
Bookstores in Rhode Island
It’s true, the once common bookstore has become an endangered species. This may be a disappointment to many an avid reader, as a bookstore has a charm and physical presence that cannot be replicated online; any bookworm will tell you that. However, there is a silver lining. While the big box book stores have dwindled, many of the smaller book stores in Rhode Island have remained. Whether it’s the newest release, or a vintage volume from decades past, there are still several shops in the state that can help you find what you’re looking for.
Many of these bookstores in Rhode Island are, unsurprisingly, in the Providence area, albeit not all of them .Books on the Square, located right off Wayland Square in Providence, will remind you why you started to like bookstores in the first place. In addition to hot new releases, Books on the Square has a much wider variety than that. They have locally relevant and locally-published books, used books, and more. Plus, as long as they’re well-behaved and on leash, dogs are welcome to come shopping with you. Books on the Square is located at 417 Angell Street. To learn more about Books on the Square, check out their website at www.booksq.com.
While the Brown Bookstore may cater to Brown students, there’s plenty to be found for the general public as well. In addition to student textbooks and other academic supplies, the Brown Bookstore also has a variety of new books, including a great selection of trade paperbacks. The Brown Bookstore is located at 244 Thayer Street in Providence, and their website is http://www.brown.edu/campus-life/support/bookstore/.
Bookstores in Rhode Island…more
Barrington Books is another great, intimate local bookstore. They pride themselves on their commitment to independent publishing, and you’re sure to find something interesting in their shelves. They are located at 184 Country Road in Barrington, right near the bay. You can learn more at www.barringtonbooks.com.
In Newport, you can check out Island Books. In addition to the classics both new and old that fill their shelves, Island Books hosts the occasional book-signing, as well as a great selection of children’s books. Island Books is located at 135 Spring Street in Newport, and their website is www.islandbooksri.com.
If you are in the Wakefield area then be sure to stop into Wakefield Books! They are dedicated to providing a large selection of books for all ages and tastes. If you can’t find what you are looking for then the friendly and attentive staff will assist you. This local store is a bookworm’s paradise. For more information on this bookstore in Rhode Island, click here.
Finally, you can’t go wrong at Twice Told Tales in Cranston. While the crafts and gifts that line the windows may be what draws your eye, the books will keep you browsing. They offer a wide variety of unique books and also an array of items from local artisans. To learn more, click here.
Whatever your genre preference, there is a bookstore in Rhode Island to suit your fancy. Support these local shops and keep on reading!
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Great round up on bookstores in RI. I just wanted to point out that the main location of Island Books is on East Main Rd RT 138 in Middletown near Frosty Freeze. They have a great email update,a sale table, readings, and a drop in bookclub too.
There are two used bookstores on Broadway in Newport-D Kelley Fine Used Books 330 Broadway near Newport Hospital and Spring Street Books 42 Spring St. a block east of Broadway behind Fastnet.
Wakefield Books has a monthly discount coupon on their website, it is usually 20% off a full price item. They do have a lot of discounted books.
Symposium Books which was on Main Street in EG has moved up to Division Street in Dave’s Shopping Center. They also have a lot of discounted books including graphic novels and a large philosophy section and a nice selection of discounted bags and gifts from BlueQ. They also have a location on Westminster St in PVD near Craftland.
Cellar Stories 111 Matthewson St in PVD is a huge used bookstore.
Paper Nautilus 5 South Angell and Ada Books 616 Westminster on the West Side of PVD are two I haven’t visited yet.