Harvard Book Store

absolutely love Harvard Book Store! For me, this place is more than just a bookstore — it feels like a cultural landmark and an essential stop whenever I’m in Harvard Square. It’s often the very first place I bring friends who are visiting, because it captures the unique spirit of Harvard and Cambridge so well. There’s something truly special about walking through the doors and being greeted by shelves packed with carefully curated books, both new and old. I find myself dropping by every few days, and each visit feels fresh. The staff are constantly rotating displays, highlighting new titles, current issues, and thought-provoking themes. It’s the kind of store that doesn’t just sell books, but also sparks conversations and ideas. You can easily spend hours browsing without realizing how much time has passed. One of my favorite parts is the basement, which is filled with used books covering an incredible variety of topics. It always feels like a treasure hunt — you never know what rare or surprising find might be waiting for you down there. The atmosphere is cozy, and the shelves are overflowing with choices, making it a paradise for any book lover. Another charming detail is outside the store, where from time to time they set up carts of old books. These are neatly organized with colorful labels, and priced anywhere from just $1 to $5. It’s such a fun and welcoming touch — perfect for discovering a hidden gem without spending much. This is more than just a place to buy books. It’s a place to explore, to be inspired, and to feel connected to the community. Every visit reminds me why I love books in the first place. If you’re ever in Cambridge, don’t miss it.

I am a bookstore fiend and this one didnt disappoint! Best part: the BASEMENT! Sooo many good books that have been used but are still in great quality for a fraction of the price. They have a wide variety of books in every genre and beyond! And friendly staff who point you in any direction youre needing to go!

My daughter who comes here alot brought me. The ground basenent level is used discounted books. They buy books as well. I mostly had explored that section of the store this triip. There was a vast selection of popular series as well as old classics. I found a 1982 copy of too kill a mocking bird for $5.

First time visiting. Great experience, my teen got two books. Prices were reasonable.

Loved supporting the students, their designs and their work. Did the student led tour as well and highly recommend to hear about the history, Harvard alumni and current student life.

Such a great place for books 📚😍😍😍 extensive collection of books and the basement is for used books

Great selections—new and used of interesting books and wide variety of topics. Wish they had some seats to sit. Well organized in sections. Recommend: put stars on Pulitzer winners or highly recommended options! Points for frequent buyers. Negatives: lack of sitting options.

A paradise for book lovers! The selection is incredible, from bestsellers to rare finds, and the staff is always helpful. The atmosphere is charming, making it the perfect place to browse for hours.

Pros: This bookstore has it all! Their new book section is extremely large. In addition, the prices for their merchandise is pretty reasonable. The store itself is pretty small, so you should get through it fairly quickly. In addition, there are easy-to-read signs denoting each section of the store. The staff was also pretty kind. Overall score: A+

A nice bookstore with lots of books and crannies stuffed with books. Used books and clearance are downstairs with new books, notebooks, puzzles, and gifts upstairs. There's a rewards program. The prices for used books are a little high - the Alice book I purchased was a bit over half of the original price of $16 with visible wear and tear. However you could spend lots of time looking in both floors. (Note that there are only stairs to get down.) It is quite crowded but the staff is friendly and helpful. Of course there are a lot of things in the area and it's worth a stop.

Books bring joy to most people ... although the bookstore has no relation to Harvard University it's just the most stocked up bookstore I have had the joy of visiting. There were 3 authors doing a book reading the evening I stopped by. Bought some books and will be sure to come back again.

I have been a devoted customer of the Harvard Bookstore for 50 years. The inventory is fabulous but it is the staff that makes the store exceptional. Knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, and brilliant. The best.

We had the loveliest time at the book store. They have fantastic selection and even have sales and used sections. The staff member who helped us tonight was so patient and she even pulled out EVERY SINGLE cat book mark to help us get the perfect souvenirs. Glad we stopped to shop here on our trip

Thanks so much to the staff of Harvard Book Store. The Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha read from his new poetry collection last week, and many of us came 2 hours early to ensure getting a seat. Even though we were in their way constantly, the staff were universally patient and professional, herding us this way and that so that they could set up the chairs. I hope these folks are well-paid because it was clear how much pride they took in offering the community such important writing.

