When my mom and I were visiting Gloucester about a week or so ago, we spent a few hours just…read morewandering downtown. One of the shops we popped into was the Bookstore of Gloucester. It's small but charming, and the customer service is great! They didn't have a few authors I looked for (they can't have everything, given their size), but I thought they had a well-curated shop - with tons of books to choose from! If you're in town and need a/another book, the Bookstore of Gloucester is one of a couple of wonderful bookstores to pop into!

Fine selection of both adult and children's books. Lovely location on Main St. in downtown…read moreGloucester.

I was exploring Gloucester with my mom a week or so ago, and we stopped into Dogtown Book Shop…read morewhile exploring downtown. It's a used bookstore, so it's a great place to browse. Don't come with a list, come with time to browse. The shelves are full of books, you might just find something special for your next read!

Don't waste your time driving here if you're interested in any of the rare or collectible books…read moreshown on their website. I collect rare books, first editions, signed books, and other collectible editions. After browsing this store's website, I was excited to visit because I saw several books that were on my want list. I made a 90-minute drive on my day off and arrived with cash in hand, fully prepared to purchase several books. Only after arriving did I learn that none of the rare or valuable books shown on the website are actually kept in the store. Apparently, anything rare or valuable is removed from the shop and stored at the owner's home. There is no clear warning about this on the website. The books are individually photographed and presented as the store's inventory, so naturally I assumed I would actually be able to see them when visiting the store. I essentially drove 90 minutes for nothing. I've visited hundreds of bookstores across the country and have never encountered anything quite like this. The entire concept is baffling to me. If I'm considering spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a rare book, I want to see the actual book. I want to examine the dust jacket, check the boards, look at the pages, and judge the overall eye appeal of that particular copy. That's a huge part of buying collectible books and, frankly, one of the primary reasons to visit a physical bookstore rather than simply ordering online. A bookstore advertising rare books that customers apparently cannot actually see at the bookstore is absurd. At the absolute minimum, the website should clearly and prominently state that the rare and collectible inventory shown online is stored off-site and is not available for viewing at the store. Had that been disclosed, I obviously would not have wasted three hours of my day making the round trip. The store itself is fine if you're looking for ordinary used books. But if you're a serious collector who saw something on their website and is considering making a trip to see it in person, don't bother unless you call ahead and confirm that the book will actually be there.

I purchased the book, "Ballet" by Cecil Beaton and it just arrived (extremely quickly I must add -…read moreand FREE shipping) and I have to say that it is in even better condition than listed. Though no picture was included with the ad the book and jacket were both listed as "Very Good" (though I think "Excellent" for both would be more accurate) so I took a chance and purchased it and I must say I am more than pleased. I have been searching for this book as a gift for a friend's birthday and most of the copies for sale either on ebay or at other booksellers were in much worse condition and the prices were exorbitant and much more than I was willing to spend. This copy is BEAUTIFUL and near pristine and the price was extremely fair and reasonable. I would recommend anyone looking for a new or especially an out of print book to first check with MANCHESTER BY THE BOOK because if they have what you are looking for you will not be disappointed. I am only sorry I am not closer to their store so that I can spend time browsing their aisles/shelves, but I will be sure to follow them on Facebook and whenever I need an out of print book in the future they will be the first store/website that I will check out.

Never coming back to this place again…read more My husband and I purchased six books totaling over $100. While checking out, my husband politely asked the owner if he would consider selling one extremely worn, old book for $5 instead of $15. To our surprise, the owner refused to lower the price at all. What made this especially frustrating was that the book looked like it had been sitting in a pile near the bathroom, wasn't a classic, bestseller, or even a well-known title, and appeared to be something that may have originally come from a free library box. Meanwhile, we overheard the owner complaining to another customer that he has too many books and not enough space, even saying he had donated many books to clear room. The whole interaction felt hypocritical and left a very bad impression. We are passionate book buyers and regularly spend a lot on books, but after this experience, this is a store we will never return to.

Yes, THE Book Shop of Beverly Farms has an excellent selection of diverse books-this is true!…read more I can always find a fantastic gift there for someone when I have no clue as to what I should buy! Yes, at this time of year it is convenient for gift wrap, cards and even last minute hostess gifts! But what sets them apart from all else is their top-shelf service. So unique to have an actual, real, warm person greet you with a smile and ask, "Can I help you find something?. And, they mean it.

My favorite local bookstore. They are so helpful and kind, and they sent me a handwritten thank you…read morefor ordering through them this holiday season. I love this store and cannot wait to get back to browsing there some day.

New bookstore on Bearskin Neck! Mostly a children's bookstore, seems like with intent to represent…read morea diverse range of experiences, more diverse than I ever remember having access growing up around here. Also a small selection of adult literature as well. This place definitely wins the award for coziest and cutest bookshop in MA, it's this tiny colorful little salty cottage on bearskin neck. Really nice owners too!

Great store. They know books. Great place to pick up a beach read or something new by an author you…read moredon't know. Like the Tardis, much bigger on the inside with all the gems available, you'll be sure to find something you wanted or didn't know you needed. Super friendly. Something for all ages. Stop in if you are nearby.

Very nice local bookstore. I always try to support them whenever I can. If you are willing to…read morewait a couple days for something to be delivered, you could get it in the same amount of time as waiting for Amazon to ship it in most cases. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. Would shop here any time.

The service was nice and welcoming. Great selection from abc books to Witch information. Prices…read morewere good and 10-20% off can't remember which.

I absolutely LOVE this bookstore. I don't live close but the selection of books, as well as the…read moreamazing staff, are so worth the drive. It's a cozy place to shop and hang out in. They have a fantastic collection as well as numerous special events and book clubs to join. I'll take this place over any other bookstore out there. Definitely check them out. ~Sheriff Smutt

Cute bookstore alert! While I haven't been in to the store yet because I live in a different state,…read moreI've seen pictures, I know one of the employees very well and follow the store's instagram feed. They offer great community gathering opportunities for kids and adults, are friendly and are ready to recommend books! Stop by and see for yourself!

I love Molly's they are a cute little bookstore with a great selection of adult and kids books. I…read morealso like their newsletter they send via email regularly. Service is excellent, they always know where a book is or how to order it for me!

Love Molly's! I like to come here every so often. Cute little independent bookstore right on Main…read moreStreet in Melrose, Ma. 2 levels- adults on the first floor and a kids section on the lower level. They have some gifty items as well as a good selection of books. They have some book clubs periodically. They have some nice cards here too, I've gotten some nice cards here in the past.

Went there to buy some books with a gift card. The clerk told me that my Rewards card had expired…read more The clerk asked if I wanted to renew, and I replied no I wanted to save the money and I'd use my wife's card. We used the gift card and another coupon, the balance was modest. As I go to leave the clerk snidely said you know you could have renewed for free with use the of gift card. Told him can I do it now? Nope its too late he said with sarcasm. This is about the 5th time I have had service problems with this store. The clerks are generally rude and this incident only reminded me how bad it is.

I like the B and N. They have a good selection of books and have a Starbucks. I just wish it was…read morebigger though and they had more of those comfy chairs through out the store. Other than it's great!

Good service, friendly place. Great stop for lunch. Addition of Cafe Azteca menu has made it even…read morebetter! I walk from office so not sure how parking is?

Been eating there for twenty plus years. One of my daughters worked there! Very socially conscious…read moreowner - and the food is SUPERB.