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Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore

4.6 (24 reviews)
ModerateCafes, Bookstores
Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore Photos

WESLEYAN RJ JULIA BOOKSTORE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore

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Main Street Entrance
Kim W.

Today I finally made it to this awesome bookstore. While I didn't have a ton of time to explore on this trip I enjoyed my experience. If you are a book lover this is a must visit! I came across so many books that I hadn't heard of before. The way they've showcased books draws you in and easy to get swept away with your next great read. From staff member recommendations, best sellers, and everything in between it's hard to walk away empty handed. In the market for a gift, this store has such a selection of bookish and bibliophile gifts, to an expansive selection of other items for the non-book lover in your life. While I went in just to browse, I I definitely made a book purchase, and added to my ever growing want to read list from all the other books I wanted to take home so me. I was also looking for a thank-you gift for someone and wasn't sure what to get or even where I'd find that gift. RJ Julia came through! The staff was friendly but not overbearing. Of course since this is the Wesleyan bookstore there was Wesleyan apparel on the street level, but it looked like the core of their bookstore was located on the lower level. There's also a Story & Soil coffee shop here. It broke my coffee loving heart not to grab a cup this time but there is something about quaint coffee shops in bookstores that speaks to my head! FYI: while RJ Julia stays open until 8 on Saturday's, the coffee shop closes at 3 (as of May 2021). Looking forward to another trip when I can spend more time browsing and enjoying some coffee!

Gorgeous interior
Elisa F.

What an amazing local bookstore in the heart of Middletown. I can't believe this was my first time in! Although catered to Wesleyan students (as you can see with all the college merch) it definitely has a lot to offer for the average customer & book lover (or novice). We visited today looking to try the new Story & Soil location that took over their cafe and were caught up browsing the whole store. Absolutely beautiful with TONS to offer. They're also DOG FRIENDLY and the staff was so excited when we brought our pup in. They even offered her a treat :) I'm so glad we finally visited because this will not be our last!

Susan R.

I'm on an independent bookstore kick and this one was on my radar. It's a lovely store. Clean, well organized, helpful staff. There's a café and indoor and outdoor seating. I was afraid that maybe because it seems to focus on college students that perhaps I wouldn't find anything but I was wrong. I found several titles that I was looking for. Definitely worth a visit when in the area.

Valerie R.

Awesome new bookstore in Main St in Middletown! I had never gone to the old Wesleyan bookstore, as it just seemed like the college bookstore. This is a bookstore for the community! Lots of great books, cute gifts, a children's section, and Wesleyan gear. There are lots of hangout spaces in the cafe and in the bookstore itself, as well as outside. I can't wait to try the grown cafe inside the bookstore. Today we had just eaten breakfast, but I will definitely be back for some fresh squeezed juices and healthy organic dishes!

40% off

I checked out the biography section on a Sunday morning. A personable, knowledgeable employee came over and gave me great book recommendations- Jell-O Girls by Allie Rowbottom and Vacationland by John Hodgman. They also have unique gifts here. Fun socks and more.

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Perfect place to shop, eat, drink and even work. Great selection of everything you'd want from a book store

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Nice lounge area downstairs. Small cup black coffee is $3.20 and it was rather mediocre.

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Review Highlights - Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore

Of course since this is the Wesleyan bookstore there was Wesleyan apparel on the street level, but it looked like the core of their bookstore was located on the lower level.

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Harbor Books

Harbor Books

3.6
(13 reviews)
23.4 mi
$$

I regret that I don't have any photos to add to this review. The day I went to Harbor Books, it was…read morepouring down rain. My date and I walked to the bookstore in the pouring rain, and not only did I not want to get my phone wet, I also didn't want to have to keep her waiting for me under the downpour any longer than was necessary. I guess I'm a nice guy...Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone! When I realized I would be meeting someone for a date in the area, I went online to see what Old Saybrook has to offer on a Sunday. I hadn't been to Old Saybrook in at least a couple years, and I'm not too up-to-date on the goings on in the area. My search turned up a small cafe nearby...and Harbor Books. After a small but pleasant lunch, we walked to Harbor Books in the rain. Upon first walking in, I noticed a $1.00 bin where all the books were on sale for, yep, a dollar. I noticed one title in there I decided I would pick up and purchase on the way out (I did), one of Mary Higgins Clark's older novels, hardcover, in excellent condition. Looking through Harbor Books, I quickly realized I would need much more time in there than I suspected my date was willing to spend. I guessed 5 hours. No joke. Not only do they have a great selection of titles, they also have a great selection of vintage and antique books. Many of which are in excellent shape and are marked with a great price. There are probably more antique books in this little bookstore than at the antique shop a couple towns away, that has a ton of books. Five hours is likely an understatement. While looking through the bookshelves, I happened upon a book by a local author whom I had met at least a couple times, now about 10 years ago. I picked up the book, and asked the store owner how long he had had that book in stock. He estimated 7-8 years. I put the book back on the shelf, stepped away, then immediately turned back and grabbed it. After bringing the book home, along with a couple others I purchased along with it, I looked up the author online, wondering what he might be up to these days. Turns out he's up to nothing. He's dead. He died about 4 years ago, while his book was sitting on the shelf of this little bookstore, waiting years for me to come and pick it up. I got to thinking: what are the odds? This book, which I am certain had a very small print run, sat on a shelf waiting 7 or 8 years for me to find it, authored by a man I had met 10 years ago, who is now dead. I took it as a sign that the copy of the book had always been mine, waiting there on that shelf until just the right circumstances led me into Harbor Books and to it. The thing is, I'm willing to bet Harbor Books is JUST the right kind of store for that sort of thing. And I think the next time I go in there, I'll likely find something else that was there waiting for me, somewhere in those tightly-packed shelves. What will I find when I go there next? And will it really take 5 hours? We shall see.

My husband and I were in Old Saybrook for an overnight stay. We stayed at a local B and B, had…read moredinner at Penny Lane Pub on Saturday night and attended a wonderful blues concert at The Kate. Sunday morning we had breakfast at Mirsina's which was delicious. We then took a walk on Main Street. We were talking about what a sweet town this is and the friendliness of all the people we interacted with. We enjoy book stores and decided to explore Harbor Books. When we walked in, we greeted the woman at the desk. She was the wife/ owner I believe. We made small talk and looked around for books we might want to buy. During this time, a male patron came in and was talking about a 20th century European history book he had read and asked for help finding 2 other out of print books by the same author. I was preparing to make a purchase of at least 1 or 2 hardcover novels and my husband was interested in local history. A conversation took place between the owner and patron and was pointedly opinionated political talk that was very disturbing and inappropriate. Needless to say, we abruptly left. I am sorry our wonderful overnight was marred by hateful this experience. I will never go there again.

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Harbor Books
Harbor Books
Harbor Books

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Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore - cafes - Updated June 2026

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