Porter Square Books

Category:	Book Store
Address:	25 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
Phone:	+1 617-491-2220
Site:	portersquarebooks.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 8AM–7PM 8AM–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 20

Jennifer J. Marler, M.D.

I am a serious book lover (yes, big time nerd alert) and I include Porter Square Books among my three favorite Boston bookstores. Though I frequently stumble on new and interesting books online, it is only after time-consuming searches. By contrast, this bookstore has such an artfully culled selection, that I will come across a handful of "must-haves" in the space of half an hour. Though it is a fairly small shop, they successfully offer a great combination of classics and eclectic new reads. It is a staple one-stop source, for me, of impromptu gifts for friends, given the funky choices of not only books, but catching letterpress cards, chatchkis and gift wrap. The small café is an inviting venue for a cup of cappuccino and a breather, while deciding which items to purchase (if you end up with a stack like mine). When buying items, take advantage of their frequent buyer program. The staff are both knowledgeable and helpful. The evening talks by authors (monthly schedule available online) are great, particularly since the audience size is limited, by virtue of the stores size. You can tell from my review that I am a fan (& would give 6 stars, if I could). This place is food for my soul.

Jason Luu

Would not recommend ordering books from them online. Im from Columbus, OH, I ordered two signed books from Porter and had nothing but problems with them. I called them with a change of address (which they failed to update in their system), and they even gave me some flack when I called about it (like it was my fault), they didnt respond to an e-mail inquiry, then when my copies came, they had sent me four copies instead of two, so now I have to fed-ex them back the books on my own time. When I explained that I didnt appreciate my customer service experience with the store in detail, they didnt try to make it right or even respond to my e-mail. Im sure theyre perfectly nice people, but definitely not happy with my purchasing experience overall.

A Private User

I have always loved Porter Sq books & their selection until I was sitting on my computer in the (totally empty) kids area (because there were no other seats) and a staff member told me they dont like people using computers in the kids area and they dont like people using their computers in the store in general. Thats unfortunate as I like to pop in here, browse books, get a coffee, and do an hour of work between meetings. I guess I wont go here anymore. Bye Porter Square Books...

Scott Kirkpatrick

I found an interesting selection of photobooks, not at all obvious ones, enjoyed the cafe and reading area. Have usually visited it with book-loving teenagers, and we found a secret asset (hope it is still going). They keep a stock of pre-release young adult fiction which they pass out to young adult reviewers to read and review. Rewards are offered if the reviews are interesting enough that the publishers use them.

Rosi Amador

This is the best independent bookstore! I feel lucky to live nearby. The staff is great. Theyre so friendly and helpful. They have great authors events and are very supportive of local artists. They order books for me regularly and get them in quickly. Plus they have a cozy cafe with really yummy refreshments and eats. Its a great atmosphere and a wonderful business. I highly recommend Porter Square Books!

amit shah

A neighborhood brick and mortar bookstore that stocks an electic collection of books AND provides a coffee bar, baked goods and seating for idlers and people in-between appointments is more than a welcome addition. The staff also special orders books in an efficient and timely manner. A low-pressure haven for browsing and youll find something that you like ----always

Monique Murray

Thank you Porter Square Books for your generous donation of Children Books to the Power of Literacy Project. Your contribution will significantly impact the lives of children in the Greater Boston Area. Porter Square Books supports literacy and community development. This is the ideal store to purchase books from as it gives back to its community.

russ sweetser

I like this place a lot. It feels the way a bookstore should feel, everyone is always super helpful, the books are good, the coffee is good, the magazine selection is good, its all just good. When I go here and I see a book I like, I usually impulse buy it, because you gotta keep the bookstores running at least a little longer, right guys?

eric rosenthal

With independent bookstores disappearing all over the country, we are blessed in Cambridge that Porter Square Books opened its doors several years ago. Proving that a quaint old bookstore smell is not necessary, Porter Square Books is comfortable, well stocked, easy to navigate and very well serviced. Excellent coffeeshop attached.

Kira Riley

My favorite bookstore in the area! The staff is warm, friendly and always willing to help. They have an extensive selection of books. If, however, the book you want is not immediately available, they will order it for you in a timely fashion. The coffee is tasty too! Cannot recommend this place enough!!

louise ross

Just saw Peter and Paul from Peter, Paul and Mary at the bookstore. Fantastic experience. My first bookstore event visit and will definitely attend more, hopefully as wonderful as this one. Helpful staff and excellent book selections on the shelves, plus snacks and beverages. Cambridge vibe.

Tim Pierce

A great little bookstore coffeeshop in Porter Square. We often make this place a destination when running errands with our kids (as in, "If you come along with Dad to pick up those papers, well stop at Porter Square Books on the way home!") Their selection isnt huge but its all interesting.

Krish Eswaran

I stopped by here while waiting for the light rail to buy some books for my niece and nephew. There was an area for childrens books, and I was able to find what I wanted quickly. It was also close enough to the station that Id consider visiting it again if I were to visit the area.

Brandon Kraemer

I didnt love my first two trips into Porter Square Books, mostly because of the clueless clientele crowding the store, but went back recently and had a good time finding new reads and enjoyed the knowledgable interaction with the clerk on the author I was reading.

Lindsay Pike

Cozy bookstore located right off of the T in Porter Square. They have a great childrens book section, cute odds and ends for gifts, and wide selection of cook books. The cafe is also vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free friendly. Excellent spot for people watching.

Dan Fireside

One of the last independent bookstores around. And its easy to see why theyve outlasted everyone else. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, well stocked shelves, frequent readings by authors, and a great childrens section. Love the cafe and free wifi in the front.

Benjamin Muller

Wonderful that this bookstore supports local authors, but the in-store coffee shop leaves the place somewhat messy, and the constant lectures and book signings make it surprisingly difficult to access half of the store many evenings.

Molly Ruggles

I just love having a real bookstore a subway ride away. Its a dying breed, we must savor it while we have it. When ever possible I buy my books through PSB, even if Amazon might be a little cheaper.

Miriam R

Great community bookshop and watering hole with friendly, helpful staff. I do all my book buying here nowadays. The physical store is moderately sized, but they can order pretty much anything.

Erin Kelly

Yum yum yum! Fresh rolls served up from morning to around 12:00 or whenever they run out. Remarkably good, everything else is fair. A good selection of books as well; I like cookbooks! ;)