I think, if you're going to come to a chain bookstore, this should be the place you visit. It's so…read morenew; it's got that new book smell (not really, but... maybe, kinda, sorta?)! 1. So much easy, free parking in their huge shared lot. 2. There's a Starbucks-adjacent cafe. NOTE: it's NOT actually Starbucks though, so you can't order ahead or pay with your app. Just a heads-up! The cafe portion of the bookstore is spacious and clean, with the tables themselves also being spaced quite far apart from one another. It creates a real sense of privacy no matter where you sit! 3. The atmosphere/layout here is very modern and inviting; the selection itself is enormous. Genres are clearly labeled, and there's a tremendous amount of content available no matter what you're looking for (so be prepared to spend some time here wandering around and taking it all in... then you'll probably have to come back, because there's no way you'll actually be able to take it all in on the first visit!). They've got new releases, popular books, recommendations, board games, and more. And, of course, the random armchair for you to sit and peruse your possible purchase. Obviously, support local first. But if you're looking for a slow-paced, wide open, very quiet, very tidy spot to spend a little bit of time (without feeling rushed or forced to purchase something) finding your next favorite read, I'd suggest visiting here!

This is a newer location, and it's absolutely stunning! Nice lighting, open concept, beautiful cafe.read more

Green Hand Bookshop is like the best kind of treasure hunt. I can (and have) spent hours here…read moreperusing the stacks for my next favorite read. It's excellent!

First time visit to this used bookstore located on Congress after visiting Uncharted Tea. Which you…read more will even find books from here inside Uncharted as well as some other local spots. Don't mind the scaffolding outside and make your way in to explore if you are close by exploring when they are open. The store goes a lot further back than you would expect and the huge amount of books here means you could spend a long time browsing. Despite the narrow spaces and books being everywhere it is organized well and you will find lots of signs listing the current genre you are looking at. Which speaking of they offer so much I think everyone will find some books that catch your eyes here. Being a used bookstore they did have a good mix of older books while appearing to have more fresh and modern titles available as well. Prices seemed reasonable for the few I looked at. My wife almost bought a couple books but in the end just browsed but would highly recommend coming here for any book lovers. I would even say one of the better used bookshops we have visited! You may just find your next unexpected book you have to read.

If you love bookstores that feel like a warm hug with a side of coastal charm, Sherman's is exactly…read morethat girl. I popped in during a fall trip to Portland, and within two steps, I understood why this place stays busy. It's cozy, it's nostalgic, and it has that "you're definitely leaving with something you didn't plan to buy" -- and I absolutely did. The book selection is diverse. They do an incredible job curating local authors, Maine-themed reads, and those charming "I'll never find this anywhere else" gems. It's the kind of shop where you browse slowly because every shelf has a little surprise. The gifts + stationery section is dangerous (in the best way). Cute cards, puzzles, journals, mugs... basically an stress-free way to knock out gift shopping. Staff was friendly without hovering. Asked for a recommendation and got a great one -- points awarded. Yes, the aisles are a little tight. Yes, you might bump into people. But honestly? That's part of the cozy bookstore ecosystem. If you want Barnes & Noble spacing... this isn't that. And that's why it works. If you're in downtown Portland, Sherman's is an absolute must-stop. Whether you buy a book, a puzzle, or just soak up the cozy, indie-bookstore magic -- you'll leave happier than you walked in.

Very touristy but wasn't very crowded. Perfect for kids and Adults alike. Apart from the wide…read morevariety of books you'll found a huge selection of aboard games and toys postcards and knickknacks and souvenirs!

Longfellow Books is in the heart of Portland- within walking distance to a number of my favorite…read moreshops and restaurants. They always have a great selection, and I especially love their bargain section. So many of my favorite books have come from Longfellow's, and I'll forever be thankful to them for that.

most of the time the recent release books i'm searching for can be find at others - this…read morebookstore's releases are a bit outdated and some of the people who work there ... i'd rather just go somewhere else

Yes Books- I stumbled in here one day, and spent an hour looking around. Honestly, it felt more…read morelike five minutes. Everything was so wonderful, I was sad I had to leave. I've been back quite a few times since then and I must say that Yes Books always gets a Yes from me!

Ordered a book on February 28 for $129 through AbeBooks. Have not gotten the book despite 2…read morepromised delivery dates. No tracking numbers, no one responds. About to contact the Attorney general and Better Business Bureau.

Awesome place! Mostly used books in great condition usually in the $4-10 range unless brand new and…read morepopular. We go here all the time to grab a book for cheap when we're on vacation at OOB. Nice people. Somewhat disorganized but in a charming way.

Great book store with an incredible variety of choices. Prices are great, and it's walking distance…read morefrom Old Orchard Beach

Don't be thrown by the location - this is a neighborhood gem. We went in right before closing with…read moretwo energetic kids. The staff could not have been more kind or helpful. They took time to get down to the physical level of my four year old, asking him what he liked and helped give us recommendations for his first chapter books. The diverse books and Maine authors featured made me really happy and although the shop is small, there was quite a wide variety. They also made it very easy to order anything they didn't have in stock. We will definitely be repeat customers!

Great place and very helpful service. The woman with whom I dealt even mailed the gift certificate…read moreI bought!

Anyone whose been in Maine for any decent amount of time knows Sherman's is/should be a go to for…read morelocal bookstore. Today was the first time my wife and I have visited this particular location and we agreed it has been one of the nicest we have visited. Quite a large space with all the genres you would expect with plenty of classics while also having the new hyped releases as well. Another huge plus was how many sections of heavily discounted books they had. Could spend a long time browsing and finding great sales. Besides books they also have other offerings including many Maine themed goodies, Lego sets, socks, and more. Staff was friendly and greeted us with a smile and while we didn't need assistance we noticed they helped other customers with questions and made it a very welcoming environment! Book lovers nearby or visiting this is a must check out spot!

What a cute store. I popped in real quick just to see what was inside, other than books. Like…read moresouvenir kind of items. I just walked around. All their Maine trinkets are towards the front of the store, and scattered throughout. Had a nice time looking around.

Following first speculation I saw online of Novel closing then after they confirmed they would be…read moreclosing my wife wanted to make sure we came by before that! She is a book lover and we both love our coffees and cocktails. This is a spot that offers all of that and is a third space I think that has been popular and will in general be missed. We even visited during their opening day back in December 2023. They will be closing their doors on April 17th 2026. I will say that due to them getting their books from a local used bookstore they do not have the latest and greatest selection of books that you'd expect if they were a bookstore. I have not had complaints during any of our visits here. I have enjoyed their coffee as well as their chai lattes along with enjoyed all the cocktails I have tried. I have especially enjoyed the espresso martinis and have liked the fact you could in fact get the coffee drinks and cocktails any time of their hours opened. During the majority of their time open they would offer specialty espresso martinis as well. Some of my favorite cities to visit have many coffee cafe meets cocktail bar and is a concept I wish were more popular in Portland. It is a difficult time currently for all and any local business so with yet another closing I encourage you to support your favorite places when and how you can! Cheers to Novel and thanks for the space you offered to locals and visitors!

Not a big drinker, but whenever my friends ask me to go to Novel, I can't resist! Delicious drinks,…read moregreat reads- there's always something here to keep me entertained!