I can never get enough of a bookstore and Symposium Books did not disappoint. They pack a ton into…read morethis small shop. The store was easy to navigate so you could find what book or genre you wanted to browse. I always love checking out how book stores setup their front tables and what types of books they are recommending. They have a few cafe tables out front if you visit during nice weather. Street parking and garages are all around, so you may have to do a loop or two, but overall you can find parking!

I've loved this bookstore for the past 10 years that I've lived in Rhode Island. The record…read moreselection happens to fall within my taste, which is sometimes a little dangerous. Same with the books. They are nicely displayed. There's always a good selection of art books. I've been here for a book readings , a record listening party today, shopping and browsing. It's always a welcoming vibe here. I feel like there used to be more of a use selection than there is now, but I still love this place.

Cute little book shop with a bar for snacks, drinks, coffee, and pastries. Stopped in with my…read morefriends who ordered some coffee. Lots of space to sit and read or do some work. Would definitely come back and recommend for people who need a place to meet up with someone or to just work.

A bit tricky to get to. There's no signs or anything telling you where to go, and Google Maps…read morewasn't much help. It's located behind the first brick building in a sort of courtyard place up a ramp. Knowing that they were #107 helped. RiffRaff doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it a bar? Is it a bookstore? It wants to be both and successfully does neither. The place lacks a coherence to it. It's starkly divided into Bar an Bookstore, and the lighting is abhorrent on both sides. They want you to read here, but there's only seating in the bar area, which is pitch black except for an ugly neon blue sign. So I don't know how one could do that without straining their eyesight. I'm not a drinker, so I can't tell you about the bar, but the selection of books was sad and clearly curated for a very particular audience. Which is fine if you're boring. I'm boring. I like the occasional high brow literary BS. But I also like to see things explode and for there to be monsters. None of that here because RiffRaff is too cool, apparently. Book prices seemed reasonable, but nothing was interesting to me. Also, it was too hot in there and they were playing some awful nonsense bass music that was just thumping and made everyone talk too loud. I probably won't come back here unless I'm meeting up with someone. RiffRaff would do so much better with real lights and an open concept vibe and more books. I don't want to sit and read or write in a dirty bar.

Heartleaf is a really cozy and cute bookstore my partner and I visited a bit ago. The selection is…read morevery curated and contemporary with a wealth of LGBTQIA+ inclusive books for all audiences. I enjoyed the fantasy and sci-fi sections and we walked away with several purchases. Great place to snag a book, then walk nearby and grab an espresso or affogato and chill out. Make sure to say hi to Penny, the shop's kitty before leaving!

It was a bit cold outside and I needed to kill time so I was delighted to stumble across this…read morebookshop! First, I love that they have free non perishable goods outside for people to help themselves as they need it. The shop inside is very cute, they have a diverse selection of books inside a cozy space. I liked how it was organized, enjoyed featuring of local artists work, including cards and bookmarks. Prices were what you can expect from a smaller book store, nothing incredibly expensive and overall a good deal. They also had a pile of books by the door that were completely free, which I thought was a great idea. Definitely a great place to stop by if you're looking for a new read!

Such a fantastic shop run by super sweet people. Super plus that you can bring your pup along and…read morethey have treats. They always have the books I am looking for as well :)

Love books on the square! My go to spot for holiday gifts or baby shower books. Great selection and…read morefriendly staff. PLUS they are dog friendly.

Cute bookstore filled with so many treasures! I left with a few good reads. The staff is friendly…read moreand I will certainly be back the next time I am in the area!

I visited during July 2025 while on vacation. Love this place! The people working were friendly and…read morehelpful. The selection was intriguing! Not like a run-of-the-mill big box store. I found books I'm familiar with (Autobiography of Malcom X), and books I've never heard of but am happy to have now. There are also vintage and antique books (individual and in sets), and some collectibles. The genres are well-marked throughout, and there are more downstairs. Speaking of stairs, they were wide and sturdy, and even my bad knees didn't complain. The pricing is very fair for new & old books. Highly recommend a regular stop at Paper Nautilus!

This small book shop is located inside The Arcade. It's focus is on 'the weird', aka books related…read moreto sci-fi, horror stories, tarot, witchcraft, and more. They have a few t-shirts for sale too. Books include local authors, famous authors, fiction, the history of witch trials such as in Salem, MA and several other non-fiction topics. I picked up a book I have been hoping to find for years now; the original stories by the Brothers Grimm. None of this tinkerbell fairytale stuff. This is raw, gorey, brutal stuff. The woman who assisted me was such fun to chat with and made some recommendations based on my interests. Definitely more books here I plan to return for. They even have a small area out the door (in the center of the building) to sit and read if you have time, or can't wait to begin your new book. Seriously, I have passed this shop half a dozen times and didn't realize what I was missing until I read their write up in Rhode Island Monthly magazine. Very glad I did!

I love this bookstore! (Now called "Weird Providence.") Great staff; great selection; I make an…read moreeffort to visit every time I'm in New England.

