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.

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!

Very good selection of books; old and new..I enjoy the History Section as well aa the Classics"…read more Also maps and charts galore..not just a few, but more..and Smores..- Recipes..Gardening know how..a Treasure trove for the literary craving you may have..

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.

A brand new Barnes & Noble in Brunswick!…read more The newer Barnes & Nobles seem smaller but this one certainly has plenty of books and gift items. It is laid out nicely with many different sections, such as new releases, young adult, children, and fiction and non-fiction. All the shelves were neat and full. All the employees were friendly and helpful. It is conveniently located in the plaza with Shaws and has plenty of parking.

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.

We always find something. We don't mind the trek as it has a ton of great selections and the owners…read moreare super friendly and prices are reasonable.

Take a rainy day and prepare to spend hours here. I gave myself an hour and not nearly enough. No…read more Used book stores are a dying business but not here,,! Owner super kind, casual, and there are so many books...and more books..and more,,! I asked owner if he was planning on folding up shop anytime soon, and he replied, "soon as I read all of these books." A must visit

I love this little store. It has all the character and ambiance of a quintessential old bookstore…read more Big windows, endless books to browse, and located in the center of a riverside village. John, the owner, loves what he does, and has extensive knowledge of old books, especially related to Maine. It is well worth the time if you are in Bath--lots of great restaurants nearby, too. Jane H

Cute little vintage bookstore. Very nice and helpful owner. Definitely worth a stop if you're…read morepassing through.

Due to my wife loving books we have been stopping and going into book stores we see now. Walking…read morealong all the shops in downtown Bath this was the first store that caught our eyes. I will say definitely don't come in here expected your fancy new bookstore with all the popular new books. This is a used bookstore located in a historic building with shelves upon shelves of books. A spot you could spent a long time at browsing those shelves until you find that hidden gem you have been looking for! They have a variety of sections so if you have a particular genre you are searching for. Along with sections they did a few different sections highlighting Maine books too including a giant Stephen King section, Maine poetry and Maine mysteries too. Great little way to showcase that home state love! Value wise as we were just browsing we did not check prices so can't speak to that. Honestly my knowledge of used books especially highly sought after and in general is extremely lacking anyways. The condition of the books for sale did vary quite a bit too, some of the I assume older books had some wear and tear to them. Gives the books some character though. What I can say, is that if you are a book lover, or looking for gifts for that book lover in your life and are around here, stop in. Another quality used bookstore worth visiting.

I remember when this tiny basement space was a little wine bar and charcuterie cafe. Now it's a…read morebook seller. And mannnn is this place incredible. It's cool on a summer day, it's intimate and so well organized for stacks of classic well collected and curated sections. You could spend hours here absorbing all these lovely novels and treasures. It's not a stuffy place, it's actually quite welcoming. Like being in your grandmothers library. I love the smell of old books.

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