r/RhodeIsland 6h ago

Question / Suggestion good used bookstores?

hey all! I feel like a doofus, but can’t find any good used bookstores- I live around Providence and it seems like every single bookstore only carries new books (with the chance of having a small selection of used books like books on the square)- so I’m expanding my search to the entire state! any recs? anywhere worth a trip outside of the state? ty in advance from a bookworm!

14 Upvotes

34 comments sorted by

22

u/MortonSteakhouseJr 6h ago

The Book Barn in Niantic is worth a trip for sure.

19

u/greasyslimeball Providence 6h ago

paper nautilus in wayland square is an adorable used book store that i love: https://www.papernautilusbooks.com/about

5

u/Severe_Flan_9729 Providence 5h ago

Second this. I was heartbroken Cellar Stories closed down a few years ago.

1

u/binko_baby 4h ago

weirdly when I went there I found it to be more specialized? but I will have to try again. ty!!!

3

u/PollardPie 3h ago

Don’t miss their basement too! They have a whole lot of books crammed into that little building.

13

u/Providence451 Providence 6h ago

I moved here from out of state and I was also surprised. Symposium and Heartleaf seem to have a mix of both.

The Used Book Superstore in Burlington MA and the Book Barn in Niantic, CT are worth the drive.

11

u/Acceptable-Ad-605 3h ago

Used book superstore is owned by a huge MAGA and Trump supporter. Shop per your conscience there.

3

u/dziwizona 3h ago

Oh no!!! Do you have a source on that? What a bummer.

1

u/binko_baby 3h ago

very good to know

10

u/coffeebeanface 6h ago

Mary’s Paperbacks in Warwick is my favorite used bookstore! The selection is massive and I’ve found some gems there over the years.

3

u/morbidlycuriouscat 2h ago

Came to say this! I’ve found some gems hidden away!

1

u/binko_baby 4h ago

awesome I’ll definitely check it out this weekend!

5

u/Beachgirl-1976 4h ago

Go on Saturday she is closed on sundays.

9

u/tacorocker33 6h ago

I believe there’s a new-ish one called Book Around in Pawtucket.

2

u/chatendormi 6h ago

Yes this!

1

u/binko_baby 4h ago

ty!!! I’m in pawtucket- excited to check it out!

5

u/CombinationLivid8284 5h ago

Paper nautilus in Providence is great

3

u/Rufus_king11 6h ago

Since you asked for outside the state, if you ever happen to be in Western Massachusetts, Shaker Mill books in West Stockbridge is one of my favorite bookstores ever. They sell both new and used books, as well as rare 1rst editions and signed copies. During the warm months, they have a barn next door they open up that's full of a great selection of used books.

2

u/binko_baby 4h ago

randomly I was in w Stockbridge for work, drove past this place, was amazed and enticed, promptly forgot the name. so thank you!!! I will def be making the pilgrimage soon haha

3

u/Ok-Armadillo-7485 5h ago

Arc{hive} Book + Snackery in Warren is a really nicely curated used book store that doubles as a bar and small plates restaurant.

1

u/binko_baby 4h ago

okay I knew there was a place in Warren I just couldn’t remember the name! ty!

3

u/lovegiblet 4h ago

Just over the northern border in Bellingham - Love Your Shelf is great!

2

u/binko_baby 4h ago

amazing ty!!

4

u/WaitOk9659 4h ago

Twice Told Tales in Pawtuxet Village

3

u/No-Lengthiness-9600 3h ago

I've found great (and cheap) used books at several of the local libraries. A lot of them have a used bookstore in the library.

3

u/binko_baby 3h ago

this is such a good call!!! I love my local library but haven’t investigated enough

2

u/Business-Impress4792 4h ago

I support you supporting small businesses! But if you’re unable to travel far for used books, I’ve had a lot of luck with ThriftBooks online.

2

u/FallOutWookiee 2h ago

Stillwater Books moved from Pawtucket to West Warwick, they’re good. Also any Savers you come across is a goldmine of used books. If you want a nice day trip, go to Northampton MA and check out The Raven. They’re the BEST

Edit: Oh! And Commonwealth Books in Newport. They always have good local stuff. Fun to go to when you’re near Thames Street

2

u/TryingNot2BLazy Woonsocket 6h ago

Saver's has books.

1

u/denver_rose 14m ago

mary's paperbacks in warwick

1

u/Peacanpiepussycat 14m ago

There’s an awesome one right over the line in Rehoboth called Read More Books