Spacious and giant bookstore that also sells school supplies and Brown University apparel and…read moremerchandise. I went on a shopping spree and purchased several items featuring Julia Gash's art, including a tote bag, apron, coasters, a trivet, etc. Even got a free copy of the hardcover book, "Brown: The History of an Idea."

Was lucky enough to find parking near the bookstore and went inside to browse. Got a nice magnet…read morebecause why not? Kids found a quiet play area upstairs to relax and enjoy their time instead of walking the campus. There were kid tables and chairs. Staff are friendly. Also saw a discounted 50% off section but nothing interested us. Found a coke bottle with our kids name on it and husband bought it. Never been to Rhode Island before until we came to Brown!!

I just took my niece to get some pen, pencils, journals and the such. She loved the choices and…read morethe selection of all those items. I spent some time checking out the RISD inspired items like t-shirts and mugs and I loved the designs and the colors. Very bright and colorful. The staff was helpful and friendly and there was always someone close to ask questions

I arrived at the store today, Thurthday, 1/22/2026 at around 11:00 am to purchase watercolors. The…read moresaleswoman at the main desk remembered me from previous visits. Suddenly, the police were called. Two Risd police officers arrived, detained me, and demanded my ID. I had no idea what was happening and was completely shocked After speaking with the store manager, the officers told me that about two years ago, when I purchased earrings at this store, I HAD TRIED THEM ON, WHICH WAS APPARENTLY NOT ALLOWED TO TRIED THEM ON! .. The same saleswoman who sold me the earrings at the time was at the desk today and she/or the store mange called the police today. she disappeared immediately when the officers arrived. The police officers themselves seemed surprised by the accusation. I am still struggling to process what happened today. I do not recommend purchasing anything from this store--mainly of course because of the disturbing and behavior and ridiculous accusation made by the saleswoman/manager , as well as the store manager's entirely lack of judgment, also of the exorbitant and unrealistic prices of this store. Therefore, I returned the set of necklace and the earring. The entire incident caused me significant emotional distress, and I remain shaken and upset by the injustice event I experienced due to the store manager's poor handling and poor judgement It is a shame and a disgrace... He/She showed a complete lack of judgment and caused me trauma for no fault of my own. If the saleswoman had asked me not to wear the earrings, there is no way I would have worn them.I complied immediately, after she asked not to wear the earrings.I am confident that the store's security cameras will fully corroborate my account of these events. The decision to involve law enforcement over an alleged incident from about two years ago about trying on earrings that, In addition, I would like to clarify that I purchased the earrings, and returned them in full compliance with the store's return policy. After the incident, a third party who heard about what occurred speculated that the saleswoman may have lost her commission on the returned item. Its raise the possibility that she made sure to inform the store manager that I was in the store, Since almost intentionally the moment I arrived at the store until the police arrived, she was busy texting on her phone. What deeply concerns me is that despite the fact that approximately two years had passed since that purchase and return, the saleswoman appeared to act in a retaliatory manner. Her behavior felt targeted and disproportionate, as if she were deliberately singling me out or "hunting" me, which ultimately led to an unfounded and humiliating escalation of the situation.This whole Spiel were not in my awareness when the officers approached me. This was and still shocking, absurd, unjustified and demonstrates a serious failure of managerial judgment. This action caused me undue distress, profound public humiliation and emotional stress, for which the store bears responsibility! The police made me sit on a chair at the store entrance while questioning me, as all customers watched, causing me public degradation and personal shame! I expect an internal review, and apology from the store manager. This is serious and troubling enough and on its own, and it raises the concern that it could happen again to any customer! The question also arises as to whether calling the police over the wearing of earrings on my ears is lawful and legitimate??? The store manager's actions constituted intentional harassment and abusive conduct! There was no legitimate basis for the manager's action, He abusing his authority and exploiting his position. I believe the manager targeted me as an immigrant, identifiable by my accent, believing I was easy to haras, as well racially motivated, despite my being an American citizen with 40 years in the field of education. Such behavior from management is unacceptable and warrants attention!

This is the place to stop if you're into Trollbeads! I had searched to see if there were any local…read moreretailers as I really like to see before purchasing and this came up (relatively close - still a nice day trip). I was blown away when I stopped in at the selection of not only Trollbeads (more on that) but interesting items. There was a huge assortment of antiques, new crafts, cards, books, vintage furnishings - you name it, I think they may have carried it! But, back to the beads - Karen came over and she was just incredible. She clearly knows her Trollbeads and a total newbie like me learned so much from her probably less than an hour, it was amazing. Not to mention the huge selection. And, the really affordable prices on many beads that you just won't find anymore. I found Karen to be so helpful and charming and honest. It was a really nice customer experience and I highly recommend visiting Twice Told Tales for anyone in the area. Plus, the downtown is really nice with an assortment of quirky stores and restaurants (and plenty of parking). It really is a hidden gem!

I stumbled spin this fun shop on a stroll. At first when. I walked in I saw lots of things that…read morelooked like nothing I would be interested in. BUT there is a great selection of old books, greeting cards and made in the USA items!! I am so happy I came in and was lucky to find things for an upcoming baby shower! Also shout out to the owners Nephew for being so helpful in the store!! Hopefully she had a great time at the baby shower!