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Book Barn
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Books, Mags, Music and Video [Edit]
41 W Main StNiantic, CT 06357
(860) 739-5715
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for Book Barn
Review Highlights
41 reviews in English
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Review from Kris W.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow. A few days after my first visit & I'm still overwhelmed. This place is awesome.
Book Barn is unlike anything I've ever seen especially in the northeast. It's almost like something from a Portlandia sketch & I mean that as a compliment.
I knew something crazy was going on when we parked & there was someone directing traffic in the lot. The portable rows of books & tents set up outside are just unbelievable. This was a warm day in February when we went & the place was buzzing.
There are books (& cats?) everywhere but everything seems in harmony. There are plenty of helpful staff members around to direct you to find what you're looking for whether it's outside in one of their many areas or in the main building..
The main location just keeps going & going. Apparently there are goats & even an outdoor children's play area. There are other locations through out the town that I need to come back & check out.
We just stopped in quick not expecting such an experience. Next time we come we will make sure to have enough time to full experience all the Book Barn has to offer. I recommend you do the same if you're ever in the area. You will probably be as amazed as I was/am. -
Review from ronald s.
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Books.
Cats.
Pretty cool place to go to buy or sell used books. Lots of old books too. -
Review from Pamela D.
North Chelmsford, MA
4/25/2012
I am being as good as possible for this whole life I have in the hopes that when I die, this is where I'll end up. My only afterlife tweaks would be to maybe change one of the cats into a unicorn? But honestly, this place is #1, and massive thanks to those who put it there.
Putting the chick lit in Hades made me crack up super hard. Nice one. -
Review from John H.
New London, CT
4/30/2012
Best book shop in the area. They even have a big chess table setup. I mean c'mon this is good stuff here! :)
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Review from Ph B.
West Hartford, CT
12/20/2011
If you want to get a specific book then use Amazon, if you want a (or more than one) book then this is a great place. The selection of the best sellers from six months to a year ago is excellent and there is a highly eclectic selection of cook books, garden books, history and in other categories.
This is a one of a kind place and if you don't get along with cats this may not be your kind of place. -
Review from Jenn D.
Brooklyn, NY
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Such a treasure! A must see if you are in the area!
Even if you are not in the market for a new book (and who isn't) you've GOT to stop at the Book Barn.
There are several locations though out town--each which supplies different subjects. We started out at this location along the side of the road and then ventured downtown to look for a specific dance book. Anyway, this was really is unlike any book shop I've ever been to--it kind of reminded me of being at a Ren Fest. Walking down different wooded paths, petting the feral kittens..
Each topic had its own area--be it its own shed, a floor in house or on the back of a cart--and the grounds had seating, ponds and playgrounds. You could literally spend the day here. One of my favorite things things? Complimentary coffee, tea, water and snacks. (always) The staff was super friendly and you can tell how much care and attention was put in by the owners. It really is a special place and worth checking out! -
Review from Alison D.
Stafford Springs, CT
This place is incredible. Within minutes, I had an armful of books. (They're all either $1 each for $4 each.) There are cats everywhere. Goats. Books.
I was pretty overwhelmed, honestly, on my first trip. There was so much to see, so many titles I was searching my brain trying to remember, so many kitties to pet...and to top it all off, it was boiling hot and I was feeling a little sick. (And they ONLY have portapotties, so I was a little worried I might have to make a dash for one...)
But seriously. I am already dying to go back, next time with my camera.
As a kid/teenager, I was a BIG reader, but as I've gotten older other things have gotten in the way. (Namely, work, school, boys...) This place has the ability to reawaken the reading bug that has long been on vacation.
I bought a Kindle a few years ago in hopes of "minimizing". But thanks to Book Barn, that's all gone out the window...my shelves are filling up! -
Review from Nicole M.
Windsor Locks, CT
2/12/2012
I love this place. I am obsessed with reading. The Book Barn has a great selection of books at fantastic prices. One time, I bought 11 books for $15. The cats are adorable and very friendly. I would highly recommend a visit to this place.
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Review from Jennifer L.
Bristol, CT
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been to the Book Barn dozens of times, and I live over an hour away. This place has everything you could want, you just have to be patient sometimes.
I'm a teacher, and this place has been so good to me. I get discounts on books for my classroom, and my kids love it when I come in after a weekend with bags of books. Since it's so afforable, I don't mind spending the money!
