The Montague Bookmill

What am amazing location! Local artisans, good food, tons of books, old vinyl, all the things anyone could want. Their motto is accurate: books you don't needed in a place you can't find.

Beautiful. We went in the summer, with the heat permeating everything around, and sitting on the deck by watching the rushing water is one of my favorite memories of this year, everything still and silent except for the river (the Saw Mill River? maybe?). The bookshop itself is full to the brim with books, and everything is organized into genres (with, from what I saw, children's books being the most chaotic, and even that being well organized). There are chairs by some of the windows, those big cushy wingbacks, so you can sit and read. AND I got a nonfiction hardback book for $10, less than half of what I would pay back home. Highly recommend, would go again.

This place, and the attached coffee shop, is such a lovely little place. This is not air conditioned, but the windows are open and it's a fairly well shaded area. Recommend arriving near opening in the summer. The Killegrew coffee shop opens before the Bookshop and it's a nice way to start a visit.

Music is nice. Interior is okay. Windows are not clean. Not romantic enough for a date, maybe during summer it feels different. In terms of food and drinks: tea, they don’t serve pot of tea which would be nice during winter season. If you end up getting food your best bet is to get a sandwich. Peanuts aren’t salted (neither roasted). Pretty cozy place but i wouldn’t give more than 3 stars here.

What an absolute gem! If you love books, nature and good food this is the place for you! If I lived near there I would frequent this place just to have an oasis for reading and working at a place that inspires. The little cafe has some really nice food options for anyone's tastebuds. There is a river next to it and you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the small waterfall while sipping on your coffee.

Overall pretty cool place. They have two floors and a pretty wide selection of nonfiction reference books, anything from politics, history of many countries, travel, gardening etc. they also have some fiction books but the selections for those areas are a bit smaller. The staff is very friendly and can help direct you towards certain areas you may be looking for unfortunately they don't have a specific inventory to look up to see if a particular book is in stock, But that's the nature with secondhand book sellers many times. Pricing is fair as well. Great views and it's a little off the beaten path. They also have a cafe I didn't visit but it has team and coffee, beer and wine from what I understand.

Great book store with an awsome collection of books we've raved so much about how we would love to go back! Even got a toat bag! Witch is so so cute.

Such a lovely sitting area outside and a relaxing sitting area inside with a view of the river. The cafe had a good selection and the books were fun to browse.

gorgeous montague bookmill, used books around every corner, up and down every staircase. i came here often as a kid, and it's just like i remember. i love that it hasn't lost its charm whatsoever. i was able to find 6 books i've been wanting for $40! and of course i got the mug. it's a beautiful store where you can pick a book and read overlooking the mill, or grab a bite to eat at the attached Lady Killigrew Cafe. the staff is pleasant and i loved the throwback of some meaningful memories that were created here. gorgeous, cozy place to spend an afternoon.

My fiance and I went to explore the bookmill this past weekend, it was definitely worth it! The atmosphere is beautiful, though I wish more people were browsing and exploring the area as well. We encountered a lot of students who were in the middle of studying that gave us dirty looks, but once we went to the lower floors the atmosphere got friendlier! They have such a huge selection of books, it was definitely overwhelming at first glance! I really enjoyed their 98 cent collection, I thought it was a really nice and affordable touch!

I saw this book store online at Atlas Obscura, a book store built in an old mill. Naturally I had to make a vacation around it. It is relatively isolated, with several shops and eateries in the mill. There is limited parking on top, with more down below and across the street. The entrance to the bookstore is on the middle level. They have so many wonderful used books! The price points are fair, and organized by genre. There is seating available if you want to take a moment to look something over. They also have adorable gifts in tote bags, shirts, magnets, and greeting cards designed by a local artist. If you love book stores, this is a must see! "BOOKS YOU DON'T NEED IN A PLACE YOU CAN'T FIND" :-)

Gotta love a good bookstore. We came here one morning and spent some time perusing their collection of books. I'd never been to a book mill and so this was a cool experience. Their collection of books is well-labeled by category and I enjoyed seeing what they had to offer. I don't buy many books since I usually go to my local library instead, but they had a lot of titles that probably wouldn't be in a typical public library. I like that there's a waterfall outside and a little cafe with seating. A nice spot to take visitors!

