Definitely a book lovers bookstore. It's actually located in the alley where the early pilgrims…read moreobtained their freshwater in the early days of Boston. An absolute plethora of little gems to be found all over the place here Definitely the best bookstore that I saw in Boston

After a hearty lunch yesterday, we stopped by here to browse the plethora of used books. A…read moreselection of $1 books are stationed in front. Impressive use of a small space and decent organization of books by genre. One staff present, attentive and appeared ready to answer any questions. I enjoyed looking at multiple different shelves of books though I didn't end up buying any. My husband was actually looking for old copies of Edgar Rice Burroughs books: he did find some newer editions. Glad we stopped by!

Still a bastion of sanity, art, culture and decency in Harvard Square and in a crazy world. I did…read moremy undergrad at Harvard, and spent many a day in this bookstore, and I spent many a hard earned dollar there too! That was when there were a dozen of bookstores in Harvard Square. Downstairs, a lot of great used books, at great prices. Wonderful selection, pretty cool special events, and a great staff. Highest of recommendations. No negatives whatsoever.

Harvard Book Store sits on Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square and has been a fixture of the…read moreCambridge intellectual landscape long enough that it functions as a landmark rather than just a retail destination. We walked past the large windows and stacked displays visible from the street, and they invited us in before we had made any decision to enter. Once inside, the floor to ceiling shelves and the density of the selection created an atmosphere that is difficult to rush through even when we came in with a specific title in mind. The main floor covers new releases, staff picks, and a broad selection organized by subject across fiction, nonfiction, and a range of specialized categories. The curation reflects the surrounding community in the best way, with titles that reward browsing beyond the obvious bestseller tables. Staff are knowledgeable and genuinely helpful when you want a recommendation or need to locate something specific, and the information desk handles navigation questions efficiently without making you feel like you are interrupting. The basement is where the store distinguishes itself most clearly from a standard bookshop. The used and remaindered book sections downstairs cover an enormous range at a fraction of the cover price, and the quality of the used stock tends to be high. Spending time down there is one of the more rewarding ways to move through the store, and we came up with something we were not looking for when we went down. The remaindered section in particular offers discounted new copies of titles that did not move at full price, and the selection rotates enough that regular visits continue to surface new things. For an independent bookstore that delivers on depth, curation, and genuine value in the basement, Harvard Book Store is a Cambridge institution worth returning to again and again. It is the kind of place where you go in for one book and leave with a stack, and that is exactly how a good bookstore should feel.

Really cute bookstore and place to get souvenirs/gifts/trinkets from your trip to Boston…read more Umbrellas, prints, magnets, stuffies, and books of course!

The staff didn't even say hello and looked at me in a condescending way every single time. It made…read moreme feel unwelcome.

I've lived in the South End for about a year now and haven't done nearly as much exploring as I had…read morehoped to (school, always getting in the way!). So last weekend, boyfriend and I decided to stroll down Harrison to find Gaslight and get to know the neighborhood better. We passed Ars Libri and I was drawn to the stacks of books inside. Typically when stores have doorbells, you ring them...so we did. Soon after, a man let us in and left us to explore without giving us a snooty attitude just because we're on the young end of the spectrum--something I've encountered in many snobby art bookstores before. Before I could comprehend where I was, I noticed a large table amid the stacks with open bottles of wine so that, presumably, you could sit and sip on something as you read. Sweet, I thought. And then I realized that I had found the holy grail. Most people like art, so an art bookstore would be a cool thing to find. But as an art history major who is minoring in museum studies, the realization that the place was solely dedicated to books on art, ethnography, and architecture led me to hold in the loudest squeal that would have ever left my lips. I flitted from bookshelf to bookshelf, seeing titles that I had read excerpts from for school before but had never been able to hold in my hands. I was in heaven. The store is impeccably organized, and the selection is amazing. I didn't speak much to the shopkeep, who I understand is a book dealer, but I imagine that he could find anything you might ever be looking for. And depending on what you're looking for, the book prices are actually pretty reasonable; there were a couple of out of print titles that I had been stalking on Amazon for upwards of $50 that were for sale at Ars Libri for less than $30. Not bad at all, especially considering the fine quality and excellent condition they were in. I highly recommend this bookstore for any lover of books or art, or anyone looking to expand their horizons a bit. The space is beautiful and light, a soothing respite from the bustling city. I will most definitely be returning and hope to gradually fill my bookshelves up with the phenomenal wares this store has to offer.

