Don't be thrown by the location - this is a neighborhood gem. We went in right before closing with…read moretwo energetic kids. The staff could not have been more kind or helpful. They took time to get down to the physical level of my four year old, asking him what he liked and helped give us recommendations for his first chapter books. The diverse books and Maine authors featured made me really happy and although the shop is small, there was quite a wide variety. They also made it very easy to order anything they didn't have in stock. We will definitely be repeat customers!

Great place and very helpful service. The woman with whom I dealt even mailed the gift certificate…read moreI bought!

I think, if you're going to come to a chain bookstore, this should be the place you visit. It's so…read morenew; it's got that new book smell (not really, but... maybe, kinda, sorta?)! 1. So much easy, free parking in their huge shared lot. 2. There's a Starbucks-adjacent cafe. NOTE: it's NOT actually Starbucks though, so you can't order ahead or pay with your app. Just a heads-up! The cafe portion of the bookstore is spacious and clean, with the tables themselves also being spaced quite far apart from one another. It creates a real sense of privacy no matter where you sit! 3. The atmosphere/layout here is very modern and inviting; the selection itself is enormous. Genres are clearly labeled, and there's a tremendous amount of content available no matter what you're looking for (so be prepared to spend some time here wandering around and taking it all in... then you'll probably have to come back, because there's no way you'll actually be able to take it all in on the first visit!). They've got new releases, popular books, recommendations, board games, and more. And, of course, the random armchair for you to sit and peruse your possible purchase. Obviously, support local first. But if you're looking for a slow-paced, wide open, very quiet, very tidy spot to spend a little bit of time (without feeling rushed or forced to purchase something) finding your next favorite read, I'd suggest visiting here!

This is a newer location, and it's absolutely stunning! Nice lighting, open concept, beautiful cafe.read more

LOVE THE BOOKWORM! What a beat little store and the lady who was working when I went in, WHAT AN…read moreAMAZING person. The store is on the smaller side and such but it is clean and easy to shop. They have a rewards program too. I don't live close by, but maybe soon. I Will be back!

This bookstore has been a treasured ''go to" for me for years. Especially now when I refuse to…read moregive Jeff Bezos any more of my money (boo, hiss Amazon!!), I am committed to shopping/ordering locally. Their hours are 10-2 every day except closed on Sunday. They have recently expanded their footprint and have dedicated much more space to their used book collection. There are also wonderful small gift items and a gift for any "hard to buy for person" can be found in this gem of a store. The employees are delightful, knowledgeable and go out of their way to help. Run, don't walk to Gorham's Bookworm. You won't be disappointed.

I was thoroughly impressed by the excellent selection of gifts and good-quality used books. I…read morewalked into the bookstore just to browse, and I ended up leaving with a bag full of souvenirs and used books!

Longfellow Books is in the heart of Portland- within walking distance to a number of my favorite…read moreshops and restaurants. They always have a great selection, and I especially love their bargain section. So many of my favorite books have come from Longfellow's, and I'll forever be thankful to them for that.

If you love bookstores that feel like a warm hug with a side of coastal charm, Sherman's is exactly…read morethat girl. I popped in during a fall trip to Portland, and within two steps, I understood why this place stays busy. It's cozy, it's nostalgic, and it has that "you're definitely leaving with something you didn't plan to buy" -- and I absolutely did. The book selection is diverse. They do an incredible job curating local authors, Maine-themed reads, and those charming "I'll never find this anywhere else" gems. It's the kind of shop where you browse slowly because every shelf has a little surprise. The gifts + stationery section is dangerous (in the best way). Cute cards, puzzles, journals, mugs... basically an stress-free way to knock out gift shopping. Staff was friendly without hovering. Asked for a recommendation and got a great one -- points awarded. Yes, the aisles are a little tight. Yes, you might bump into people. But honestly? That's part of the cozy bookstore ecosystem. If you want Barnes & Noble spacing... this isn't that. And that's why it works. If you're in downtown Portland, Sherman's is an absolute must-stop. Whether you buy a book, a puzzle, or just soak up the cozy, indie-bookstore magic -- you'll leave happier than you walked in.

I hadn't planned to stop by this cute bookshop, but it was a real treat browsing for gifts and…read moreseeing the latest in fiction and what books are recommended or popular. The selection is definitely heavy on fiction and more contemporary/popular names. Everything was very organized, and the staff were friendly. It wasn't too crowded on a weekday morning when I went, so this wasn't an issue, but the aisles are narrow so it's more of a one-way street.

