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

Longfellow Books - Back section - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Longfellow Books is in the heart of Portland- within walking distance to a number of my favorite shops 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. read more

most of the time the recent release books i'm searching for can be find at others - this bookstore's releases are a bit outdated and some of the people who work there ... i'd rather just go somewhere else read more

I like Longfellow because it has a solid enough (read: not super extensive, not horrendous) selection of books. Don't miss their Teen section in the back. Docked a star for their limited hours at times as well as their staff, who feel unapproachable and cold oftentimes. read more

Today I walked into Longfellow books, looking for a new book that was just recently released and is now on the best seller list in the country. " Listening to the Law" written by justice Amy Cooney Barrett. After not locating the book myself, I had walked up to ask the lady behind the counter if they had the book for sale. ( she wasn't aware of the book ) once typing the title of the book into her database on her computer she quickly gave me a disgusted look of distain and said we do not have this book for sale. I got the impression that she did not approve of somebody looking for a book that had a conservative viewpoint on the world. I will not be back. read more

Outstanding bookstore not to be missed when visiting Portland Maine! One of the best independent bookstores we know!

My favorite local bookstore. The staff is extremely helpful; the books are aplenty; the gifts and trinkets are adorable. Longfellow always has what I'm looking for, whether that's a card for a loved one or a new release of a book I've been waiting for. Their shelf of "staff recommendations" is a really great place to look if you're having trouble picking your next read, and their used book section is one of my favorites--clean used books at reasonable prices. Longfellow also has a customer loyalty program so you can get points and eventually money off your purchases for supporting local! I highly recommend this Portland gem. read more

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Classic indie book store, with helpful staff, a great and informative newsletter, and a curated/unique inventory. In addition to new books from a variety of genre, they also have a used book section which is super fun to peruse. You can also join their rewards program, just by giving them your name and phone number, and perhaps an email address, and the rewards and discounts build up pretty quickly. They also have cards, games and notebooks for your writing pleasure. Unfortunately, they removed their magazine section a while ago; I'm still a bit of a magazine geek, so that's a minor disappointment. Still, this is a long time, top-notch bookstore in the heart of downtown. read more

I went in the other day to look for a new study bible. The clerk behind the counter told me that they do not sell any. What kind of book store is that?! I will not be supporting that I will take my business to the other local book store in the area Sherman's has a better selection anyways! The staff are not too friendly. They need to learn customer service. read more

Dropped by this used book store and it was just okay. It's a bit too "clean" for a used book store. A lot of the books sold are new and sold at retail price. What used books they have aren't very old. This is not the place to come if you want to find an old first edition copy of a classic or a cookbook from the 1950s. I did end up buying a book, so I guess it was still good enough that I found something I wanted. But if you enjoy going to a used bookstore and just spending the afternoon browsing shelf after shelf of used books, this is not the place for you. Go to Yes Books instead. read more

Longfellow Books - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Great place to find the perfect book. Very helpful staff. Wide variety of titles and subjects.

A small independent bookstore in downtown Portland, Longfellow Books features a good selection of current releases with a lot of indie picks featured prominently. Along with a few shelves of older releases. They also have a shelves of used books that were very popular with customers during my visit. read more

Longfellow is great. I love an independent bookstore. The staff is friendly and there are nooks for reading. They have a huge selection and my sister was able to find what she was looking for. I'd come back anytime I'm in Portland. read more

Decent bookshop with pleasant vibes - quiet but with the murmurs of browsers who are intent but enjoying themselves. Neat and organized store offering mainly new books, with a small selection of used - though the used books section included a good variety and wasn't just the usual once-read paperbacks - mostly fiction and biography, and curated toward the more mainstream themes etc. Nothing niche by my impression but solid selection for the regular reader. read more

Do you dig the used section? You have L to thank for that! she bugged them till they finally caved and started taking them. They will take your books and give you a call and give you credit and the ones they don't want they will donate to the library! Does it get any easier? Well you still have to lug em there! Friendly staff too! read more

