front desk it's nice to see these cards around when I'm browsing for a good summer read. read more

Ahhh, the Harvard Book Store. I'm a bibliophile. Very definitely a bibliophile. When I moved to Boston last year, the most difficult part was trying to narrow down 7 bookcases of books to a quantity that would fit into my car along with the clothes, guitar, stereo, computer, and random kitchen gadgets. Books got more space than anything else. As soon as I had spending cash again, it was vital to replenish my stock of books... and a friend recommended the Harvard Book Store. Thanks be to that friend. The Remainders section downstairs is a great place to get a lot of books fast. It's also a good place to meet new authors. If I'm in the mood to try something random, I'll just pick a book by some author I've never read to discover if I like it. That way I don't have to feel guilty about paying full price if I don't. During certain hours, the Remainders department will also buy books from you - a service I've never used, given that it would be easier for me to loose a limb than part with a book. (Bibliophile, remember?) But if you're trying to make room for new books, bring what you have to the store and see if they're interested - pass it on and get a little something for yourself! Upstairs is a great selection of scholarly books. I've been disappointed before because I can't find my 'fun' reading books here, but if you're interested in a specific topic, chances are you can find it well-covered in this bookstore. If you need something for school, they're certain to have it. Best of all is the atmosphere. You find everyone from the scholarly professor type, businessmen in stuffy suits, working professionals, grungy pseudo-intellectuals, hippie college kids... the people in this store run the gamut. The employees are always helpful and friendly. The Harvard Book Store hosts great events - I've gone to many lectures here, and have been pleasantly surprised with some of the crowd questions in the Q&As. And what's not to love about being surrounded by thousands of books? If you're in Harvard Square with a few extra minutes, it's worth checking out. And if you're on a scholarly mission, this place is an essential stop. If you're a bibliophile like me... prepare to drool and spend hours of ecstasy in this place. read more

I've been a loyal customer ever since moving to the Boston area 8 years ago. Their Remainders section has fueled many of my book-buying binges, and I'm utterly thankful that they have such a good selection of Non Fiction and Biographies. The store itself is very comfy and I have no problem spending an hour there by myself despite having rather severe social anxiety sometimes. The staff is very helpful and will order pretty much any book you want. Sign up for their weekly E-Mail newsletter and you'll get a ton of timely info and listings of their upcoming author readings, which are numerous. Also a great place to quickly take care of a Holiday Gift List. The prices of the Remainders make them really hard to resist. read more

This friendly bookstore will suck you in and not spit you out till hours later. On their first floor, they sport an impressive selection of books. They offer an equally large selection of used and discounted books in their basement. No magazines though - you'll have to stop off at Out of Town-Hudson News for that. The staff picks reflect the bookstore's geek-chic intellectualism, which matches the progressive and hip crowd who frequents the store. The Harvard Square location appropriately suites their large cultural and academic sections. And they always bring an impressive assortment of emerging and established authors into the store to speak about their books. The Harvard Book Store offers a place for Cantabrigians to hang out, browse and otherwise intellectualize. read more

Always love Harvard book store. Parking is difficult to say the least. But the book store delivers. Well worth a trip to this Harvard Square institution. read more

Harvard Book Store - Bookstores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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This is my favorite bookstore in the world, second only to the late great bookstore my Uncle Neal used to own, A Clean Well-Lighted Place For Books (out in San Fran; check out Bookstore West Portal if you're out there and want something reminiscent of ACWLP). Aaanyway, as I used to work at HBS, I'm probably a bit biased. But I definitely spent most of my paychecks there, especially in the fabulous used department. Staff recommendations are awesome things, pay attention to them! You can sell back your books Tuesday through Saturday for cash or store credit, which is doubly awesome. And come on, we've had Neil Gaiman, Billy Collins, Salman Rushdie, Al Gore, the list goes on...they know what's going on. Check this place out :) read more

Just amazing books. I feel like this store is my therapist. I don't know who is picking out the assortment of titles they have here but I'm always really impressed. Every time I walk in, I'm walking out with a book. I'm proud to carry the little store card on my keychain, as I'm a big fan of the place. From self-improvement, gift books or art, they always have really good content. It's much more intimate than a BN too, so I feel like i can ask questions when needed. If they could have more parking, that would be killer. But hey, it's Cambridge. read more

