As Connecticut's equivalent to Strand Book Store in Manhattan, Book Barn is a bibliophile's seemingly bottomless treasure chest! Indeed, dispersed at three distinct locations, BB provides three seemingly bottomless treasure chests. Be prepared to spend several hours browsing their shelves and, if you're game, to buy several armfuls of books. Be prepared in other ways. At the main location, the Barn and its many satellite sheds have some aisles that are damp, dusty, and musty, so if you have respiratory allergies you are advised to wear a face mask there. And while you're at it, dig into your spelunker gear and wear a headlamp, because some of the corners and bottom shelves are so dark you must strain your eyes to read the book spines. Nevertheless, such perils are worth enduring when you arrive home with your trove of cherished books. 5-stars for buying books at Book Barn. An advisory about selling books to BB. You might return home with half of your books unsold. Lugging heavy books from home to car trunk to BB and again to car trunk and again to home rarely can be worth your time and effort. Best to leave at home your paperbacks, and to bring only your hardbacks, as you are more likely sell most of your hardbound books. And best to arrive in the morning soon after they begin buying books, else you must wait in line behind other people selling their books. But, and this is the big BUT. At the conclusion of their hasty appraisal of your entire load of books while you watched helplessly as they rummaged through your trove, be prepared for disappointment, if not humiliation. What they offer to pay you is dismal. They quote you one lump sum for your load of books, never for individual books, but the outcome is as if for, say, your scholarly hardbound book published by an academic press, a first printing in mint condition with its dust jacket intact, they will offer to pay you one-tenth of the price at which they will eventually sell it. To its credit, BB is hardly different from other used book stores in its book buying protocol. Unless you are impoverished, you're better off saving yourself the time and trouble, and instead to donate your books to your local public library. Yet, even your public library will be as selective and unwelcoming, and most of the books they do accept from you will be sold at their annual book sale. The sad fact is that 99-percent of all used books, when measured solely in monetary terms of resale value, are totally worthless. 3-stars for selling your books at Book Barn. So 4-stars total. read more

You start in one barn, then realize there are paths, sheds, rooms, and outbuildings everywhere. They hand you a map, which sounds excessive but I stared at it for several minutes trying to figure out where to go. What impressed me most was how organized everything felt despite the scale. Sections actually make sense, shelves are labeled, and you can wander without feeling like you are digging through chaos. Pricing is great too. I kept pulling books thinking I would narrow it down later, and somehow still walked out with an armful without feeling irresponsible. The selection is broad without being dusty or sad. Newer releases mixed in with older paperbacks, art books next to cookbooks, random surprises everywhere. There are goats roaming around and a couple of cats who seem fully aware they are part of the charm. If I had one minor complaint, some of the outbuildings get a little tight when it is busy, and browsing can feel cramped. Still, that did not slow me down much. I already know I will be back, probably with a bigger tote next time. read more

The Book Barn - Outside - Used Bookstore Near Me - Niantic, Connecticut

This place was cool, goats are my friends. we went to all three stores. Tons and tons of books. the service was great and helpful. And I believe the prices is way below retail. So definitely good value on books. read more

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A really cute large outdoor bookstore with little houses and barns with all different types of books inside of them. Most of the books are $4-$5 but they also have a huge dollar section which isn't organized. They have a very good movie selection as well. The staff was very helpful and we loved it there. One of the best book stores we've ever been to. A+ read more

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An actual book village out of Lord of the Rings that deserves its own zip code. It's even got goats! Walk into tiny cottages with different themes, teeming with used books across sports, wars, drama, fiction, children's, dogs, sewing, you name it. The most charming, unique, and whimsical bookshops I've ever seen. 5 stars!!!! read more

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I have this weird habit of buying Nancy Drew books in every state I go so Connecticut was no different. I yelped local bookstores and this place came highly recommended. Honestly every book lovers dream. I could spend hours, days weeks exploring this place and probably never be done. I drove here on a Monday afternoon. Not busy at all. Located in the small city of Niantic. They have 3 locations with this one being the main one. It's pretty east to spot off the main street. Huge parking lot adjacent to it. And it is an actual barn. They give you a pamphlet upon arrival with a guide to how to navigate upon this huge property. The barn is 3 floors. Apart from that, the outside has small kind shacks loaded with books. There's a garden, goats, chess tables, games, little cars for kids to drive. Honestly everything you can think of. Staff were super friendly and super helpful. Pricing on books is very reasonable. They have both new and used books. They buy books. read more

The Book Barn - Used Bookstore Near Me - Niantic, Connecticut

The largest bookstore in New England! They have endless amounts of books from each building in the main Book Barn property. The bookshelves are organized, the petting zoo is nice with some farm animals lurking around, and a playscape for the little ones. I like this store because I love reading and we stop there every once in a long while whenever we're down in the shoreline. read more

