365 Main St, Greenfield, MA
Sometimes I step into a bookstore and the first shelf I see catches me in a web. I’m stuck, peering eagerly at each spine and title, awash in desire to take home every other book I see. The next shelf is no different, and by the third I’m reading the first page of every book trying to decide which one is going be the lucky novel I pick. Yes, The Imaginary Bookshop had its hooks in me, and for one very good reason. All the books most shop hide in the back—the creepy horror novels, the gothic nightmares, the apocalyptic anthologies, and the ghoulish haunted house stories—were right up front, greeting me as I entered. I knew right away this was the store for me.
But don’t let that description make you think that’s all the shop has to offer. While much of the shop did lean toward the speculative and surreal, tales of witchcraft and monsters, folklore and fantasy, there’s also plenty of thematic overlap into the world of romance, poetry, YA, nonfiction, and more. There are some excellent children’s picture book offerings here, stuff for early readers, and titles exploring forward-thinking social issues and LGBTQ-friendly topics, as well as gifts adjacent to these ideals.
I myself plucked out a nifty pin with the accurate maxim that “being kind is punk,” and the feeling that phrase elicits goes hand-in-hand with the feeling I found in this shop. Many of the topics explored in the store are the very ones that “mainstream” society has sometimes pushed to the edges, or hidden on the back shelves, be it dark horror, queer literature, poetry, or children’s lit that challenges antiquated conventions. But here, inclusion and spooky tales are right up front, greeting you warmly the moment you arrive. That kind of welcome seems punk rock in today’s chaotic and exclusionary world of book bans, bigotry, and bombastic cruelty towards others. Not here. In The Imaginary Bookshop, you’ll find chills and childlike wonder for all, and I’m here for it.
Greenfield, Massachusetts was a little out of my way, but I’d go out of my way any day for a shop like this one. And with two other bookstores in town, it makes for a great day trip to go book hunting. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere — The calming blue walls and polished oak floors belie the grim adventures that await readers in the books lining the walls and displayed on tables throughout, although there are plenty of bright books and romantic offerings alongside the books of horror and the occult.
Quality — The books are new and I spotted a solid number of smaller presses too. I like a bookstore that supports indie publishing!
Quantity — It’s not a massive shop and the walls are not brimming, but there are plenty of books to grab your attention. I actually spent more time in this shop than others twice as large with a more generic selection.
Diversity — As stated, the shop leans into horror, gothic, and grim tales of the macabre, but there’s also romance, poetry, children’s, YA, and some nonfiction.
Affordability — The books were all very fairly priced with some marked down a bit. Small press books are sometimes more expensive to help publishers cover costs but I saw a few that were cheaper than expected, which is nice.
Amenities — There was a small couch, a table with chairs, and a major plus in my book: a bathroom. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been browsing only to be told, nope, sorry, go find a restroom elsewhere. Much appreciated!
Location — Right beside an indie movie theater and near some cafes, right in the heart of Greenfield, Mass.
Customer Service — Fantastic! I actually left my credit card behind and the intrepid bookseller found my social media and tracked me down, and I was able to pick it up just a short while later. Life saver! A+++
Overall — As stated earlier, The Imaginary Bookshop has all the chills and childlike wonder you can ask for waiting for you on its selves, and I’m here for it. Great shop, can’t miss this if you’re in the area.
