What a perfect place to shop for a book, and enjoy the process…read more I can't resist a book store and appreciate the effort for a local store to compete in an online world. If friendly, they are, offers a wide variety, rhey do, and have books that represent good reading, as they do, this is where I look to go when we travel.

This was the second of two bookstores we visited during our time in Bath this past weekend. Quite a…read moredifferent spot than the other one. The other one is more rustic and a used bookstore and is nice in its own way, while this spot is newer. A great local alternative from the big name bookstores. It's a nice set up bookstore with a great selection of books. Like many other bookstores it is set up like you'd expect by genre along with newer books on display. They also give love to those authors from our great state of Maine which is always great from the local bookstores to highlight local writers. In addition they also had some sections full of children's books and some bean bags for them to enjoy a book. It is a very welcoming spot for all those looking for their next read! Friendly and welcoming staff. As we were just browsing we did not buy anything but enjoyed checking out yet another local bookstore. Come grab your next book, bring your kids for their next book, or even come thinking about getting that book gift for the book lover in your family.

They were closed when I walked by on Sunday morning but noticed that had a lot of different types…read moreof puzzles in the windows. Now that it's getting chiller, people staying in more due to Covid wanted to share this!

Gulf of Maine is one of my favorite indie bookstores anywhere!…read more There aren't many places in Brunswick that date back to my youth that I can say that I've been a fan of and someone who shops there. Gulf of Maine. Not even Bull Moose has been around since 1979, like Gulf of Maine. Back when my politics and literary tastes were still forming, I ventured into the store that Beth Leonard and Gary Lawless were running (on the other side of Maine Street, if I recall). They've managed to maintain a presence in downtown, long after many other similar stores have disappeared. For me, there is no other bookshop that carries such a wide array of what I'd characterize as politically progressive books and authors--Noam Chomsky, Ward Churchill, Howard Zinn, Barbara Ehrenreich and a host of others. But to label G of M as merely a political bookseller misses the point entirely. Both Gary and Beth carry a wealth of Maine writers, too. I mean, even a veritable unknown writer like me has had success selling his titles through their store. Plus, I now know who Ruth Moore his simply because Gary and Beth are a fan and I asked about the bumper sticker I saw on their car that read, "Read Ruth Moore." I believe that bookstores make communities richer, especially stores that don't just cater to the lowest common denominator, or stock merely bestselling hacks and their trade paperbacks, not that there's anything wrong with them. The next time you are in downtown Brunswick, park your car on Maine Street, walk up and down the vibrant main thoroughfare, bordered by an ample village green, independently-owned coffee shops and other unique shops, and make sure you stop in and see what a real bookstore looks like. That would be Gulf of Maine Books.

As of writing this I think my favorite part about this Barnes and Noble is the staff. My…read moreinteraction with them was limited, but part of what made me linger for so long here was because I was - admittedly - listening to them talk to each other about their own (abundantly obvious) love of books and writing. Sometimes places can be so judgey about taste preferences, but the folks working here held space for each other... it was endearing. (Also, I can't wait to read the dragon smut one of them is writing!) Other pros: 1. Lots of free parking 2. While it's smaller than other Barnes & Nobles, the selection is still impressive 3. It's a very clean and tidy store Obviously, support local first. But if you're looking for a slow-paced, welcoming 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!

I always come in here with groups from work, adults with disabilities. The employees at this store…read moreare so incredibly compassionate and kind. Very helpful folks. This is crucial for building a love of reading. Thank you so much for all that you do.

Cute little used bookstore by downtown Boothbay…read more They operate on the honor system with a box for donations, and volunteers help run the store, but the inside sadly was closed. I went through and found some nostalgic books that I haven't thought about in years! Some great classics. Unfortunately no one was there and I didn't have cash on me, so I just checked it out. If you're a book worm or even curious, I recommend stopping by and have cash on you! Maybe they can offer a paypal, cashapp or venmo option in the future.

Every time I travel, I always visit used bookstores in search of Stephen King 1st editions…read more The library bookstore is cute but small. They had Stephen King novels but not many. I didn't find any Dean Koontz novels or comics that day. When you visit used bookshops, you're not guaranteed to find what you're looking for every time and that's okay. There were bigger sections from gardening to travel than what I was looking for. If you're an avid reader and aren't picky about authors, this is a great shop to look through. I pretty much read from two authors so it's a little more difficult for me to find novels I haven't read/are on my list of books to collect.

The oldest book store in Maine filled with tons of books, great sales on selected books, greeting…read morecards, gifts, candies and more! I loved checking out the Maine Mysteries section and also the staff picks. The store is well laid out and organized although it would be easy to get lost in here for hours. I bought a few books on sale, some candies and a magnet. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Plenty of parking in lot. I will be back again and would highly recommend a stop in.

Shermans aren't all alike, and that's really refreshing! While the bones of the business are the…read moresame, each spot has their own personality and charm. Personally, I like the way the Falmouth store is laid out more (having so many staff and neighbor recommendations immediately at the front of the store). This Sherman's in Topsham feels like it wants you to do your own exploring; it's cleverly/cheekily organized (make sure to look at the bookshelves titles). We were here for at least an hour just leisurely looking through the bookshelves, before making another lap, and another... I'm sure we could have been here even longer, and no one would have minded. It helps that they have chairs throughout! From what I understand, this Sherman's does an exceptional job with special orders, so if you're looking for something specific, reach out to these folks! The staff seemed *very* selectively friendly (I wasn't on the receiving end of that warmth, but I watched them have welcoming, neighborly banter with other customers [regulars, I'm guessing]). This is one of those places you WANT to sign up for their rewards program: you just need to give them your name and phone number and for every $200 you spent you get $10 a credit!

Just bought a wonderful set of travel and exploration narratives printed in 1903! The set arrived…read morein the mail in perfect condition and was just as described on ABE Books. I couldn't be happier. Well done.

Love this bookstore and I go as often as I can. Great place to find great literary classics and…read morecurrent reads at a reasonable price.

Love this place. Smells like Pine. The book selection is great! You can spend a long time in…read morehere looking at all the cool knick knacks they sell. We always stop here several times on our trip whenever we visit. Definitely check them out!

Really great bookstore; tons of books about Maine on first floor, and great variety of books…read moreupstairs. Got two really good books and a card. Really friendly service, too!