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What reviewers say about Brookline Booksmith

Generated with AI from 238 reviews on Trustburn · updated 33 days ago

Customers describe the store as a favorite local spot with helpful and knowledgeable staff, a large inventory, and a welcoming atmosphere that includes a dedicated kids area and a downstairs section for used books.
What does Brookline Booksmith do?

Brookline Booksmith is an independent bookstore located in the Coolidge Corner area of Brookline that sells a wide variety of new and used books, as well as gifts, stationery, and greeting cards.

Are there any complaints about Brookline Booksmith?

The critical reviewers wrote that they experienced rudeness from staff, found a recent event to be poorly organized and overcrowded with ticketing issues, and noted that the store's book-buying prices were low.

What do people say about Brookline Booksmith outside Trustburn?

People outside Trustburn mention that the store offers signed copies of books and carries a selection of pens, paper, journals, and greeting cards.

AI-generated from reviews on this page. Verify anything important with the company directly.

Dana Stone
Reviews 1

This is one of my favorite bookshops in the United States! There's a helpful, knowledgeable staff, and a wide selection to choose from. I'm not sure, but I think it's an independent bookstore. It's within walking distance to several cafes, as well as to JFK's birthplace.

Darren Rosebrugh
Reviews 1

They have a great kids area, gift shop and a downstairs filled with used books. Unlike most bookstores that have survived the Amazon and bog box onslaught, Brookline Booksmith is also pretty big and has a large and varied inventory.

caitlin
Reviews 1

Definitely one of my favorite bookstores in the area. Its the type of place where you walk in and want to buy everything on display....a girl can dream. They have a wonderful card selection. This is a great place to get wrapping materials as well as find fantastic, unique gifts. I recently got my planner here and they have an extensive selection of moleskine products. There are some many things to love about this store. They also are constantly holding readings here or at Coolidge Theatre. This place represents the best of local businesses. The staff go out of their way to help you, don't miss the used books downstairs!

Laura Drepanos
Reviews 1

One of my long-time favorite places! It has a really nice ambience and a great selection (for getting gifts as well as getting books for myself).The customer service is beyond incredible -- I've had multiple experiences here where I've been really impressed by how dedicated the store is in looking out for customers. Bummed that I can't go at the moment but really excited to stop by here once everything opens back up!!

Elle !
Reviews 1

Very nice place, next to a lot of different things in the Brookline area. Downstairs you ll be able to sell some of your books, but they re fairly cheap about it. If you re looking for extra cash and have hard cover books that are not at all damaged you ll have a great outcome here. Book prices are normal.

John Taranto
Reviews 1

I make sure I save time to visit this bookstore every time I am in Boston. The staff is helpful, the book selection / variety is very nice, they have a great selection of used books in the basement. I also like the non-book items; they are much different than what you find elsewhere. I like this place MUCH more than the chain stores.

Dmytro Florov
Reviews 1

The best book shopping experience in Boston. You want to spend time there even if you are not buying anything. Really helpful staff. Store is being really authentic: they try to organize meetings with authors, perform various events and overall feels nice to have this store around.

Alyssa Gustafson
Reviews 1

A quaint and spectacular bookshop. There are plenty of books to grab your interests without overwhelming you. It has fun and artsy gifts you won't find elsewhere. Especially a coloring book of Idris Elba! The staff is immensely attentive if needed, knowing what book you shoukd read next. However, if you're an introvert, like many readers, the staff wrote several recommendations and their reasonings behind the recommendations all over the shop. That way, you can get an idea of what book you may want to read next without interacting with anyone. I recommend the store for anyone interested in a neighborhood bookstore.

Angela Chen
Reviews 1

Best local bookshop. They have a fantastic, well lit and organized used book section downstairs. Upstairs along with many books and remainders they also have a lot of gift items - many cards and small things like jewelry, travel accessories, socks, art supplies, random kitchen gadgets. I only wish they had some comfortable seats to sit in but the space is already quite cramped as it is.

Mark Harrington
Reviews 1

This place is a must-see for all book lovers and anyone who likes cute gifts and trinkets. I love the old fashioned components of the bookstore like the creaky floorboards and the wooden rolling ladder on the shelves. It has everything new and upcoming, all the classics, and an enormous selection to save some dollars if you don t mind some wear and tear. Also a great spot to get that last minute gift you forgot about. Great vibes and friendly service!

Rebecca Ehrenkranz
Reviews 1

I always enjoy hanging out here. Booksmith has a great selection of both new and used books, and they always have sales/promotions. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and will wrap any presents you buy for someone for free. As much as I want to promote the book aspect of Booksmith, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the quirky jewelry, kitchenware and accessories they sell. I'm always tempted to buy way too many things here.

