When my friend said she wanted to go to this book store on our short trip to Boston, I was lowkey…read moreside eyeing her. But man oh man, I'm glad she made this one of our stops!! Walking up, there's an outdoor section with books for sale that is aesthetically pleasing. We didn't go through the books but I saw sales as low as $5 a book. This book store is one of a kind! There's 3 floors. The stairs to the second floor are beautiful. The top floor has an impressive collection of rare books. We spent 30 minutes just looking through all the titles and oooing and ahhhing at how awesome it would be to own them! This is a book lovers dream and honestly just stop by to see how cool it is!

Brattle! I was so excited to visit this bookshop as a tourist. I made sure it was one of the places…read moreI stopped at while in town. There were so many books, everywhere in the store and outside the store. I didn't find anything outside. I don't think it was anything written in the last 20 years outside. All old or hella old books. Inside, there were old books also but a few newer books. There were so many sections to browse. I also was able to find and purchase a book that was on my TBR. The people at the register were nice and made sure they were ringing everyone up and moving the line along. The prices for the books were ok. I bought a book because I didn't have it and I was here but I'm sure I could have gotten it cheaper at the Goodwill but it's about the experience. I definitely enjoyed the bookshop and the experience.

This place is pretty large and for some students and visitors, this is THE place to go if you want…read moreany kind of Harvard souvenir. The store was founded in 1882 by a group of Harvard students to make textbooks more affordable and learning more accessible. Later, MIT joined forces and the COOP is the place for students of either college to get supplies, gifts and souvenirs. I loved all the great sweaters they had.

I just realize it. There are two COOPs. One features college apparel and the other focuses on…read morebooks. The bookstore in the center of Harvard Square. Most of the books are on the second floor broken out in sections. They have everything you can imagine. I focused on Steven King. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by author. They have people ready to assist customers with any question. The prices are reasonable.

Was a literal dream come true for me. The excitement of seeing such a well stocked, gorgeous, and…read moredreamy setting for happy endings was nonstop. You can find any romance trope here whether by indie authors or by NY Times bestsellers. The staff was friendly and helpful with ALL the romance genre knowledge and the themed drinks to sip on made spending time here a blast. I never wanted to leave. Definitely worth a hop on the T to visit if you are in Boston or a drive if in the area

I emailed saying the next time I'm in Harvard Sq walking my dog, I will stop in. Jeanne sent a…read moregeneric response. Fine. I went in with my dog one night, about an hr to closing. My well-behaved, constantly trained, clean and well groomed 17lb cockapoo. More is expected from Black people with Black dogs! We can't just say they're reactive but cute and go on with life. That would be lazy and silly! :-P My pup was tired from doggy daycare and walking/smelling the square. Most of the time I was holding her when she wasn't at my feet. I noticed there was a cafe there. There wasn't when I was there before. We turned around like Abe Simpson in that brothel Bart was working at. To be respectful, even though the cafe and surrounding area might have had 3 people there, including a barista. I had 2 books, and some stationary on my buy list. Luckily those were near the back door, away from the cafe. But again- Not a single employee greeted, smiled, acknowledged, or offered assistance. But imagine how I felt when someone approached me :D... to ask if my dog was a service dog :((( Me: "You're not allowed to ask that." ADA law. She scurried away. No apology. Clearly I was noticed by staff. Just not as a viable customer. Just say you don't want my Black self, dog, DISABILITIES, and dollars in your store! I love to know where not to waste my time. I jumped through hoops to get Pup her certifications and registered as my support dog. #1 reason: I am often treated inhumanly in establishments such as this and need her comfort. Working customer service and not knowing the laws or to greet clients? Odd...We've never been in a store full of femmes who paid her dust. Says a lot... We had just left a line of fans at MUJI. Merch geared towards the femmes and queers does not a great business make. Not when you ignore other intersectionalities. Not in this economy. Do better. Or not. I'm never coming back and telling my friends, neighbors, colleagues not to bother either. Spoiler - a few of my queer Black friends have had similar experiences. Do not bother responding.

I've lived in the South End for about a year now and haven't done nearly as much exploring as I had…read morehoped to (school, always getting in the way!). So last weekend, boyfriend and I decided to stroll down Harrison to find Gaslight and get to know the neighborhood better. We passed Ars Libri and I was drawn to the stacks of books inside. Typically when stores have doorbells, you ring them...so we did. Soon after, a man let us in and left us to explore without giving us a snooty attitude just because we're on the young end of the spectrum--something I've encountered in many snobby art bookstores before. Before I could comprehend where I was, I noticed a large table amid the stacks with open bottles of wine so that, presumably, you could sit and sip on something as you read. Sweet, I thought. And then I realized that I had found the holy grail. Most people like art, so an art bookstore would be a cool thing to find. But as an art history major who is minoring in museum studies, the realization that the place was solely dedicated to books on art, ethnography, and architecture led me to hold in the loudest squeal that would have ever left my lips. I flitted from bookshelf to bookshelf, seeing titles that I had read excerpts from for school before but had never been able to hold in my hands. I was in heaven. The store is impeccably organized, and the selection is amazing. I didn't speak much to the shopkeep, who I understand is a book dealer, but I imagine that he could find anything you might ever be looking for. And depending on what you're looking for, the book prices are actually pretty reasonable; there were a couple of out of print titles that I had been stalking on Amazon for upwards of $50 that were for sale at Ars Libri for less than $30. Not bad at all, especially considering the fine quality and excellent condition they were in. I highly recommend this bookstore for any lover of books or art, or anyone looking to expand their horizons a bit. The space is beautiful and light, a soothing respite from the bustling city. I will most definitely be returning and hope to gradually fill my bookshelves up with the phenomenal wares this store has to offer.

