Bookstores in Cambridge, MA
📚 Bookstores Might Just Be the Reason You Move to Cambridge…or the Reason it Feels Impossible to Move Away.
TL;DR
A list of Bookstores in Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Book Store – Established in 1932, this store offers new, used, and remaindered books, along with frequent author events.
- Porter Square Books – An independent bookstore with a wide selection of titles and a café.
- Lovestruck Books – All-romance bookstore located in Cambridge.
- Seven Stars Bookstore – For the spiritually curious
- Rodney’s Bookstore – Used books and great posters
- Pandemonium Books & Games – Independent bookstore and gaming hub
- Grolier Poetry Book Shop – The oldest continuous poetry bookstore in the U.S., focusing exclusively on poetry and poetry criticism.
- Bryn Mawr Book Store – Specializes in rare and out-of-print books, with proceeds funding scholarships to Bryn Mawr College.
- MIT Press Bookstore – Offers a selection of titles published by the MIT Press, covering various academic disciplines.
- The Coop (Harvard/MIT Cooperative Society) – A cooperative society serving the Harvard and MIT communities, offering a wide range of books and university merchandise.
- The Million Year Picnic – The oldest comic book store in New England, offering a variety of comics and graphic novels.
Finding home among the bookshelves.
I moved to Cambridge the first time for school.
But the second time? That was for something deeper. I had been searching for the right place for me.
It wasn’t just the charming streets, the intellectual buzz, or even the historic architecture. Cambridge is a place I feel like I belong, and there are lots of people like me.
📚Like, people who love bookstores.
Places like Harvard Book Store, with its towering shelves and endless discoveries, became more than just stops along the way—they were proof that I belonged here.
Where we live isn’t just about square footage or the number of bedrooms.
We need more than just a place to sleep. We need a neighborhood that gets us. That fuels our ambition, challenges our thinking, and surrounds us with people who care about the world.
These enchanting places also formed the ties that felt like they would bind me from ever leaving.
I felt a panic, like many others, that if I left Cambridge, if I moved out of Cambridge, that I wouldn’t be me anymore (the Cambridge me) and my life wouldn’t be Cambridge.
But I hope others find, as I have, that Cambridge is here for us. And we “Cambridge” wherever we go.
So, happy Cambridge bookstores. Visit them. Order from them. Tell others about them.
Cambridge, MA is a fabulous city with lots of smart people who love books.
And, therefore, we have lots of fabulous independent bookstores in Cambridge!
Let’s stroll through Cambridge’s best spots to get lost in a book.
Harvard Book Store: A Cambridge Icon
No list of bookstores in Cambridge would be complete without the legendary Harvard Book Store. Established in 1932, this independent bookstore has been a staple of Harvard Square for generations.
Not to be confused with The Coop—this is the independent bookstore on Mass Ave, just down from the Hong Kong (yes, the one with the scorpion bowls 🦂).
It’s a place where book lovers lose track of time, where the books in the windows alone can change your perspective, and where the sheer density of thought-provoking titles feels like a labyrinth of ideas, where every turn reveals a new obsession.
Wow. Sorry. Books. 🙂
Harvard Book Store: Why You’ll Love It
📚 A Treasure Trove of Books – Explore a vast selection of new, used, and remaindered books spanning every genre.
✍️ World-Class Author Events – Attend signings and discussions with Nobel Laureates, professors, and researchers, plus a stellar lineup of guest authors.
🎧 Book Talks on the Go – Catch up on recorded talks like Airborne by Carl Zimmer, perfect for listening while you’re on the move.
🔬 Harvard Science Book Talks – A unique collaboration between Harvard Book Store, Harvard University Division of Science, and Harvard Library, bringing cutting-edge science discussions to the community.
🌟 Staff Picks & Hidden Gems – Discover brilliant recommendations from passionate booksellers who know their shelves inside and out.
🏠 Local & Thoughtful – A family-owned bookstore deeply rooted in the Cambridge literary scene.
Harvard Book Store: Finding Sex and Real Estate
I found the book in the photo in the Harvard Book Store Downstairs.
Harvard Book Store: How to get there
Harvard Book Store is just outside Harvard Square.
When I lived in Mid Cambridge, I walked.
When I lived in East Cambridge, I could take the 69 bus.
Now I can take the 77 bus from Arlington. Or the Red Line from Alewife. Or (sorry) drive and park on Mass Ave. Finding a spot before you get to the Hong Kong is easier.