Given the choice between this and The Coop I'd take this any day - the atmosphere is nicer, the staff friendlier, and I would always rather support independent bookstores. Having said that, the selection is seriously lacking. It's fine for aimlessly browsing, but whenever I've come in looking for a specific book I've just come up empty. For one thing, as a grown-up YA lit lover, the corresponding section is pathetic. It comprises of fewer than two complete shelves and has serious gaps when it comes to stocking some of the best YA out there (or for that matter, anything recent). For a store of this size, I expect a little more. The bargain section isn't much better - it looks fairly big, but finding something there is a total crapshoot. The YA here is lumped in with the children's books - a mortal sin in my book. While drama and poetry have their own sections, each boasts only about five books. And while searching for books on Judaism I was discouraged to find that it's lumped in with the rest of the Religion books. If you're looking for a nice independent bookstore to browse for a little while, this place is perfect. But if you're looking for something specific and/or the chance to spend your entire afternoon surrounded by books, you're better off at Brookline Booksmith or New England Mobile Book Fair. read more

As a child, my favorite hang out was the library. As an adult, one of my favorite hang outs are bookstores. As with an art museum and grocery store (yes, I love going grocery shopping), bookstores make my happy. Thus, I've been greatly saddened to see the demise of both the independent and mainstream bookstore. Amazon is quite the merchant but not the same as a storefront. The Harvard Bookstore is my kind of place: independent, an intriguing selection, staff that knows literature, and great people watching. No lattes, no Nooks, no attitude....just books. And a damn fine selection, too. read more

Most comprehensive academic bookstore in Harvard Square. A great selection of remainder books, especially large coffee table art books. Also contains a decent used book section, though nothing like Strand in NYC. read more

This is what a bookstore should feel like. Harvard Bookstore is just so... quaint... but huge... if that makes any sense! It has that tiny, independent bookstore feel but has a huge selection that rivals the book sections of larger big chain stores. The staff was very friendly and my payment was quick. They accept credit cards, which I suppose is expected, but I was doubtful because it's such an old-feeling shop. Overall, I love this bookstore and wish I lived closer so I could frequent it more! read more

My favorite place in Harvard Square. And that's saying a lot because I love food. A great place to browse, find great book deals for under $5, and find signed by the authors. Lots of events and book readings, friendly staff, a frequent buyer's program... Definitely satisfies my inner nerd! read more

I love this place not just for the great selection, recommendations, and signings/events, mainly for the little bearded man that I always have this conversation with. Him: "Can I help you?" Me: "Hi, uh yeah there's this book, about this girl..." Him: :rolls eyes into back of head: Me: "and it has a red cover and was written 2004, I think? - maybe 03" Him: :exasperated: "Any idea of the name of the book?" Me: "hmmmm...nooooooo, but it was about some woman who lived in Alaska who had a golden retreiver or something?" Him "Oh, you're thinking of The Blah of Blah by Blah Blahderson, it *was* written in '03, and the cover is burgundy not red, and she lived in Montana and it was a black lab not a golden - it's right over here, I'll show you" closest - to - psychic - I - have - met - in - my - life I LOVE HIM read more

When I first explored the store I was a bit underwhelmed. The selection was very comprehensive but it felt a wee bit cramped. I was about to leave empty handed when... A WILD STAIRCASE APPEARS! The downstairs houses their great used books sections, well organized and with a stand to sell back used books. You can get store credit or cash, but I *believe* you get more value from the former. I'm not 100% sure on that though. This is my favorite bookstore in the Boston area so far. It's a bit of a trek for me from home or school, but it was well worth it. read more

Being the nerd I am, I always had this unbelievable dream wherein I'm standing within the confines of the most perfect book store, leaning up against a wall and taking in the first few chapters of a book I'd spotted and picked up just moments before. With each turn of the page, I'm drawn closer and closer in, and I'm finding it difficult to put my new treasure down. All is at peace around me in the book store, and I take sincere comfort in the fact that so many adventures await my eyes, my mind, and my soul. I finally draw myself away from my newest obsession long enough to gather some money together to buy the book, and while holding the book close to me, a hint of a smile escapes my lips, as I'm reminded of how beautiful new books can smell sometimes. My love then appears in the dream, and I am startled. How long had he been there? And he looks at me lovingly and tells me he'd never seen me smile so beautifully before. And he carefully takes one of my hands, allowing my other hand to still clutch my book tightly, and he gives my other hand a little squeeze. And I think at this point in the dream, he asks me to marry him, and I'm sure if I was able to continue dreaming for days and days, we'd probably have wed in the book store. I've been having this exact dream since I was about 16, and in all of my travels - and being a writer, lit major, and all around book nerd, I'd been to a hundred book stores without question - I had never found the book store that resembled the one in my dream. Until, of course, I found the Harvard Book Store. I can get lost in there for hours. It's just that perfect. read more

