8 Main Street, Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst Books quickly reminded me of some of my favorite bookstores, the multi-room shops full of eclectic displays and a selection of books that will always surprise and keep you guessing each time you walk through the door. With books new, used, and vintage, this two-floor shop has something for everyone, even if your wallet is a little lighter than it used to be with these gas prices.
The ground floor is a multi-room shop that feels both eccentric and robust, with all kinds of tables, displays, stacks, and shelving units throughout, many mismatched in an endearing, homey way that says it’s not so much about looking flashy as selling you some damn fine books. Even the ramp up into the main room had sale books displays on folding tables, everything from coffee table books on flowers, art, and gardens to biographies and memoirs of icons great and lesser known over the last generation or two. The deals didn’t stop there either, with 25% Off tables just inside and great prices on used titles throughout, though many of the books were brand new too. The shop had a great mix of both.
The nonfiction throughout that first main area covers a wide swath, from urgent social issues of our day to historical studies from the Middle East, the Americas, Black studies, Indigenous studies (really, how many shops have that?), and much more. In the next room were rows of shelves and a whole wall with a sliding ladder for literature, mainstream fiction, mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, drama, poetry, you know, all the big hits, with plenty of classics but also enough new names and covers that made it clear it wasn’t going to be the same old experience you’d find in a Barnes & Noble. The Periodicals shelf had some grand handbooks, chapbooks, literary journals, newspapers, and more items you just won’t find in other shops.
Up a ramp there’s a good sized Children’s and YA area, with classics, picture books, middle grade, and all mixed in throughout are gifts, puzzles, toys, games, clothes, etc. Every nook and display has something different and unexpected. There was even a poetry dispenser, just fifty cents per poem. A great deal!
Just beyond that is the staircase leading to the basement level, where there’s an absolute trove of older books. I only walked through here quickly because I was short on time but I saw plenty of gems and interesting collections piled on carts and long library-style shelving. Anything from Harry Potter, cozy mysteries, art and music, history, regional, biography, on and on. It’s worth checking out just to see how much they have. Highly recommended if you’re in the area!
Atmosphere — A patchwork collection of shelves and displays showcasing new and used titles, and the whole shop has that worn in and welcoming vibe that keeps you wanting to stay for hour after hour.
Quality — There are new titles, older editions, classic vintage texts, and but nothing looked tattered, just gently used at worst.
Quantity — They have a load of books here across the two floors. You’ll need some time to look through it all.
Diversity — This shop hits all the usual categories, Children’s, literature, loads of historical examinations of other cultures, not just the usual war, presidents, American, etc. There’s a truly wide range here.
Affordability — The books were all very fairly priced for used, with sale books closer to the front door.
Amenities — There are some stools and chairs scattered throughout, plus lots of shirts, gifts, toys, gift items, etc.
Location — Right in the center of Amherst, near the corner of a busy intersection and across the street from a park.
Customer Service — There were a few people working the front and shelving books who all seemed busy but friendly enough to talk to if needed.
Overall — This shop is an interesting one, with a forward-thinking curation that covers new issues, vintage titles, and everything in between. With gifts, two floors, and lots of sales, you’re going to want to come back to see what surprises they have next. Highly recommended!
