15 Bookstores in Cambridge, MA
Cambridge is lucky to have a wide variety of interesting bookstores, most of which are independently run. Here’s a list of 15 shops and what you might find at each one.
Why you should shop at a local bookstore
Local bookstores are your chance to pick up rare finds in unique atmospheres. As you’ll see below, many have specific areas of focus which allows them to stock more uncommon titles.
Independent Bookstores in Cambridge, MA
Harvard Book Store, Harvard Square
Operating since 1932, Harvard Book Store is known for its frequent author events.
The Million Year Picnic, Harvard Square
This comic book shop gets a wide selection of alternative and independent comics delivered every week.
Pandemonium Books & Games, Central Square
Pandemonium is the place for fantasy and adventure books, roleplaying and card games, and board game competitions.
Porter Square Books, Porter Square
This store has a large selection of children’s titles and a cafe.
Used Bookstores in Cambridge, MA
Bryn Mawr Bookstore, West Cambridge
Specializing in rare and out of print books, all proceeds for this nonprofit bookseller fund scholarships to Bryn Mawr College.
New England Comics, Harvard Square
This store buys and sells comic books and graphic novels from the 60s and 70s.
Raven Used Books, Harvard Square
Here you’ll find scholarly books in subjects like philosophy, architecture, history, and more.
College Bookstores in Cambridge, MA
Harvard Coop, Harvard Square
The Harvard Coop is the best place for student textbooks and Harvard gifts and apparel.
Lesley University Bookstore, Porter Square
Lesley students’ go-to for school supplies and all sorts of university branded clothing.
MIT Coop, Kendall Square
Head here for MIT merchandise and textbooks.
MIT Press Bookstore, Central Square
This bookstore stocks the publishings and journals of MIT Press as well as related titles in fields like linguistics and neuroscience.
Even More Bookstores in Cambridge, MA
Grolier Poetry Book Shop, Harvard Square
This store is for all things poetry, including live author readings.
Newbury Comics, Harvard Square/Kendall Square
This classic New England chain sells a wide variety of graphic novels, collectibles, and music.
Robin Bledsoe: Horse & Art Books, Harvard Square
This independent bookseller specializes in all things equestrian as well as art and art history.
Seven Stars, Central Square
This New Age bookshop stocks spiritual and metaphysical literature as well as crystals and artwork.
