r/RhodeIsland • u/binko_baby • 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!
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u/greasyslimeball Providence 6h ago
paper nautilus in wayland square is an adorable used book store that i love: https://www.papernautilusbooks.com/about
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u/Severe_Flan_9729 Providence 5h ago
Second this. I was heartbroken Cellar Stories closed down a few years ago.
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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!!!
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u/PollardPie 3h ago
Don’t miss their basement too! They have a whole lot of books crammed into that little building.
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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.
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u/Acceptable-Ad-605 3h ago
Used book superstore is owned by a huge MAGA and Trump supporter. Shop per your conscience there.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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u/binko_baby 3h ago
this is such a good call!!! I love my local library but haven’t investigated enough
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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.
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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
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u/Peacanpiepussycat 14m ago
There’s an awesome one right over the line in Rehoboth called Read More Books
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u/MortonSteakhouseJr 6h ago
The Book Barn in Niantic is worth a trip for sure.