I have sold books there, too, and I've gotten some great deals. I know other people will enjoy the books I no longer have use for.
To top it all off, I will admit that I work for a bookstore. I have been with that company for six years, now working part-time since I am a teacher. If a customer comes in looking for a book we don't have, I send them right to the Book Barn. When I tell them where it is, they hesitate, but they always come back to tell me what an amazing place it is.
Okay, maybe it's bad business for me to send customers to other places, but I love books so much and Book Barn is just the best! And it's probably a good thing I don't live too close, because I would have no money left to pay the bills if I did!
One thing, if you do go, check out all three locations. Even if you don't think one will have something that interests you, you never know what you'll find. It truly is a goldmine. -
Review from Kiera S.
Allston, MA
2/15/2012
A day spent at The Book Barn (any of its locations in Niantic, CT) is a slice of heaven for any book-lover, cat-lover, conversation-lover, or coffee-lover. I have never been disappointed on a trip out there, even on those occasions when I have walked away empty handed. The set up is at once organized and picturesque, the selection is immense and covers every genre you can imagine, the prices are unbeatable, and the folks there are knowledgeable and friendly.
Going to The Book Barn is way more of an experience than browsing some shelves. It's an adventure, wondering what you might find for yourself or for a friend among the thousands of treasures just waiting to be discovered. You can bring along books to trade in or sell, and there's always a great cup of coffee to be sipped or a sleepy kitty to make friends with :) -
Review from S N.
Brooklyn, NY
5/17/2011
It's worth a road trip. Bring a picnic. Bring cat snacks. Try to go on a bright sunny day.
There are T H O U S A N D S of books in both their old (much more fun) and new (main street storefront) locations. I found old issues of rare architectural magazines. I found bizarro self-help/self-esteem books for teenage girls. Recipe books. You name it.
Some of the barns are musty/moldy, especially the bargain shack. So if you have mold allergies, beware. Otherwise, you probably like that it's established and crusty enough to have a moldy bargain shack. I do. -
Review from Penelope Y.
Urbana, IL
8/15/2011
Hands down the best used book store I've been to. It's huge and they have a great selection of books. It's also just a fun, whimsical place to explore. If you come here, you absolutely HAVE to check out all the buildings. There are little surprises hidden everywhere, including many kitties napping on stairs and in hidden nooks.
I've visited both their locations, and have purchased books from both. My one complaint about used book stores in general is that they often have TONS of books, but most of them are really old and outdated. I've found that this book barn carries less of the boring/outdated old books, and more of the cool ones. Also a great variety of recently published books, from popular fiction to academia to cookbooks. They've got good stuff and their prices are very reasonable.
This is also an excellent place to sell your used books--I've come here a few times to sell my books and usually walk away with more than I expected to receive. They also offer store credit in exchange for your books (you get 20% more if you take store credit instead of cash). Check out their website to see specific types of books they don't buy and how much they generally pay for different kinds of books.
This is a very unique place--absolutely stop by if you're in the area, and expect to hang out here for a few hours at least. -
Review from Charley C.
Atascadero, CA
10/10/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I too love used book stores. They have so many wonderful gems waiting to be redistributed to people book shelves! This place is packed with all types of books and very well sorted and shelved, impressive! The prices were exceptionally reasonable and I recommend this place for those of you who still use books. (Yes I know ebooks are taking over and .... )
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Review from Jennifer B.
Coventry, RI
10/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I absolutely love this place.... I stumbled upon it one day when we were just randomly driving around and now I drive over a hour once a week to come back. First off the prices are great, as a big reader im always excited to find deals. The selection is huge!!!! if you can't find something that you would enjoy reading here then you just don't enjoy reading. The decor is so unique and i love shopping outside for books :) I have truly never had such a great time exploring a bookstore before. There are so many cats wondering this property and all of the are extremely friendly, fat and healthy. Every chance I get I bring friends or suggest this place to people because the atmosphere here is one you have to experience to believe.
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Review from Jeff W.
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best used book store I have ever been to. I've been to many and in many different states. None of them compare to the Book Barn. It's inexpensive, $1 paperbacks and $4 hardcover/trades. The place is ultra unique. Multiple buildings on a large compound make finding what you're looking for almost guaranteed. Also they have goats! It's a place with seeing even if you're not much of a reader. Niantic is a great little seaside village. 100% worth the trip.
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Review from Amanda K.
