Brookline Booksmith is a premier independent bookstore, family-owned and locally run since 1961. It offers an extensive selection of new, used, and bargain books, along with unique, beautiful gifts and an award-winning events series. The store strives to foster community, represent a diverse range of voices, and inspire enriching conversations. Visitors describe it as the best bookstore in Boston, with a comfy, positive, and chill vibe. Entering is like getting a warm hug, making you want to stay for hours. The store features carefully curated bookshelves with staff recommendations, a large selection including fantasy titles, and a basement with cheaper used books. It is incredibly LGBTQIA+ friendly and proudly displays banned books. The location is adorable, parking is easy, and the store is often packed. The staff is passionate, dedicated, incredibly knowledgeable, and friendly, offering great recommendations and creating a welcoming environment. Beyond books, there is a fantastic gift store with a great selection of unique gifts, cute Boston merch, postcards, and stickers. The overall experience is absolutely delightful and outstanding in every way, making this gem a must-visit.
Called this store to find a hard to find magazine and not only they had it but the agent whom I spoke was extremely kind and offered to hold it for me. I went there and found a top notch book store that includes an entire floor of used books. The staff was an absolute pleasure. I will certainly be back to this hidden jewel!
March 2024
LOVE this place! Went to a poetry reading there. Best bookstore I've visited in Boston!
August 2023
I almost skipped this bookstore, and I’m so glad I decided not to. The location is adorable (the building is tucked behind a little campy Tudor-style suburban castle) and parking is super easy at the Trader Joe’s nearby. They had a large selection and I nabbed a couple of fantasy titles.