Good salad. Fresh greens and amazing dressing! A little surprise in the middle of nowhere.

This is definitely one of the most unique bookstores I've visited. Located in a mill, this rustic and cozy bookshop gives the most beautiful views into the woods and the streams down below. Its a used bookstore so all of the books have reasonable prices. I found some really gorgeous and niche books in there. Beware: someone found a racist/white supremacist book on there, and the owners got rid of it immediately. Perhaps more care should be given to examining the books before putting it on the shelves. However, it is still a gorgeous place!

Charming bookstore in the best location. This place is worth a visit just for it's location. The day I visited it was quite hot. The doors were open and there were floor fans on but it was just too hot for me to sit and linger. However, it's a very interesting store and worth a stop in when in the area.

As a book-lover, I found the Book Mill disappointing after looking forward to visiting for a while. The actual selection of books seemed very neglected, as if nobody was curating the stacks. This makes sense as the business model doesn't actually seem to be about the books themselves--they're decoration. As others say, it is much more a cafe/hang-out for students and people who want to sit with their coffee cup from the cafe next door in one hand and pretend to study with a photogenic background. These people make it very awkward if you want to actually browse for books and you have to practically step over them or hover in "their" space. It was a bad vibe. I have a wide variety of books I look for and reasons to buy books (gifts for others with different tastes, etc), and I actually left empty handed! I go to a lot of used book stores and this never happens. Most of the books were also not in giftable condition because of mildew or dirt. If you're there for the social media photos then you're in the right place, but if you're looking for books to buy, I'd go elsewhere.

Wonderful bookstore. Great prices on First Editions. Great coffee bar! Will return this winter.

When traveling in the area, I always stop at the bookmill! It's a wonderful, local bookstore (a repurposed mill, hence the name) specializing in used books. It's definitely a local favorite. Each time I visit, patrons crowd the space, relaxing in the various nooks and crannies throughout the store. It is a popular study spot for students. Book lovers will enjoy browsing the massive selection. The prices are definitely competitive (often beating online offerings), and you have the added bonus of supporting a beloved local shop. The attached cafe also offers a variety of drinks (alcohol included), and the sandwiches are delicious! The tables overlook the adjacent stream. All in all, I definitely recommend checking it out - be aware that you might have some trouble finding parking during their peak hours, but it's worth the wait.

I'm huge fan of bookstores that were once other things. I've been to book barns but never a book mill. It was really cool and I'm glad I checked it out. They have two floors and multiple rooms of used books for sale. Each section is labeled with what genre it is. I was kind of surprised by how small the literature room was, since it seemed to be encompasses all in one nook. In my experience, the literature section is always the biggest. There were tons of people sitting on chairs or on their laptops just hanging out. I could easily see myself spending a day there but unfortunately, I only spent about an hour. It was just enough time to find something so I didnt leave empty handed. They have some other stores in the area: cafe, used cd/dvd store, and art store. They're also situated by water which makes for pretty pictures. Highly recommend for all book lovers to visit!

Whenever I go to Northampton, I always make sure to stop by. This place is such a gem! The location is peaceful and beautiful. Great local used bookstore, with plenty of seating throughout it. It's definitely a book lover's dream. There is also an attached cafe that serves sandwiches, coffee & alcohol. Cafe overlooks the stream, and it's lovely to have lunch while overlooking it. I highly recommend it!!

Someone could just leave me here all day and I'd be super happy. From what I observed, Montague is a small and quaint little town... and The Book Mill certainly anchors it. We stopped by a few days ago and immediately fell in love! Bibliophiles will rejoice at this multi-story bookstore that lives in a converted windmill. Set amongst foliage, a waterfall, and an adjoining coffee shop and pottery shop, The Book Mill has been one of my favorite places to visit in Western Massachusetts. The shop is full of creaky wooden floors, rocking chair sun-filled reading nooks, quirky antique art and frankly, just SMELLS like books. Their selection is a mixed organization of new and used books. According to my friend, you either really hit it lucky or don't. But even if you don't need to do any book shopping, it's an excellent place to do work. I was astounded by the sense of community on the second floor, which included authors, scholars and students all cohesively doing work amongst the various antique chairs and tables. This was just an absolutely lovely place to spend a fall day. In short, their motto is spot-on: "Books you don't need in a place you can't find." But here's the issue... I NEED ALL THE BOOKS.