Books, Mags, gifts, & stuff Well-versed staff with local lore Don't let the cat out #NOLA_Haiku #Haiku #Poetry #Portland #DownEast #Maine #LongfellowBooks #OldPort #IndependentBookStore #BookStore #Portlandia #MonumentSquare #PortlandMaine read more

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Come check out this place before it's extinct! Such a great bookstore located in the heart of downtown Portland. They had some pretty awesome selections, stuff I haven't seen on the shelves back home, ever! and so happy to see a wide variety or graphic novels and Sci-Fi, not a chain bookstore at all. The staff recommendations are great, I read a few of their choices and would happily concur. Their used books were in a great shape, I was able to walk away with a great travel book and New England folklore which is exactly what I was looking for. They have a sale cart outside with a couple neat finds. From kids books to magazines, you'll find something to walk with, I promise. I enjoyed spending sometime here during my trip, I only wish we had a bookstore like this back home . This is the kind of place that makes you want to stay and read every book on the shelf! read more

Longfellow Books - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Maine

What a cute bookstore. Vacation is one of the rare times I actually have time to peruse books. Adorable town, cute store, friendly employees. Yes, I bought a book!! read more

Portland has an insane, awesome amount of bookstores in immediate walking distance of one another. Longfellow was the only bookstore that I visited that was mostly a new book store. They have used books, yes, but honestly not that many, which is fine by me considering the amount of other bookstores you can peruse nearby. They had a lot of staff recommended books, with pretty descriptive narratives, and I thought that was helpful. It wasn't just like Susan LOVES this romantic novel.. it was more like Susan loves this story set in x time that touches on x topic and delves into this or that. I picked up a book, no staff recommendation tucked inside, and an employee said, almost within seconds of me picking it up, that it was overhyped. I thought that was pretty funny. Something else I loved, that dealt little with the books and more about the city and the store - someone, presumably a vagrant, was repeatedly knocking on the glass window of the storefront and then when he was done, threw his paper cup on the ground. Not one, but TWO Longfellow employees, one of whom was the guy who told me about the overhyped book, went outside and addressed 1. the knocking and 2. made him pick up his trash! Suck on that, jerk. Also, there was a cat for adoption in Longfellow Books. Purr-fect. Everyone loves a bookstore cat! read more

Longfellow Books - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Maine

Great selection, both new and used, in a cozy independent bookstore environment. Had staff suggestions and also saw a bulletin board hosting local community events as well as visiting authors. I definitely plan to stop back in on my next visit. read more

Longfellow Books - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Maine

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every legit foodie town needs a legit bookstore and Longfellow Books fits that bill. Tucked into the first floor of an oldish office building, it doesn't have a lot of signage, but it does have that messy, but well-read feel (i.e., not overly produced like a chain book store). It won't have every book you want, but they do a decent job of curating titles and a great shelf of staff recommendations and best sellers. They also have really cool literary t-shirts. The staff is also very helpful - and I think they actually read books :) read more

Love this bookstore! I'm in California now, but I try to do almost all of my ordering from them still. Support independent bookstores wherever you are and if you're in Maine definitely stop by here! read more

I look fondly upon my days in college when I would spend many a free night wandering through the aisles at Borders, mocha in hand. Gone are the days of these giant box bookstore dinosaurs, replaced with 'ebooks' and a vast online marketplace. I really don't care for the kind of kindle that doesn't burn in a fire pit, and there are few things better than the smell and feel of a worn, well-loved book. I'm so glad Longfellow Books has survived the bookstore mass extinction; they really provide for an important niche in the center of the Old Port. While they don't have the overwhelming inventory that the larger chain stores used to carry, they have a very knowledgeable staff and are most likely carrying that bestseller that you're looking for. It's also a great place to pop in for a unique Christmas or birthday gift, which I've done on more than one occasion. I especially like the staff recommendations. They always manage to highlight books that are of special interest to me. After perusing these, I usually gravitate toward the greeting cards. I have a terrible habit of buying greeting cards without actually giving them to anyone (I always forget a birthday until a week after the fact), but at least I have the best of intentions...and about 20 unused birthday cards. That said, if you're looking for a particular book that's not among the most popular, there's a good chance they won't have it. When it comes down to this (which it has on a few occasions), then I usually opt for the amazon.com or half.com route. If I can't instantly fulfill my need to have my desired book during my impulse visit, then a close second is waiting a few days to pay the least possible amount for it online. Sorry, Longfellow, but money is tight, and I will support you when I can. read more