An excellent dealer in fine and rare used books primarily in the fine arts…read more Ars Libri is located in an unassuming storefront on a quiet part of Harrison Ave. Stumbling upon it one Saturday morning I couldn't tell if it was even open to the public. I tried the door, and finding it locked, began to walk away. Just then a gentleman popped his head out and asked if he could help me. I was just passing by and curious, I said. "Are you open?" "In a few minutes," he said. "Come on in." Inside it felt more like the back room of a museum or a fine library. Historic and arcane books in all manner of languages lined the shelves of aisle after aisle, ranging from small manuscripts to huge leather-bound catalogues. Along one side, the owner sat at his desk, making deals on the telephone with other dealers of rare and delicate volumes as I just walked the aisles in some awe, occasionally daring to remove and inspect a book here and there when I wasn't afraid I'd somehow ruin a treasured artifact. I have to admit, the whole place was a little bit intimidating, and I felt a little, well, unqualified to be there. The cheapest of books here are not at all cheap, and the low-key display and location made it feel almost as if I should have had an appointment to be there. But he let me in, so I tried not to let it bother me. If you're like me and your heart rate picks up a little when surrounded by mysterious, intriguing old books, or if you're just passionate about the fine arts and want to see some books on the subject that you probably won't find in may other places, it's worth hunting this place out and having a careful look around.

This is a jewel of a bookstore. The books are all curated by Mila the owner and the selection shows…read moreher care. I found two terrific new books and a used book that was signed by the author. She just celebrated her first year in business and I wish her many more!

Narrative is a wonderfully decorated oasis to sort through a beautifully and thoughtfully curated…read moreselection of books (with an emphasis on women and LGBTQ authors, heck yeah) and sit in a comfy chair to watch Davis Square pass by. I am only deducting one star because the owner's near constant talking takes away from the zen of the space. It's an incredible feat what she's done in nearly two years but the constancy and volume of her voice makes it hard to focus on perusing titles and cozying up to start reading a book in the lovely nook at the front of the store. The space is small and noises echo. I think a statement at the front to keep voices down would be wise. It's not a library, no, but the sound makes it difficult to really lock in. I wish Narrative well!

" Love their selection of books plus vibe " Love this big…read moreselection of books , I am in too . They have a whole vibe ; I love . I wish I could buy every book in here ; lol. The value for your money is incredible. The service is a whole vibe ; you'll love it .

this is a decent place, but be warned that despite all of the other accessibility features they…read morehave (a ramp, snacks, a bathroom), it's extremely hot in there with no air conditioning. i was sweating so hard that my arms were drenched, and i left without buying anything because it was too hot to think in there. i thought it would be a nice place to go after buying a book from them at an event, but this is a small upgrade from a shack.

This small cafe serves plates made with fresh and simple ingredients - definitely grab a…read morereservation before you go as there is limited seating! Service was attentive and welcoming. We came for dinner and I got the turkey and brie sandwich. The brie melted in your mouth and paired perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and turkey in the sandwich. There was also a layer of fruit jam which created a salty sweet combination that was delicious. I also shared a warm custard bread pudding for dessert with a friend (be aware that you have to order this 30 minutes ahead as they bake it fresh!) which was so yummy - it was quite sweet but gooey and a lovely mixture of caramel flavors that paired nicely with the vanilla gelato. Prices are on the higher side but align with the attention that is paid to each plate! They have a super cute bookstore next to the cafe which is fun to browse. The set-up is within three stories of a house and the decor/design inside is very cozy - definitely worth checking out. On the third floor children's section there is a toy train that periodically circles the top of the room which is a fun touch too!

Carry out food and drink: 9/10 We had the sea salt brownie…read more& banana nut bread. Both had great texture and the brownie had outstanding taste. We had the ginger lemonade (crisp & refreshing) and the hot vanilla latte (pretty standard taste) Service: 7/10 We were well cared for. Ambiance: 10/10 Super cute spot for pictures, and book browsing! There is a restroom for customers at the top floor. The entire place does get crowded. Make sure to have reservations if you would like to dine in and have more options than just the carry out menu.

Very disappointed in the service from this shop. My partner's father recently passed and left us…read morewith many antique, rare books. We called this shop in hopes of establishing a connection with someone who could help us assess and sell the books (we have all the documentation from his father's purchases). We were treated with extreme disrespect, accused of being frauds by the person on the phone and hung up on without chance for conversation. We aren't antiquarian book collectors and as such might not know all the right questions to ask or language to use. We were shocked by the treatment we received in our search of information, and had hoped for a more pleasant experience. We will take our search elsewhere.

A phenomenal store for lovers of antiquarian books. I came away with a pristine copy of The Manual…read moreof Linotype Typography and couldn't be happier with my purchase. You really feel like you are in someone's rare book library. I visited with my friend without appointment and found it a little difficult to access--you had to go up a narrow staircase from the street and ring a doorbell to gain entrance, but that is entirely understandable for a rare book store of the highest quality. If you feel at all uncomfortable or intimidated at the prospect of going there alone I'd be more than happy to go with you! I know I was, but I am no longer afraid :) A hidden gem.