What can I say about my home away from home! I love this store! I love the staff! Especially Heidi,…read moreshe is amazing, she is warm and friendly. She is a wealth of knowledge! Before this store became BAM it was Borders, I have been shoooort I got here forever. My children are pretty much grown now (18 & 20) but this was my go to entertainment spot. They used to have a story hour. They had events several times a month. Themed of course, lego events, Dr Seuss Bday event and of course Harry Potter. Book signings are always fun. Now back to Heidi. She has been the one constant at this location. She knows my children by name. Would always check in on them when we were shopping. My daughter loves her. She over heard my daughter and I talking once around the holidays a few years back and as we were leaving the store she stopped us with a bag for my daughter! She over heard my daughter say she liked a HP scarf. It was in the bag with a happy holiday! They are always well stocked, staff is friendly, and I it is a great meet up pot for a cup of tea with a friend!

I love BAM more & more each day. After their remodel they're the absolute place to be and my…read morebookstore of choice forever

First time visit to this used bookstore located on Congress after visiting Uncharted Tea. Which you…read more will even find books from here inside Uncharted as well as some other local spots. Don't mind the scaffolding outside and make your way in to explore if you are close by exploring when they are open. The store goes a lot further back than you would expect and the huge amount of books here means you could spend a long time browsing. Despite the narrow spaces and books being everywhere it is organized well and you will find lots of signs listing the current genre you are looking at. Which speaking of they offer so much I think everyone will find some books that catch your eyes here. Being a used bookstore they did have a good mix of older books while appearing to have more fresh and modern titles available as well. Prices seemed reasonable for the few I looked at. My wife almost bought a couple books but in the end just browsed but would highly recommend coming here for any book lovers. I would even say one of the better used bookshops we have visited! You may just find your next unexpected book you have to read.

Green Hand Bookshop is like the best kind of treasure hunt. I can (and have) spent hours here…read moreperusing the stacks for my next favorite read. It's excellent!

You might have a little reading or writing nook in your home. Maybe grandma's secretary and a few…read morequill pens, some tchotchkes or knickknacks from the antique store on display, or maybe even a couple of those wooden shelves with the glass partition. Well, this entire place is like a showroom of that paradise. I wanted to touch and play with everything. I adore places like this! By no means am I (yet) an antiquarian book collector; I've watched some YouTube videos and have been advised that once you start collecting, there's no end. I also can't read, so that isn't very helpful. I spent a fair amount of time perusing the shelves for a book I might buy, paying closer attention to the old hardbound volumes with decorative covers. There are many of them, but not all of them desirable. Behind the counter and hidden away is the good stuff you probably can't afford. I did walk away with a few inexpensive items, positive I would come back, not least thanks to chatting with Cathy, one of the owners, at the counter. What could have been a simple 5-second exchange, turned into a glorious reverie that I would gladly make a journey for, to have the pleasure of again.

This is a gorgeous bookstore. The selection is immense and well organized (and the place smells…read moreamazing!) Cathy was knowledgeable, helpful, and a pleasure to speak with. Being from out of town, I was pleased with the prices. I can't find such deals at home. I was delighted to find a 9 book boxed set of my childhood favorite for $20. The set was in great condition, and though not all would consider the series a treasure, my third grade self was giddy. I wish we lived closer. I may have to buy an extra suitcase and return before we head home. Thank you, Carlson and Turner!

Went over to try to discuss selling merchandise in their store…read moreI have sold my wares in two other local bookstores with positive results These folks were haughty and dismissive I actually left feeling embarrassed for the way I was treated

Oh, I am already really missing the thoughtfully-run Book Review. Sherman's seems to have no sense…read moreof layout or of what a customer might want. It just feels stuffed indiscriminately with whatever can be fit in. No flow; barely any cards - which often brighten me in and I almost always bought more than I came in for. It honestly feels less like a relaxing bookstore and more like jam-packed novelty store right now. I hope it improves in the new space. Right now, it feels like the plot has been lost, if you will.

Very good selection of books. Friendly staff. Pleasant setting on Main Street. Always a fun trip!read more

I love local bookstores and this one did not disappoint! I should say that I've only ever bought…read morechildren's books here but they have a great selection. I was in need of some new books for my son (because there are only so many times that you can read the same book over and over again). I chose some books that I wouldn't get tired of and the woman working was able to make some great recommendations, specifically Rosie Revere Engineer-love this book! They also offer gift wrapping which is good to know if we need to pick up a birthday present on the way to the party!