As Mainers Sherman's stands out as the biggest independent book stores in the state. This…read moreparticular location is the oldest of the state and one of the oldest in the USA in general since they opened way back in 1886. Due to the nature of how long this particular location has been opened some of the areas can feel very crowded depending on how many people are nearby but understandable with how long they've been open. Like other Sherman locations they have more than just books including puzzles, stuffed animals, Knick-knacks/trinkets, and more. My wife is an avid reader and loves checking out every and any bookstore. I appreciate locating them for her so she can do so! While not as much of an avid reader I do appreciate what appears to be a resurgence of physical books and indie book stores. The staff were extremely friendly and prices were reasonable/on par with other locations. This Sherman's has stood the test of time and has provided locals and tourists a spot for the newest and classic favorites for many generations. Worth your time to check it out even if you don't buy anything to make the claim you visited the oldest bookstore in Maine!

Perfect for book lovers, souvenir hunters, or anyone wanting a cozy break from exploring Acadia…read moreNational Park! Walking into Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop felt like stepping into a classic coastal bookstore you'd see in a movie. It's Maine's oldest bookstore and one of the ten oldest in the U.S., which makes the whole experience feel even more special. Right on Main Street, it's super easy to find while strolling through Bar Harbor, but heads up, parking is mostly street parking and can get tight during peak tourist hours. Inside, there's truly a gift for everyone. It feels endless, with multiple rooms and shelves that just keep going. The vibe is cozy, slightly nostalgic, and packed with personality. Think local Maine authors, staff picks, cute gifts, puzzles, and little trinkets you didn't plan on buying but absolutely will. There's also a discount and bargain section with a really solid variety of books, which is a great find if you're looking to browse without spending too much. Postcards were also super affordable! The service was decent, nothing unusual, but still smooth and easy while browsing and checking out. I'd absolutely come back every time I'm in Bar Harbor. Quick note: there is no bathroom on site, so plan ahead before visiting!

Primarily a rare bookstore -- interesting selection, especially of local history, considering the…read moresize (small) and the location (resort town). Thanks very much, preppies and Jackson Lab scientists!

Tucked away in Camden, ME, Stone Soup Used Books is a nostalgic treasure. Paul, who's been tending…read morehis shop since 1985, has created a magical space where stories live and linger. With shelves full of fairly priced finds and warm familiarity, it's the kind of place where you can happily lose track of time. I wish I had more space in my suitcase!

To be clear, I love love love independent used bookstores and this seems like a delightful one. My…read morefamily and I stopped there recently. We were the only ones in the shop and enjoying browsing around and preparing to buy quite a bit. My teenage son, who's autistic, became a bit overheated at one point and started to pace in and out of the store's entrance, which was on the second floor of a building. The owner confronted him and asked him to stop. I replied by asking the owner (earnestly) if his behavior was disrupting business or his work in any way. He said "no, but he's disrupting my sanity." I said that this kind of movement is necessary for my son's comfort, believing it was not incumbent on me to disclose my kid's diagnosis to a stranger. I want to emphasize again that we were the only ones in the store and my son was not getting in the way of anyone coming or going. He said "can't he just walk on the street? I don't see why you're encouraging this behavior." At that point, we put away the items we were going to purchase and left. I understand that men in their seventies are generally not the most inclusive demographic and likely unaware of issues of disability and inclusion, but the experience was shitty and as a business owner in a bustling vacation town in 2026, the store owner needs to educate himself about disability, accessibility, and treating people with respect, even if their behavior isn't typical and especially when their behavior is doing literally nothing to hurt or bother anyone. We won't be back.

Cute tiny bookstore inside the coffee shop. We went in for drinks and were surprised to see this.read more

How have I not reviewed this place yet? This is my independent book store of choice and I will wait…read moreto purchase books until I get home so I can support them (though you can order online too!) The used book selection is not as extensive as I remember but it's curated REALLY well. You will find many books that you have wanted, including very recent used ones. There's also a small selection of new books that also are well curated and always seem to already be on my to-read pile. The staff who work here are lovely and always helpful. It's also decorated in such a curious and detailed way. I notice something new every time I'm there. Follow them on Instagram hellohellobooks for fun. You can get to them on main st by going through rock city cafe. It's okay to bring your treats inside.

Jim's Books has been there at 8 Elm Street since he bought my childhood home from us after my Dad's…read morepassing. 'Charlie's Barn' was there for YEARS full of books before we were lucky enough for Jim to buy it and continue it's stewardship, the posts that used to hold the 'Chalie's Barn' sign are still there in the corner of the barn that was so much part of my childhood from the 60's. This summer, I took my grandchildren up to Machias and we stopped in to see Jim and the book barn. Indeed, just as crowdeed with interesting volumes as when my Dad had it. Jim was gracious enough to allow me to show my Grand daughters the old Franklin stove I used lug wood for, the unheated bedroom I slept in for 17 years, the kitchen, my Dad's den,.... what a trip down memory lane. Jim is a wonderful man, as was my Dad. Stop by, say 'hi', and buy and interesting book before they all 'banned' by idiots. Dave Hilt, 'Charlie's Barn" youngest son.

Jim's Books is in an old garage, lined with shelves. He lives right there and has a sign hanging…read morethat says he's in the house. I walked up and before I could get into the garage, he came out the back door and offered me some iced tea! Boy howdy this guy knows how to make an impression. Since he didn't have the genre of books I collect, I spent nearly 30 minutes just chatting with him about the area. Nice guy, good prices on the books I DID look at.

A gem of a bookstore. Great selection, staff is friendly and knowledgeable, atmosphere is warm…read moreand "literary."

Great little bookstore with tons of magazines, nice selection of books, postcards, fresh coffee…read more(only a dollar!, er.."dollah" I suppose), and free wi-fi. Employees are incredibly friendly and the internet is completely open, so you don't even have to ask for a password. yay!

This friendly book store is a fine example of what is wonderful about small town Maine. Well…read morestocked with books of local interest as well as many others. Children's books also. If they don't have, they will get it within a few days. I like to buy local. P.A.Nelson

This was the absolute cutest place I've been to all summer. I enjoyed the aesthetic, the staff and…read moremost importantly the books + products they had to offer. This beautiful business was well kept and well decorated as well as CLEAN. Everything was organized easily enough to get through the store. I really enjoyed everything and saw so much that I am planning to make another trip to make sure I don't miss anything. If you are a book lover and appreciate the little things this is definitely a great place to come to.

Filled to the brim with books. Lots of options and history in those walls, stop in and chat with…read morethe new young owners and help them keep this place going!

This place is a gem. Go in and let the shelves tell you what you need. Prices are great, the…read moreproprietor is excellent, and I couldn't recommend it more.

Beautiful shop with traditional quilting fabric, linens, Japanese fabric, independent patterns, and…read moreother art supplies. Friendly and helpful staff

Nice selection of art supplies, but, very lacking in customer service. Not personable. Won't be…read moregoing back. ​