Great bookstore with wide selection of books organized into aisles that make it easy to find. The workers are friendly and helpful. The shelves have little notes on what the staff recommends which is helpful if you're just browsing for your next read. The only thing that would make this store better is a little sitting area like some other bookstores have

Great place to get books. Very charming old style book store. But to be honest, I just went to get a Harvard logo sweatshirt souvenir . They don't take Apple Pay, at the time i left the hotel w only my phone . So I had to borrow cash from a friend n Venmo . They take cash.

Independent book stores are always a must stop in for me! This was one of the better ones I have been to. They had a huge selection of books and they were all very organized by genre and easy to find. They even had the rolling ladders for the taller shelves! I was more excited about the basement area where they keep the used and discounted books. I was able to get a couple cheap Agatha Christie novels that I haven't read before. This seemed like the spot that the locals shop at, but I would recommend stopping in even if you are just visiting!

Came here to support a local book store but would not recommend it, the curly haired older man working the register is very rude. He rushed me at checkout and rolled is eyes when I went to scan my card early. I would recommend a less pretentious place.

The Harvard Book Store is one of my favorite spots in Cambridge. The used and overstock section downstairs is always a thrill to look through. The booksellers are fantastic. I've had great conversations with employees almost every time I've been, and everyone is always enthusiastic to help me find what I am looking for.

This is an awesome book store with a great atmosphere and super organized inventory. They have a lot of the newest and trending books, and the store is really easy to navigate and explore. My daughter especially enjoyed the teen section, which had reviews from the staff about which books they enjoyed. The staff is also super helpful and the store is quiet. We definitely could have spent hours in there, and not just because it was air conditioned on a hot summer day. They have a wide range of mystery, fiction, history, and any genre you want. I didn't spend much time in the used section, but the upstairs area has a lot of options. I would definitely recommend coming here, whether it's for quick browse or if you are looking for a specific book. The new books are around 15-20 dollars, and we purchased a novel for around 17.

Friendly staff. Well lit! Which is a plus since I have night blindness and can't handle low light environments like in many bookstores or shops. I was really happy to find some of Wallace Stegner's books from the used book section in the basement. The sorting system was easy to understand. Price was fair and condition good!

Very library on the other side of the street from Harvard campus. Checkout the used section downstairs.

Awesome spot! I heard about this place through a friend and stopped by one afternoon to check it out. They have a huge selection, with used books downstairs, and discounted books upstairs too that are reasonably priced. I particularly enjoyed how helpful the staff are if you are looking for recommendations too! They have a membership program too, where you get a discount after every 100$ spent and 20% of a selection of in store books.

Awesome place with a wide variety of books to choose from! I would recommend anyone who loves books to visit!

We purchased 3 books there today, The store was easy to navigate; All liberal & social science books. Made me sick. I hate brainwashing environments trying to educate me. They ought to provide a more diverse way of thinking. The irony of the ancestors of the pilgrims.

Don't let the name fool you, this is not the official Harvard University bookstore filled with students and tourists looking for Harvard logo merchandise and textbooks. Instead, this store is a great independent local bookstore carrying a nice selection of new and used books that just happens to be located in Harvard Square. I was excited to see that the basement was all used books. While I love browsing the new release Fiction books I still like to grab a few cheap books I would never otherwise buy if I had to pay full price. While the store was busy checkout was quick and the staff was great. Can't wait to come back to browse the shelves when there aren't that many people in the store.

When you visit Harvard University you need to look for the bookstore. Well by the name I thought we had the right place - we were looking for shirts etc. ...didn't find much selection of shirts, but what we ended up finding was an awesome book store.

It's an independent, it's located across the street from the preeminent institution of higher-learning that brought us Ted Kaczynski AND Barack Obama, and it sells books. What more could anyone ask for? Such a delightful establishment, I'm shocked it doesn't have a solid 5 star rating. Actually, you know what? I'm not shocked. People will always find something to complain about. I know because I'm a people and I'm always finding things to complain about. That being said, there is literally nothing about this Harvard Book Store that warrants complaint.

