The Montague Bookmill
You’ve got to love a bookstore whose tagline is ‘Books you don’t need in a place you can’t find.’ Housed in a 1842 gristmill, this cozy spot on the banks of the Sawmill River near Amherst, Massachusetts, is a local treasure specializing in academic books but carrying all sorts of things. Don’t follow anyone’s directions but the Book Mill’s to get there — the website warns that ‘they’ don’t know about the bridge that’s out round the bend. Talk about seclusion, which to our minds is the perfect way to read.
Comments (92)
These are amazing. May I add a persinal favourite I just discovered in my very own neighbourhood in Lisbon. It’s located in a HUGE space that used to be a printing plant (?), where the most important Portuguese newspapers were printed: http://www.lerdevagar.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=2
So a bookstore in a reused space is “unconventional?” Ok then. How about so many bookstores that have been priced out of their real estate, but don’t resort to anything so pretentious as by-appointment browsing in the owner’s living room? The Lafayette Book Shop in Lafayette, CA couldn’t afford the rent anymore, so they repurposed a bookmobile to be a mobile bookstore, visiting community events and parking in various local business’s parking lots. In addition, they do occasional warehouse sales at their storage space. THAT’S unconventional!
[...] 10 Unconventional Bookstores From Flavorwire: [...]
There is a whole street of second hand bookstores, catering for all audiences at Mexico city, it’s called Donceles street, downtown, a couple blocks form the Zocalo, you can find from bookstores with silly novelettes to whole rooms of second hand english books to first edition Lope de Vega’s
There’s a whole TOWN in the UK called Hay on Wye which is all second hand book shops. They have a rather excellent literature festival every year also.
[...] 10 Unconventional Bookstores For Your Browsing Pleasure [...]
Would like to add Daedalus Bookshop in Charlottesville, VA. Off the Downtown Pedestrian Mall, a labyrinth of books!
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rlz=1C1SNNT_enUS369US369&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=daedalus+books+charlottesville&fb=1&gl=us&hq=daedalus+books&hnear=0x89b3862dea50a48f:0x9086f096c38b74fc,Charlottesville,+VA&cid=2008463887336203701
what about powell’s books in portland? it’s so giant they print a map and the whole building is color-coded so you can’t get lost. plus, everybody who works there is genuinely friendly.
How totally awesome! I think it’s time to put together a tour of bookstores – who wants to go?
The Whistling Fish in Robe South Australia is what I call an unconventional book shop. Its eclectic stock of new and pre-loved books is housed in an old boat shed at the rear of one of this fishing village’s most historic sites and has a magnificent view across the Guichen Bay, which one can enjoys while sitting in the garden drinking good coffee, eating home-baked good things and socialising with the resident dog and cat. Come visit!
[...] Fantastic piece on unconventional bookstores (via Flavorwire) [...]
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[...] take a look at this list of 10 Unconventional Bookstores from [...]
The town of Banon (population: 1,000) in the Haute Provence region of France has a bookstore, Le Bleuet, with 50,000 titles (all new) in one of the largest, most amazing bookstores anywhere. Definitely worth a visit when traveling to Provence:
http://www.rue-des-livres.com/librairie/305/le_bleuet.html
Larry Mcmurtry has practically turned all of his hometown of Archer City’s downtown into a bookstore.You can see the last picture show theater as well.
Great idea for an article. We have a local oddity called Scarthin books in Derbyshire UK. I have been in a number of SH books shops but nothing beats Scarthin for sheer weirdness. A book lined wholefood cafe hidden behind a secret door that masquerades as a bookcase. A very VERY eccentric owner. A toilet that houses the periodicals and has an ancient bath in case you feel like one. The website gives a flavour… http://www.scarthinbooks.com
[...] 10 awesome bookstores. [...]
