Favorite Bookstores
Independent Bookstores are the heart and soul of the publishing business. The inside of well-lit, crammed bookshelves and a comfy chair or two are the very essence of the images that every author and serious bibliophile has in mind for either displaying or perusing books. It is so ubiquitous that “you know&who” imitates them. There is nothing so wonderful as losing oneself among the shelves, tables and displays in a great little bookstore. When an independent bookstore is at its best they are educators, salonistas, informal gathering spots and keepers of the faith. Here at BMA, we are fortunate to be on the shelves of some of the best of the independent bookstores. We support these establishments and are honored to be supported by them. Each has its own special qualities and we encourage you to visit and sample their wares. It’s not only a good thing to do but it’s good for you!
Amherst Books in Amherst, MA 8 Main Street, Amherst, MA 413.256.1547
The Bookloft in Great Barrington, MA, 322 Stockbridge Rd. Great Barrington, MA 413.528.1521 www.thebookloft.com
The Bookloft in Great Barrington with owner, Eric Wilska
The Bookloft is an amazing bookstore. It is jammed to the rafters with everything you could possibly want in any category but all is accessible and easy to find. They also have a wonderful selection of used books and a fantastic and unusual card selection. No need to go to the big box store at all. Eric Wilska and his very knowledgeable staff can help you select just the right book and their staff picks are a great way to explore new authors. In addition to the frequent book release events which tie this store very much to its community of writers, this is a classic small town bookstore and it’s always popping with energy.
The Bookstore in Lenox, MA, 11 Housatonic St., Lenox, MA, 413.637.3390
The Bookstore in Lenox
No matter when you stop by The Bookstore in Lenox, there are bound to be at least three people gathered around Matt Tannebaum at the front of the store having a rambunctious conversation ranging from poetry to politics and even better you may run into one of your favorite authors. Matt has frequent readings and launchings of books with a very eclectic and interesting selection. You can be sure to find just the right book for the bibliophile in the household because Matt and his staff know their books. Check out the website and you can nominate yourself for employee of the month as well!
Broadside Bookshop in Northampton, MA, 247 Main Street, Northampton, MA 413.586.4235
Broadside Bookshop in Northampton
Located right in the center of Northampton, where all the action is, with students and faculty from the five colleges streaming in and out, Broadside Bookshop is a great little bookstore. Not only do they have all the latest books you just read about in the New York Review of Books or the New York Times Book Review they have plenty of literary tomes to please the bibliophiles in the group. Like most of our bookstores they feature lots of signings and other activities. They pride themselves on their service and we couldn’t agree more. See a movie, have dinner and shop for books!
Chapters Bookstore in Pittsfield, MA, 78 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 413.443.2665
Chapters Bookstore in Pittsfield
We are pleased to add Chapters Bookstore to our favorite bookstores. Right in the heart of all the activity on North Street, this well-stocked bookstore is holding up the literary traditions of the Pittsfield area. Lest you smirk, don’t forget the great white whale teller of tales, Herman Melville’s home is not far from the downtown area. Chapters is an inviting store with an excellent selection of local authors as well as all those books you’ve just heard about. They are happily frequented by their neighbors including some of the urbane staff of Berkshire Living. Check out their website for more information and upcoming events.
The Bookstore at The Mount in Lenox, MA, 2 Plunkett St., Lenox, MA 413.555.5119
The Mount, Edith Wharton's Estate
I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t love The Mount. It is one of the most beautiful of the Berkshire Cottages and has been exquisitely restored with gardens that transport you to a more gracious world and time. The rich history it contains as Edith Wharton’s estate and the many writers who frequented her drawing room, including Henry James, makes it a bibliophile’s must see. While you’re there you can visit the wonderful gift shop filled with books by and about Edith Wharton, Henry James, architecture, gardens and all the natural beauty of the Berkshires. Do check the website for hours during the fall and winter seasons. In good weather, buy a book, sit on the terrace, have a libation of your choice and enjoy!
Oblong Books in Millerton, NY, 26 Main St., Millerton, NY 518.789.3797 and in Rhinebeck, NY, Montgomery Row, Rhinebeck, NY, 845.876.0500.
Oblong Bookstore in Millerton
Just around the corner from the Millerton Movie House and the Irving Farm Coffee House, Oblong Books is another of those amazing independent bookstores where you can find just about anything your heart desires. They have a large sunny space on Main Street and there is a constant flow of locals and visitors in and out of the store. This is a great place to shop for so many things including children’s books and local authors and there are plenty of events to tempt you from the website. Here’s a link to The Enchanted Inkpot, a blog post of an interview with Suzanna Hermans, one of the owners. I also love that Oblong is on Facebook bringing their erudite class to that community. Stop by before coffee at Irving Farm and you are sure to find that perfect book for the weekend read.
Odyssey Book Shop in South Hadley, MA, 9 College St., South Hadley, MA 413.534.7307
Odyssey Book Shop in South Hadley
Odyssey Book Shop, located right across the street from Mount Holyoke College is simply a great bookstore, not only for the voracious reader but the scholar as well. This is a store for some serious browsing to look for those titles you have to order and can’t always find. Browse away to your heart’s content because the store has a well-stocked inventory that goes far beyond the usual genres and popular titles. They also have plenty of author events and a good used section as well. Check out their well-organized website to get a flavor of what you can expect from this first class bookstore.
PapyriBooks in North Adams, MA, 45 Eagle Street, North Adams, MA 413.662.2099