I will occasionally purchase a new book if it's by a favorite author, but, for the most part, I'm strictly a used book buyer. As such, I don't frequent new stores as often as I should. After discovering Longfellow's, though, I'm going to make a point of stopping by every time I'm in Portland. Unlike most stores that divide their stock, Longfellow's sells new and used books on the same shelves, with the used books distinguishable by their added price tag. This is true for all fiction and nonfiction categories. This makes browsing so much easier. In addition, they also feature a separate, healthy-sized "new arrivals" section of used books. The selection is great, the staff is friendly, the location is convenient, the prices are fair, and customers are given access to a bathroom. Well done, Longfellow's. read more

If you're looking for a collection of new or old books. They have them. I just wished they had more than one location

I love this book store! I love how they have both new and used books and literature. Not just a "new" or just a "second hand" book store, a good combination of the two! Another thing I enjoyed is how knowledgeable and up-to-date the staff was on not only my question on 'where something was or if they even had it' but also if they knew what date some new titles would be in stores. Great and easy-to-find spot. read more

Great local bookstore. I was disappointed in the choice of used books that were for sale, but that didn't hinder my purchasing a ton of books! Friendly staff, sweet dog to greet you on your way in (did I mention it's pet friendly?). Overall a nice spot. read more

When friends from the transgender community ask about "queer friendly" stores and services in the area, I'm usually the first one to tell them that there is no such thing as a queer-unfriendly place in modern day Maine, especially in an around Portland. Being a transwoman myself, I go anywhere I please and have never encountered hostile customer service. Having said that, boy oh boy, did I stand corrected when I checked out Longfellow Books. I can assure you that I entered the store in the friendliest manner and asked the young lady at the service desk a simple question that could have been answered with a yes or no. Instead, she looked me all over in the most condescending way for what felt like 10 seconds and then launched into a needlessly elaborate, snotty, snarky response that did nothing than prove that she hadn't even been listening to my question - or worse: was intentionally misrepresenting my inquiry to dump her personal frustration on me. I have never, ever experienced a humiliating event quite like this. The most unpleasant thing was that her needlessly raised voice carried through the entire store and made a dozen or so heads turn around, who by the looks of it were just as uncomfortable with her demeanor as I was. I didn't respond anything to her tirade and simply left, not feeling the necessity to waste more time by informing the management and ruining more precious time of my vacation day. The incident happened over two years ago, but has left a scar that I've never really healed from, which is why I still felt compelled to make people aware of this unspeakable incident. No, I cannot recommend a store like this at all, whose management does such a poor job when it comes to screening and educating their employees on basic customer service skills, let alone sensitivity to the LGBTQ community. Shame on you, Longfellow books! read more

Wow. How bookstores used to be. They have a very knowledgeable staff--a fellow who helped me pick out an age appropriate graphic novel for my 10 year old, which he loved. Gorgeous, decent sized poetry section--love how the new and used books are placed side by side--so that if you can't afford the full price, you have options. Also thrilling to find out-of-print and new books vying for attention. Very few Hallmark-type books of poems--thank heavens--this is a hip, MFA-savvy place. Outside of the legendary Powell's type bookstores, this is as good as it gets. read more

Just okay. Was expecting some more selection or better prices and atmosphere. There wasn't really any exceptional about this place especially with the other local bookstores in Portland. The best part was the cat which roamed the premises inside and is a real sweetheart. read more

