I didn't even make it ten feet into the store before I already had an armful of books (three I had…read morenever heard of including a sequel to a book I really loved, how exciting is that?!)! The first two shelves when you walk in are the "Best of the Year" (which is front and center) and (on the right hand wall) the "Staff/Locals Recommendation" - how cool is it that they promote recs from their regulars?! They've done such a good job putting short descriptions under each book for customers to quickly peruse! But I don't think quick is the pace here anyway; it seems very much like you can, at your leisure look at, pick-up, and thumb through as many books as you want. I don't get the sense of urgency here at all, which is lovely. What would make it MORE lovely, though, is some seating options (though I did see a couple folks sitting right in the middle of the aisle like it was no big deal). There are an overwhelming amount of knick-knacks and trinkets and random souvenirs... I wish they'd scale that back to add a couple benches or armchairs. This is one of those places you WANT to sign up for their rewards program: you just need to give them your name and phone number and for every $200 you spent you get $10 a credit!

Anyone whose been in Maine for any decent amount of time knows Sherman's is/should be a go to for…read morelocal bookstore. Today was the first time my wife and I have visited this particular location and we agreed it has been one of the nicest we have visited. Quite a large space with all the genres you would expect with plenty of classics while also having the new hyped releases as well. Another huge plus was how many sections of heavily discounted books they had. Could spend a long time browsing and finding great sales. Besides books they also have other offerings including many Maine themed goodies, Lego sets, socks, and more. Staff was friendly and greeted us with a smile and while we didn't need assistance we noticed they helped other customers with questions and made it a very welcoming environment! Book lovers nearby or visiting this is a must check out spot!

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.

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!

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.

If you are a book lover and looking to get lost in browsing for a few hours this may be the spot to…read morecheck out. While my wife and I did not find anything to buy it was worth checking out. They definitely seem to lean more towards history/war/military and older books. If you are a fan of those types of books you could find a lot of hidden gems I am sure. There is a little bit of a musty smell due to a combination of the old books and lack of airflow in the older building. Also beware space is limited so be ready for for changing directions or getting out of the way if other patrons are nearby. Shelves upon shelves of books with some taped to papers letting you know the section you are in. While it does have some order in this sense at the same time it's chaotic mainly due to crammed space. Can't really speak to value all that much as I did not see the prices for many books and honestly I would not have a good sense of the actual value of the books either. As I said a must visit for book lovers in or visiting Portland to lose yourself while browsing. You can tell a lot of time and effort went into building this collection of books! The one star deduction is solely due to the largest portions of their books are just genres I generally don't have any interest in. I do appreciate it for what it is though and would recommend it.

Ordered a book on February 28 for $129 through AbeBooks. Have not gotten the book despite 2…read morepromised delivery dates. No tracking numbers, no one responds. About to contact the Attorney general and Better Business Bureau.

As of writing this I think my favorite part about this Barnes and Noble is the staff. My…read moreinteraction with them was limited, but part of what made me linger for so long here was because I was - admittedly - listening to them talk to each other about their own (abundantly obvious) love of books and writing. Sometimes places can be so judgey about taste preferences, but the folks working here held space for each other... it was endearing. (Also, I can't wait to read the dragon smut one of them is writing!) Other pros: 1. Lots of free parking 2. While it's smaller than other Barnes & Nobles, the selection is still impressive 3. It's a very clean and tidy store Obviously, support local first. But if you're looking for a slow-paced, welcoming 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!

I always come in here with groups from work, adults with disabilities. The employees at this store…read moreare so incredibly compassionate and kind. Very helpful folks. This is crucial for building a love of reading. Thank you so much for all that you do.

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