10 independent bookstores in Northern New England

Around Northern New England, independent bookstores offer a snapshot of local interests while serving as outposts of community. Visitors can find good reads, of course, but also perhaps a recommendation for the best sandwich around or a special hiking trail. Denizens discover everything from local scuttlebutt to monthly book clubs, where neighbors can become lifelong chums. Here are 10 bookstores where you might find your new favorite author—or make a new friend.

Gibson’s has been connecting customers with new favorites since 1898, and today it is Northern New England’s largest independent bookstore. Current owner Michael Herrmann is only the fifth in the store’s 126 years, giving the store a sense of history and residents of Concord a touchstone.

Housing about 50,000 volumes within its 10,500 square feet, the shop invites lingering with plentiful seating and an events area for readings and talks. Artful displays, well-laid-out sections, and teams of booksellers ready with recommendations make it easy to discover new delights.

Emerson Sistare grew up shopping at this community pillar with his grandmother. He acquired this store and a sister shop in Keene last year, with the intent of continuing a 5-decade focus on thoughtful service.

A bookshelf featuring New England authors holds pride of place. The staff, several of whom have worked at the store for decades, are happy to guide visitors through that, and the more than 70,000 other new and used tomes, along with thoughtfully curated music and movies.

A charming purple-and-yellow Victorian-style house, complete with cupola, beckons readers with a fairytale aura. While White Birch Books looks like a dollhouse from the outside, its 3,200-square-foot interior spans 2 levels, including a light-filled children’s section upstairs. Books are displayed in beautifully curved, floor-to-ceiling wood cases, with friendly staff to guide your quest and plenty of room to sit and browse.

Given its Mount Washington Valley location, it’s no surprise to find a deep selection of resources for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Discover everything from the history of the area’s covered bridges to off-the-beaten-path hiking trails.

How much does the Galaxy Bookshop mean to its community? When it moved to a new space more than a decade ago, 80 people turned out in below-zero temperatures to help. A mural inside commemorates that event for the store, contributing to a sense of place.

The shelves represent the community as well. Many of the bestsellers are by local authors, a distinction the shop takes seriously.

This independent bookshop has welcomed readers since 1935. Kari Meutsch and Kristian Preylowski, who purchased Yankee in 2017, handpick every book in the store. The shop’s signature yellow-and-white striped awning stands out in historic downtown Woodstock.

Lesser-known authors, debuts, books in translation, and even vinyl records are among the surprises within—all with appeal to the well-read community. Displays change constantly to reflect new products, the seasons, and current events.

Originally conceived as a children’s book specialist, The Flying Pig retains an air of whimsy. Families can often be found reading picture books settled on the colorful rug, where a staffer might sit right down and spontaneously share a favorite.

The cheerful staff can recommend books that readers of any age will love—a talent that has been recognized with national awards. Owner Elizabeth Bluemle, whose enthusiasm for all things literary is contagious, opened the store in 1996, and it remains a magnet for locals and tourists from around the world.

Marking 40 years in 2024, this counterculture answer to the Reagan era specializes in topics of social change and the environment written by progressive authors. Peace activist and founder Nancy Braus sold the shop to California transplant Red Durkin in 2023.

Look for a terrific collection of multicultural children’s books, as well as lefty bumper stickers like “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading,” and “It doesn’t take many words to speak the truth.”

Bibliophiles could easily spend a day here, unearthing books they never knew they needed. The shop sprawls over 8,400 square feet, with about 250,000 new and used books displayed on shelves, tables, and in boxes.

Overwhelmed by the collection? Sink into a comfy seat for a break or seek suggestions from owner Gerry Berthelette. His encyclopedic knowledge has guided guests for 26 of the store’s 32 years. Closed Sundays June through December; closed Sundays–Tuesdays January through May.

Devoted customers have been returning here with children, grandchildren, and spouses for more than 50 years. Christin and Brad Madeira bought the multilevel shop in 2021 and continue to offer a place to curl up in a cozy chair, linger over locally roasted coffee, or catch an author reading.

In winter, you’ll find a cadre of locals, some of whom stay away in the summer to avoid crowds of tourists. The 1,500-square-foot space includes works by local authors and a charming second-floor children’s section. Closed Sundays–Tuesdays.

Family-operated since 1886, this 9-location fiefdom grew from its original location as a print shop in Bar Harbor and now stretches south all the way to Portland. The Damariscotta store, one of the chain’s largest, was acquired in 2016 after operating for more than 5 decades prior as the Maine Coast Book Shop. To honor the spot’s long history as the heart of the village, Sherman’s added that original moniker to the entire chain.

Jeanne O’Brien Coffey grew up visiting bookstores around New England. You’ll probably find her nose buried in the latest Ann Patchett novel or a cookbook.