Longfellow Books - Awesome cat is awesome - Bookstores Near Me - Portland, Maine

I've tried with this bookstore. I try to always support local businesses and it's conveniently located close to other shops and restaurants I frequent so it makes it easy to pop in and spend at least an hour looking to find that book that I can't wait to run home and read or a gift for a friend. But every single time I've been here I've dealt with the rudest cashiers. I don't know if it's just Portland hipster pretentiousness or just general apathy, but it makes me never want to walk in the door. My advice? Go to Yes Books. It may look like a fire hazard, but I've had the weirdest most specific book questions and these guys always have the answer. No apathy. No pretentiousness. Just nerds uniting with other nerds. read more

Visited Longfellow Books for the first time today while killing time before a show nearby. With one very small exception, I wasn't disappointed. The store is packed wall to wall with books, and I especially liked that there were used books available as well, since I prefer buying those. The staff was friendly, welcoming and helpful. My only (very small) complaint is that their used book prices are a bit steep, but I was so happy to find a non-chain book store for the first time in forever that I didn't really mind shelling out a little extra and supporting them. I will definitely be back on future trips to Portland. read more

Longfellow is an awesome bookstore in the heart of Portland. The staff is super friendly and can help find anything or recommend books. They even let you shop with your dog. The selection is a great mix of best sellers and more unique hard to find books so there is always something new to discover. Support your local bookstore as there aren't many left. read more

Longfellow Books is your go-to destination for new releases, children's books, magazines, and other literary-themed gifts (calendars, notebooks, etc.). They do have a selection of used books as well, but it is small. Longfellow Books sometimes holds events (like midnight release parties), and they have a free rewards program, which is ideal for frequent buyers. The name "Longfellow" is a nod to American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who was born in the city. I visit Longfellow Books every time I'm in Portland! read more

I originally liked them for housing my dad's book within a showcase of local poets and writers. But after bringing in my little sister who was stressed over needing a hard to find book for school the next day...I now love this place. The staff was a huge help. Its more than just an awesome array of books. The quick, knowledgable service is great. Turns out after the purchased book is read, we can sell it back to the store for store credit. You just can't get any of the above on amazon.com! read more

This is my favorite bookstore in Portland. It's a great place to wander into when you're downtown and have a free hour or two to kill. There's a nice selection of books, both new and used, and the store is well-organized so it's easy to find what you need. I particularly like the staff recommendations table near the front the of store. One of the best parts of this place is the staff. Everyone I've spoken with here has been helpful and knowledgeable. Moreover, they exude a sense of warmness that I find comforting. I really appreciate having this place in Portland. read more

I adore independent book stores! I'm so sad that so many have gone out of business over the last five years. That's why when I was wandering around downtown Portland and saw Longfellow that I simply had to stop. And I was no disappointed! Excellent assortment of books. I loved the way they had them grouped. And the staff picks looked really interesting. They had a huge selection of blank cards and quirky postcards. I ended up buying some of those, and writing down a few 'might purchase' books for the next time I'm in the area. The staff was super friendly, and they looked very engaged with several customers. I can't wait to go back! read more

I thoroughly enjoyed Longfellow Books and ended up purchasing multiple books and postcards from this shop to remember my trip to Portland (I am from Virginia). This bookstore had a comfy used-bookstore vibe, although most of their books are new. To me, it felt like visiting an old friend when I entered this bookstore-- I will surely return if I ever find myself in Portland again. read more

In an age where digital has taken the reigns it's nice to see great book stores still in business. I think we will always have a need for book stores, many love the book reading experience. This place has a great selection of magazines, adult and children books. The staff is very helpful and attentive. read more

I stumbled on this place while walking around Portland. This is how independent bookstores should be. I really liked the mixed shelves of old/new, and just about drooled over the rack of "old, rare, and expensive" used books in the corner. The displays were interesting and well thought out. I particularly liked the wall of the top 100 of 2011 they had chosen, and the employees picks. read more