You’ve left off, The Spotty Dog Books and Pub. An old firehouse in Hudson, NY that was made into a bar, coffee, book and art supply store…
Very cool. I’d also recommend the Book Barn in Niantic, CT — a big group of small buildings set in a large, eccentrically landscaped plot, each devoted to a particular genre, whith a latrge and great selection of secondhand books, and cheap!
[...] you remember talking about The Book Barge the other day? Well, they’ve been included on Flavorwire’s list of “10 Unconventional Bookstores for Your Browsing Pleasure.” Hope it helps them with [...]
Another Country in Kreuzberg Berlin
http://www.anothercountry.de/
An english language second hand bookshop and library where you can borrow your reading during your stay in the city and return before you leave. the owner is a beautiful and unique person who lives in the back room (open for browsing). weird and wonderful book and film events. perfectly embodies the strange itineracy of this city.
the last bookstore in downtown los angeles is the new local haven for used books…in a huge, beautiful former bank on the corner of 5th & spring, it’s only been open a handful of weeks and, with its eclectic selection and cozy seating, is already a favorite destination for loftdwellers and visitors alike: http://www.lastbookstorela.com/
Jumel Terrace Books in Sugar Hill (Harlem) is another wonderful little spot. It’s in the basement of a brownstone and only open “by appointment, invitation or serendipity.” It sells mostly local history and literature, plus lots about jazz and African American culture. Neat little spot in a great neighborhood I’m happy to call home
North of Colorado sits a bookstore, it is in a 106+ year old building with original tin ceiling, and resident ghost “George”! It stands out as unique because of the beautiful African animal mounts, local gathering place and they sell ammunition and gun supply’s too! Worth the trip up I25 to the wilds of Wyoming and 6o miles from any other book store.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Ateneo
there are 72 michael seidenbergs in the phone book.
Aww the Book Mill! Happy to see that, brings back memories of my college life in western mass.
Looks ain’t all folks – The Dominican Church bookshop looks great, but is a very mediocre bookshop actually, alas…
and what about the small bookstore in the green house of the Wapping project in London :
http://www.lydiafulton.co.uk/bookshop
[...] Ți-ar plăcea să răsfoiești cărți într-o barcă? Sau să vizitezi un orășel de 200 de locuitori din Spania, dedicat în întregime cărților? Citește despre 10 librării neconvenționale. [...]
We have the newly opened Octavia’s bookshop here in Cirencester, uk in the cotswolds. It is beautiful, has a fab range of books is right near an excellent cafe and is just heaven to be in.
See http://www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk/
Lyrical Ballad, in Saratoga Springs
How unfortunate that they missed PAGES coffee bar and used bookstore in Conway, MA. We are housed in a building built by the Masons in 1897, tucked away in one of the most beautiful hill towns in Western MA. Perhaps next time…
Our website
The note on Studewood shop:
Dear Customers, We have reconciled with the letter P, my wife, myself, the dog and the entire alphabet are together again now ensconced in luxurious 3000 square foot quarters at and adjoining the shop at 3116 Houston Ave., just 2 blocks N. to Bayland, then 11 blocks E. to where it intersects Houston Ave.Houston Texas 77009 Come see. Open daily.
Oops link to the website did not show up here Our website is kaboombooks.com
What about Montalieu, the famous book village along the Pyrenees in France? Amazing place!
[...] welcoming places, haven to all book-lovers. So despite the closing of Borders, I was happy to see this feature of Flavorwire that shows 10 unconventional bookstores around the world. Enjoy these pictures and tell us if [...]
