From the falling leaves to the colder, crisp weather quickly moving in, there is just something about autumn that makes you want to curl up under a blanket with a great book. And what better place to find your next great read than at a unique, local bookshop? From the oldest bookstore in the United States to a bookshop that gives back to its community, there's sure to be a bookstore on this list for every reader, no matter what your taste in literature may be!
The Blessing Barn Bookstore prides itself in being "a bookstore that is dedicated to empowering and equipping our talented friends with intellectual disabilities." The Blessing Barn Bookstore operates by accepting donated items from community members. All proceeds from the sales directly benefit the community through sponsorship of crisis care programs run by the Non-Profit organization, Compassion New England.
Owned by Jeff Kinney, author of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books, and his wife Julie, this picturesque bookstore offers locals and visitors alike a hometown bookstore to visit for their latest reads and releases. Plus, you might just bump into the owner himself- a New York Times Bestselling author!
This store is a personal favorite of mine, as my grandmother brought me to this bookstore when I was a child. This business was started in 1990 by JanetBibeau, a former school teacher and librarian. Storybook Cover prides itself in providing "quality books and book related toys and gifts to children and to those who love and care for them -- parents, teachers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends."
This independent bookstore first opened inside a shipping container- and during the warmer months still sometimes does! Nowadays Book Love can be found indoors in there new space which houses books from many genres, unique gifts, and plenty of book lover merchandise.
Below The Brine Bookshop describes itself as a "tiny, vibrant, independent bookstore in the heart of Harwich Port, on Cape Cod." Their store is stocked to the brim with new books for readers of all ages and interests.
"Below the Brine Bookshop was opened in 2021 by Harwich native Kristen Young, with the idea of creating a bright, welcoming space where locals and visitors could browse for books and strike up conversations about literature. Despite our tiny footprint, we strive to create a collection of titles that speaks to readers of all ages, with all sorts of interests." - Below The Brine
Andover Bookstore has been an independent bookseller since 1809 (the same year Abraham Lincoln, Edgar Allan Poe, and Charles Darwin were born) and prides itself in being the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the United States!
"Andover Bookstore is owned by John Hugo. He literally grew up in bookstores. His dad, Bob Hugo, purchased the Bookstore in 1992. Bob was an iconic figure in the book world. During a lifetime of bookselling, Bob operated stores in far flung locations that included Alaska, Fernandina Beach Florida, and Martha’s Vineyard. An early store in Reading, MA hinted at Bob’s later influence in Massachusetts, his home state. John partnered with his dad in 2004. Together, they were able to expand offerings and to open additional stores. Eventually, locations in Beverly, Newburyport, Swampscott, and Marblehead — all noted for outstanding customer service — served the varied book needs of countless readers for many years. Now, through consolidation and some downsizing, all efforts and resources are devoted to ensuring that the Andover Bookstore remains the region’s first-choice source for books." - Andover Bookstore
Titcomb's Bookshop is a family-owned independent bookstore on Cape Cod, The business's history dates back to 1966, when Ralph Titcomb, an engineer with General Electric, was transferred to Connecticut with his wife Nancy and their six children. The family moved into an old house with seven acres of land and several barns, which had not been lived in for over 10 years, in the small town of Canterbury. While exploring the property, the children stumbled upon a large pile of rare papers and books dating back to the 1600s in one of the barns. With curiosity piqued, the Titcombs started a mail-order catalog to sell some of the books. Their business, which they aptly named "The Paper Barn," quickly blossomed from there.
Three years later, Ralph was transferred to East Sandwich, where the family purchased a house that had once served as an antique store. The family moved into their new home on July 16, 1969 - the same day Apollo 11 launched for the first manned moon landing. A few weeks later, the family opened a used and rare bookstore. In 1974, the name was changed to Titcomb’s Bookshop, and in 1987 the current barn-style house that houses Titcomb’s Bookshop was completed by two of the Titcomb’s sons, Paul and Ted Titcomb. The eldest daughter of the Titcomb family, Vicky, joined the family business in 1991 and helped to expand the store's inventory to include new books.
Today, Titcomb's Bookshop is a beloved independent bookstore on Cape Cod by tourists and locals alike. The bookstore has become a fixture in the community and continues to thrive as a family-owned business.
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