Used Books on many levels with many catagories - check Beautiful old mill converted to house said books - check Water fall and rapids - check Outdoor/indoor cafe over said water - check Decks everywhere to listen to nature - check Zen moment complete - ahhhhhh!

I had never been here before and oh my goodness it's a book lovers dream! It's almost hidden out in the western mass countryside but so worth it. It's a old mill building right on a river. Ceiling to floor covered with bookshelves and little reading nooks where you can just sit and relax. It has multiple floors and all book shelves are labeled nicely. There was even a cafe/pub inside it too. So cute and quaint. Worth checking out and spending an afternoon here browsing the shelves.

The Montague Book Mill is a very lovely and homey used bookstore. I came in here with a coffee from Lady Killigrew Cafe next door to do some work and found a comfortable seat on one of their many couches lining the windows. There is a wonderful view of the waterfall from here! There is also a very large selection of books; everything is neatly organized by genre on the two level bookstore. I was able to find a great book about pirates for my boyfriend in their extensive history section. Note: I called the Book Mill after realizing I left my planner here and they kindly offered to ship it to me free of charge since I'm not from the area. In return they only asked that I purchase a book from a local bookstore! I really appreciate how accommodating the staff was. I will definitely visit again if I'm ever nearby!

This was the perfect stop to show my California-raised boyfriend New England during our Christmas visit recently. Montague Book Mill is everything I love and miss about New England: culture, countryside, and history. The Book Mill is in an old 19th century mill perched above a rushing river in the one block downtown of the small town of Montague. You can browse for hours in rooms stacked with books--the armchairs encourage lingering. The Lady Killigrew cafe makes for a nice coffee and snack break. And it's worth stopping in at the art gallery next door. When we were there, they were serving hot cider and cookies. Even if you're not in the market for new art, there are several lovely cheap small watercolors by local artists.

Beautiful always, the Montague Book Mill is a collection of old and new books, hidden and cozy spots to stop and look, sit and read. It's magical and miraculously set in nature in an old mill. They have a couple of places to eat: -- an outdoor/indoor cafe with wonderful coffee drinks, fizzy natural soda (of course, it's Montague, after all!), and sandwiches, and then a fancier dinner place, all amidst the sound of falling water. It's beautiful. And, unlike their slogan, which I love, "Books you don't need in a place you can't find," it's frequently frequented. :) And, no wonder, it's cozy in the winter, and dreamy in the summer. There are 3 parking lots, however, so there's usually a place to park, despite a neighboring music shop and an art shop in the same area. Despite all the people, it's still surprisingly quiet, an introvert (or extrovert's) dream. It's a slice of heaven to sit outside with a fizzy lime drink and listen to the waterfall and the bees buzz while flipping through that poetry or fiction book (you don't need but) just purchased. :)

Check this out: Yankee Magazine has named The Montague Book Mill as one of the five best used bookstores in New England! I couldn't agree more! http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2013-01/features/best-used-bookstores

This is the nicest used book store that I have ever visited. I found this place when I searched Yelp reviews for places near a work trip and was so glad that it came up. When the very nice British lady (aka GPS) told me I had reached my destination, I told her she was quite mistaken. I was in the middle of no where. I was super thankful for my data plan at that moment! Their website states clearly that you should not use a GPS because it will not find the location and gives good directions. Once I got there, I was pleasantly surprised by their motto = books you don't need in a place you can't find. Priceless. I did find books that I didn't need (but very dearly wanted) at a very affordable price. Then I enjoyed reading it right next to the waterfall that runs behind the store. It was one of the most relaxing experiences I have had in a while. If you like used book stores, make sure to get to the Book Mill. You will not be disappointed!

Really neat bookstore in a stunningly beautiful location. The rapids are beautiful and I love the old building and water wheel. There are so many comfy places to sit inside and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. I could have sat inside and read all day if I was able to.

