63 State Rd., Great Barrington, MA
*Updated Review* I heard The Bookloft moved locations from a supermarket plaza outside of Great Barrington to its own bright blue building, and so I had to visit. Not only is it much closer to town now (not far from the red bridge that brings you into downtown Great Barrington), but it feels much more impressive than the “pleasant surprise” I once called it in my previous review. It feels as if the shop has come into its own.
We entered from the rear, right next to their display of curbside pickup orders, a great service during a pandemic, and there were a bunch of orders waiting for owners to stop by. Hopefully that is a good sign for the shop’s sustained success. The check-out (busy the entire time I was there) was also right by the door, alongside shelves and displays for staff picks, seasonal offerings, gifts, and more. I took the entrance into the children’s nook where decorative trees and bright displays created a welcoming room for younger readers.
Moving through into the YA and middle grade sections, there were plenty of familiar titles, specially bundled books (for things like Harry Potter and other popular series), as well as some games, puzzles, and reading chairs. Beyond that you get into the heart of the store, swaths of new fiction, literary classics, sci-fi and fantasy, and nonfiction offerings that touch upon almost every subject, from cooking to memoirs to history and war, and plenty of local fare about the Berkshires and the northeast.
Walking down the long front room and its many shorter shelves, I found more gifts and stationary items, shirts on discount, books on folklore, religion, photography, music, and poetry, and the one thing I always look for in a bookshop: discounted books. The discounted items included a bunch of notable authors, including Doctorow, Unger, Hiaasen, Nesbo, Lippman, Tremblay, and Vidal.
The shop feels about as large as their previous location, but there’s a whole upstairs section with a circular staircase that is currently closed off, so perhaps when that is more fully utilized it will feel even more robust than their previous spot. But as it stands there’s plenty of room and it feels much brighter, much more welcoming, and much more unique in this new spot. If you’re passing through the area this one is absolutely worth your time.
Atmosphere — Bright and new with multiple rooms to explore, and perhaps soon multiple floors as well!
Quality — The books are new, even the discounted titles, so it’s a top-quality shop.
Quantity — There’s a great deal of nonfiction to sort through, loads of new titles, plenty to keep you browsing.
Diversity — Like you’d see in most new bookshops, there is a solid balance of genres and nonfiction topic, with a lot of gifts, stationary, and clothes throughout. Very solid children’s section and plenty of new titles.
Affordability — Whether you want the newest hardcover or a classic paperback, the prices range from typical full-price to deeply discounted, just what you want in a bookshop.
Amenities — The shop has plenty of chairs scattered about.
Location — Just outside of Great Barrington, much closer to town than its previous location.
Customer Service — The staff seemed busy and attentive, although we didn’t interact.
Overall — This new location feels great and feels much more a part of Great Barrington. Just look for the bright blue corner shop not far from the red bridge leading into town. They’re an active, robust shop with plenty to offer booklovers, including discounted books, gifts, clothes, and curbside pickup. Check them out!