Red Line and various buses give easy access to other parts of Cambridge as well as Back Bay, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont.
Harvard Book Store | 1256 Massachusetts Avenue | Cambridge, MA 02138
Porter Square Books : Cozy and Community Oriented
Porter Square Books: What Makes It Special?
☕ Café & Reading Nook – Enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee from Page & Leaf while diving into your next great read.
📖 Engaging Author Events – Regular readings, signings, and discussions with authors, poets, and local writers.
🌍 Diverse & Thought-Provoking Reads – A carefully curated selection that celebrates different voices, perspectives, and ideas.
Porter Square Books | 1815 Massachusetts Avenue | Cambridge, MA 02140
Lovestruck Books: A Romance Reader’s Dream
We believe everyone deserves to see themselves in great romance.
A newer addition to the Cambridge literary scene, Lovestruck Books is the perfect stop for romance enthusiasts.
Specializing in love stories of all kinds, this charming bookstore is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys a good happily-ever-after.
Lovestruck Books: Why You’ll Adore It
💖 Romance for Every Reader – A thoughtfully curated selection of romance novels, from contemporary love stories to historical swoons.
☕🍷 Cozy Vibes & Great Drinks – Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere with expertly brewed George Howell coffee and a glass of wine.
📚✨ Author Events & Book Clubs – Meet your favorite romance authors and connect with fellow book lovers at special events and discussions.
Located in Harvard Square, Lovestruck Books is the go-to spot for anyone looking to get swept away by a great love story.
Red Line and various buses give easy access to other parts of Cambridge as well as Back Bay, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont.
Lovestuck Books | 44 Brattle St | Cambridge, MA 02138
Seven Stars Bookstore: A Hidden Gem for the Spiritually Curious
If you’re looking for something a little different, Seven Stars Bookstore in Central Square is a unique stop. Specializing in metaphysical, esoteric, and spiritual books, it’s a haven for those interested in philosophy, astrology, and self-discovery.
Seven Stars Bookstore:What You’ll Find Here
📖 Mysticism, Philosophy & World Religions – A carefully curated selection of books exploring spiritual wisdom and deep thought.
🔮 Tarot, Crystals & Spiritual Tools – Find everything from tarot decks to unique crystals for personal growth and insight.
🕯️ A Haven for Seekers – A welcoming space for deep thinkers, curious minds, and those on a journey of self-discovery.
Seven Stars Bookstore: How to get here
Red Line and various buses give easy access to other parts of Cambridge as well as Back Bay, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont, and the Longwood Medical Area.
Seven Stars – crystals and books | 731 Massachusetts Avenue | Cambridge, MA 02139
Rodney’s Bookstore: Moved from Central Square to Harvard Square in the spot formerly known as Raven Books
Rodney’s Bookstore: What You’ll Find Here
📖 Used Books – A curated selection of pre-loved reads waiting for a new home.
🖼️ Prints – Unique artwork and literary-themed prints for book lovers.
📜 Historic Charm – They brought the large, mahogany landmark sign from the original Central Square location.
🔄 Fresh Start – Still settling into the new space, organizing, and finding the perfect groove.
Rodney’s Bookstore: How to Get Here
Red Line and various buses give easy access to other parts of Cambridge as well as Back Bay, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont, and the Longwood Medical Area.
Rodney’s Bookstore | 23 Church Street | Cambridge, MA 02138
Pandemonium Books & Games: A Cambridge Gem for Sci-Fi & Fantasy Fans
Pandemonium Books & Games is a beloved independent bookstore and gaming hub in Cambridge, MA, specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and tabletop games. Located in Central Square, this shop has been a go-to spot for book lovers, RPG enthusiasts, and board game fans for decades. With a cozy, community-driven atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to browse, play, and connect with fellow geeks.
Pandemonium Books & Games: Why You’ll Love It
📚 Extensive Sci-Fi & Fantasy Selection – From classic authors to new releases, it’s a treasure trove for speculative fiction lovers.
🎲 Tabletop Gaming Paradise – Find a huge variety of RPGs, board games, and card games, plus everything you need to play.
🎭 Community Events & Game Nights – Join Magic: The Gathering tournaments, D&D sessions, book clubs, and more.
🏠 Locally Owned & Welcoming Atmosphere – A true indie bookstore with knowledgeable staff and a loyal customer base.
