When I went to school in RI, The Providence Journal was considered essential reading especially for…read moreits robust coverage of local politics and the inevitable corruption that followed in a one party "machine" state (RIP Providence mayor turned lovable inmate Buddy Cianci.) Now, I hardly recognize the flimsy remnants of a once great paper as The Journal has been garrotted by the bean counters at media death star Gannett. We all lose when local politicians go uncovered as paywalls are a death sentence for journalism unless you're the NYT or WSJ. Five stars for what was.

Over the last 5 years, I have subscribed to print delivery multiple times and never received a…read moredelivery. Canceling my subscription was a horrible experience each time. Don't be a fool like me. Don't waste your time and money.

I can never get enough of a bookstore and Symposium Books did not disappoint. They pack a ton into…read morethis small shop. The store was easy to navigate so you could find what book or genre you wanted to browse. I always love checking out how book stores setup their front tables and what types of books they are recommending. They have a few cafe tables out front if you visit during nice weather. Street parking and garages are all around, so you may have to do a loop or two, but overall you can find parking!

I've loved this bookstore for the past 10 years that I've lived in Rhode Island. The record…read moreselection happens to fall within my taste, which is sometimes a little dangerous. Same with the books. They are nicely displayed. There's always a good selection of art books. I've been here for a book readings , a record listening party today, shopping and browsing. It's always a welcoming vibe here. I feel like there used to be more of a use selection than there is now, but I still love this place.

Spacious and giant bookstore that also sells school supplies and Brown University apparel and…read moremerchandise. I went on a shopping spree and purchased several items featuring Julia Gash's art, including a tote bag, apron, coasters, a trivet, etc. Even got a free copy of the hardcover book, "Brown: The History of an Idea."

Was lucky enough to find parking near the bookstore and went inside to browse. Got a nice magnet…read morebecause why not? Kids found a quiet play area upstairs to relax and enjoy their time instead of walking the campus. There were kid tables and chairs. Staff are friendly. Also saw a discounted 50% off section but nothing interested us. Found a coke bottle with our kids name on it and husband bought it. Never been to Rhode Island before until we came to Brown!!

Such a fantastic shop run by super sweet people. Super plus that you can bring your pup along and…read morethey have treats. They always have the books I am looking for as well :)

Love books on the square! My go to spot for holiday gifts or baby shower books. Great selection and…read morefriendly staff. PLUS they are dog friendly.

I have to disagree with the other reviewer, this is actually a pretty decent local magazine. Yeah,…read moreit's not the New York Times, but it's not trying to be, it's more like Time Out NY - it covers local stuff and covers it well. I regularly check out both Motif and the Phoenix to find out what's going on, and inevitably I find something worth going to. Will these "rags" win any literary awards? Nope. Will they help local people find out what's happening locally? Definitely. When even mainstream newspaper and magazines (from ProJo to Newsweek) are struggling to stay afloat, I'm happy to support local rags and keep them around. Otherwise they'll be like Borders - gone.

From the owner: Local alternative arts and entertainment paper.read more

Cute bookstore filled with so many treasures! I left with a few good reads. The staff is friendly…read moreand I will certainly be back the next time I am in the area!

I visited during July 2025 while on vacation. Love this place! The people working were friendly and…read morehelpful. The selection was intriguing! Not like a run-of-the-mill big box store. I found books I'm familiar with (Autobiography of Malcom X), and books I've never heard of but am happy to have now. There are also vintage and antique books (individual and in sets), and some collectibles. The genres are well-marked throughout, and there are more downstairs. Speaking of stairs, they were wide and sturdy, and even my bad knees didn't complain. The pricing is very fair for new & old books. Highly recommend a regular stop at Paper Nautilus!