This place just feels super intellectual. I felt smarter just walking in here. They also have a selection of knick knacks and cute gifts. They have a lot of excess publisher books that are marked down to low prices. I thought that was neat and it reminded me of the Strand in New York.

Place is just massive and had a great selection at a variety of price points. I love this place, I will definitely be back.

A great book store with friendly helpful staff! They have a large selection of books and is conveniently located in Harvard square. Although not the official Harvard University Bookstore, if you are looking for your next leisure reading, this place has you covered.

This is my favorite bookstore! Staff is very friendly. Nice selection of books. The used books are downstairs, and is large.

The store has so many amazing books and a great staff as well. If you're shopping at home, they're extremely responsive over email. There was a signed book that I wanted and was able to reserve it over email. The Harvard Book Store sells books at the listed price, which is oftentimes more expensive than online or with discounts, so I usually only go and browse books (I like their wall of recommended books at the front!), but once in a while, I'll splurge and buy something to support a great local business.

I was super excited to visit Harvard book store on our visit to the campus. Numerous online reviewers and bloggers have raved about the used book section downstairs, and I love a good book "find", especially if it's a new addition to my cookbook collection. There is a decent selection of cookbooks downstairs but honestly, there was nothing terribly amazing to be found. How could there be? The place was absolutely packed with people. It was hard to get at the books, or stay near them long enough to get a sense of any one thing. I can't fault the bookstore for that, but the downstairs was also terribly overheated on our visit, to the point that it was uncomfortable to be in. I perused the books for a short bit, then left quickly and without a purchase. I wanted to like it and judging by the crowds, a lot of people do - but this is not how this particular book lover likes to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Excellent bookstore. 1) The bookstore is very cozy. It is nice to walk around and pick a book out. 2) This bookstore is almost as good as the one at Montclair, NJ. However, the Montclair bookstore is much better. I recommend a visit to that one. 3) Overall, nice spot.

My partner and I stopped here near the end of a Sunday evening. There was an unexpectedly large crowd shuffling among the shelves because of a store-wide sale for member cardholders (unfortunately you had to sign up before the day of :p). As a result, the first floor was cramped and the employees understandably a bit cranky. Visiting bookstores is one of my favorite things to do while traveling and the Harvard Book Store stands out as one of the best I have been to, as one might expect. There are a ton of books between the top and bottom floors, so the selection is extensive but not curated. I would say that this store's main highlight is the great availability of discounted books. Unlike other bookstores I have been to, Harvard Book Store cuts the price not only on books in less-than-ideal condition, but also on titles that they have overstocked. If I find my way to Boston or Cambridge again, I'll be sure to sign up for their membership and visit!

Love this store and have since 1970. Books and more books. Books for people who love books. Run by people who love books. Visit and buy books. You will feel great.

Definitely the best bookstore in New England, and one of the best independents in the country period. The store has a slight academic feel (which I like), with exceptional social science and non-fiction selections. Also a good selection of art and photography books. Good to excellent speaking and book signing events, featuring a variety of well-known (and not so well-known but highly regarded) authors...the staff really run the events professionally. If you decide to become a regular here, their membership program is good and the email response to online orders is solid as well. Staff is generally helpful, though expect the occasional awkward or grumpy interaction, because, hey, it's a bookstore. (I say this with great affection) Best of all, this bookstore stays open late! Independent bookstores are enjoying a renaissance these days, but bookstores that stay open past 8pm still aren't as common as this book nerd would like. So celebrate this place, stay late browsing, and enjoy a midnight snack in Harvard Square after they close.

Bought a signed book. Got an unsigned book. There is no way to get a replacement for that.