Please add a wonderful book store opened in 2010 by a retired school teacher. In Tilton, New Hampshire. Named after him, Mansfield books. He hosts open mic nights for potry and prose and musicians. Oh, by the way, there is a ghost haunted Inn a block or so from Mansfield’s book shop that is a delight to stay at while visiting the Lakes region of New Hampshire. With Borders books announcing today their closing, the unique book shops I hope will once again come into vouge.
what?? No Tattered Cover? (Denver) No City Lights? (SF). Bah! ;-)
Probably one of the most beautiful bookstore of is at Oporto, the Livraria Lello & Irmão.
more images at http://www.nomaders.com/blog/index.php/la-libreria-mas-bonita-del-mundo-esta-en-oporto/
Probably one of the most beautiful bookstore around the world is at Oporto, the Livraria Lello & Irmão.
more images at http://www.nomaders.com/blog/index.php/la-libreria-mas-bonita-del-mundo-esta-en-oporto/
[...] Morning List: 10 Unconventional Bookstores For Your Browsing Pleasure. [...]
There is a wonderfully unique outdoor book store ion a town called Ojai, CA. They keep their rare and first editions inside the house on the property but the rest of the books are stored in the outdoor section. Thanks to Ojai’s warm weather, very little rainfall and clever coverings the books don’t need to be kept indoors
[...] timd says: July 19, 2011 at 1:28 pm Your 10 Unconventional bookshop link doesn’t work – this shorter version does: http://flavorwire.com/194844/10-unconventional-bookstores-for-your-browsing-pleasure?utm_source=Sail... [...]
I love the Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor, MI, housed in an original log cabin and incorporating local writers, painters, photographers, musicians, and Ojibwe art and lore. http://www.cottagebooks.com/virtualvisit.htm
And we can’t forget Shakespeare & Co in Paris, complete with beds for stranded writers. http://www.shakespeareandcompany.com/index.php?object_id=20303010
Ok, this made me drool. But it is still sorely incomplete, since you failed to include the Ateneo in Buenos Aires, Argentina: http://bit.ly/p6y2QP
And on the other end of the spectrum, 32 Books: http://bit.ly/nu7rJD
[...] Flavorwire looks at “Unconventional Bookstores.” [...]
My father would never forgive me if I didn’t throw in a shout-out to the bookstore across the street from Eastern Market in our fair nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
It’s a repurposed townhouse literally full to the brim with second-hand books. Basement, main floor, second floor, even the bathrooms have all been commandeered for a tower of books. And you don’t need an appointment, since the owner isn’t a douche.
This extraordinary bookshop and restaurant in Brussels is missing on the list: http://www.cookandbook.be/
[...] From Flavorwire: 10 Unconventional Bookstores For Your Browsing Pleasure [...]
Yes, Denver’s The Tattered Cover should definitely be on the list. The one in LoDo, that is, as opposed to the one in Cherry Creek. Much better atmosphere — plus there’s Dixon’s right next door for brunch!
Let’s do the tour!
[...] lackofpostage: John King Used and Rare Books [...]
[...] etc.), and kicks off a spirited string of comments with further suggestions. . . . A list of 10 unconventional bookstores, most of which I feel the need to visit immediately. . . . The inspiring story of one man’s quest [...]
@Dom. Thanks for Scarthin books tip. Off to Derbyshire in a few weeks and will visit!
[...] stuff. I’m totally down with the Book Barge. [...]
Okay, I’ll split hairs here. I thought this was your own list of 10 unconventional book stores but it leads off with the one the Paris Review mentions, with presumably original photos (meaning you all *do* know the coordinates). However, it also has one of the same quotes from Brazen’s proprietor as in the Paris Review piece, meaning he either gives boilerplate answers to questions or there was a case of leaving out proper attribution. What gives?
[...] Unconventional Bookstores The blog Flavorwire has a great post entitled 10 Unconventional Bookstores For Your Browsing Pleasure. Browse away, the photos are great! (And my new mission is to find the [...]
[...] see also: 10 Unconventional Bookstores For Your Browsing Pleasure [...]
Totally agree with eumes about the book store Livraria Lello & Irmão in Porto, Portugal. The staircase alone should be able to get it on this list. Just being in the building makes you feel smarter.
Totally agree with eumes about the book store Livraria Lello & Irmão in Porto, Portugal. The staircase alone should be able to get it on this list.
