Top Independent Bookstores in Amherst, Massachusetts
Whether you are a student, an avid reader or just a browser, the selection of books found in these top bookstores in Amherst is more interesting, dense and diverse than what the mall’s bookstore stocks. Some of Amherst’s top bookstores sell only new books, including best sellers, local authors and some really fantastic books that may not make any national press. Other top Amherst bookstores sell only used books, ideal for students, avid readers and anyone on a budget. Still other top bookstores in Amherst sell a mix of used and new books.
Amherst Books
One of the top bookstores in Amherst is Amherst Books. It is an independent and locally-owned bookshop selling new & used books. Amherst Books stocks a strong selection of poetry, literature, & philosophy. Because Amherst is the home of Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), this top Amherst bookstores stocks a large selection of books by and about her. Read some of Emily Dickinson’s works at the Dickinson Electronic Archives.
In addition to books, this top bookstore in Amherst carries a large selection of small press titles & literary journals. Amherst books will also take orders online and ship books to anyone, anywhere. This top bookstore in Amherst also sells textbooks for for Amherst College, Hampshire College, & the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
This top Amherst bookstore also hosts events including poetry readings and readings by local fiction authors. Amherst Books does not just sell books, they know books. In the store or online, be sure to puruse their bargain books, unique new books as well as their staff picks.
Hours Mon.-Sat. 6:30am-9pm & Sun. 6:30am-5pm.
Contact Amherst Books
8 Main Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Phone: (413)256.1547
Toll-free: (800)503.5865
E-mail: books@amherstbooks.com
Web Site: www.amherstbooks.com
Food for Thought Books
Another top bookstore in Amherst is Food for Thought Books. Not only is Food for Thought locall-owned and independent, it is a non-profit, workers’ collective bookstore. That’s right, this top Amherst bookstore is owned and operated by its workers, in the true Amherst spirit of socially-conscious and forward-thinking.
Food for Thought highlights the staff’s recent favorite books as well as Book Sense Picks, which are “unique and provocative selections from a great diversity of voices” and are recommended by independent booksellers of America. They also sell bargain books and host booksignings.
Food for Thought Books is a top Amherst bookstore not only for its socially-aware selection of books but also its unique approach to business. This bookshop actually offers free delivery service to the neighboring towns of Northampton, Florence, and Leeds. Call for details.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-6pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. Noon-5pm.
Contact Food for Thought:
106 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Phone: (413)253-5432
Fax: (413)256-8329
Email: info@foodforthoughtbooks.com
Jeffrey Amherst Bookshop & College Store
Although it is the most commercial of the top bookstores in Amherst, Jeffrey Amherst Bookshop & College Store has an incredible stock of books. Their web site does not do this top Amherst bookstore justice.
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30am-8pm, Sun. noon-5pm.
Jeffrey Amherst Bookshop & College Store
Contact Jeffrey Amherst Bookshop
55 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Phone: (413)253-3381
Fax: (413)253-7852
E-mail: som.jeffbooks@gmail.com
Web Site: www.jeffbooks.com
Valley Books
For students and readers who like a bargain, head to Valley Books, another top bookstore in Amherst. Valley Books is another locally-owned, independent bookstore selling used and antiquarian books. Their 40,000 strong stock of books on all subjects includes used books, discount new books, academic books, popular books and half-price audio books on CD and cassette. Collectors will want to shop this top Amherst bookstore for old books, collectible books and first editions.
Valley Books was established in Amherst in 1975, and has remained a long-standing top bookstore in Amherst. Just because their inventory is rich with antiquarian books, do not think that there approach to books is outdated. This top bookstore in Amherst not only sells its books at its Amherst store, but also on the web, at numerous web sites. Find books from this top Amherst bookstore at online booksellers with new books, used books, textbooks, rare books and out-of print books: Abebooks.com, Alibris and Biblio.com.
Valley Books will mail books anywhere and do accept Paypal online in addition to cash, checks with I.D. and major credit cards.
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:30am-5pm and on “occasional Sundays”
Contact Valley Books:
199 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Phone: (413)256-1508
E-mail: valleybooks@verizon.net
Web Site: www.valleybooks.com
Disclaimer: As a student, this article’s author worked part-time at Valley Books.
Whether you are looking for the latest in great fiction, poetry or philosophy, seeking a provocative book, bargain hunting or collecting antiquarian books, these top Amherst bookstores will more than serve your purpose.
