One of my all-time favorite bookstores!…read more As you're walking along the street, you may notice a sandwich board with a pointer finger directing you upstairs in a building in downtown Bennington. This is your best indicator that they're open. Otherwise you might not notice this hidden gem because it's upstairs in an office building. But as soon as you make it through the door, you won't regret having come! It's clear to see that these guys have a good time with their shop. There are labels for sections and parts of the store that could only grow out of fondness, like "The Cave" for the small little room that sits next to the check-out desk, where the psychology and sci-fi books are housed. Love the combo. Or "The Treasure Chest" for overflow books, so varied and ever changing, that you never know what you might find. They have an ever-changing new arrivals section, displaying some of the more popular current novels, which is a great place to look for recommendations. They also have a great children's section, with old readers from quite a while back. Their foreign language section is pretty limited, but that's the case with most bookstores. There were some beautiful old books in German last time I was there. They have a great new england and Vermont section, though I can't admit to having browsed it very thoroughly. Amazingly, they also order books for you if they don't have something. A very kind service. It's worth a visit to this wonderful used bookstore. It's surprisingly large, and full of a huge variety of books.

Stopped here on my way home from Manchester to CT and the door was locked although by the hours…read moreposted on the website they we're suppose to open. Called the phone number and got a non-descript answering machine. Too bad, was looking forward to making some new discoveries. Not sure when I'll be back in the area, but based on what the previous reviewer had to say, I image this one star review will be revised to a 4 or 5 star.

I initially came across The Owl Pen more than fifty years ago. Over the winter of 1976, I came to…read moreknow Barb and Jean. For a little under a year, I lived next door to them. They were wonderful people who loved to read. Occacionally I would swing in to visit and grab a few purchases. In 1990, we relocated to the south from Upstate New York. How I long for the wonderful memories of Greenwich and Riddle Road. My family intends to travel to Saratoga Springs. We will definitely make Riddle Road a destination this autumn.

Awesome stop! Something for everyone. It was a one of a kind experience I'll remember forever. Look…read moreforward to coming back

I visited here again recently and this place is still just as magical! It's tucked away in the…read morewoods and is chock full of immeasurable charm. The owner is English and her business is an extension of her lovely personality. I have childhood memories of this place that could have come straight out of a magical fairytale book. There are many categories here; a large history section, gardening, art, film, geography, mythology, crafts, so many categories and subcategories, and because they are curated by someone passionate with books there are no filler books here. The prices are unbelievably reasonable, this is a curated collection by a woman passionate about books, making a living off of it feels secondary here to the passion of finding the books. You will not ever find another place like this. In a small rural town no less! This is a destination place if you are visiting the area. Such a gem!

Brief drive up winding hillside roads gets you to this barn/oasis of books, reasonably priced and…read morefun to browse across 2 floors and an adjacent annex. Will be back. Be sure to say hello to the tuxedo cat haunting the stacks.

People are knowledgeable and super nice Great selection !…read moreValue is there plus we get to keep a local Main Street business there to keep our Main Street fabric alive Plus - they are kind and give back to our community

WOWZA! What a fabulous bookstore!!! It is beautiful. The books are beautifully displayed in…read morecategories. They have a great kids' book section with games and toys available. Also have beautiful journals, cards and assorted other interesting gift items. They have a vending machine with all kinds of cool items in it. They also have a Bargain Book section. Also they have a lovely restroom!!! The staff are so very friendly and helpful. Amazing to find such a great bookstore in tiny little Cambridge!! Don't miss it if you are in the area.

Love the customer service! Was in a great art discussion with the rep there. Will definitely go backread more

All of the used book stores in my town are gone so when I visit places If I see a used book store I…read morestop. Crammed top to bottom neatly Arranged stacks. Can't find something in the well arranged store just ask. This place isn't a store it is a labor of love. They have something for everyone.

