The Best in Greater Providence’s Classic Bookstores
Look up the Celler Stories Book Store at 111 Mathewson Street, downtown. There you’ll find remarkable deals on everything from the classics to modern comics and children’s tombs. Don’t forget to watch for the twice-a-year 40-% off sale. The backroom is full of goodies you won’t see elsewhere – from classic gardening books to archival history pieces. Check out the classic postcard collection while visiting (most are less than $1), and don’t forget the section on science featuring first printings of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, a Medical Book of Curiosities, and instructions on how to repair your 1976 limo. Special requests are available. They’re open Monday-Saturday 10AM-7PM. Call Mike at (401)521-2665 for more info.
Myopia Books in Wayland Square behind Brown University offers rare and recent finds with a slightly Goth flare. Spend the day browsing, or just curl up in a well broken-in lounge chair with your favorite stack and a homy cup of tea, artisan-made pastries, and the oversized plants. You’re likely to find poetry here. Lots of poetry. Not Emily Dickinson, mind you. But poetry. And Philosophy – lots of philosophy. And books about cats. Did I mention the poetry? A great place to visit on rainy days, you’ll discover them at 5 Angel Street in Providence, or by phoning (401)521-5533. Maybe bring a sweater.
The Kingston Hill Bookstore brims with charm – inside and out. Located at 2528 Kingstown Road in Kingstown, it’s housed in a turn-of-the-century converted barn and is just minutes from the University of RI, Kingston Campus. Featuring used and rare books, classic post cards, posters and maps, the establishment is perhaps most impressive for its offering of first editions of classic literature. It’s easy to see why Yankee Magazine picked this little spot for their 2005 Editors Choice award. Hugh Stockmayer, resident bibliotaphe, proves a wealth of information on word development and Olde Providence history alike. If you like Steinbeck, or Hemingway, or lilt toward a romantic Thurber, this is just the place for you. Great place to find a book on how to build a log cabin, too, or how to put in an Artesian well. It’s just that kind of place – with that kind of history, and Hugh’s always glad to answer all of your questions. Find him at (401)792-8662 daily from 10-5. Look for farm stands along the way.
Tyson’s-Old & Rare Books has been selling maps, along with rare books, since 1928. The only specialty bookstore located in East Providence, Tyson’s proves worth the trip for the discounts offered on textbooks alone. If you’ve finished your studies at the academy, join their Avid Reader’s Club for special deals on popular items, or stroll the racks and gaze upon a 1st edition copy of Steinbeck (be still my heart), a signed edition of Hemingway – (OMG), or author interviews. This is no North Kingstown in atmosphere – it’s a simple storefront – but there’s no East Side fight for parking here, either – plenty is available on-street. If you’re looking for a bookstore to accommodate the Spanish speakers in your family, this is it! Tyson’s offers an entire section just for them. Also featuring a special section just for the folks “down under” in Australia and New Zealand, Tyson’s is centrally located on RT44. Look them up at 178 Taunton Avenue, or call to see what’s new at(401)431-2111. While you’re there, buy a map so you can find your way home.
Mom & Pop’s Book Shop is as simple as it sounds in Wakefield – You know – Wakefield – that little corner south . . . west . . . of Providence? A little dusty, a little cramped – it just adds to the ambiance of the place – like when you were exploring Grandma’s attic. There you’ll find used books – all kinds – never know just what – and records. Ayep. Records. Remember those? LP’s, 45’s, 78’s. Never know when you’ll get a hankerin’ for a REAL sounding Boz Scaggs. There’s also a decent collection of sheet music, in case a record of your very own is in your future. Take an antihistamine and take a look at 239 Robinson Street. Call 782-2553 for seasonal hours.
Symposium Books at 240 Westminster lives up to its urban landscape with its jazzy decor. Offering discounts on textbooks and referee journals (No, no – not like from Wild World of Wrestling! You know! Like research journals)! Symposium has broken new ground in the Greater Providence area by hosting author signings of current limited pressings and literary works. You’ll feel smarter just for visiting. Phone Gary at (401) 273-7900 to find out more.
Lavendier Books in Foster Center must have got their start when Salty Brine began giving all those kids in Foster-Gloucester the day off from school. . . . Specializing in modern 1st-editions and in collectible fiction, they’re always interested in searching out personal collections, and willing to make house calls. Among the stacks at Lavendier you’ll discover many 1st-quality sets of fiction and nonfiction masterpieces, alike. Search out Kingsolver and Cussler at Lavendier at 135 Foster Center Road in Foster, or phone (401)764-0082 for directions.
It’s time to explore one of these wonderful places – you’re sure to make new friends while you’re at it. Be prepared, though – when you’re through, you’re going to need extra room in your trunk for your finds – and have plenty of extra room your wallet.
