Despite the ongoing popularity of audiobooks and podcasts, there are few more worthwhile activities than heading to a bookstore.
Thankfully, New Hampshire is still home to some great places to pick up a book. That includes some local booksellers that still use old-school methods of personal services that you may not find anywhere else.
You may also find these local businesses as social places to be for writers’ groups, lectures, and other events.
Whether you are after a treasured first edition, or simply a book to take with you on your travels, there are several great bookstores to visit in New Hampshire.
The Best Bookstores In New Hampshire
Not only are the best bookstores in New Hampshire great places to get a new read, you can also find writers’ groups, discussion groups, and autographed copies.
Toadstool Bookshop
Location: Keene
Toadstool Bookshop actually has several locations to choose from in New Hampshire including Keene, Peterborough, and Milford.
It still has that small community bookshop feel in each one with books and programs. That includes discussion groups, lectures, writers’ groups with community involvement ranking high.
The authors native to New Hampshire also make an effort to sign copies of their books.
MainStreet BookEnds
Location: Warner
MainStreet BookEnds is more of a community bookstore where you can also find toys and games. The bookstore also showcases local art and includes gifts so is always worth a visit.
It is also one of few bookstores in the United States to rely totally on solar power. As well as such a welcome endeavor, this is also a great place to find books on organic farming as well as homesteading.
Gibson’s Bookstore
Location: Concord
Gibson’s Bookstore is known as the largest independent bookstore in the whole of Northern New England. It has been operating since 1898 and has a huge selection.
Not only can you spend time browsing their selection but the bookstore typically holds many special events with over 100 every year. This is also a great place for searching for a children’s book while looking for toys too.
Portsmuth Book & Baro
Location: Portsmouth
Reading can be a social event too and at Portsmouth Book & Bar, you can enjoy a book alongside a glass of wine or a craft beer.
Maybe an espresso, a small plate, or even a Bloody Mary. Alongside the superb book selection, you can also enjoy the setting in the town’s old Custom House and Post Office which was built back in 1860.
The Country Bookseller
Location: Wolfeboro
As well as a huge selection of books, you can also enjoy a sit down in The Country Bookseller. After browsing through their selection, grab a pastry with a cup of locally roasted coffee or a smoothie with some gelato.
You can expect to take your time while taking in their variety of books, yet you can also enjoy their small town service.
Water Street Bookstore
Location: Exeter (see also ‘Things To Do In Exeter NH‘)
Established in 1991, Water Street Bookstore may not be the oldest in the state but it does include regular talks and book signings.
As well as a cherished book, you can also pick up some merchandise, including a mug or a few stickers. If you become a regular visitor, you can also pay $20 to enter their loyalty program and receive 20% off.
Not only would you be supporting a local business, but you would receive a tidy discount too.
The Best Used Bookstore In New Hampshire
There is something blissfully redeeming about picking up a used book. That sense of taking a once-loved book and giving it a new home.
New Hampshire is home to some great used bookstores where you may find a bargain or a book you never thought you would find.
Avenue Victor Hugo Books
Location: Lee
Avenue Victor Hugo Books was recently able to renovate its 270-year-old barn based on the donations given to the bookstore.
So many art prints, newspapers, magazines, and books were given new homes and a piece of history in the town of Lee was able to be preserved.
The used bookstore is close to the University of New Hampshire so you may be able to find some old educational books.
Sheafe Street Books
Location: Portsmouth
Yankee Magazine called Sheafe Street Books, the ‘best small bookshop’ in, not just New Hampshire, but the entire New England region.
This could be down to the bookshop’s specialization in Beat poetry, Beat literature, and New England classics.
Final Thoughts
While New Hampshire has some great sights to see, for some bookworms there will always be time for a spot of book shopping.
Whether that’s a used book or a freshly signed new bestseller, New Hampshire has many bookstores to choose from. These businesses serve the community so leaving with a haul of books should feel good.
Many also provide a social aspect to reading with writers’ groups, discussion groups, and lectures alongside fully stocked cafés and bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Known To Be The World’s Biggest Bookstore?
The title of ‘world’s largest bookstore’ goes to the Barnes Noble Bookstore. This is located at 105 Fifth Ave at 18th Street in New York City.
The size is reported to be 154,250 square feet with an estimated 13 miles of shelving.
However, with a reported 18 miles of shelving, The Strand in New York City may actually be bigger, and you can also enjoy open-air browsing in kiosks outside Central Park.
Which Is The Oldest Bookstore In The United States?
The oldest bookstore in the United States is the Moravian Book Shop. It was founded in 1745 and remains one of the oldest bookstores still to be operating, not just in the United States but the whole world.
The bookstore exists alongside the Moravian Church and College in the Keystone State of Pennsylvania. If you want to enjoy a slice of history with your book browsing then this is the place for you.
Other articles of interest:
