17 Backstreet Landing, Damariscotta, ME
As noted in my review of the other bookshop in Damariscotta, this little town is the picture you form in your mind when you think of coastal Maine quaintness, complete with piers bustling with boats and trawlers, oyster shacks, gift shops, ice cream vendors, pubs, a department store with a lunch counter and soda jerk, and lobsters advertised everywhere you look. And, of course, amazing bookshops. While Sherman’s is the “new” bookshop in town, Skidompha is the other side of the coin, selling used books at fantastic prices.
Set back from the bustle of the main strip, this shop is behind a little plaza in what seems to be a refurbished community center or gathering hall of some sort, with rooms both large and small cantilevered off one another, each piled high with books. There are rooms that focus on literary fiction, mystery, thrillers, and large print; one for children’s that contained plenty of classic titles for chapter readers and loads of modern picture books and YA; another for deeply discounted mass markets and more “dated” titles that don’t quite yet fall into the vintage/antique sort; and a huge room covering all manner of nonfiction, everything from tales about seafaring and whaling to religion to American history to gardening and humor.
In the very back past the children’s section I found a long room with classic fiction, literary nonfiction, short stories, poetry, essays, and books of the sort. It’s there I found an excellent collection of Hemingway’s letters that I acquired for my friend whose great-uncle was one of Papa’s most revered wartime buddies. That kind of book belongs with them, and that’s the kind of thing you’ll find tucked away in one of the many eclectic and robust sections throughout the shop.
Each room seemed to have something unique in its offerings, such as a sudden eleven-volume set of little literary masterpieces in red cloth binding, a selection of disocunted DVDs, a chess table and chairs set up for enjoyment near the front desk, or windows displaying the rustic views of the back bay area where the Damariscotta River wends its way into the countryside.
It’s a shop that is both understated in its location and demeanor and vibrant in its offerings and discounts. Above all, it’s a bookshop designed to keep you browsing and pulling gems from the shelf and stacking them in your arms until you are satisfied with the day’s catch and you head back out into the world, ready to read and enjoy the splendor of one of Maine’s finest coastal communities. Highly recommended, and I believe the shop helps support the local library, so feel free to spend guilt-free!
Atmosphere — A voluminous shop with deals and steals tucked into every shelf and every room. It has the feel of a converted office space but you won’t mind at all as you load up on classics and bestsellers.
Quality — The books are all used but most feel like new or are at least in very good shape for older editions.
Quantity — Lots and lots in here. Between this and Sherman’s, you’ll be browsing all afternoon.
Diversity — They hit all the major topics and genres, with some extra Maine and New England flair in the nonfiction sections.
Affordability — Very affordable, and I bought a half dozen that were each in the $1 to $8 range.
Amenities — Bathrooms, chairs, a chess table, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby.
Location — Set a block off the main drag through town behind a small strip-mall type building. Look for the signs and you’ll find it. It took me a few extra seconds but it’s back there.
Customer Service — The staff seemed very polite and were waiting up by the front desk. It looks like it might be a volunteer staff, so be kind and say hello!
Overall — This is the prime used bookshop in the Damariscotta area, and perfect for filling up on books during your vacation (for those from away) or for filling up your shelves at home (for you Mainers). Either way, a top notch shop!