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Wow. As a book lover, I was overjoyed to see such an expansive collection of books of all genres set across a beautiful landscape property. The property is very picturesque with not only books, but animals- goats and a resident friendly cat- table games, unique artwork and pretty greenery. Definitely can spend several hours poking around the grounds. Staff was also very polite and friendly. read more

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There's really no going wrong if you're looking to get a solid selection of cheap books. It's an experience and you could spend hours there. There are plenty of little sections of book categories-- mystery, new arrivals, young adult, children's books. So many options! The staff are efficient and help you get around if you need it. There are little random pockets of things for kids-- a small playground with a playhouse, little cars, etc. A super cute spot for a date day, family outing, or solo relaxation. Worth the visit for sure! read more

The Book Barn - Used Bookstore Near Me - Niantic, Connecticut

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The Book Barn is the absolute best book store in Connecticut! They have over 500,000 used books across multiple locations conveniently located along one road. I love getting to go there any time I'm in the area. read more

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I loved visiting the Book Barn. It's eclectic, fun, and very punny. The wagons are a lovely touch because you will end up with way more books than you expect to get. If you love books, you gotta get yourself here! read more

The Book Barn - Used Bookstore Near Me - Niantic, Connecticut

Used bookstores are awesome and The Book Barn is at the pinnacle of awesomeness! There are three locations within about a mile of one another, but the "barn" is the jewel in the Book Barn crown. Basement has lots of American history, top floor has young adult and kids, and the main floor has a mix. The other two locations have a smaller run of bookshelves but lots of diverse selections. Staff at all locations were very helpful and friendly, and prices were very reasonable. read more

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I was visiting Connecticut last year and saw this bookstore on Instagram and knew I had to visit. This place is so unique and fun to wander through! There are little spots with books all over the place, and the main store has cats. The fiction room was tightly packed with people and books but it was so cozy and I enjoyed browsing through it. The workers all seemed very nice and friendly though I didn't actually interact with any of them personally. The books were a pretty good price, I just didn't find anything that was for me (I'm a very picky reader these days). I would definitely go back if I ever visit the area again! read more

The Book Barn - Fiction area - Used Bookstore Near Me - Niantic, Connecticut

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Overall an interesting place, I think my expectations outweighed my experience. It is a very cool concept and an interesting visit for those that like to browse used books, but many of them have been impacted by moisture and the elements. It is worth a visit and I love that they are committed to the magic of finding a forgotten read, just begin with the right mindset. read more

Books, books, books galore! You'll find tons of great used books, and I mean tons! There were people w/ wagons picking up bounties of books. The sights are pretty cool there too. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the are. They also have 2 other stores w/ more books. read more

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There's a fantastic selection of books for every genre, and the stores are very well organized (books are organized by subgenre and alphabetized) ! The books are reasonably priced and the staff are very knowledgeable about recommend books and helping you find books they have in stock. read more

The Book Barn - Genres stored in each building (as of March 2025). They were moving books at the new downtown and chapter three locations when I visited. - Used Bookstore Near Me - Niantic, Connecticut

If you're ever in the small town of Niantic Connecticut, you must check out The Book Barn. This is a dreamland for anyone who appreciates books or literature. There are so, so many books, thousands of books for anyone, of any interest. They are categorized by generic genre, kids, new arrivals, dollar books, mystery, fiction, etc... walking through these books is a lot of fun, it's like a maze. Whoever I have arrived with is now lost somewhere in the books, and now I'm talking to my self. Every book I have picked up, is in pristine condition. This is a great place to pick up books for your classroom library, to replace the classics that have seen better days or to add something new and exciting to the collection. Each kid's book is $1.00. The adult paperbacks are $4.00 each. The only minor complaint I have is, it's been difficult for me to find a specific book any time I've gone looking for one. Even where they're categorized by author. It's best to go without expectations, and see what you can find. If you have an unlimited amount of time to sort through books, there are two more stores of The Book Barn, all on the same street. This is a must stop for me every time I'm in Niantic. In the words of Dr Seuss .. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." read more

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Great used book store. Huge inventory with a good turnover rate. Don't forget to check out the downtown location, too!

i LOVE it here! it's pretty big, there's a huge variety of books to choose from and the staff was super kind! I ended up picking up 4 books for SUCH a good price. they also have goats!! as well as cats that roam the premesis (i didn't see any this time, but i hope the next time i go, i will!). you can definitely spend hours here, there are small area you can sit and hang out, read, play chess, etc. it's super kid friendly as well, there's a section of Kid's books, wagons to use to get around, & tricycles! read more

