Commonwealth Books

Related:	umass boston bookstore
Related:	umass boston store
Category:	Used Book Store
Address:	9 Spring Ln, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Phone:	+1 617-338-6328
Site:	commonwealthbooks.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 27

Robbie Phillips

Used to spend my lunch breaks there; and a lot of money. Like at least 50 times. There were always the nice and the less nice clerks. Left a$60 purchase on the counter tonight and probably wont be back. Total know it all snooty old dude with pony tail first said he wouldnt take the $100 I just got at the bank, saying it was "old". I understood. SORT OF BUT NOT REALLY. I tried to play it off and gave him the remaining $ in my wallet that was presumably new enough for his liking and said lets try to put the rest on my bank card but that maybe not good. I joked that they need a counterfeit pen and he said oh theyre no good and then launched into a lecture on how someone (me?) probably wiped a one and put whatever amount they wanted on the bill. Then he proudly and loudly announces theres only 1.49 on your bank card so that everyone could hear. I wanted to say, dude youve seen me buy doZens and dozens of books here. I work retail. And have for 24 years. That is by far by FAR the shittiest treatment Ive ever gotten-especially from a place I shop several times a week. Ive never refused money where I work. Especially. Not with a lecture. OR A PONYTAIL After age 40. But instead I said. Oh ok. Im set. And took my 40 and my revenue stream out of that snobby bulls*** joint for good.

Neil Hendrick

Just off of the well traveled Freedom Trail, in Spring lane, you can find this wonderfully old school book store featuring a jumbly assortment of used books, antique volumes, and old prints and maps. Sometimes you find a great bargain, sometimes you just browse through strange and unusual books, sometimes you salivate over rare and expensive classics. Its got something for everyone and its always worth a browse between other downtown errands and expeditions.

Jonathan Mettin

This is a dying breed of bookstore - the kind you were sure doesnt exist anymore. If you go in looking for something in particular you might be disappointed, but if you keep an open mind and wander you will most certainly find something to pique your interest, whether it be a french cooking manuscript, a dissertation on calculus, an encyclopedia of fantasy, or one of the thousands of other gems hidden here.

Solo Bat-Erdene

Superb, though slightly disorganized and disheveled. Impressive selection of both new and used and antique books, series, titles and publications. If you spend enough time browsing through, there are sections dedicated to French, German, Spanish, Russian, etc. Has two locations, both within 100 metres of each other. A must visit.

Anton V

This store has no kids section. I dont know what the other users are talking about, because when I asked the shop manager where the kids section was he said "we dont have one." If he did this would probably be a 4 star bookstore. The shelves were dusty and the books where scattered, so I wont be coming back.

Derek Caswell

Google says the average visit here lasts 45 minutes. I dont know how you could explore past the front entrance in 45 minutes! Found this place wandering around New Years Eve and wish I had no other plans for the night. If you are into maps or older books, I recommend budgeting a few hours and visiting!

Kristal Castaneda

A beautiful hole in the wall kind of store. The store clerk was friendly and so was the cat working/sleeping there. The store clerk knew where everything I needed and wanted was located and was incredibly friendly about it. They even ship books to you that you cant carry! I could hardly tear myself away.

J Bro

Love to wander and browse the stacks here. Quite a large history section and the staff is very helpful. Oh and best of all is the orange cat whos always snoozing on his cushion in the stores front window. You may see him wandering the aisles too. Quite a friendly little fellow.

A Private User

if you poke through bookstores in Boston often enough you can see very expensive volumes at Commonwealth Books that were bought in the past couple of weeks at less expensive bookshops down the street. Nice to look around in there but keep a tight grip on your wallet.

Ricky Teter

A quaint, old, second hand style book store. Recommend stopping by if your a big reader. Its cool to just stroll through and take in the atmosphere. They even ship worldwide, so it may be worth it to checkout if youre looking for an older or harder to find print!

Lia den Daas

Great bookshop to get lost in. Spent almost 2 hours in here, so many books I wanted to buy! Staff was very helpful, and the cat Dusty came to say hi a few times. There are some hidden gems here. Will definitely go back when I visit Boston again.

Alan Duda

A great place to get lost in a bunch of old books and prints. Seems like theres no rhyme or reason to the order of the sections, but Id say thats a good thing. The staff is friendly and helpful. RIP Dusty the Cat. :(

Natalie VanDusen

If you are looking for a specific book/author, this is probably not the place to try. But it is a gem for just browsing, or looking in a certain genre. One of the highlights is the collection of historical maps.

A Private User

Had a great time browsing the shelves and found several out of print titles that Id been wanting for quite some time. The staff was friendly and very helpful. Ill be sure to return each time Im in Boston.

Ruth Levitsky

Another stop on my book tour-you can get a map of all the remaining book stores in Boston too. A small, but nice kids section too. Very helpful staff as well. Two store locations and close by.

Brandon H

Lovely book store hidden in downtown Boston. Tons of books and other interesting maps, works on paper, etc to purchase. Great atmosphere and if youre travelling, they ship books too!

ShrinkingManiac

Cozy space packed with lots and lots of books, as any used bookstore should be. Youll do a little better if youre looking for nonfiction works. And make sure you say hello to the cat.

Michele Jones

Great used and rare bookstore. The only thing wrong with it is that they dont have a separate Sci Fi section. The science fiction is interspersed with the general fiction.

Michael E

Amazing spot. Found an 1864 Diagram of the Tallest Mountains and Longest rivers by continent. Pikes Peak was thought to be the tallest ON EARTH at the time. so cool.

Katria Lesser

Very large collection, organized well by topic. Had some very old pieces to look at, especially the calligraphy pages from 1450 ad were great to look at.

AWA Press

My favorite book store on Earth. I used to go 2-3 times/week after work (and stay until close). Truly incredible selection (seriously) & great prices.

Matt Bernson

This place is a hidden gem for old books. I find art books here that i wouldnt see at Barnes & Noble and other big or mainstream new only bookstores.

Peter Roehrich

Although I left empty handed, a treasure trove of used and antiquarian books, prints, and maps. Very friendly proprietor.

Ashur Joseph

its a small little book store hidden away in a side street, Super awesome and friendly staff and pretty cool shop cat.

Tyler Gould

Antique bookstore with a large collection of rare and antique books and maps. Fun place to stop in and browse.

Ravenclaw Rachel

Awesome feel to it, I couldve spent days inside! Theyve got a really impressive collection of rare books.

Kris Casey

Stopped in last night and lost myself among the shelves and shelves of goodness. Amazing little find.