Queens, NY
9/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I picked up the beginning of a series at Book Barn on vacation and tried to find the rest of it in NYC's best used book store (the Strand), to no avail. Proving that Book Barn is in fact the best used book store on the East Coast.
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Review from Brian S.
Warwick, RI
Updated - 1/15/2010 40 photos
Books
Cats
Life
is Good
Book Barn has expanded since I've last been here. More books, more sheds and very importantly more cats.
Lots of kitties, walking, napping, washing and laying on the books. Very friendly but they know this is their home and they have right of way. Besides the kitties Book Barn also has huge, dumb, stinky and friendly dogs and even a goat or two. Certainly not your average bookstore.
The people here are extremely friendly and you can spend hours walking around through the main barn or poking around the different little buildings, browsing, admiring the critters or of course looking at the multitude of books. Lots of chairs and comfy places to sit, inside and out, so you can linger and really peruse the literature or perhaps the kitties.
The books are arranged in CATagories so you can usually find what you are looking for. Fantastic bargains and great and unexpected finds lurk around every corner and behind every cat. I always leave this place with more books than I can carry. They also buy books and you will observe people coming in with carts of used books to sell. The inventory is always changing so the Book Barn is a new adventure every time you go.
Book Barn is so unique, creative and fun that I run out of superlatives. Borders and Barnes & Noble may be like giant black holes, sucking in and devouring all the independent bookstores in the galaxy but Book Barn has absolutely nothing to fear. Advertising and the internet can never replace the sheer originality of Book Barn and no matter how many times I've been to Borders or B&N, I've never once seen a cat.Listed in: Very cool places...., Strange Places, Critters
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/30/2009
I love books and I love cats, so this place is like heaven for me. The name Book Barn is appropriate… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer K.
Saint Paul, MN
8/17/2010
This is one of those places you've always dreamed existed, but had no idea it really did. Sort of a surreal aura about the place...like Brigadoon or something.
Imagine a huge piece of property with tons of outside sheds with books. Used books as far as the eye can see. And cats. Everywhere cats. Gardens, free snacks, stuff for the kids to play on, just this rickety old place which seemed like somebody's dream. Oh yeah, I forgot there was a goat too! It is one of the great things about driving up the East Coast, never know what you will find!
Oh, and every book was about four bucks. We ended up having to mail a box of books home, which is what happens when nerds go on vacation. -
Review from Jenny F.
North Haven, CT
10/10/2007 6 photos
If you are an avid reader like I am, this is the place to go! Word's cannot describe how awesome the Book Barn is. It is definitely worth the drive so plan on a day trip.
The main barn which is where you buy your books and it has two floors with mostly hardcover books. However on the grounds there are small barns scattered about. Somewhere between 7 to 10. There is the sci/fi and horror barn, the mystery barn, the fiction barn, the childrens barn, and a few more.
All of the paperbacks are a dollar and there are thousands to choose from. Hardcover books are reasonably priced as well. You can turn in books for a reasonable amount of store credit at a barn named "Ellis Island."
I can spend all morning and afternoon browsing and shopping. I usually spend around twenty dollars and go home with a huge collection of books.Listed in: CT is not so bad
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Review from Thom H.
Portland, ME
10/16/2011
Decent selection and prices, but bulked up with sci-fi/mystery/romance novels--Baldwin's Book Barn this ain't.
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Review from Rebecca H.
Norwalk, CT
6/2/2010
I have been going here for over almost a year, now. That is, I've been making the 2-hour pilgrammage for over a year. And while I absolutely loved the Book Barn, I wasn't quite ready to make a declaration of love until my last visit.
Not only is the place a World of Wonders for book lovers, it has the most knowledgeable, friendly staff one could ever hope for in a book store. In a day and age where large chain booksellers are hiring any ol' sixteen-year-old off the street, to be around people who truly live, breathe, and work books is inspiring and refreshing.
Upon my most recent visit, I came with the recommendations of 100 friends swirling around in my mind. The common thread? "Read something by Neil Gaiman." All right. I will.
I searched, but couldn't find anything. Finally I stopped one of the booksellers, Darcy, and asked her. You know when someone loves a book so much their eyes light up and they start talking really fast? That was her. I had magically stumbled upon the perfect person to ask about Gaiman's works. Darcy took me around the Barn, pulling out suggestions and hunting for long-lost copies of American Gods. Her passion and excitement at talking about these books made me absolutely giddy. I bought the lot and drove home, bursting with anticipation.