🛒 Great for Collectors – Discover rare finds, gaming accessories, and special editions.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just exploring the world of sci-fi and tabletop gaming, Pandemonium Books & Games is a must-visit in Cambridge.
Pandemonium Books & Games: How to Get Here
Red Line and various buses give easy access to other parts of Cambridge as well as Back Bay, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont, and the Longwood Medical Area.
Pandemonium Books & Games | 4 Pleasant Street | Cambridge,
MA 02139
Grolier Poetry Book Shop – A Literary Treasure in Cambridge, MA
Grolier Poetry Book Shop, located in Harvard Square, is a historic independent bookstore dedicated exclusively to poetry. Founded in 1927, it is the oldest all-poetry bookstore in the United States, attracting poets, scholars, and literature lovers from around the world. With its rich literary history and carefully curated selection, Grolier is a haven for anyone passionate about poetry.
Grolier Poetry Book Shop: Why You’ll Love It:
📖 All Poetry, All the Time – One of the few bookstores in the world dedicated entirely to poetry.
🏛 Rich Literary History – Frequented by legendary poets like T.S. Eliot, Robert Lowell, and Elizabeth Bishop.
📚 Curated Selection – A thoughtful collection of poetry books, including rare and independent press editions.
🎤 Engaging Readings & Events – Regular poetry readings, book launches, and literary discussions.
🏠 Quaint & Intimate Atmosphere – A cozy, inspiring space for poetry lovers to explore and discover new works.
Grolier Poetry Book Shop: How to Get Here
Red Line and various buses give easy access to other parts of Cambridge as well as Back Bay, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont.
Grolier Poetry Book Shop | 6 Plympton Street | Harvard Square | Cambridge, MA 02138
Bryn Mawr Bookstore: A Hidden Gem for Used & Rare Books in Cambridge, MA
Bryn Mawr Bookstore, located in Cambridge’s Huron Village, is a charming, volunteer-run used bookstore with a carefully curated selection of high-quality books. Originally founded to support Bryn Mawr College’s scholarship fund, the store has been a beloved literary destination for decades. With its welcoming atmosphere and impressive collection of secondhand and rare books, it’s a must-visit for book lovers.
Bryn Mawr Bookstore: Why You’ll Love It
📚 Wide Selection of Used & Rare Books – Find literary classics, history, philosophy, art, and more at great prices.
📖 Hidden Gem in Huron Village – A quieter, off-the-beaten-path bookstore perfect for a peaceful browsing experience.
💡 Well-Organized & Thoughtfully Curated – Unlike many used bookstores, the selection is neatly arranged and carefully chosen.
🎓 Supports Education – Proceeds contribute to scholarships for students at Bryn Mawr College.
🏠 Quaint & Cozy Atmosphere – A warm, inviting space with knowledgeable volunteers who love books.
If you enjoy the thrill of discovering a great book at a great price, Bryn Mawr Bookstore is a treasure trove worth exploring in Cambridge.
Bryn Mawr Bookstore: How to Get Here
The most direct route is the 75 bus running from Harvard Square to Belmont.
The 78 bus runs nearby from Harvard Square to Watertown.
This location is 1.5 miles from Harvard Sq and could make a nice walk, bike, or short drive.
There are a few metered parking spaces on Huron Avenue.
Bryn Mawr Bookstore | 373 Huron Avenue | Cambridge, MA 02138
MIT Press Bookstore: A Hub for Innovative Ideas in Cambridge, MA
The MIT Press Bookstore, located near Kendall Square, is a must-visit destination for readers interested in cutting-edge ideas across science, technology, design, and the humanities. As the retail arm of the prestigious MIT Press, the store offers a carefully curated selection of books that challenge and inspire. Whether you’re a student, a scholar, or just an inquisitive reader, this bookstore is a treasure trove of intellectual discovery.
MIT Press Bookstore: Why You’ll Love It
📖 Expertly Curated Selection – Features books on science, philosophy, art, architecture, AI, and more.
🏛 Connected to MIT Press – Home to some of the most influential academic and nonfiction works in the world.
💡 A Place for Big Ideas – Ideal for deep thinkers, researchers, and anyone who loves learning.
📚 Unique & Hard-to-Find Titles – Discover books you won’t easily find in mainstream bookstores.
🎤 Engaging Events – Hosts author talks, book launches, and discussions on groundbreaking topics.
