I remember a day here which was very exciting for a young author. He was brought before me, and we were introduced, "Dan Browne, this is David Field." I said "hello," rather than "Can you lend or give me a few million bucks." Of course, at that time he hadn't released the "Da Vinci Code" so I guess he wasn't quite as rich as I'd hoped. I was introduced because I'd bought his pre-DaVinci novels and liked them - especially the one about computers. Browne was very pleasant, and I've read the Da Vinci Code since then and liked it far more than his critics. Maybe they needed a book to hate. And the bookstore! The proprietor, Dan, is an extremely friendly guy, and seemed to be able to remember all the books I'd bought. The store has a large selections of books for all interests, and the staff pics I bought unknown turned out to be great recommendations. You may be soured on books from the chain stores - visit Water Street books and see how well a bookstore can be when the owners have a passion for books. read more

I am really appreciative of the diverse selections this (New England) bookstore has to offer. I would highly recommend to all. read more

Great independent bookstore with a wide and eclectic selection of books, a generous kids' section, and a lovely view of the Squamscott river from a nice reading table in the back. Lots of helpful book recommendations are noted throughout the store. Not to be missed! read more

Water Street Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Exeter, New Hampshire

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I've been going to this bookstore for many many years now with my family, and it never disappoints. The staff are helpful, knowledgeable, and kind. There is always a good selection of books and other media, so there's always something for everyone! I love their dedication to promote indie and local authors as well. Highly recommend Water Street Bookstore any day of the week. read more

Water Street Bookstore - Book display at Water Street Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Exeter, New Hampshire

I used to live in the Seacoast and always loved to go in here. So when I come back to visit family, it is always top on my list to come back. The staff are all wonderful and have been great book matchmakers! There hasn't been a book they recommended for me that I haven't loved. You need to go and support them and if not, go online because they are outstanding! read more

Cute book store in Exeter with a fresh selection of non fiction, fiction, and local reads. Worth a stop!

In a world where many independent bookstores have been unable to survive the competition from "The Evil Empire" and other big, chain bookstores, there stands, in downtown Exeter, NH, a shining example of what an independent bookstore should be. The owner, Dan, is gregarious, gracious, and so knowledgeable and passionate about books. The booksellers are all exceptionally good at their jobs and very helpful. Their stellar recommendations have put many books into my hands that I would never have discovered on my own. Whether you are looking for something from the bestseller lists, a title from a local author or an obscure book, the friendly and enthusiastic staff here will make sure it ends up in your hands as soon as possible. Dan has often gone out of his way to drop off a book I've ordered when he knows my health or my schedule prevent me from getting to the store to pick it up myself and they also mail books if you require that service. My young friends and relatives are always thrilled with my book selections for them thanks to the epic guidance I receive from Jill in the Children/YA section of the bookstore. Stef, Erin and Alden are always so patient and thoughtful with their advice and so kind about wrapping up my purchases. The free gift wrapping is a very generous feature here. If you're looking for a gift, they also carry puzzles, games, stationery items, cards, stickers, tote bags and some other very cool, book-related merchandise. I have discovered audio books for my long commute and use libro.fm to support Water Street Books in another way. If you're in the area, this place should be a destination for you. Dogs are happily allowed in the bookstore and my dog, Coast, wants to go inside every time we pass by the store because he loves the reception he receives from the staff. Thanks to all at Water Street Books for being so many positive things to so many people and companion animals. read more

Charming bookstore with great staff recommendations and a really nice children's book area. Loved how they grouped the children's books by category - one bin full of animals, another full of books about trains, one for astronomy and a vast selection! My rule is that if I go into an independent bookstore I have to buy a book because we should all be supporting these stores and it makes me sad how many have been run out of business by the big chains. I picked up a really cool staff pick book with stories from King Arthur by various authors re-imagined in the modern world but still maintaining the supernatural elements. Sounds good to me! The book seller was nice and even commented that the book looked good. Again, support local bookstores! read more

An absolutely wonderful local independent bookstore located in downtown Exeter. Great selection and amazing customer service! They helped get me through Covid years with curbside pickup. They will quickly get any book I want and their book recommendations are solid. Great owner that appreciates his customers and all the people at the shop are helpful and nice. read more