Awesome place. Definitely worth the visit. Great selection of all kinds of books. And there's two other of their locations on the same road right in the area close by. Each one sells different genres, so don't be disappointed if you don't see what you're looking for. It might be at one of their other locations! All close by! The prices are great and it makes me feel better buying books secondhand rather than brand new. The service is great and everyone is so helpful! And if you're lucky you might get to see some adorable animals! read more

I was visiting family in Connecticut when we came about this place. I thought was a very unique place where you can buy and sell books. I can't speak much on how much they buy your books for but they have a variety of books you can look through. You can walk around the place inside and outside small buildings to see if anything interests you. I really liked they had places you can entertain your kids with as well. Overall a cool place to visit for people that love books read more

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I'm not into reading, but I still found the Book Barn to be an awesome CT gem! Keep in mind that they have three locations (Main, Downtown, and Chapter Three) with the main location being the one I would suggest (it has the largest collection of books, along with other activities). There's a main building (basement and two floors) filled with THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of used books for sale, as well as multiple sheds/barns surrounding the main building with THOUSANDS of more books. They also have many tables/benches to sit outside, outdoor chess and checkers tables, and a couple goats that you can feed (small bags of carrots are available for 25 cents each in the store). There's a fairy garden that you can walk through and a few play areas for kids as well Even if you're not a bookworm, this is still a cool spot to stop by (especially on a warm sunny day) and relax! read more

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Fantastic spot, can't recommend highly enough. The selection is incredible, the staff is from and knowledgeable, and the prices are very fair. Go! read more

I've been wanting to go here for quite sometime, it's a drive from where I live, but we all needed some new books and we had some to part with, they offer credit or a check on the spot for books they feel they can sell. Off we go for a day trip! They have a main store and two other building close by, it's a all well mapped out with a brochure telling you where each genre is located. The staff were all very helpful and lovely. We found a ton of books today and will definitely be going back for more. Great prices and most of the books are in great shape, many brand new. Very interesting, fun place. Bibliophiles dream place! Locally we had lunch at East Coast Tacos and went to a cute ice cream place - reviews of those as well. Rocky Neck Beach is very close by, it's a great place to go after the beach or vice versa! Book Barn hrs are 11-6. read more

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I went to the main Book Barn store for the first time and loved walking around it! There are so many different stands of books inside and outside. It was an enjoyable experience. I do wish the books were a little more organized though since the Book Barn doesn't have a place to look up to see if they have the book in stock. I also sold books. I had many in very good condition but they seem to just give you the same amount no matter what, based on opinion. They did not count how many books I had after they selected which ones they wanted. I'm not sure if I would sell my very good quality books there again unless I knew how much I would be getting. This is also a great place to take kids because they have toys outside and the staff is friendly! read more

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This is one of the best kept secrets in NJ. If you love books, and cheap-go here. As long as you can deal with a barn style atmosphere, no thrills and volunteers who are simply amazing-you'll be good. I love to thrift too, and. So attached is a well organized, well priced thrift store. In addition they do have intermittent sales, on facebook that can save you even more. If you don't thrift or read, I do believe you might skip out with at least one unusual item for less than 5.00. read more

I went to their main location and man was I impressed. Tons of books, in different buildings. A little goat farm there with various displays and murals along the property. There are other sites from the main location as well which I did not get to. One day I will. But if you are into used bookstores you could spend hours here and get a good read to take home. read more

I love this place, they have so many books to choose from and the vibes are super cute. The books are not expensive either and the staff are really helpful. read more

My husband grew up going to Book Barn and he's been telling me about it for a decade. I finally got to go last week and was in paradise. Absolutely amazing place--books, cats, and goats! What more can you ask for? read more

The Book Barn - Cats lounging at Book Barn - Used Bookstore Near Me - Niantic, Connecticut

The Book Barn is my favorite best kept secret that's almost no longer a secret. This could be due to viral TikToks that I've seen boast about this place. I have been coming to The Book Barn since I was a little kid. I vividly remember how we would go down the street to Rocky Neck State Beach and have ourselves a beach day. Then, we would pack up all of our stuff and head to the barn so we could find new summer reading material and get lunch downtown. This has been an annual tradition (sometimes weekly) for my mom and me. I think I have been making these trips since I was seven and it's awesome to watch the expansion the barn has undertaken. My favorite has always been the Hades area. I absolutely love getting lost there. All three stores are easy to get to and are all on the same road. You can make a whole day out of it and still probably not see/do/eat everything the Book Barn has to offer. You can always bring in books for credit as well. In all the years I've been coming here I've only traded books a handful of times, but I always mean to! read more

We loved coming here for the day! It was huge and I could've spent the day here but my husband isn't as big as a reader as I am. read more