Overrated, but definitely a cool old building to put a bookstore in. There are better places in the Valley to browse around a bit and buy a few books. Still, worth the drive if you've never been in there to decide for yourself, and to check out the view out back if nothing else. My complaint would be all the slobs sitting around with their laptops stinking the place up like patchouli. This place is more of a hangout than a store, how they make money is a mystery. If you're a customer actually trying to buy something, you have to climb over about 6 hippies on rocking chairs just to get to the books. And you'll be glared at for bothering them even though they're just in there for the free wifi and not buying anything. For every customer looking at the books, there are 4 hippies sitting around on laptops. I suspect the place is owned by some wealthy bohemian who doesn't mind losing money.

I've been here a couple of times before but my trip a few weeks ago sealed the deal and will be my last. This quirky funky riverside complex of shops offering books, art, music and dining has morphed into a gag-worthy extended study hall for local students - in fact, there are so many of them, occupying virtually every seat in the place - there's no place to sit down, much less spend any quality time browsing the books. And when it comes to books, their selection has dissipated into what can only be described as a tired depot of old and out of print remainders and titles no one wants, yet being sold at inflated prices. The upper floor of the bookstore was packed like a study hall the day before exams. Every single seat was taken by a 20-something with a Mac... jammed with surfers not browsers sitting on their butts staring at the internet. Is this a bookstore or a Starbucks? So done with this place.

I can't rave enough about how much I love the Montague Book Mill. I thoroughly enjoying coming to the Mill during the afternoons just to sit and listen to the water flowing in the background. The outdoor seating is incredible and the book store always has a ton of great book choices. I recently brought my niece here and she thought it was great as well. We spent some time walking down to the water, then went back up to the store and read for a little while. After we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then went on our merry way. The atmosphere here is incredible, the staff is polite and again, the sound of the water is so soothing that it makes the perfect back drop to get lost in a good book. We will definitely continue to come to the Mill!

OMG! *THIS* is the bookshop to end all bookshops and that's really saying something even for a bibliophile like yours truly. I've been to bookshops like Bart's Books in Ojai, CA, book alleys in places like Istanbul and Paris but this just zoomed right to the top of my list. Situated in an old New England mill overlooking a rushing river cascading over falls and rocks, a giant compound which basically consists of a bookshop with an AMAZING selection of second-hand books, a cafe, a restaurant, a music and film shop AND a local artist's co-op and gallery, I could easily spend an entire day here and lose all track of time and space. With shabby old seats and sofas for your reading comfort including a few overlooking the river so you can both see and hear the rushing water, one of the best curated collections and HIGHLY organized, you're bound to find something here. Because the building is historical, it's also fascinating just walking around and looking through all the nooks and crannies and seeing how buildings of yesterday were built and those unique architectural details you'll never find again. Walls are displayed with articles from publications like the New York Times and Los Angeles Times reviewing and attesting to this establishment's charms. When I come back to this area I definitely intend on hanging out here more. Simply put, amazeballs.

Living room... spawned with a library... inside a barn... plus coffee. Nooks to explore, cushioned couches and comfy chairs to sit, windows to gaze at the burbling river. The bathroom walls are collaged with neglected ephemera from the used books they receive (think: acceptance letters, family photos, advertisements for a local band...from the 80s). While there is no catalogue of their collection, searching for the book you want (yet may not be there) leads you to one you didn't even know existed.

Probably the best book store in Western Mass that combines great scenery of a old mill with used books. The book Mill is might seem out of the way for some, but the drive there is really nice during the fall when the leaves change. The book store that sits along the Saw Mill River offers a relaxing place to look at used books while listening to the sound of the river. Books wise it has a great history/biography sections along with good political science section. Next door is a cafe called The Lady Killigrew Cafe and below the book mill is the Alvah Stone Restraunt. Across the street is the used music store called Turn It Up along with an Art Studio on the second floor. So there is more then just books to enjoy there. Before visiting be aware that this old mill building doesn't have an elevator in it so it will be a bit of challenge for people in wheel chairs to go from floor to floor. Thankfully all floors including the restraunt down stairs are handicap acessable from entrences on different parts of the property.

This is a very, very , very special spot. There is some great energy surrounding this place. Grab a bite to eat, go to the bookstore and just hang. The sound of the falls is the icing on the cake.

I love the Montague book mill. Beautiful book store with rooms upon rooms of books and quiet people studying. In addition, they have a gorgeous view of the river upon which you can have a meal on the porch or have a drink in the lady killingrew cafe. Highly recommend.