This is a gem of a used bookstore that is easy to miss unless you're looking for it…read more First, let me say that I have been going here for almost 30 years, and nothing has changed a bit. Not a bit. And that is a very good thing indeed. it is completely non-computerized, has no website, no bright lights or music, or really even a sign out front. The only noise is the owner's typewriter thwacking away in the background. Mostly non-fiction, with a focus on New England history and American history, you really never know what you're going to find here. Maybe some vintage humor books from the 1940s, maybe some back issues of Vermont History magazine, maybe a box of small books from the 1820s being sold as a lot. If you want to step out of the world of technology and into the realm of books as they existed before the era of e-readers and mega-bookstores, this place is a must to visit. You never know what you might find! One note though - the hours are extremely limited. Definitely call beforehand to be sure it's open.

This was an amazing find of a place to explore, and I think is a must visit if you find it! As you…read morecould tell from its name they have used books which is a large portion of the inventory but don't worry if you aren't a book lover they have plenty. Vintage vinyls in large numbers, vintage clothing, and plenty of other oddities to excite you or even make you wonder. There is a main building where you'll find some books, most of the vinyls and lots of other items. Out back, which by the way does have a couple parking spots also has the yurt which is where you will find the majority of the books. It's a very impressive collection and has a good variety of genres and while a lot are vintage I did stumble upon some more commonly know titles such as Harry Potter and a Hunger Games book. If you only explore the main building and skip the yurt you certainly miss out! The owner was extremely friendly and you could tell this is a passion of his to share his collection for others to find and collect! Also for the most part I really thought prices were reasonable, with many of the books in the yurt looking like they were $3-$4 roughly. My wife and I almost decided to purchase an awesome looking lamp that featured a barrel as the base. We did up just browsing though but enjoyed our time here very much! Worth visiting for sure!

So many books! And vinyl! And movie posters! And used clothing! And decor items! And even some…read moreelectronics! Definitely check out the large yurt in the back for more. Yes, I found two Star Trek books to take along and very nearly bought a shirt that I did not need. Prices were great and the dude working (owner? manager?) was super friendly. [Review 18451 overall - 51 in Vermont - 1973 of 2022.]

What an amazing place run by volunteers! Tons of books; the ones I got were priced $2-4 and in near…read moreperfect condition. They had some that were 1st editions and signed by the authors. Go support the library!

The most amazing "used" book shop.. how cute is the name ? Chapter Two…read more. When I walked in to the shop, I actually asked where the "used" book section was, and the helpful woman replied" they are all used"! I had to take a second and third glance around as the store was impeccably tidy and books appeared seemingly new. Fairly priced at 4-6 dollars for a typical book, larger coffee table type reading a bit more. I picked up 2 memoirs and one was signed by the author. Books are divided into sections making the search a bit easier if you have a genre in mind. If you are in town, take a step in and say hello !

Sorry so few people who love the Bennington Bookshop chose to post reviews, result is a litany of…read moreunenthusiastic comment. I love the store, find the owners (possibly newer owners than some of these comments) and other helpers very responsive and helpful. I just did a fair amount of my Christmas shopping there, buying several suggested books for children of various ages. It's a small shop so they don't have room to stock 10 copies of every best seller, but they will order for you and have your book in record time. Give it a try!

Really enjoyed my visit to this bookshop. They have an excellent, small but well curated selection…read moreof nature books. I purchased a book about mushroom foraging by an Appalachian author called "Go Forth and Forage" and by fiancé purchased a helpful guidebook about identifying trees, which is essential to foraging. I read the mushroom book cover to cover and absolutely loved it! The store is very clean, well lit and well organized, although small. I did find the service a bit standoffish and when I purchased the book the woman checking me out just handed it to me with the receipt tucked in, without even asking if I wanted a bag. I guess I this area most people don't want a bag because they charge for them, but like could you let me know that and at least offer one? Seemed odd. Otherwise nice spot and I look forward to returning here next time I am in town.

What an adorable book store. They have new and used books. Woman's who runs it was so helpful. Was…read moreable to find three older books at a great price. Loved!! Charming !

Owner was very helpful and super nice. Very chill + cozy vibe. Good variety of kid and adult books…read more And wonderful stickers!