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Visited the Book Barn today and had an amazing time! Large selection of books for everyone and amazing prices (most books are only a dollar). Plenty of spaces both inside and outside to explore, plus the cutest goats, cats, and littl water features. read more

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Ok, you're bored on a Saturday. What to do? There are no bookstores in the N.L. County area... but wait! There's the book barn! And nothing can beat that! In the Main St. Store, quite near the cinema, they have a "second location" where the (not too old, no Burnett books here) are all stored, and you can find treasure you want to share with your kids or your friend's kids, whatever age. I was happily grabbing a few books from my childhood the last time I was there! They also have sci-fi, every stripe and fantasy. I'm good with the little store, but the main store is my first love! All the old books, a few very very old ones. From the early 1700's and once one from much earlier- but those were (I think) taken to New York, or put online. Anyway the kids will love running around the place, there are lovely little stores all over in 'outbuildings' fiction, biographies, and cookbooks (of course) as well as sets of Shakespeare, Kipling, and even bibles. I once bought a copy of the book those Scientologists in lower management use.. I was interested in comparative Religion, and it seemed to give away quite a few secrets!! Spend a hot afternoon strolling around and who knows, you may find a book that will keep you occupied for the next few days! Oh, there are a number of working cats in the main store. They are adorable but remember they also perform the removal of pests old books can bring, so ask before you let one out! read more

If you are near Niantic CT, put the Book Barn on your list to visit if you love books and give yourself a couple of hours to just browse and enjoy. There are three locations all within 2 miles of each and each location focuses on different categories of books. The main location has the most variety and is the most interesting but definitely visit the other locations. The selection and prices are great and my only criticism is that if you are looking for a specific book, it can be challenging to find. Sometimes they are in order by author and other times they are by subject. Still a "must visit" if you love books. read more

The Book Barn is a book store that my family and I visited years ago, yet we all remember it vividly. To disclaim, it is not for those that succumb to animal allergies, as there are many amiable creatures that accompany you as you view the store's expansive selection. These animals consist of rescued cats, goats, calves, etc. One can spend hours appreciating their company alone. If you can overcome the urge to play with the animals before closing time, you will find that the library never ends- science fiction, history, novels, novellas, plays; even subjects as specific as American naval history. Many of these tomes are used, but maintain a credible condition. Conversely, the prices are amazing. When we visited a while back, we got dozens of books for a less than $40; some of these books were rare Harvard edition copies. While other reviewers have noted the lack of decent service, this was not the case for us. The employees were attentive and welcoming. This place is truly a wonderland for intellectuals, farmers, and animal rights activists (never thought I'd write that sentence). Before I end this review, I'd like to give thanks to the Mystic Marriot employee that recommend the place to us. read more

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For casual and avid readers alike, The Book Barn is a truly magical place to visit. There's not a single other place where shopping for books turns into an actual adventure. Their several themed buildings and beautiful gardens take you on a real journey, it's so immersive. They've also got some lovely cats and goats! Fun for kids and adults, a must visit if you're in the area. The staff are friendly and books fairly priced, I highly recommend dropping by. read more

I loved it here 3 different locations. I visited 2 and ADORED the outdoor location Books for cheap or on the cheaper side and well taken care of So calm inside and a great place to go if you have time to walk around and look at all the books read more

My family and I had a great experience at the book barn today! I have always enjoyed the book barn, but today I fell in love with it. I witnessed the staff handle a difficult situation with tact and integrity and I support it 100%. I will tell everyone I know what I witnessed there today and I will be back as often as possible with friends. Thank you for setting an awesome example today. read more

Book Barn is such a fun bookstore to visit! They have a few locations within miles of each other. I found this out when I visited the first location (and found MANY Dean Koontz and Stephen King novels). I heard about goats and asked the guy. He told us about this location so we went right after. When you first get there, it looks like an outdoor book flea market (but better). It's located on someone's property but they completely converted the first house into a book store. They have many stands outside filled with books and extra snacks with ever more books! I mean...books are EVERYWHERE! They also have bikes for kids to ride, goats to feed, and cats hanging around. I adore this location. It just feels right. read more

The Book Barn - Used Bookstore Near Me - Niantic, Connecticut

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Oh my oh my. I've heard people rave about this place but wow I am impressed. First of all- the selection of books is amazing and the prices are also extremely reasonable. Honestly, I usually snag books for my classroom from Savers, but the Book Barn is infinitely better because of the organization and also still is generally cheaper (for kids books at least). Even more importantly, the aesthetic of this place is completely charming. There are multiple places to explore and wander. There are goats and several friendly cats. There are comfy chairs. There is coffee. There is a play ground. Literally I could spend hours here! I went at 8pm (an hour before closing) and my biggest regret is not getting there earlier so I could enjoy it for longer. read more

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