The Book Barn is so much more than a legendary spread of books. It is about fostering a community that truly loves the written word, and is positively generous about sharing it. Perhaps you're put off by the idea of books in outdoor sheds or the many wandering cats: don't be. You will never experience intrinsic joy of hunting for books in a sterile, chain-store environment. Make this your Mecca and go forth, oh pilgrims. -
Review from Matt S.
Old Lyme, CT
10/12/2011
The absolute best place on earth. The only problem is you will walk around with no real book ideas in mind, and walk out with a stack of books... which I guess isn't really a problem
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Review from Romulo R.
9/23/2010
I would say that without a doubt this place is one of my favorite hangouts.
A huge inventory of used books spread out over several buildings, the selection here can not be beat. This is an excellent Used book store. Yes, that means that you have to search for treasures, but the books are well organized and, lets face it, if you like used books, you know that hunting is half the fun.
Parking can be a little tight, specially during tourist season, but do not let that deter you. -
Review from Erin M.
Vestal, NY
6/6/2009
Oh my goodness. The Book Barn.
When my boyfriend told me he was taking me to a bookstore, I was delighted. I love books, I love reading, and hanging out at a bookstore for an hour or two seemed like a great way to kill some time on a lazy afternoon.
I had no idea what I was getting into. Book Barn isn't a bookstore. This is a book EXPERIENCE. Really, I have never been anywhere like this. There are tons of books. Thousands. Tens of thousands. Maybe even more. We got to the property and browsed for about three hours. We spent two hours exploring the various annexes and sheds before entering the main barn.
Whatever type of book you like, you will be able to find it here; be it at the main location or at the downtown location. If you like books, this is the place to be. And because it's a used bookstore, the prices are really great: $1 for mass market paperbacks, $4 or $5 for most trade paperbacks; hardcover books are more, but still entirely reasonable.
The grounds are also amazing. There's free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snackies (cheeze-its and doughnuts) in the main barn, and comfortable places to sit and read all over the place.
This place is an absolute gem. -
Review from Paloma K.
Norwich, CT
11/4/2010
Best way to spend an afternoon, and spend not so much money!
$1 paperbacks, $4 hardcovers... can't beat it. -
Review from Christopher W.
Alexandria, VA
9/7/2011
There probably isn't much I can say that hasn't been said before, but I'll weigh in as well.
The Book Barn is one of the best used bookstores I've ever been too -- huge selection, good prices, good staff, lots of current or recent books, most in good condition, nice atmosphere, fairly well organized, as tidy as it can be, and (probably most important to me) a very good turnover of stock.
I come up to Connecticut a few times a year, and I almost always stop in here. I never fail to walk out with at least an armful of books. -
Review from Liz K.
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
8/5/2011
A must for every reader. Great staff, great selection. If you manage to find a book that isn't on their shelves they can order it for you.
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Review from Laura Z.
Poughkeepsie, NY
6/26/2007
Holy Smokes! A visit to the Book Barn is like hitting the mother lode of used books - your arms will get a work out simply hauling all that loot to the register! This place is big and you can easily spend an entire afternoon strolling from one outbuilding to another (yes, there are separate building for things like mysteries, fiction, and romances) and then settle into the main barn for a coffee, cookie (or donut) and more perusing through non-fiction, history, children's books, and arts and architecture. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and there are lots of cats, a few goats, and assorted playground areas to keep the kiddies occupied.
But the best thing about the Book Barn are the prices - they don't sell on eBay or other websites so that keeps inflation in check. They'll also buy books for cash or store credit. Which certainly helps to further reduce the price of those dozen + titles you can't possibly live without! -
Review from DoNotRent F.
Pawtucket, RI
4/12/2011
If you like treasure-hunting amid mountains of used books, the Book Barn in Niantic CT is a really great place to spend a warm, spring afternoon. You never know what you'll find, but I do believe it's possible to find just about anything there. And you can be sure that when you do find something, it will likely cost you next to nothing. I once found a nice hardcover copy of the complete works of Edgar Allen Poe for $5 or $6. We regularly find great paperbacks for $1. And although I've never done so myself, you can also trade books in there for credit or even cash I think. We prefer the main location, as opposed to the satellite expansions, for its character and charm, you just have to go yourself and see!
The books are organized into little stands and houses, all devoted to different genres. One house is devoted to literary fiction, one to sci-fi and fantasy. Others parts are devoted to romance, mystery, travel-writing, history, young-adult and children. The list goes on. While there is a method to their madness, it isn't all well-organized so to enjoy your experience, you should probably be in the mood for random browsing by genre. We usually pack a picnic to bring with us.