Water Street bookstore is one of my favorite bookstores ever. They have a great selection and everybody will be able to find a great book. The staff are very helpful and kind and more importantly extremely knowledgeable. New materials seem to constantly appear whenever I walk in. I can't say enough about this book store. read more

Great independent bookstore on the main drag in Exeter. Lots of new titles and as well as beautiful note cards. The real deals are in the back where there are discounted books and a long counter with a couple of stools where you can browse before you buy. read more

I ordered from Water Street Bookstore over the phone to have my books shipped, and it was such a wonderful experience that I wanted to share it. The woman I spoke with who took my order was just truly so kind & helpful & went to check on multiple things for me. Often when I order from other places, the person on the other end sounds rush or annoyed--has no phone skills basically. Water Street Bookstore has fantastic people! And best of all, THEY HAVE FREE SHIPPING! I was thrilled! read more

A small bookstore which is the way bookstores used to be before Barnes&Noble and the other chains came along. If I'm looking for reading material for an upcoming trip, this is where I look. I've got some signed Dan Brown books from here that I bought before he wrote The Da Vinci Code. read more

My favorite bookstore. I've been going here for about 25 years. The proprietor, Dan, is very gracious, helpful and warm. Anything I ever ordered there arrived within a day or two. Small shop but excellent variety. I dare you to get past the tables just inside the front door. The children's section morphed into it's own store a door down some years back. read more

Long the live the independent bookstore! Water Street is such a pleasure. Stumbled upon this gem on a recent trip up to Exeter and I shant forget it too soon! So appreciate the staff picks and the mini-blurbs describing featured books. Seems they are the largest independent bookseller in NH or even all of NE? Enjoyed getting tips from the retired English teacher helming the register. Plan on tuning into the website for more reading recommendations. Thankfully, they offer a mail order service, as they are a bit too far for regular treks. Maybe I missed one, but the only thing that could have improved my experience would be a fat, lazy bookstore kitty sunning himself in the window... read more

Love this place for books and more than books. It's my go to place for unique gifts and has never failed me. Love their events as well. Always something great going on there. read more

After seeing a piece about this bookstore on NH Chronicle, I opted to order a signed copy of " Origin " for a Christmas gift for my wife. I ordered the book on line on December 8th. There were 292 copies in stock. Since we live in Merrimack NH, I expected the book in a few days. It still had not arrived and I contacted them on December 18th as to the status of the order. It had not been shipped . They were apologetic both on the phone and on e-mail. I emphasized this was a Christmas gift. I was notified the book had now been shipped and transit time was to be two days. So Christmas has come and gone and the book has yet to arrive. I followed up with an e-mail expressing my dissatisfaction and have yet to be acknowledged. Very disappointed in the service. The book was ordered 19 days ago and needed to go just 40 miles. read more

Every town needs a Water Street Bookstore. Actually, it's it's more of a portal to another dimension than a bookstore. Every time I step in I am struck with this overwhelming sensation that I'm on the verge of solving all the world's burning questions... if I can just manage to find the right book (or ten). Also, I swear the smell of has a profound effect on lowering my blood pressure... read more

We relocated to Exeter at the end of June. I was SO excited in our plans to move to hear about the local, thriving, independent bookstore. This place did not disappoint. They have an incredible selection spanning all genres, and thoughtful reviews of things the staff have loved. They also get fun things like signed copies of new books, and things I don't always see at other bookstores. The tables inside the front of the store alone could occupy me for hours. There's a great nook in the back of the store for reading and relaxing, and your coffee or beverage is welcome (with care of course). There's also an attached, full children's store for the little people in your life. Everyone from Dan the owner to each of the staff is funny, friendly, engaging, and super knowledgable. We've canceled all of our amazon memberships, and throw all of our support their way. Run, don't walk to Water St. Books! read more

How cute is this place? Great selection & the cozy couch and view from the back windows is to die for. ALSO the kids book shop attached smells exactly like my childhood, with titles to match. Will definitely go back! read more

wonderful shop, wonderful owner, wonderful staff. Great for poking when you don't know what you want, but also to find exactly what you want If you can, make sure to stop by when they have the sidewalk sale - lots of books at crazy good prices read more

