Newtonville Books - Newton, MA

Newtonville Books, Newton, MA

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Location, location, location.  I've said it before, I'll say it again.  The importance of a good bookstore location cannot be overrated.  Here at Newtonville Books, they seem to have found the sweet spot.  Mary and Jaime, the owners, have had the business for about 10 years but relocated it here in the Newton Town Centre.  It seems to be positioned perfectly in a busy area with other retail and cafes.  They get good foot traffic and there is a very large public parking area right across the street.  In near proximity is Boston College and a little further is Cambridge, an intellectual community that values independent bookstores.  All of these factors mix with a devoted core of regular customers who understand the "buy local, shop local," motto and you have yourself a location that would be the envy of any local business.  

This one-level bookstore has a unique and attractive space offering all new books and a wide variety of sidelines.  The front room has a wonderful display window that allows for lots of natural light.  There are staff recommendations throughout the store, something I always enjoy seeing.  The sidelines include the usual greeting cards (lots of varieties), journals, mints and chocolate, and who could live without Shakespeare Insult Gum.  They also have unique socks that I see in other indies.  Sarah M., one of the booksellers, told me that these sell well.  I was glad to hear from her that business is going well.

Newtonville Books has a very active events schedule and is able to host them in the back of the store.  They also partner with several book clubs, another great way to bring people into the store.  I was especially glad to hear that they have a customer membership club which allows members discounted prices on books.  I wish more indies had customer incentive programs.

I didn't get to meet Mary and Jaime but it was nice to meet Sarah and Nikki, two of the booksellers at Newtonville Books.  They were able to tell me a little about the store and business and did so while customers continued to keep them hopping.  

When you visit the Boston area you're going to have lots of sights on your to-do list.  Now you have one more.  Swing into Newtonville Books and enjoy another one of our country's independent bookstores.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The One Man, Andrew Gross.  Outstanding.  WWII historical fiction about the US trying to sneak a man into a concentration camp to rescue and break out with an esteemed scientist who can help solve the final puzzle of developing a nuclear weapon.  As you can imagine, the challenge and intrigue is unbelievable.  This was a thriller that I could not put down.  One of the best things I've read recently.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Freddy The Pilot, Walter R. Brooks, ill. Kurt Wiese.  

This is the impressive historical building where you'll find Newtonville Books, ground level and on the right.      

Exterior view with the entrance underneath the blue sign.  Notice the long display window on the right.  

View from the entrance and looking into the store toward the right.  

Just inside the front door and you can check out the upcoming events or have a seat and sample a book.  

View just inside the front door and to the left.  Terrific display of bookclub books.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

Terrific table display in the front room.  That long front window you see to the right really is great for natural lighting.  

Tourists might enjoy picking out some Boston-themed magnets.  

For most indies, socks sell.  Don't get distracted by chocolate bars below the socks.  

Just a few of the items of local and regional interest.  Don't get distracted by the chocolate bars above the books.  

A great staff picks display.  You'll find recommendations throughout the store.  

This is always a great way to utilize some wall space.  

Grade schoolers and middle schoolers will be all over this.  

This is the beautiful check-out counter.  I love the books they used to create this.  

The store has a wide variety of interesting sidelines.  

View into the back room of books.  

A couple of nice places to sit and try out books, or have a disagreement!

A portion of the children's section.  

Some coloring supplies that kids will enjoy.  

Another partial view of the children's section.  

I love these "snarky" dishtowels!

You can always find gems that nobody knows about in small and independent press books.  

Posted in the store, bookclubs...

...and upcoming events.  

This sounds like a good thing.  Not sure I've seen this anywhere yet.  

With Sarah, one of the fine booksellers at Newtonville Books.  Thanks for a great visit.