You know, in all my years as an educated Asian, I never felt like Harvard and I would get along. While my overall dealings with Cambridge have generally confirmed this sentiment, I have to admit that the Harvard Book Store gave me pause. The upper level is comprehensive, with a great selection of fiction. The real treasure, though, is the used book collection downstairs. This underground trove houses wall upon wall with shelf upon shelf of high quality gently read literature at pretty great prices. The store standards for buying used books must be quite high, because though I'm fairly anal about the condition of my books, almost everything I saw was up to snuff and I walked away with four titles (Possession! Strangers on a Train! Middlesex! The Master and Margarita!) after weeding out a few to keep my luggage reasonable. If I lived in Cambridge, I'd visit on at least a weekly basis. I've been to many used bookstores, and I can't think of a single other that has impressed me to the same degree. The bookstore seems to put on good events as well, with frequent readings and the like. I imagine the Harvard name has a lot of draw for authors. As for me and you and everyone else, that beautiful basement of bargain books should be the only pull necessary.

Ah, Harvard Book Store! Always glad to stop by even just to check out what's new. A pretty comprehensive collection, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as social and natural sciences. Occasional discount as a bonus! They also have a membership program, which you can earn points for every purchase and those points can be redeemed for a reward. Be sure to check out the ground floor where they store all the used books at a fraction of a price!

Harvard Book Store is a wonderful shop to waste a couple of hours within its aisles of reading materials. It's kind of quirky shop, with books crammed onto shelves. Unfortunately, they don't really have a big selection of DIY, arts & craft books. It's a great little bookshop still to check out if you are in the area.

This place is part of the character of Harvard Square. It one of those bookstores that you can walk in and get lost in for hours. I always find time to wander in here if I'm in the area. The fact that I met one of my dearest friends in front of this place is just a bonus. I have a special place in my heart for the Harvard Bookstore.

Ok - you can keep your barnes&nobles, and book-for-a-buck, or wherever else people go when they aren't on Amazon. This place is one of the few havens for book-lovers left in the Boston area. It hasn't sold out, it doesn't have a section for selling Dilbert calendars, and they don't serve lattes. What they do have are current, relavent books of every genre and persuasion. And, when your done, nip off down the block with your books for a burger at Mister Bartley's.

This is my favorite bookstore in the Boston area. They always have interesting author events, a great selection of books, journals, Boston-themed gifts and more. If they don't have an item in stock, they can order it for you and often it comes in just 2 days...same amount of time as Amazon Prime, but you are supporting your local economy and an amazing small business. They also will gift wrap your purchase for you for no additional cost. You have no idea how helpful this is for people like me who wrap presents that look like a two year old did it. Join their frequent buyer program to get discounts and early bird opportunities for events. Their warehouse sale is amazing. You can get so many wonderful bargains. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The Harvard Book Store never disappoints.

I just love the smell of a real bookstore. Hey don't get me wrong, I love the convenience of technology on the move but something about a bricks and mortar place with paper is just aawwhhh. The crisp smell of paper. The bright colors. The organized chaos. It starts off with books but as your eye moves down the cash register line you can easily get caught up in the variety of different flavors and types of chocolate. Taz and more. Then onto the book lights and bookmarks. It was late and we were hungry and Mr. G is a very smart guy. Get the girl out before the dining ends and the clock strikes 12 cuz he will turn into a pumpkin way before I get done perusing the aisles. Please excuse the fingernail markings I left along the door. I tried to hang on. Really I did.

My favorite bookstore in the Boston area, hands down. Upstairs you'll find a large selection of new books in both fiction and non-fiction. This area also features the store's best sellers and staff picks. Journals, stationery, and the like also live on the main level. Downstairs is a treasure trove of remainders and used books. I could spend hours there. Onward to where I literally do spend hours - the semi-annual warehouse sale. Twice a year, HBS opens up their Somerville warehouse to the public for a weekend. It tends to be packed, for good reason. Thousands of remainders and used books at super low prices. The best part about this place is that the staff is always super friendly, even at the crazy intense warehouse sale.

Amazing selection of books. I am a teacher and was able to find lots of great picture book, middle grade, and YA choices. Love that they have tons of new books and an entire section (floor) of used/discounted books as well. You could spend hours browsing in here!

One of a kind bookstore. I can't walk into here without walking out with a bag full of books I hadn't planned on buying. The staff picks are worth looking at. The bookstore also has great literary events so keep an eye on the schedule. The reason this place gets 5 stars is the used books section in the basement. This is a hidden wonderland of bargain books. I've found obscure novels here. It's like a professional yard sale by a cabal of out of work literature professors.

