We’re back, and this time with a bookstore that is only a stone’s throw away from campus. Sharing a name with its neighborhood, our store for this week is Porter Square Books. No matter if you walk, bike, bus or MBTA, the store is less than 30 minutes away.
Porter Square Books is a classic for me: I brought my family there for Parents Weekend my freshman year, I’ve had to write a report on my experience there for a class during my sophomore year and I also wrote an article about an event they hosted last semester. Porter Square Books is a quintessential bookstore and it is one I’m familiar with. Honestly, it’s shocking I haven’t written about it until now!
They moved into a new location a little over a year ago, switching from one side of Porter Square to the other. The new building is located on Lesley University’s campus. It’s more spacious now, with a clearer split between the cafe and the bookstore. I’m not sure if you can have nostalgia for something so recently gone, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss the old Porter Square Books.
When you walk into the store, you’re immediately greeted by the staff highlights table. Close by are the romance, mystery and fantasy sections. Moving deeper into the store, you can find the assorted fiction and nonfiction shelves. I am always a fan of their memoir selection. Arranged around the store are a collection of knickknacks, greeting cards, journals and other fun, pretty things to supplement your book-buying adventure.
Outside of the staff picks, the store does not feel as meticulously curated as others. They have a large space filled with books, but it doesn’t feel crowded. There are notes around the store written by booksellers, adding a wonderful touch that helps it feel more personalized. Yet, you still might have to put the work in to find your next great read.
Whether you are looking for a specific title or just want to browse, Porter Square Books could work for you. The cafe inside is a great place to study and grab a bite, if you can manage to snag a seat. It is close enough to campus to be convenient, but far away enough to be a break from Tufts. If you are a Tufts student who likes bookstores, Porter Square Books is a definite must-visit. However, as it is a fairly standard indie bookstore, it may not be worth the trek if you are a distance away, unless they have an event planned.
I did not leave with a book, but I doubt it will be long before I’m back in Porter Square Books — maybe then I won’t leave empty handed.