"Books you don't need in a place you can't find." Best slogan ever. This place is emblematic of everything I miss about Western Mass -- odd, hidden, quiet, friendly, and built on DiY spirit. I second Arwen's sentiment -- if I was independently wealthy, I'd want to buy it. A maze of odd rooms filled with odd books, from the run-of-the-mill (no pun intended) sections to the carefully selected. They have a freakin' New Media section -- stores in worldly, brainy Boston don't even have that. The setting is incredible, in a little gorge along the Sawmill River halfway between Amherst and Greenfield, and not particularly easy to find your first time (see slogan above). But it's the perfect place to buy a book you don't need, and waste some time enjoying a beverage on the deck overlooking the old dam. I first came here a couple of years after it opened, and figured this would be one of those flashes of brilliance not long for this world, and was glad I made it there once. It did help to convince me to go to school nearby, and many years later I can't believe it's still in business. Its improbable longevity just adds to its enchanted mystique.

This place is wonderful. It's a dream really. Located in the woods along a stream in Montague, it's a wonderful place to relax, reflect, and absorb a few good books. The cafe is sweet - get a cup of tea and sit in the beautifully lit room facing a woods - a full wall of windows. The books are super cheap and the building is cool. I try and go here every time I'm in Western Massachusetts. This is the kind of place that makes me feel guilty when I read on my Kindle :(

Oh mamma mama. Looking at the photos of the book mill gives me a wave of nostalgia and longing like I haven't felt in years. All stomach bug snickers aside. This is THE place. There are few places as legit, authentic and romanticized (if you are a book worm) as the Book Mill. My genius old roommate brought me here and I am forever grateful and indebted to her. This was around the time when she always wore an aqua velvet coat that I deemed her Willy Wonka. I forgive her for wearing that coat because, and only because she brought me here. I wrote many papers here- including my thesis and you should too. It's worth the drive and it is the stuff of dreams.

Rad spot... A great place to sit and do a little work also. Picked up a local nature guide (new to Western Mass.); they also had a tempting selection of adorable cards to send to friends/fam. And of course, books everywhere here!

The Montague Book Mill is not easy to find (best to get directions from their website--not your GPS), but if you do happen to wind your way up there, you'll no doubt agree that it's best that this place stays well hidden to preserve its natural charm. It encapsulates New England romance at its best--an old mill painted red overlooking a scenic river, housing a great selection of new and gently used books, a cafe and a gourmet restaurant. It's frequented by brainy locals and students looking for a cozy spot to study, read, and channel inspiration. There are two floors with plenty of nooks, armchairs and sofas on which you may situate yourself and while away the day... If you get hungry, just mosey over to the Lady Killigrew Cafe next door for refreshment. There's also a large outdoor deck that's connected to The Night Kitchen (the aforementioned gourmet restaurant) with a few tables and chairs if you prefer to do your contemplating outdoors, overlooking the river and woods. Really peaceful and I imagine it's picturesque year-round with each change of the season.

For persons who may wish to use my review to consider a visit: it is difficult to describe this bookstore. It is indeed, a bit hard to find and also a bit of a drive outside of Boston. Once you get there, there are a few buildings you may visit and wander through. It is like browsing books in an old house filled with bookshelves. Then, for those who are so inclined, there is food to cater to those with gourmet appetites. A recent visit to Kramerbooks in downtown DC made me fondly remember visiting here. Specifically, I thought this should start as 'five' and everything else should try to keep up. The ambience is very nice (old building, tons of used books, places to lounge), the food in the cafe and especially the beer (served creatively) were very memorable. The grounds nearby are nice, and the restaurant downstairs completed a very memorable day. I could see this being a pleasant place to visit in any sort of weather on any day of the week. I spent the entire day on my trip,

The Bookmill is just the best place. Like, definitely one of my favorite places in New England and totally doable as a day-trip or half-day trip from basically anywhere in CT. It's gorgeous in all seasons with the views overlooking the river. It's cozy, but spacious. There's a plenty of room to find a spot to curl up with a good, reasonably priced used book. It's beautiful and old and full of spirit and warmth. There's a coffee/sandwich shop on site, plus a lovely restaurant open in the evening, so you can fantasize about never leaving. Share the spot with someone you care about or go by yourself to disappear for a day, either way: it's magical!

