In any city there are unfound treasures. These can be clothing stores, coffee shops, etc. But as self proclaimed literature nerds, HerCampus Providence looks for book stores. While Barnes and Noble is near and dear to our hearts, used and rare bookstores are the core of Providence, Rhode Island. When Borders closed their business for good, we realized how important it was to keep these businesses flourishing! So HerCampus Providence has compiled some of the best used and new bookstores in Providence.
Previously known as Myopic Books, the bookstore was forced to change it’s name due to copyright issues. That being said, Paper Nautilus books is one of Providence’s unfound treasures … unless you are a RISD or Brown student. Located near both of those campuses, the bookstore tends to cater to the needs of a RISD or Brown student. The website states: “[The] emphasis is on art, architecture, photography, film theory, cultural studies, philosophy, history, fiction, poetry, Rhode Island, gardening, and cooking. We also have a generous selection of foreign-language books.” However, if you are interested in those topics, it is one of the best options for an amazing selection and an affordable price! This bookstore offers new, used and rare books to all students and fellow book nerds! Before you leave the Providence area, Paper Nautilus is a bookstore you have to visit atleast once!
Why is it on our list? The culture. Paper Nautilus offers the best collection of art related books. The books they offer appeal to the hipster in all of us.
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3. Symposium Books
After a day of shopping, stop by this local favorite for used books galore! It’s selection is more limited, but it’s topics are more wide ranging than others. It’s affordable pricing is what brings patrons in, and the amazing location is what keeps them there. The convenience of the book store is not lost on us. Located on the famous Thayer Street, it is one of our many stops when visiting. Along with the vintage movie theater and creperie located on the street, it is the perfect end to a trip on Thayer.
Why is it on our list? The price. Symposium Books offers some of the cheapest paperbacks that we have found. If you are looking for a book to fill your coffee table, or a cheap enjoyrable read, this store is for you!
Located on Angell Street, Books on the Square offers an easy going atmosphere and some great reads! The bookstore focuses on novels and travel related reads, but within these subjects it offers a wide range of options. Books on the Square offers, essentially, the same diversity of subject and low prices as the others on our list. However, what made them rank so high was their distringuishing factors: their atmosphere and their friendly staff.
After a few trips to Books on the Square, some of the staff start to recognize you. Always eager to help, they put your needs first and their knoweldge of their collection makes your trip extremely efficent and relaxing. Even if you are there just to browse, the atmosphere is what keeps you there looking. It’s cozy and yet whimsical. Most of the patrons leave with a smile on their face, even if they haven’t purchased anything. Located across the street from a Starbucks, Books on the Square is located in the perfect location to have a relaxing day of shopping and reading.
Why is it on our list? The atmosphere. Books on the Square is perfect for a day of relaxation, and it’s staff is notable for making your trip easy as can be!
Cellar Stories is located on Mathewson Street in Providence, and is rated #1 on our list! Cellar Stories offers a wide range of topics, and it’s prices are respectful for what they offer. A trip to Cellar Stories could easily allow you to leave with 10 books, for under $30 if you know where to look. Signing up for the email blasts allows you to find the best steals when it comes to their sales as well! According to their website, they are the largest used and rare book store in Rhode Island.
Cellar Stories offers books of every subject. Their website states: “We have a stock of approximately 70,000 volumes covering all categories from vintage paperbacks, pulps and collectible ephemera to antiquarian volumes on many subjects.” From history, to general fiction, to children stories, to science fiction, etc. Cellar Stories has it all.
Their collection of rare books is jaw dropping, often causing their visitors to wish they had more money to spend on them. These collectables would make any library a lucky one. That being said, their rare books are reasonably more expensive then their used collection.
The staff is always friendly and eager to help. It is not uncommon to see them socializing with their reoccuring guests, and recommending the best sales to their customers.
Why is it on our list? Everything. Cellar Stories is the real deal. With affordable prices, a friendly staff, and amazing selection, it is bound to make every literature nerd weak in the knees.
Tell us what you think! Comment below with reviews of these bookstores and if you have any recommendations on other unseen treasures in the Rhode Island area!