They were closed when I walked by on Sunday morning but noticed that had a lot of different types…read moreof puzzles in the windows. Now that it's getting chiller, people staying in more due to Covid wanted to share this!

Gulf of Maine is one of my favorite indie bookstores anywhere!…read more There aren't many places in Brunswick that date back to my youth that I can say that I've been a fan of and someone who shops there. Gulf of Maine. Not even Bull Moose has been around since 1979, like Gulf of Maine. Back when my politics and literary tastes were still forming, I ventured into the store that Beth Leonard and Gary Lawless were running (on the other side of Maine Street, if I recall). They've managed to maintain a presence in downtown, long after many other similar stores have disappeared. For me, there is no other bookshop that carries such a wide array of what I'd characterize as politically progressive books and authors--Noam Chomsky, Ward Churchill, Howard Zinn, Barbara Ehrenreich and a host of others. But to label G of M as merely a political bookseller misses the point entirely. Both Gary and Beth carry a wealth of Maine writers, too. I mean, even a veritable unknown writer like me has had success selling his titles through their store. Plus, I now know who Ruth Moore his simply because Gary and Beth are a fan and I asked about the bumper sticker I saw on their car that read, "Read Ruth Moore." I believe that bookstores make communities richer, especially stores that don't just cater to the lowest common denominator, or stock merely bestselling hacks and their trade paperbacks, not that there's anything wrong with them. The next time you are in downtown Brunswick, park your car on Maine Street, walk up and down the vibrant main thoroughfare, bordered by an ample village green, independently-owned coffee shops and other unique shops, and make sure you stop in and see what a real bookstore looks like. That would be Gulf of Maine Books.

I love this place! So many books, quirky items, kids items, games, puzzles, trinkets, gifts,…read moresouvenirs and so much more. But, definitely a place to get a good book. It may take you a little time to look around. Pricing is reasonable. Customer service is great. Always has been for over 10 years. The location is convenient. They are near LLBean we normally park in that area and walk around. Do not skip this shop

Today was my first visit to this particular Sherman's but my wife's second time. Good location in…read moredowntown Freeport within walking distance of plenty of parking options. I would say that both my wife and I agree to this particular location not being the best of Sherman's. Despite that if you are in the area and looking to support a local Maine bookstore it is a solid enough option. Firstly I will say all the staff we encountered were friendly, the first offering to move out of the way if we wanted to look at books close to where she was at. A second nicely asked us if we needed any assistance and lastly the staff who checked us out was friendly as well. Space wise I think it is lacking compared to some of the other Sherman's locations. Some of the areas felt a little too crowded. They do have everything you would expect from a Sherman's, new and popular books along with classics and hidden gems of every genre. Also stationary, stuffed animals, kids toys, gifts, souvenirs, and more. Prices seemed about the same as other locations and they do have their vast on-sale sections to secure good book deals. I would say if this is the first and only Sherman's you have visited do yourself a favor and check other ones out before fully judging the chain overall.

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!

Very good selection of books; old and new..I enjoy the History Section as well aa the Classics"…read more Also maps and charts galore..not just a few, but more..and Smores..- Recipes..Gardening know how..a Treasure trove for the literary craving you may have..

Always a highlight of my trips to maine; pretty good selection. it's got a large section on the…read morehistory of the area

This shop is amazing and the fact proceeds support the library is awesome!…read more I make sure to stop in this place every time I am vacationing in the area because of the great prices and selection of books. I have been lucky in the past and have almost always found a book that I've been looking for (sometimes more) or have stumbled upon great books by chance. Hidden behind he main shops along the main street with ample parking, you won't want to miss this bookstore. There is something for everybody in this nicely organized shop!

I mean it's a book store…read more Always end up getting 2 or 3 books. Great selection, staff are always friendly and their recommendations allow for expanding your reading interest.

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!

The oldest book store in Maine filled with tons of books, great sales on selected books, greeting…read morecards, gifts, candies and more! I loved checking out the Maine Mysteries section and also the staff picks. The store is well laid out and organized although it would be easy to get lost in here for hours. I bought a few books on sale, some candies and a magnet. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Plenty of parking in lot. I will be back again and would highly recommend a stop in.

This was the second Sherman's my wife and I visited during the day we came here. Firstly I will say…read morethat Sherman's is a local bookstore worth supporting and you'll experience different vibes and experiences at each one. All of them will offer a great variety of classics and new and popular books available. They also all have a great amount of books that are on sale and you can find some great deals on books. A section worth looking through no matter the location. The best thing about this particular location is the fact they aren't crammed space wise and even if it were busy I wouldn't have felt claustrophobic. That positive does make it a better location than a few of the others. Although I do believe this one kinda falls a little short being uninspired and lacking a great charm to it. The staff we interacted with were friendly but it only occurred when checking out. It's a solid location and worth visiting just not our favorite Sherman's. Like all the other locations they have far more than books and lots of items everyone will like!

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!