This place reminds me of City Lights in San Francisco: locally beloved, but, by my impression, perplexingly overrated and irritatingly snotty. It's a largish bookstore with most of the bells and whistles that you would expect, but why would I shop here at list price when I can buy from Amazon for cheaper? Or at Barnes and Noble and save 10-40% with my membership card? I suppose you could argue in favor of the independent versus the corporate, but since I'm not local that doesn't hold water. The store also has no restroom, which surprises me for their amount of square footage and number of customers that were here on a Sunday afternoon. What saves this place from a two-star review is the basement full of used books and remainders. The used selection is extensive, but the books are in various conditions and the prices seem high. The remainders are cheaper (most around 60% off list) but there are fewer of them. However, like another recent reviewer noted, there were several titles in the remainders section that I actually would have purchased. In my case, I had already spent my allotment of extra luggage space in one fell swoop at Raven Used Books.

Authentic, independent bookstore, which we need more than ever in the digital age. The smell of paper and ink, the feel of a real book. Electronics can never replace that, my literary friends. Where else can you find old pulp noir book covers taped to the walls (downstairs) and a signed copy of a book about a cat that murders its owner with an antique, dueling pistol? PS: All this summer, get 15% off on fiction!!

Always love Harvard book store. Parking is difficult to say the least. But the book store delivers. Well worth a trip to this Harvard Square institution.

I can't even tell you how much I love Harvard Book Store. But I'll try. They have a choice selection of the best books! The good ones are not hidden amongst the mediocre/bad ones, they ARE the books there. As a result, it's sometimes hard to get out of there without making multiple purchases... The staff do their own recommendations, and tell you a little about the books, which is nice when you're just browsing for something good to read. They actually do an exceptional job of making displays there, really picking out some exciting new books, making it a great shopping experience. And then there's the downstairs... Used books and the sort of surplus books discounted from publishers. They have a fair selection of foreign books, but not great. The used books are very well organized, and they are super picky about buying, so the selection is great. They're not inundated with low quality books (in fact, they have none!). So if you're coming to sell your books, be aware that they'll probably not buy many because they only buy the few they need. Also know that the buying hours are limited, so you may want to check before you head in unsuccessfully. They also have a great selection of art books, social commentary, etc. A really diverse collection, and of the best quality. Check it out for yourself and enjoy!

This is the best book store in the entire region. Their book collection is the most varied on any subject and their staff is supremely knowledgeable. It seems they know exactly where things are when I ask my questions and it is just wonderful customer service. If you love books and authors, check out their events; there is so much happening here you just should get on their mailing list to stay in touch really.

If you're sick of the mainstream bookstores like Barnes and Nobles, this is definitely the place to be! I came across Harvard Book Store after eating at Santouka. I have a thing for cute little bookstores so I decided to stop in for a quick look. However, it didn't turn out to be a quick look because I think a spent more time here than I should've. The store isn't too big, but there are definitely A LOT of things to look at! I love how organized the store was - it's separated into genres (like any other bookstore) and it wasn't too crammed. I ended up buying postcards and two books - both biographies of Coco Chanel and Whitey Bulger. They have a great selection of postcards! There are scenic ones and silly ones. I am a sucker for postcards so I ended up buying [only] seven. I wanted to buy every single one on the shelf. On top of everything else, the staff is SUPER friendly too! They are so cute and funny :) I felt so welcomed and that makes me want to go back again. They also have a rewards program that you can sign up for free - you spend $100 and get 20% off your next purchase. Considering the fact that I ended up spending $50 in one visit, I decided to sign up for it. The books are kind of on the pricier side, but you leave the store end up feeling satisfied and excited to indulge in your new purchases. I can't wait to be back!!!!!!!!

This is a good bookstore. Actually, it's a great bookstore because I can go there with my best friend (who is a dog).

Excellent bookstore, wide range of books (not just educational)....for its size it really did have a varied and stimulating selection of books of all genres....yes of course they're are lots of course work type books there (of course), but for the non students amongst us it was a pleasant and varied surprise. I like book shops. I liked this one. A lot.