This place is incredible. I'm spending two months in Springfield and heard about this place from a friend. I took the 45 minute drive through the country to get here and it was definitely worth the effort. I plan on coming back to this place at least one more time while I am out here. The place has a very nice area to sit and eat/drink while studying or just enjoying the day. I didn't try the food or spend too much time perusing the bookstore. But I plan on it the next time I'm back. Just as a side note, the place doesn't have A/C so beware if you venture out there on a hot summer day.

This place is a hidden gem! An incredible location, just the perfect place to linger and browse the stacks and stacks of books on nearly every subject! There are plenty of comfy chairs situated near windows that overlook a river flowing below. It was a bright and sunny day the day I went and the windows were wide open but one can imagine it would be just as beautiful on a rainy day, a fall day or even a snowy winter afternoon. Can't wait to go back and I definitely recommend it!

I love sitting in a room filled with people who are quietly reading. It's even better with a waterfall as background noise. The Book Mill also has a great selection of used books, including two large shelves of poetry.

This place was great. Late winter, too much gray and sour weather and we needed to get out of central MA. It was a pleasant ride. As far as the store, books and nooks and worn in comfortable places to sit and read them. All used but a large collection of contemporary reads among the moldy oldies (which I love) too. Just a warning this place could be hard to navigate for someone older and the stairs up and down from the third floor would be impossible for a wheelchair or anyone with ambulatory issues. There are lots of college kids from UMASS and the third floor seems to be an unofficial study area. I bought $50 worth of books and came away pleased and feeling like I had found some bargains. Will definitely visit again!

Loved hanging out here for an afternoon! Huge selection of books, lots of reading nooks and a pretty surrounding area. The books aren't cheap but they are reasonably priced. Head out back to check out the falls!

The Book Mill is like no other place I've been. It's in an incredible spot. You can get lost for hours among the two floors of used books, or just looking out at the river. It's run by people who care more about the books and the place than about squeezing as much money as possible out of tourists. When does that ever happen anymore? Almost never. I hope it's with us for many more years to come. Also: amazing music shows and readings happen here sometimes. Sign up for their email list so you don't miss them.

Used books galore! It's so cute and the perfect location to just sit back and read. So quaint and such a good selection! It is homey but very big! You can enjoy reading while listening to the sound of a waterfall out the back window. The books are 50-75% off! Highly highly recommend

Good to blow the minds of out a towners or to set up shop & write your dissertation. Get the vegan cup cake next door @ the Killegrew..

I could spend hours here, if i could ever find it again. I've been a few times and still have trouble getting there. But the multiple turn arounds and stopping to ask the locals where it is is well worth it. There are thousands of books, sometimes not in the best order, but it's endlessly fun to sift through all the titles. Last time I was there I spent the day buying out their Edith Wharton collection- I think I spent less than 20 bucks and ended up with 6 books. Pretty good deal. The cafe that is attached to it is super cool too. And, in a strange twist of events, is actually owned and operated by one of my husbands ex-girlfriends from junior high. Awesome. Unfortunately, last we heard they were actually going to sell the cafe part of the Book Mill, which is too bad because Sara is a wicked cool girl.

An oasis in the middle of nowhere. Lots of people reading in corners from a barn full of books, drinking top notch microbrew, shopping for used records in the woods by a river

It's all been said below. It's my favorite getaway spot, in the middle of the forest. I like hanging there, drinking coffee, browsing the books, and just getting away from the city. A nice place to spend a few hours decompressing.

Well worth a visit especially for the surroundings and setting. I advise going on a sunny afternoon as the Book Mill works brilliantly as a destination and excuse for a pleasant drive through the countryside. The bookstore itself is fun to meander through - don't forget to check out the shelves of recent arrivals - but neither its selection nor stock is truly outstanding. Its more a place for a casual browse than serious book-hunting . Some friends love the store's funny logo and you can buy T-shirts and canvas bags with it emblazoned on it as a keepsake or gift. The bookstore has a cafe with some well placed tables outside. I imagine if you live in or nearer Montague it's a good place to hang out and read or do other work while being sociable.

It's been years since I've been inside but they have one of my favorite all time slogans "books you don't need in a place you can't find."