If you don't like the Harvard Book Store, you must not like books. This place is one of my fav places to find books, including used books. I've been able to walk away with mint condition books from the remainders/used section at half the original price and they don't just stick books there that no one likes. So make sure you go downstairs when you visit! Their staff is also uber helpful. This place has the knowledge, product and customer service that you hope for in large chains, but never manage to get at large chain bookstores. read more

I feel smarter just walking into the Harvard Book store which is great, because most places I walk into in H sq make me feel more stupid. That is...Red line, or the CVS, or the adidas store (who pays 100 dollars for a track jacket?). I feel even smarter when I walk past there every day and glance at the books on display. They're tend to be pretty thought provoking...take a second to read them next time. I've always dreamed of having one of those weird moments in the bookstore where me and someone else both grasp for the same book at the same time and end up becoming fast friends over our similar literary tastes...I think that might happen some day at the Harvard Book Store. My only neg is that its usually a little crowded for my tastes. I really wish other people didn't know all the cool places in H sq. Gah...wonder where they find out about them all ;)? read more

This is a nostalgic review bc 1) I miss having independent bookstores where I'm living now, and 2) I'll be in Boston in a few weeks and I am eagerly anticipating my visit to this bookstore. They have a beautiful selection of books- books by scholars, poets, reknown authors (or obscure ones). They don't cater to mainstream readers; I guess they have that luxury, being such a staple of the surrounding university life. They also employ a well-read staff that make very trustworthy staff picks (I've never been disappointed). Their downstairs (where all the used books and remainders are) is the true gem of this place-- and the section that always sucks me in. The combination of having well-read and eclectic (in reading taste) clientele plus good buyers means that I easily drop too much money on used books. And the selection is always changing so I'm forced to stop in frequently (yeah, they twist my arm so hard). Also, they are great about buying your books from you (suggestion: get store credit instead of cash if you know you're going to come back and buy more books). The one downside (though I personally don't mind it) is that there is no "cozy place" to sit and read...because if they did that the place would be too crowded. Plus, I don't think I would ever leave if I could sit down comfortably with my stack of books. This is my favorite bookstore in the whole world (and I've been to my share of bookstores around the globe), and it is one of the things I miss most about not living in Cambridge/Boston. If I were to open my own bookstore I think I would model mine on this one. read more

This may have been my quickest book buying experience ever. Here is the step by step breakdown: 1) Walk by bookstore and remember I want to buy Tribes by Seth Godin. (10 sec) 2) Walk through the door and up to a cashier and tell her I'm looking for the book, she checks it on her computer (30 sec) 3) She says "follow me", I follow her (15 sec) 4) She stops at an aisle of books, points her finger and scans the rows from top to bottom until she comes to a stop and pulls out the white covered smallish hardcopy (15 sec) 5) I thank her and look at the book satisfied with the speed, then check the price and am shocked to see the $21 price tag (5 sec) 6) I walk to the cashier, pay the bill and thank the lady (1 min) Total time of transaction: 1 min 55 sec Final rating: + 4 stars for amazing time and service. - 1 star bc I bought a paper book, who does that anymore? And pays $21 for it? I feel dated. read more

I love books and overstuffed bookstores. soothing and exciting. If i'm in the area i always stop in and check out the used books, which has been a big change in my adult life - the thrill of randomly finding a discounted used hardcover book for a fraction of list price, especially when it's a book i've always wanted and couldn't justify spending $25 or $30 or more on it... The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful and seem to enjoy knowing the exact whereabouts of a random title you're looking for, and even strike up a friendly conversation while escorting you to the location of your future book. I was going to buy a used paperback title a while back and this extremely nice employee informed me that a hardcover copy of the same title was available for a couple bucks less - i didn't even inquire - how thoughtful! someone told me that barnes and noble owns this place? is that true? minus 2 stars until proven wrong. update - not owned by barnes and noble! read more