Finally, the staff are really friendly and knowledgeable and the kitty welcoming committee roams freely. One small black tabby seems to have adopted us, and gives us the grand tour every time we go. -
Review from Jessica C.
New London, CT
8/24/2010
Best book store on the East Coast. No joke.
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Review from tracy r.
Derby, CT
8/28/2008
This is the best used book store I have ever found, and I'm just talking about in Connecticut either. This is a piece of property that has two houses and several shed areas, all converted to house used books. The owners live on the premises in their own home, separate, but close. I have never been here where I couldn't find what I was looking for, along with an assortment of other treasures I find along the way. There is every category under the sun listed and ones you never thought of. Prices are very reasonable. If you can't find it here your not looking hard enough!
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Review from Linda R.
Madison, CT
8/15/2010
Diamond in the rough... Best used book store in CT.
Never know what you will find but a great place to treasure hunt books. -
Review from Tavit S.
Narragansett, RI
7/2/2011
I am in my 60s and have been a used book aficionado forever. East of the Mississippi, this is THE BEST used bookstore (I should say bookstores since The Book Barn is made up of multiple stores and multiple buildings) I have EVER been to! Bring a lunch (I'm not kidding) and get ready for a fantastic outing. Besides books, there are trails on the property that take you over small (man-made) streams, goats, geese, picnic tables... And you'll find lazy dogs and fat cats sleeping among the stacks of books. When I die, this is where I want to go. This is worth a long drive. BTW, check out the Book Barn's website at: http://www.bookbarnnia...
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Review from mochi m.
Middletown, CT
2/20/2010
Over 10 fat, friendly cats, a petting zoo (feed goats!) and barns full of books!
SO. MUCH. FUN.
I love weird places like this, and my favorite is the pet cemetery right in front of the Horror section. The books are really well-priced, too, and you can find just about anything. Don't forget to browse at the employee shelves inside by the cash register. I've often found really good things on those shelves. -
Review from Matthew S.
Brooklyn, NY
9/13/2010
what can i say...it's a dream. an absolute fever dream of bibliophilic wonder. a full-fledged literary compound; as in buildings and buildings full of books. it's really quite unbelievable.
the main barn houses history and art and some other non-fiction sections. there's a separate building for fiction, a separate building for mystery and horror, and buildings for children's as well. unfortunately my two must-browse sections in any bookstore: science fiction and religion are at the downtown location. but i ain't complaining. i bought stuff here anyway.....and then i headed to the downtown location (see review).
seriously folks, this is the best used bookstore i've ever been to. if you're in the area you need to stop here. it's even worth the trip from nyc or boston or wherever...it's that good. -
Review from Baby Mr. T.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 9/12/2009
I forgot the koi pond.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2009
A great used bookstore, if you can count a farm with goats, lazy cats, a playground, porta potties… Read more »
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Review from Nita M.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2010
Why should book stores be in small rooms with low hanging ceilings and a cantankerous staff? Why can't it also be an adventure? A literal barn spread out with little rooms and huts to accommodate more dusty treasures. Cat's are sleeping in every room, the book guards of sorts and a sailboat themed play area for children. Quite possibly one of the most interesting book stores I have ever chanced upon. Unfortunately the selection is better in other booksellers and the abundance of mysteries is somewhat overwhelming. As a whole I wept as I left and rejoiced with my large armload of goodies.
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Review from R G.
Melrose, MA
8/6/2010
Made a special trip just for this at the recommendation of a friend, and it was worth it for the adeventure, novely and selection.
Books, Cats, more Books, Barns full of Books. I really don't need to say more. Be sure to also check out the downtown location for science fiction, DVD and cookbooks in addition to the main location for mysterys and fiction. -
Review from she b.
Niantic, CT
11/8/2007
If you are visiting Niantic the Book Barn is a must! Great place to spend a lazy day. The kids will love the playscape and animals. You won't leave empty handed, impossible. Love it! Great staff.
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Review from Ken M.
Manomet, MA
2/20/2011
I found out about the Book Barn by accident. I must say that this place is AWESOME! There are so many books, spread across so many locations! Honestly, I spent at least an hour at the main location alone. I think that no trip to Niantic/Mystic/the Casinos will ever be complete without a trip here!
