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.

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.

Yep, the guy behind the counter, if he's white and older, is the one and only Skippy White. A…read morelegend of the local music scene (he actually was awarded a Boston music award), he's sold "black music" of myriad styles in the area for 40+ years. The man is generally pretty agreeable (not that easy with so much experience in retail!) and taking the time to talk to Skippy is well worth it--- he's a fount of information, and can remember label and release information far better than you could imagine. And he LOVES to talk food. If you spend enough time in the shop, you'll realize that it has a strong community aspect to it; regulars are popping in all the time and Skippy's ties to Boston's African-American community are substantial. He also does a weekly radio show called the Time Tunnel. Oh yeah, the music. A great spot for records, though they are very slowly getting into order. This is a great place for soul and blues oldies, as if Skippy doesn't have it on CD, he'll order it for you. He also sells a lot of gospel and modern Southern soul, and stocks some jazz. I recommend it more for CDs unless you like to dig a lot. But the counter is often the place to be, as Skippy can usually tell you if he's got what you're looking for.

I like to dig for records and Boston only has a handful of choices, this is definitely one of the…read morebest if you have a leaning towards a certain style. Very distinct collection of records, mostly "black" music, a lot of soul, funk, motown, disco, hip hop records. There doesn't seem to be much of anything else, but to a lot of diggers, this can be a goldmine if that's what you like. The man, Skippy, is a gentleman, and he knows his stuff. He was willing to work with me on the price, which was very fair. I bought a stack of about 15-20 records for around $60. He's got lots of unique and some rare 45's of old soul music. I really enjoyed it.

Every time in this area, this is a MUST to visit. Small music shop on the corner with the best…read moremusic, old, new, soca, all type reggae loveeeeeee!

How have I not reviewed yet this place yet? I love the adorable vintage aesthetic, decor, and…read morestylists. Their front counter also contains vintage jewelry for purchase. Every time I've been here has felt relaxed, and not busy/loud like other places I've tried On all my visits here I've always had Briana as my stylist. Friendly, fashionable, and listens to my issues. I came in initially because another stylist had given me a very disappointing dye job. I was really frustrated because my "ombre baylage" looked more like tiger stripes. She blended and softened and did a little color correction. I was so very pleased with the outcome. And it didn't cost me my first born child like most salons. She recommended some color-helping products and I am glad I splurged for salon quality products to go with my new great dye job. The color still looks great weeks later. I've since gone back for a few inches off and reshaping my layers and again, got what I asked for. Thanks girl. highly recommend

Miss Laura is the best kept secret in Boston. She listens to the customer and gives them what they…read moreask for. Her cuts can be edgy to prim and proper. I find her better than stylists on Newbury Street. Laura is an awesome colorist as well. I have had many different colors and all came out just the way I expected them to. Laura may not be the gabbiest stylist, but she is a quintessential professional. G.T.

Came here looking for a gift for a younger relative. The selection is pretty good, with supplies…read morefor younger children to elementary school age. Had things such as LEGOs to smaller brands not typically carried in big box stores. Staff and service is really nice and was able to find the stuff I needed. The prices are reasonable and are good for children toys. They also have an online shop that you can buy from that showcases an even larger collection of items.

The coop is the best place to get your law school items.read more

It's in the Wasserstein building (for those of us who lived in Wyeth during our HLS days, it's…read morewhere Wyeth was). Much better selection than the Coop online. Be sure to renew your Coop membership ($1 per year, I think) and you then get a discount (no more having to wait until end of the year rebates). I've gotten an HLS watch here that gets compliments, T-shirts, etc.- the place for HLS gear and other memorabilia.

The sisters here are great and the store is amazing. Wish I knew about this place sooner.read more

I have visited this bookstore several times and have always enjoyed my visit, even if I didn't make…read morea purchase. They have a great selection of books and videos as well, as cards and other religious items. The staff is always very nice and pleasant as well as helpful. I found one of my favorite movies, The Scarlet and the Black there for a cheaper price than I could find anywhere else, even online! For those who like a deal, they also have a good assortment of sale items. I recommend this store for anyone looking for Christian books, videos and religious items.