Even before I worked here, this was one of my favorite bookstores in the country. And, in defense of their used book section, they have one of the best used fiction sections I've ever seen. read more

Hrmm, what does one do when one week they want to read the history of China, and the next week they want the Bespoke edition of the Sartorialists new book, never mind the days in between when a Salinger book or that really odd orange spined Alan Cummins novel in the used books section keeps calling you? One goes here. By far my favorite bookstore in Boston, now before the purists attack me with bookmarks, I do dig Raven but I find that Harvard Bookstore not only has more of the things I'm into, there is a Star Wars pop-up book there for pete's sake, but if they don't have it, they have been the quickest at getting it for me. And for when I have time, going through the used book basement is always worthwhile, and for the most part cheap. Here is a list of the things I think make it stick out: 1. From their website I can see their employee picks, and do more on-line research to see if I would dig it before I even go in 2. The used books in the basement, everything from traveling to Salinger. 3. VERY quick at getting me special orders And, yes I guess it has to be thrown in there, it's independently owned. Since Harvard Square is now owned by Barnes & Noble and McDonald's with a side of Starbucks (I actually love Starbucks), it's kind of nice to know this store is still kicking it on it's own. read more

The store is divided into two floors the top for fresh titles, the lower for used. The top floor is what you would expect for a campus bookstore, titles are carefully selected, academic fields have depth in their titles, and the store is littered with useful recommendations from employees. I'd strongly recommend them if Harvard Coop wasn't blocks away being cheaper and having substantially more titles. Downstairs is a mess. A number of titles but nothing of interest to anyone but a casual reader. I'd recommend if Raven Used Books was not a few blocks away offering similar prices but a more considered selection. read more

This is the best book store in the entire region. Their book collection is the most varied on any subject and their staff is supremely knowledgeable. It seems they know exactly where things are when I ask my questions and it is just wonderful customer service. If you love books and authors, check out their events; there is so much happening here you just should get on their mailing list to stay in touch really. read more

Don't let the name fool you, this is not the official Harvard University bookstore filled with students and tourists looking for Harvard logo merchandise and textbooks. Instead, this store is a great independent local bookstore carrying a nice selection of new and used books that just happens to be located in Harvard Square. I was excited to see that the basement was all used books. While I love browsing the new release Fiction books I still like to grab a few cheap books I would never otherwise buy if I had to pay full price. While the store was busy checkout was quick and the staff was great. Can't wait to come back to browse the shelves when there aren't that many people in the store. read more

Pretty awesome bookstore when all is said and done. I think I would be in here a lot if I lived in the H Sq area. Their displays are always interesting (always end up buying something from them) and the used books are a deal, if you can stand sorting through them. One complaint-ish: I went here last week to try to sell some books back, and they were quite selective about what they took back. Ok that was fine with me (and I actually got more per book than I expected). But I did find it somewhat annoying that they don't have really any way for you to donate books for the greater good. I know they're snooty and all, but would it really hurt anyone to have a bin for donations? When I asked what they'd do with the 75% of my books they did not take, they replied "dunno. dollar rack I guess". I was like...wha? Prices are higher than Borders/BN on new books, and if you read my Borders review you'd know my view on this. I read alot therefore I need to save money on books. read more

Coop, Schmoop. It's the Harvard Bookstore for me every time. They have a gorgeous number of books and I could spend hours here if my lunch break weren't so dern short. There's an incredibly thoughtful and vast selection of every genre. Downstairs is where it's at, though. The used books and remainders selection is insane. I almost always find what I'm looking for and it's such a thrill to spend half the price. HBS also has a rewards card so once you spend $100 you get 20% off your next purchase of up to $200. Sweet! read more

On a lovely evening after such a wonderful event me and my friend were just hanging in front of the bookstore. All of a sudden my friend points out, hey look at the little mouse in the window. As a girl walking by says oh my god its Little Stuart! (When I actually think she meant Stuart Little...) I ran over to take a picture of the cute little guy in the window but he ran quickly into a little crack. And then we notice one of the books on display in the front window is about mice. Go Figure!!! He was the cutest little mouse ever but, just dont touch the books then touch your face... I could tell from the window that they do that they have an awesome selection of new & used books.. so for being opened minded to furry friends and having a good variety of books, I give them 3 stars. read more

