Good bookstores abound in Midcoast Maine
In our opinion, one of the best indicators of a community’s quality of life is that it offers an independent bookstore. So a community that offers up more than one good bookstore is really doing something right!
Here’s a list of our local bookstores, from Rockland up the coast to Belfast. Whether you want a good beach read or just want to while away a foggy Maine summer day, each of these shops is well worth a visit.
Camden
Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe, 33 Bayview St., Camden. This beloved bookstore has been a fixture in downtown Camden since 1970. Owners Craig and Maggie offer up a diverse and interesting selection of books, including local authors, as well as a cozy cafe. Watch for book-signing events throughout the summer.
Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, 14 Main St., Camden. Also stores in Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta, Freeport, and Portland. This Maine-based, family-owned chain offers books, toys, stationery, and Maine gifts.
Stone Soup, 35 Main St., Camden. An eclectic used bookstore with heaps of books that will keep you busy perusing for hours. Owner Paul Joy knows where everything is, if you’re looking for something particular.
Rockport
Barnswallow Books, 166 Russell Ave., Rockport. This funky shop in a restored old home in Rockport village offers an surprisingly diverse mix of new and used books, as well as summer events in its attached barn.
Rockland
hello hello books, 316 Main St., Rockland. Recently a top-five finalist for Publishers Weekly’s Bookstore of the Year! Owner Lacy Simons mixes new and used books in a small but dynamic, well curated, user-friendly space.
Belfast
Bella Books, 31 Pendleton St., Belfast. In a funky old building in downtown Belfast, this enticing space offers up new and used books, as well as antiques and other collectibles, and a cafe.
Left Bank Books, 109 Church St., Belfast. One of our favorite bookstores anywhere! The women who own and run this excellent shop know their books and offer a diverse, up-to-date, intelligent selection of titles, including a strong Maine author section. Also offers a popular author series.
Old Professor’s Bookshop, 99 Main St., Belfast. Describing itself as “a Harvard Square bookshop,” this new/used/rare bookshop offers books on “what is” and “what matters.”