An excellent dealer in fine and rare used books primarily in the fine arts…read more Ars Libri is located in an unassuming storefront on a quiet part of Harrison Ave. Stumbling upon it one Saturday morning I couldn't tell if it was even open to the public. I tried the door, and finding it locked, began to walk away. Just then a gentleman popped his head out and asked if he could help me. I was just passing by and curious, I said. "Are you open?" "In a few minutes," he said. "Come on in." Inside it felt more like the back room of a museum or a fine library. Historic and arcane books in all manner of languages lined the shelves of aisle after aisle, ranging from small manuscripts to huge leather-bound catalogues. Along one side, the owner sat at his desk, making deals on the telephone with other dealers of rare and delicate volumes as I just walked the aisles in some awe, occasionally daring to remove and inspect a book here and there when I wasn't afraid I'd somehow ruin a treasured artifact. I have to admit, the whole place was a little bit intimidating, and I felt a little, well, unqualified to be there. The cheapest of books here are not at all cheap, and the low-key display and location made it feel almost as if I should have had an appointment to be there. But he let me in, so I tried not to let it bother me. If you're like me and your heart rate picks up a little when surrounded by mysterious, intriguing old books, or if you're just passionate about the fine arts and want to see some books on the subject that you probably won't find in may other places, it's worth hunting this place out and having a careful look around.

a dense microcosm of pleasure for the poetry reader and writer. An overwhelming ocean of words in…read morewhich to engage. For me navigating the breathtaking selection, the key has always been to engage the staff. I ask for their favorite poems and follow their lead. If you haven't left this store without a book , you've left behind treasure.

I've easily spent hours here, skimming through poetry books. It's always interesting because what I…read moreend up buying reflects my mood of that day. Nice place to get inspired, and reflect and read. They have contemp poetry, a translated section, a lot from local poets, the selection feels infinite sometimes lol. The man who manages the store asked me if I was a poet once - which was cool, because I write sometimes but only for myself. The manager, himself, is a published poet. And they do readings here from time to time too. You can definitely find books in every price range. This shop is probably the best thing Harvard square has to offer. Love love love.

Very disappointed in the service from this shop. My partner's father recently passed and left us…read morewith many antique, rare books. We called this shop in hopes of establishing a connection with someone who could help us assess and sell the books (we have all the documentation from his father's purchases). We were treated with extreme disrespect, accused of being frauds by the person on the phone and hung up on without chance for conversation. We aren't antiquarian book collectors and as such might not know all the right questions to ask or language to use. We were shocked by the treatment we received in our search of information, and had hoped for a more pleasant experience. We will take our search elsewhere.

A phenomenal store for lovers of antiquarian books. I came away with a pristine copy of The Manual…read moreof Linotype Typography and couldn't be happier with my purchase. You really feel like you are in someone's rare book library. I visited with my friend without appointment and found it a little difficult to access--you had to go up a narrow staircase from the street and ring a doorbell to gain entrance, but that is entirely understandable for a rare book store of the highest quality. If you feel at all uncomfortable or intimidated at the prospect of going there alone I'd be more than happy to go with you! I know I was, but I am no longer afraid :) A hidden gem.

Back when I was working in Waltham, I kept tabs on More Than Words since they had a location there…read moreand I was interested in getting involved. They have such an amazing mission, and I highly recommend people look into this nonprofit to learn more on how to support! This review is for their Boston store--an open, spacious thrift and book store. They have a great selection, from affordable everyday pieces to higher-end clothing (for both women and men), plus old-timey knickknacks, home goods, shoes, costume jewelry, toys, and new packaged gifts. There's so much to rummage through, and it doesn't have that musty thrift store feel--it's very well kept. We bought a bunch of things: glass cake display I had as a kid (that doubles as a fruit trifle dish), an abstract dress that was basically new (originally over $200, I snagged for $40), a metal dragon bracelet, and more. The staff is fun--they seem like friends with each other, and a few even made me feel like we were becoming friends too, loll. It's a very cool atmosphere and well staffed. If no one's at the register, there's a bell you can ring and they'll be right there. I love this place--it is one of my highlights of the South End area!

Wonderful people doing great work. This bookshop is has so many good finds and the money is…read morereinvested into the community. They have clothes, housewares, tickets. Please support this community center store!

Came across this place as I was walking along tremnot, the owners said the just moved here…read more Expect to find coins, stamps, and American collectibiles (Maps, Artifacts and such) along with other items the owner likes. friendly staff. Cool selection.