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Book Rack
Category: Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Cards & Stationery [Edit]
52 State StNewburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-8615
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
4 reviews for Book Rack
4 reviews in English
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Review from J T.
New York, NY
3/14/2012
Far up the coast of Massachusettes, shrouded in the mists of the stormy Atlantic, there lies the small shipping town of Newburyport. Weathered wooden shops crowd the centuries-old streets. The land upon which present day Newburyport sits is rumored to have been an ancient native american casino. Perhaps as a result, there are reports of local businesses being haunted, and on certain dark days you can almost hear the faint beating of drums and the ringing of slot machines.
I came to Newburyport for a book. The particular book I was looking for could have been found in any bookstore, but my purpose in finding this book was to utilize it's vast spiritual power and as such I was drawn to the place that would cultivate this power with its natural atmosphere.
The sky was a heavy shade of grey as the first flakes of snow descended towards us. I pulled my collar up to shield me against the oceanic winds. I could feel I was close... the book was near!
I stepped into the Book Rack through a single wooden door. A woman behind the counter welcomed me with a silent smile. The book. Where was the book? My eyes scanned the shelves and, not finding what I was looking for, came to rest on a beautiful spider's web hung like a ghoulish curtain from the ceiling above the cash register.
I approached and asked about the book's whereabouts.
The woman said she could order it but she had no idea how long it would take to arrive.
I said fine and prepaid for the book.
On the way back to my car a young woman was throwing up on the sidewalk in front of a cafe. The patrons of the cafe, accosted by this untimely display of physical revulsion, were stirring from their seats. This is typically not the type of thing that small-town cafe owners want to have happen on the sidewalks in front of their shops.
I didn't make it back to Newburyport to pick up my book. It's a long drive and hell if I have time to get up there, even for powerful spiritual books.
But luckily they were closing up the store for a few weeks to do renovations, so they sent the book to my house, free of charge.
The spirits must be looking out for me... -
Review from Chris B.
Amesbury, MA
1/26/2006 1 photo
Independent booksellers need your support! The Book Rack offers you something a big bookstore can't: personalized service, knowledgable staff, and all kinds of new ideas for reading you wouldn't normally find on your own. The Book Rack has a huge children's section, a great selection of really unique cards and postcards, journals, free gift wrapping, and all kinds of other great things.
They have all kinds of events, including character visits for the kids, authors for the adults, and all kinds of community participatory events. The Book Rack sponsors discounts for several local book groups, and are a great resource if you're looking for people to talk with about books. Heck, I've even heard them give recommendations for dining, which movies are out there, and all kinds of services not related to their core mission.
You might not always find the book you want right on their shelves, as it is a small store, but if you order it, it usually comes in within a few days. You could ask on Saturday, and they'd call you back on Tuesday. It's THAT fast.
Carolyn and Beth and Suzie and everyone are excellent at finding the right book for you, for a friend or relative, or whoever. You can't find better service in a bookstore! -
Review from Courtney N.
Gloucester, MA
8/6/2010
I love stopping by The Book Rack when I'm in Newburyport. It's a really nice example of a great independent bookstore, which are sadly disappearing in this area. I love the variety in the books they have available. Many smaller stores do not offer harder to find authors, or books that have been translated. Perhaps based on the success of Stieg Larsen's books, there was a table full of translated books from Sweden, Germany, and Norway. None of my favorite Norwegian author though, but he's hard to find.
I especially like the rack that recommends books based on staff picks. It's off the beaten path, and you can find some real gems that you might not have heard about. Yesterday, I found an autographed copy of a book that takes place next door in Ipswich. When I went to pay for it, an employee took the time to tell me how much he enjoyed the book and that he nominated it for an award. I love little touches like that; many places wouldn't bother since I was already purchasing the book. You can tell when you around book lovers, and I get the feeling that everyone working in the store is a book lover.
They have a huge selection of children's books. An entire room is dedicated to it. They also have a section of cards and paper, writing products that seems decently priced. And, they frequently have authors in to discuss their books and sign them.
This is a must stop if you're a book lover. It's unique in the downtown area, and it has a great selection of local authors, and translated European books. I can't wait to stop in again! -
Review from Bill M.
Newburyport, MA
Updated - 1/18/2010
The bookrack is making a nice little comeback. New leadership and a real friendly, book-smart staff make this a nice story.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/16/2007
Please save this little bookstore.. We are lucky enough in Newburyport to have more than one… Read more »
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