Photo byGoogle Maps / Photo Edit by Dianna Carney

Porter Square Books, a beloved independent bookstore nestled in the heart of Cambridge, has announced they'll be moving their flagship store to a larger space- only 1,000 feet away! As the bookstore approaches their 20th year in business, they are setting their sights on an exciting new chapter. The new location will be situated in Lesley’s University Hall at 1815 Mass Ave, also known as the former Sears Building. This move will not affect their Boston location, which is situated at 50 Liberty Drive.

"Big news for Porter Square Books as we near our 20th anniversary! This October, our Cambridge store is moving to a larger, newly-renovated space," the bookstore exclaimed in their announcement. The new space promises to offer an enhanced experience for book lovers, with more room to explore the curated selection of titles that Porter Square Books is renowned for.

“This move is a terrific opportunity to provide for the long-term growth of Porter Square Books. It allows us to move to a bigger, nicer space in an iconic building right on Mass Ave., with a landlord that is focused on community building and local business. Lesley University sees a partnership with PSB as a way to build stronger ties to the Cambridge community, and we’re happy to be an important part of that effort,” says co-owner David Sandberg.

Porter Square Books explains that while located in a building owned by Lesley University, their bookstore will maintain its status as an independent bookstore. “Buying a building in the Porter Square neighborhood was never going to be a possibility for us, but having a landlord that understands the value we bring to the community and works to cultivate that value matters. Lesley made it clear that they want to be that kind of landlord,” said Josh Cook, co-owner and Marketing Director. 

In addition to the expanded space, the bookstore will introduce a new cafe partner, Page & Leaf Cafe. Porter Square Books explains that this new addition is "by the same team behind local cafe legends Diesel, Bloc, and Forge." The beloved Cafe Zing will remain in the Porter Square plaza and is expected to announce its new partner via Instagram @cafe_zing. "We’ll miss them, and we can’t wait to hear what’s next!" the bookstore shared, highlighting the community spirit that has been a hallmark of their operations.

As renovations progress, Porter Square Books has promised to share the opening date of the new location with their community. "We’ll announce the opening date of the new location in the coming weeks as the renovations wrap up," they confirmed. In the meantime, they are diligently working to ensure that the new store maintains the unique character that has endeared them to so many. Porter Square Books also revealed they will be hosting open house tours of the new space as the grand opening approaches.

Porter Square Books has announced that to celebrate this new chapter they will be hosting a 20th anniversary party at its 25 White Street location on Saturday, September 28th from 6 PM until 9 PM. "The event will include cake, refreshments, activities, speeches, and tours of the new space. All are welcome," explains the independent bookstore.

For the most up-to-date information about Porter Square Books visit their website at www.portersquarebooks.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064581255903.

Check out some sneak peek photos shared by Porter Square Books below!

Photo byPorter Square Books

Photo byPorter Square Books

Photo byPorter Square Books

Photo byPorter Square Books