It's a small bookstore that has a children's bookstore connected by a doorway. There's a great selection of books and magazines and they're always willing to order any that you can't find. Events at the store are great, but fill up! A bit expensive but like the other reviewers I enjoy supporting local businesses. read more

This is the best bookstore in the entire world. I give myself at least an hour to browse. Ive discovered some of my favorite books on their displays, which are thoughtfully curated. They have a huge variety of books, but they are displayed in a way that is not overwhelming. The owner even let me bring my dog in the store! read more

Best local bookstore!! Amazing staff, real customer service as I will always order a book through here rather than online. Connects to children's book store side. Great nooks to look through, a real community hub. read more

You just can't beat the experience of a downtown bookstore. The chain stores don't even come close to the level of informed service, unique gifts (not the usual "Made in China" junk you'll find at the front of the chain stores), and thoughtful curation of the entire store selection at Water Street Bookstore. The owner Dan is extraordinarily helpful and kind. The gift-wrapping is always appreciated, too! read more

Beautiful little store, great selection of books and great people that are always willing to help.

We are very fortunate here in Exeter to have such a terrific independent bookstore. It's right downtown, plenty of parking, easy to get to, with a great selection and the staff are helpful, friendly and know a lot about books. read more

Location is convenient, staff is incredible friendly and helpful. They have a great selection from mystery to fiction and often have guest authors come in. If you have kids, they have a fantastic children's section as well. Love it! read more

If there's a better bookstore in the Seacoast area or Southern NH for that matter, I haven't found it yet. Great selection and if they don't have what you're looking for they'll gladly order you a copy. They also offer events where interesting authors come speak at the store. Check out their website to see who is scheduled to visit. Also, if you have a Kindle you can order through Water Street as well. Great place. We should all support out local independent bookstore. read more

Really great selection of books and magazines. A little expensive, but it's nice to support small businesses. Their selection of board books is not as good as some, but the staffers are incredibly gracious and will go out of their way to help you order what you want if they don't have it. They also have great lectures and other cool events. read more

An Exeter jewel that makes me feel guilty every time I order a book from Amazon. This place should be on the National Registry of HIstoric Places. The staff is just wonderful. The visiting authors and reading events are a real treat. The children's book selection is terrific. And I love the couches int he reading area overlooking the river. Keep shopping here Exeter! We must support this amazing local institution. read more

Love this place! My favorite bookstore. My kids don't want to leave when we visit.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bookstore. They have a great selection of books and everyone is always so helpful and passionate about books. I also love their events! I hope these guys stay around for a long time! read more

Great selection of books and always friendly staff !!! Also a perfect location in downtown exeter. Overall I would recommend going ! It's worth it! read more

I have been to 80% of the bookstores in New England and this is **by far** the best in NH. I've also been shopping here for at least 10 years. Awesome selection (always with the latest book the day it comes out). Personal service from a friendly/ knowledgeable staff. Great staff picks. Cool events. Fantastic book clubs (or so I've heard from others). Good discounts with their 20/20/20 club. Cozy atmosphere. Highly recommended!!!! read more

I was disappointed with the service I got. Visiting a local book store you expect to get friendly service....guess its back to Amazon.

I went in this store looking for a particular book for my daughter and I never seen such stuck up workers in my life. Nobody said hello or how can I help you. and they didn't even have the book I wanted. I have been in a lot of bookstores and have never experienced such rudeness. i will not recommended this place to my friends. read more

I've become a regular customer of Water St Bookstore because it's one of the great locations (frankly in the world) where you can really find the combination of great reads but also great customer service. Dan Chartrand and his superb team have their fingers on the pulse of the latest in the literary space and genuinely look to help and make sure you leave feeling inspired to read and enjoy the books you buy. A real jewel! read more

Great bookstore, great staff, dog friendly a big plus and autographed books. When I am in Exeter will be sure and stop by!

great place for any kind of books, they order what they don't, Paul is a friendly guy,