If your plan is to read more books, whether it’s novels or nonfiction, local bookshops can have real gems in stock. Take a look at the following 10 best independent bookstores in Maine.
1. Letterpress Books
Letterpress Books is located in Portland and is owned by Katherine Osborne. The bookstore has been in business for over 8 years and is a member of both the American Booksellers Association and the New England Independent Booksellers Association.
Letterpress Books has a wide range of titles in a plethora of genres and for all ages. They also feature books written by local authors. Every member of the staff is an avid book lover, so if you are unsure what to pick, they will be happy to give you a recommendation.
Head on over to Letterpress Books.
2. Nonesuch Books & More
Nonesuch Books & More is situated in South Portland. They stock a selection of books, toys, and greeting cards. The books on their shelves are new or gently used including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s titles, and they also buy books from customers if they meet their criteria.
The bookstore also offers various services for customers and the community at large. They offer 20% off for schools and non-profits, as well as offering to host book fairs in schools. Nonesuch Books & More can also special order books for you, and even look for rarer books that are out of print on your behalf.
Check out Nonesuch Books & More.
3. Royal River Books
You can find Royal River Books in Yarmouth, which is run by owner Amy and her team of book-loving staff. They have books for all ages and cover every type of genre and topic both fiction and non-fiction that you might need.
As well as books, Royal River Books also stocks gifts and crafts created by local artisans. These include items such as chocolate, jewelry, candles, and super-soft socks! If you are looking for a bookish present instead, the store also offers gift cards.
Get in touch with Royal River Books.
4. Mockingbird Bookshop
Mockingbird Bookshop is located in Bath. They have all of the new releases in popular fiction, as well as classics and indie titles. They aim to be a cozy place to not only buy but also read your new purchases, with a nightscape-themed reading nook for kids and snug chairs for adults.
Mockingbird Bookshop also has a selection of gifts, both bookish-related and handmade items. You can also join them for their monthly book club to discuss some great reads throughout the year, or take on their reading challenges for both adults and kids.
Connect with Mockingbird Bookshop.
5. hello hello Books
hello hello Books can be found in Rockford. It was founded in 2011 and is run by Lacy Simons and her team. They offer both new and second-hand books in a whole array of genres and topics, as well as some magazines, too.
The store has gained much acclaim in both local and national media, both for the store itself and for its commitment to supporting social justice causes and a love of reading. Keep an eye out for their various sales and events, and if there is a future release of a book you are looking forward to, they are happy to preorder it for you.
Start a conversation with hello hello Books.
6. Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers
Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers was established in 1991. A mainstay of Farmington for over 30 years, the store is owned and run by Kenny Brechner. They sell a selection of books for all ages, including new releases and old favorites.
Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers also like to do their bit for the local community, either by working with schools or non-profits to provide support or in the community at large to foster a love of books and reading. They even received the Panell award for their work in 2014!
Reach out to Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers.
7. The Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café
You can find The Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café in Camden, where they have been since 1970. Originally starting out as just a bookstore, the café was added in recent years to provide a great place to have a hot drink, snack, and community catch-up.
They have fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books for sale, as well as local interest books about the state of Maine or by local authors. Make sure to stay informed of their recent events, which include things such as author meet-and-greets and book signings.
Say hello to The Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café.
8. Bridgton Books
Bridgton Books is situated in the town of the same name. It was set up in 1993 by husband and wife team Justin and Pam Ward. The store sells both new and second-hand books in a wide array of genres.
As well as physical books, you can also purchase audiobooks if you prefer to listen to a good story. If you are stuck on what to read next, their friendly staff team is happy to give you a great recommendation!
Stop by Bridgton Books.
9. Arctic Tern Books
Arctic Tern Books is located in Rockland. They aim to be a place for you to discover new books and worlds through their carefully selected book offering that is lovingly updated and curated by their staff.
Find your next fiction fix or a coffee table book that sparks the imagination. Their books and other items make perfect gifts, or if you would like the recipient to be able to explore the store themselves, then their gift cards are a great option.
Visit Arctic Tern Books.
10. Blue Hill Books
Blue Hill Books can be found in the town that shares the same name. This characterful store specializes in titles in poetry, travel books, mysteries, cookbooks, and the arts. However, that’s not all they stock, as you will still find an assortment of other fiction and non-fiction, as well as children’s books, too.
Blue Hill Books also feature titles from local authors, and they offer a consignment service should you wish to sell your own books through them. They also host various events both in the store and at the local library.
Have a browse at Blue Hill Books.