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All of these libraries remind me why I read in the first place. Books, like these libraries, evoke that homey, yet imaginative feeling at the same time; they make me feel as though anything is possible. I have yet to find a library in my town that fits the criteria, but hopefully I will someday.
[...] comparto una lista de 10 librerías no convencionales, cada una con su historia particular. Se les olvidó mencionar en esta lista la fastuosa librería [...]
I went on a great first date at John King Books in Detroit, and we’re getting married in just a few weeks. Coincidence? I think not!
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[...] speakeasy for books. Or there are these unusual bookstores found around the world and these that include boats, trains, and [...]
I never dreamed people would cry when we closed.
Dogs were welcome: some found new homes.
[...] 10 awesome bookstores (I think my favorite is the one on a barge) [...]
The Montana Valley Book Store, in Alberton Montana–a house filled with 100,000 books and open 365 days a year:
http://www.montanavalleybookstore.com/
[...] – 10 livrarias não convencionais: http://bit.ly/pqofV5 [...]
[...] Ten Unconventional Bookstores for your browsing pleasure [...]
I recommend Wild Rumpus Books in Minneapolis. It is an amazing place – it’s actually a children’s book store, but adults find it just as wonderful. There are pet chickens, cats with no tails, birds in every corner. There’s even a “hidden” set of animals in the bathroom! It’s magic there.
There is a fantastic boutique bookshop called The Last Word located on the first floor of a b-movie/horror themed ice-cream parlor in Lahore, Pakistan.
[...] lists 10 unconventional bookstores around the world, open for your browsing pleasure. They all certainly have more character than [...]
Here in Baltimore there is a book “store” called The Book Thing. All the books are free…the joke is you can only take 150,000 books at a time (and that wouldn’t wipe the stock out. All books are donations.
A block away is an extremely interesting book/vinyl store called “Normal’s” on E. 31st St. A great place to find new subjects to follow…and also the venue for experimental music in “The Red Room” (which is now blue). Another bookstore of note is Salamander Books on Charles St. It is the site of an active writing workshop too. Come on down to B’More!
Brilliant article. More ingenuity will be required by bookstores as Amazon tightens its stranglehold. Some great examples here. P.S. Has the guy with the store in his house been arrested yet?
I agree with Kimberleigh about Bart’s Books of Ojai (California): http://www.bartsbooksojai.com/contact-us
Now is the time for indie booksellers and publishers to show their ingenuity and fill the gaping holes in the market.
Appears to be it’s finally around to warm up again ! It must have been a wild winter this holiday season all around the county. Is seems as though spring time won’t come quickly enough. Longing for summer time months ahead .
[...] 10 Unconventional Bookstores [...]
We’re also “unconventional”:,(Kalahari Books “The Garret”), a cross between an inner-city warehouse, Victorian style library in steel and wood, bookshop and literary and art “destination”. All Johannesburg South Africa. We deal in out-of-print fiction by popular authors of the past. For Photos and more contact:
Email: memmett@iafrica.com
[...] Unconventional bookstores that I want to go to. [...]
[...] 10 librerías poco convencionales donde disfrutar de la lectura flavorwire.com/194844/10-unconventional-bookstores-for-yo… por MLeon hace 2 segundos [...]
What? Noone has mentioned Shakespeare and Company in Paris? Guess I will then. Shakespeare and Company in Paris (near Notre-Dame Cathedral) is an American (in Paris) cultural institution. Check it out if you are ever in ‘gay’ Paree. http://shakespeareandcompany.com/
http://cerebralboinkfest.blogspot.com/2011/01/gothic-church-is-book-lovers-paradise.html
[...] I want to visit all of these one day, too: 10 Unconventional Bookstores For Your Browsing Pleasure This was written by Angeliska. Posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at 1:08 am. Filed under [...]
Add the amazing Valley Books n Things Store in Penticton BC. Since 1974. Almost a city block of used books. Terrific staff, rare turnover
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