Clare Strickland
Reviews 1

I love this place!! The used book collection in the basement is one of my favorite places to stop by and browse. Fair prices and a great selection! the store has a very cool vibe and I'd recommend stopping by if you have a few minutes (or hours!) to spare. Definitely a bookworm's fantasy, but also between their large selection and small gifts/trinkets collection, there's something for everyone

Jean Lee
Reviews 1

Carry such a large range of books, including good quality used books (which is great for buying books four school course requirements! ). Also love their postcard selection because they carry more than the standard tourist postcards. They also have a kind of gift shop area that carries many interesting things .

Handan Bao
Reviews 1

This is a cruel place. I had to leave without buying up half the non-book cuties that I so wanted to buy. My apt is full. I could imagine that if I come back here again when my family have settled down to a not-so-cramped place, it's going to be a big drain of my purse. Oh well, I absolutely enjoyed every moment in the store, though tonight seems to be a crowded one, with an event going out in on the basement floor.

richard alezander
Reviews 1

Probably one of the best bookstores..period. Anywhere. It's mass selection upstairs and downstairs is vast and very impressive. They have an insanely good collection of Bargain Books as well. You can really tell that someone put some time into ordering the best ones out there for their customers. Also, for out of towners, this bookstore offers a very cool selection of unique souvenirs..ones you won't find at every normal souvenir shop in the city. So many good reasons to go here..so just go here already!

Ian Marling
Reviews 1

Wonderful independent bookstore with a terrific selection of new and used books, great staff recommendations, and frequent author events. Plenty of new books on sale, plus the incredible used book section downstairs means you can always find a good deal here. Also a nice selection of non-book gifts and cards, but one that hasn't taken over the store and doesn't come at the expense of the books.

Gabriel Seltzer
Reviews 1

Perfect bookstore! Great selection, good prices. They have a used books section, author events, gifts, etc. It's an amazing place with plenty of reviews by the staff to point you to books you'll love. But honestly, you'll have a hard time finding a book there that isn't awesome. My only caution is that when you walk in, be prepared to buy two or three books more than you expected to get. It's hard to keep your wallet tight in there, there's just so much good stuff to buy and read.

Colleen McCormick
Reviews 1

I love the Brookline Booksmith! It s one of my favorite local bookshops - they always have a great selection of books and gifts, and I love the addition of The Novel Kitchen collaboration with local cheese shop Curds & Co. It s truly a one stop shop, especially during the holiday season. With tons of bestsellers, as well as rare and more obscure titles, you can grab a few books, along with gifts and cards for Christmas and Hanukkah, get your wrapping paper, pick up a few puzzles (or even some jewelry or socks!), and enjoy some cheese and wine before you leave. 10/10 recommend!

Cecile Braun-Jones
Reviews 1

We love Brookline booksmith! Great for books as well as so much more. Today we got a pencil case for school, candles and fancy matches as a small gift for a friend and a puzzle for home. Store is clearly marked for safe shopping. Staff is personable and knowledgeable. Go check it out and I know you will return again and again

Joshua Berk
Reviews 1

This 50-ish-year-old independent shop, an institution in the neighborhood, partners w/Coolidge Corner Theatre around the corner to host frequent events with well-known writers (often free & public). Go downstairs for used books; bring in your own on Wednesday through Saturday to sell for $$ or (more) store credit. The staff is well-read, knowledgeable, and will happily special-order books (at no additional cost) or make recommendations (which are almost always spot-on). Pro-Tip: Check out the great jewelry/gift section (in the back). A great variety of modern/classics make this an ideal browser's paradise.

Matthew Klein
Reviews 1

A really great bookstore. The main floor has quite an assortment of new books and other knick knacks but the real treasure is in the downstairs area which has a huge selection of used books at discounted prices. Be sure to check their events calendar as they very regularly have authors come in to give talks and sign books.

Terry Walker
Reviews 1

Brookline Booksmith is an independent bookstore offering two floors of new and used books, as well as gifts. If you need to buy a book, or other knick knack paddy whack you should spend your Washingtons here to help keep this stalwart of Coolidge Corner open.

S. L.
Reviews 1

As one of the remaining local bookstores in the neighborhood, I really like it which offers a mix of books and other accessories to choose from. It's nice to see long lines during occasional book-signing events, which shows there are still people hanging on to their physical books. If you're looking for gifts, you might be able to find something for the occasion as well.

Roberta Gerson
Reviews 1

I absolutely LOVE Brookline Booksmith. The employees are helpful and very nice. The new addition is terrific. I love spending time there; I not only find books I am looking for but other books I didn't know about. I always give myself lots of time there as I just like to browse all that they have. If you are a book lover or just need a gift for someone, this is definitely the place to go.

Kyle Schroeckenthaler
Reviews 1

One of my favorite bookstores, we go in every time we go past. Use books are downstairs. Upstairs the book shelves are covered with recommendations by the staff and tables pull out some good selections of popular and discounted books.

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About Brookline Booksmith

Address
279 harvard street
Categories
Retail