MIT Press Bookstore showcases books and journals published by the MIT Press as well as a curated selection of other publishers’ books in related fields, including art and architecture, computer science, cognition, neuroscience, and linguistics.
MIT Press Bookstore: How to Get Here
MIT Press Bookstore | 314 Main Street | Cambridge, MA 02142
Harvard Coop Bookstore: A Historic Literary Landmark in Cambridge, MA
The Harvard Coop (say it like “Chicken Coop”) is one of the most iconic bookstores in Cambridge, located in the heart of Harvard Square. Established in 1882, it serves both the Harvard and MIT communities while welcoming book lovers from all over. Spanning multiple floors, the store offers a vast selection of books, Harvard memorabilia, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for browsing.
Harvard Coop Bookstore: Why You’ll Love It
📚 Extensive Book Selection – From bestsellers to academic texts, there’s something for everyone.
🎓 Deep Harvard Roots – A historic bookstore with a strong connection to the university.
🛍 Harvard Apparel & Gifts – The perfect place to grab Harvard-branded clothing and souvenirs.
📖 Great for Students & Scholars – A go-to spot for textbooks, research materials, and intellectual reads.
Harvard Coop Bookstore: How to Get Here
Red Line and various buses give easy access to other parts of Cambridge as well as Back Bay, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont.
Harvard Square COOP | 1400 Massachusetts Avenue | Cambridge, MA 02138
Law School COOP | 1595 Massachusetts Avenue | Cambridge, MA 02138
Business COOP | Spangler Center | Harvard Business School | Boston, MA 02163
Medical School COOP | Countway Library | 10 Shattuck Street | Boston, MA 02115
MIT Coop Bookstore: A Go-To Spot for MIT Books, Gear & More
The MIT Coop Bookstore, located in Kendall Square, is the official bookstore serving the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It offers a wide selection of academic books, general reading materials, and MIT-branded apparel. Whether you’re a student, a researcher, or a visitor, this bookstore is a great place to find everything from textbooks to unique MIT merchandise.
MIT Coop Bookstore: Why You’ll Love It
📚 Wide Range of Books – Includes textbooks, science and tech books, and general-interest reads.
🎓 Official MIT Gear & Gifts – Find MIT-branded clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
💡 STEM-Focused Selection – A perfect stop for those interested in cutting-edge science, engineering, and innovation.
📖 Convenient Location – Situated near MIT’s campus, making it easy for students and visitors to stop by.
🛍 More Than Just Books – Stocked with school supplies, gifts, and MIT memorabilia.
For those connected to MIT or simply fascinated by science and technology, the MIT Coop Bookstore is a must-visit in Cambridge.
MIT Coop Bookstore: How to Get Here
MIT COOP at Kendall Sq | 80 Broadway | Cambridge, MA 02142
MIT COOP at Stratton | 84 Massachusetts Avenue | Cambridge, MA 02139
Book Vendor by the Harvard Square T Station on Sundays
Some Nearby Bookstores where you can go Cambridging.
The Book Rack
The Trident Cafe
More Than Words
The Million Year Picnic: Cambridge’s Legendary Comic Book Store
The Million Year Picnic, nestled in the heart of Harvard Square, is a haven for comic book lovers, graphic novel enthusiasts, and collectors. As the oldest comic book store in New England, it has been a beloved destination for decades, offering everything from mainstream superheroes to indie gems and rare finds.
The Million Year Picnic: Why You’ll Love It
- 📚 Diverse Comic Selection – From Marvel and DC classics to indie and underground comics, there’s something for every fan.
- 🎨 Graphic Novels & Manga – A fantastic collection of graphic novels, manga, and illustrated storytelling.
- 💎 Rare & Collectible Issues – Find vintage comics, first editions, and unique collectibles.
- 🛍 Local & Independent Publishers – Showcasing work from small presses and local artists.
- 🤝 Passionate Community – A welcoming spot for comic enthusiasts, artists, and readers of all ages.
Whether you’re a lifelong comic fan or just starting your collection, Million Year Picnic is a must-visit in Cambridge!
The Million Year Picnic: How to Get Here
Red Line and various buses give easy access to other parts of Cambridge as well as Back Bay, Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Watertown, and Belmont.
The Million Year Picnic | 99 Mount Auburn Street | Cambridge, MA 02138
Book Vendor by the Harvard Square T Station on Sundays
Some Nearby Bookstores where you can go Cambridging.
The Book Rack
The Trident Cafe
More Than Words