Best bookstore in the Boston area, hands down. Plus, they're worker-owned. In regards to an earlier review in which the person said they couldn't find any books that weren't expensive - did you go downstairs? That's where all the remainders and used books are. If you can't find a good deal on SOMETHING you're interested in there, then there is clearly something wrong with your reading taste. Strong selection of academic books, but also really good used fiction section. The remainders section is amazing. It feels criminal to be getting some of those books for some of those prices. read more

This might be one of my favorite places on earth. I come here everytime I go home. I love getting off the train and just being in Harvard Square. You're always guaranteed some kind of crazy and cool performance artist. This place is always energetic. Harvard Book Store is even more amazing than the Square itself. I have found so many expensive theory books on remainder here! I get *seriously* turned on in their basement. Is that Adorno I see for $7? Ohmigod, that book on the Algerian Revolution that "everyone" has read but me? While their used book selection is fairly impressive, getting new shiny academic books for cheap is, like, unheard of. The upstairs area is cool too even if a little cramped. It's got that whole old school library thing going on with books to the ceiling and ladders to help you browse (makes you want to reenact that bit in "My Fair Lady", you know the one). Every time I leave Massachusetts I have to figure out how to pack all of my Harvard Book Store purchases. I love you, don't ever change. read more

I've loved this place for years! Professional and knowledgeable staff, great author events and a great selection. Put it this way: In my WordsWorth days, some of us would be in the used book section on our breaks. Yeah. That's how great the Harvard is. read more

When I think about my favorite bookstores of all time, this definitely makes the list. I love the staff picks, the remaindered books downstairs, and the used books. I don't think I've ever managed to leave without a new (or new to me) book in hand, and with a list of titles in mind for the next jaunt. If I won the lottery, this might just be my first stop. Sign up for the Frequent Buyer's program (free) and settle in for a long session of browsing. You won't regret it! read more

Why have I never written about this store? This is potentially the greatest book store in Cambridge. Here are the reasons you should love it, too: (1) An outstanding roster of guest speakers who show up to get pelted with comments from politically active or just plain hyperactive Cantabrigians. (2) The most helpful book store staff on the planet - willing to stick with you while you waver back and forth over what kind of book about astronomy you should buy for your brother - and even suggest things you never would have thought of. (3) Outstanding used book section downstairs. Stick around long enough and you can hear the red line passing through. There's a kind of calm in the used and remainders section that I haven't found in other bookstores. People just seem really happy to be buried in books. (4) Fantastic remainders. We're talking $6 for copies of bestsellers. (5) Terrific rewards program if you get a little plastic card. Do not leave Harvard Square without coming here. Seriously. read more

Finding the "In the Aeroplane over the Sea" volume of the 33 1/3 series of music books in stock somewhere in the Cambridge-Boston area VS. paying the exorbitant 2-day shipping fee from Amazon that costs more than the actual book so that I get it in time for my friend's b-day Who not only has the volume but also the entire 33 1/3 series in its vast selection of books, texts and periodicals? this wonderful indy bookstore Staff were fantastic = supernice, helpful and importantly, knowledgeable. PLUS they have a great used book section, free membership to get discounts AND they sponsor interesting talks and events with writers, poets and other notables! read more

Selection, selection, selection. This place is incredible. My favorite book addiction is remainders. There's so much less guilt in buying a cheap remaindered book than buying something full-price. Especially since my taste in books runs to the non-fiction and other things that I like to have and look at, but rarely get to actually read. Yes, this makes me sound like an idiot, but I'm just being honest here. :) The basement level is packed with used and remaindered books of all sorts, and the upstairs has all the new stuff you could want. Someone mentioned that they have nowhere to sit and read, et cetera. This is true, but the trade-off is that if you love books, you'll be surrounded by some of the most interesting stuff you'll ever find. I don't think they have the selection when it comes to the newest fantasy and sci-fi paperbacks, but anything nonfiction I can think of is available. Lots of art books, as well, and non-genre fiction. One of my favorite things is that dogs are welcome. They have treats behind the counter for them, and genuinely seem to enjoy them. That means I definitely stop by any time I am in Harvard Square walking my dog. Now if I can only rig something up for the dog to carry home the big stack of books I inevitably buy, I'd be all set. :) read more