Really enjoyed my visit to this bookshop. They have an excellent, small but well curated selection of 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. read more

It's the first bright, beautiful Saturday of the year here in Bennington, and I decided to kill time this morning before the library opened by browsing with an open mind to buying one or more books here. I walked in and said hello to the lone employee behind the counter, who seemed annoyed that anyone would speak to her. There was also a group of about four teenagers who were talking about the books, laughing and being normal kids. From what I could tell as someone who also used to work in a bookstore, they weren't being disruptive at all and sounded like they were talking about school assignments, among other things. A few minutes into my visit, the lone employee, an older woman, curtly told the group of kids to leave. I left soon after, and as I later said to one of the co-owners over the phone, that's how five potential customers turns to zero. What's the point of running/working in any business if you're put out by any and every customer? Is this the secret to small business success in a town where every other storefront is shuttered? read more

As a benningtonian, I know this store provides a great service for the community. A lil mom and pop bookstore right on Main St. They have a wide variety of books, and if they don't have something they'll put it on order for you. It is a tad small, but they make up for it in character. read more

This is a great little bookshop in a small town, run by local folks. They have a nice variety of books and are always happy to look up and order anything you don't see that you're looking for. They'll even ship it right to you. They have book clubs and book a month gift clubs, too. Not only books, but cards, puzzles, journals, and more. I always do my shopping for my book loving family and friends here, because they're local and they're friendly. If I'm at an airport browsing the chain bookstores, I often call and have them order what I find instead of buying it from the chain, and then I don't have to lug it with me on my trip and I just pick it up when I get home! read more

I was in town with my brother and niece. Very cute and quaint. A definite bookstore feel. Clean and quiet. A must go to and I will visit again when I'm town next time. read more

Love this place! What they don't have, they will order for you. Great place to find interesting literature by Vermont authors, to buy a book or a lovely gift , they will even wrap it there. Also, appreciate that they are still keeping safe and asking others to be safe during this horrible pandemic. read more

I stopped into this bookshop with a gift card to spend and found even more than I was looking for! Great selection of new books, and I especially appreciated the shelves filled with recommendations by staff. Also a fantastic selection of cards, which I always love. I'll be back! read more

I was born in Bennington. I was a student at MAUMS when The Bennington Bookshop first opened and I won't pretend the original owners were saints, but at least they knew how to treat paying customers. Today I was waiting for the library to open. It was a bit chilly, so I thought I'd give Attack on Titan a look. I was halfway through the book when the owner informed me that he could not "let" me read the rest of the book without buying it. I told him that it appears much has changed since this shop opened. His reply was, "No, I can't let you read the book, or it wouldn't be a new book." Interesting. I might have finished the book and decided to purchase the other 22 books in the series as a result. But because the owner decided to be a bit over zealous, he has lost not only the one sale but the potential for future sales. I'm not deluded enough to think my review will put a dent in his bottom line but given how red that line can be for a local independent bookshop owner, I have to say I won't be losing a lot of sleep if it encourages even one customer to stick to Amazon. Or if you really want to shop local, go to Northshire in Manchester. At least they have a coffee shop. read more

Sorry so few people who love the Bennington Bookshop chose to post reviews, result is a litany of unenthusiastic 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! read more

As some of thes reviews say, the previous staff/owners were a little rude and the selection was hu-hum. My experience as well. Now with a new owner, I thought I would give it a second chance. I ask for a book that had been on the Times best sellers list, the owner told me that she didn't have it and when I asked why , she said " I am not going to fill my shelves with conservative books!" That was an odd response because she didn't have any by conservative authors, I have an open mind and read publications from both sides of the aisle; I read everything from sci fi to historical. One who runs a bookstore you would think would be open to various schools of thought, sadly she isn't .. so I will not be back . read more

There's a reason this charming downtown bookstore has been voted the best by Bennington Banner readers for 3 years running! Owned by a wonderful couple for 31 years and they will find the right book for you. read more

The Bennington Bookshop - Inside store - Bookstores Near Me - Bennington, Vermont

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It pains us to write negatively of this independent bookstore, specially since it seems to be popular with residents, which we are not. But our experience was not a good one; the gentleman working the store was so intent on shopping on Amazon that he failed to notice us at he desk looking for help. When he did find us, he wasn't helpful. And finally when we checked out, he seemed bored with us. None of this creates much of a good vibe for the store, and we hope this was an isolated incident. The stock here is good but not always intuitive to locate. We're going to assume what happened to us doesn't reflect most experiences here. But, alas, we have to report on what happened to us. read more

I live in Bennington and have always enjoyed stopping by the bookshop, browsing and getting a book or two. The new owners have been very helpful and if they don't have a book, they will order it and it will be available in a very short period of time. Buying locally is also a bonus. read more

The middle aged employee working at the desk was talking with another customer, obviously an acquaintance. She looked at me as I walked toward the back of the store. I smiled at her. She didn't say hi, she didn't smile back, she turned and continued her conversation. The other employee in the store was working on a task and didn't acknowledge me either. I stopped browsing and left. I love supporting independent bookstores but choose to spend my money in stores that can at least manage a smile or some form of basic human acknowledgement. read more

I was in town performing a play at the local theatre (Oldcastle Theatre Company, which is also a great place to see shows) and came in to buy a few things. Postcards and stamps etc. Rick (the owner) was very kind and helpful. It is a beautiful bookstore and the selection of books was very good. He was extremely knowledgeable, charming and helpful. You can tell he is a avid reader and recommends good books. If you are in town, on vacation, or live in Bennington and you need a good book, stop by. It's great place! read more

I have been to a couple book stores in the area, this has a fair selection and prices. I mainly visit non fiction - history, science, nature, etc. I found most titles in my wishlist, but one copy of each. The store is small and has the atmosphere of a large retailer compared to Battenkill and Northshire which are both in Colonial/Victorian era buildings. read more

I really don't like writing negative reviews, but Bennington can and needs to do better. The shopkeeper told me that I need to watch my kid better, because my 19-month-old was spinning the carousel of cards, slowly, and I was watching her - no iPhone in sight. Then my wife arrived and went to the children's section with my daughter to look at some books, and the shopkeeper asker her to leave. This place wants you to buy books, not look at them. That's why I don't use Amazon. The owner did not like my son opening a book, because he said "it's hard to fold it back." It doesn't get much worse than this - pretentious owners who have no business having a children's section since they are very clearly not child friendly. And I actually did buy a book. These people remind me of my aunt who covered her furniture in vinyl. Judge for yourself. And if the owners read this, visit Everyone's Books in nearby Brattleboro to see what a community bookshop is supposed to look and feel like, especially that children's section. And you know, hello or something when people walk in the door, basic manners. But you know - pretentious. I did clearly hear the shopkeeper make dinner reservations. Seven at Pangaea :) read more

This is a great little independent bookstore. The owners are friendly and helpful, and have a fun selection of a wide variety of books. If they don't have exactly what you want, they'll order it and it arrives within just a couple days. I love that they also have cards and puzzles and a great kids section. I can always find something to gift my family and friends. If you want a warm, welcoming, cozy atmosphere to shop for books, this is your store. I always shop there for this reason and because they are local and independent. read more