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Cornerstone Books - CLOSED
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
45 Lafayette StSalem, MA 01970
(978) 744-1831
- Nearest Transit:
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Derby St @ Lafayette St (426/455, 451, 455, 459)
Derby St @ Lafayette St (426/455, 451, 455, 459)
New Derby St @ Klopp Alley (426/455, 451, 455, 459)
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Cornerstone Books
Review Highlights
"...sized childrens section and there are board games as well."
(in 4 reviews)
"...paper" on the way out to peruse upcoming events/news."
(in 5 reviews)
"It is cozy, warm and inviting."
(in 4 reviews)
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16 reviews in English
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Review from James M.
Peabody, MA
8/8/2010
I shop at Cornerstone Books for several reasons, including the neighborhood bookshop vibe, the selection, the staff, and even the music. However, there is only a single reason I love it.
I was in there one day, just perusing the shelves, when I found a book that seemed interesting. I brought it up to the cashier, who said "Oh, that's a good book. It has an awesome picture of a giant sloth in it."
I didn't really know what to say, since I could think of no reason there would be a picture of a giant sloth, so I smiled and walked off with my new book. A day or so later, I turned a page while reading, when lo and behold! Face to face with a picture of a giant sloth. And it WAS awesome.
Just like Cornerstone Books. -
Review from Catherine G.
Salem, MA
11/27/2011
As good as Cornerstone was, it is now CLOSED. The owner, who has a full-time career in the financial industry, in Boston, thought it would be romantic and fun to run a bookstore, with readings and signings, cozy seating, the whole shebang.
Then he realized that keeping a bookstore is a full-time career and calling, not a lark.
He tried in desperation to find someone who was the real deal (i.e. book-dealing and retail selling as a calling) who could take over and run the place the way it was meant to be, but, alas, indie bookstore people by their very nature are not rich. No one could afford to buy the place. So, it was closed.
It's a precautionary tale for anyone who thinks it would be "fun" to have a little shop of any kind. Retail is a profession unto itself. If you want to have a little shop as a hobby, have a wealthy spouse who bankrolls it for you as a way to have fun. If you gain savvy and learn how to make it profitable, all power to ya!
In the meantime, my condolences to those who loved Cornerstone. -
Review from Geoff M.
1/8/2008
This is a really nice addition to the downtown Salem scene. They have a nice selection of books and will special order if they don't carry something. They also have a cafe area with coffee and baked goods, and host several events (book clubs, games, music, kids, I think authors).
I really appreciate independent, non-Borders/B&N bookstores. My one suggestion would be to give a small discount on new releases or bestsellers. I understand they can't afford to match the 30% off at the chains, but even a 5% or 10% discount would make it much easier for me to bite the bullet when money is tight. I haven't been in in a few months, so maybe they have.
Updated 5/20/2008: I changed this rating from a 4 to a 5 because after posting it I received an e-mail from the owner telling me about several sales they had going on, including an entire month where every book in the store was sold below list, with the discount going up by 10% every following week that month. I've been in several times since and they've definitely offered more sale books than before. Bravo! -
Review from Lee F.
Salem, MA
3/10/2009
Thank goodness Salem has a full-service indie bookstore like Cornerstone! Nice atmosphere, lots of events and workshops, knowledgeable staff and a decent selection make this a great destination for locals who want to feel like we live in a "real" town instead of Halloweentown!
I hate special ordering books anywhere else but at Cornerstone they come in very fast. I can order a book on a Saturday or even sunday and I usually get a call to pick it up on the following Tuesday.
They also have a small but eclectic selection of music, video games and board games to choose from. They're fabulous! -
Review from Stephanie B.
Lynn, MA
6/17/2009
I was actually looking for the little bakery around the corner when I found this awesome bookstore one day. After a few trips, I think I am finally getting the lay of the land here, and I like it. Everyone is always super friendly, and I have been unable to leave empty handed. Today I popped in on my way home from kayaking to see if they had a book I happened to read a review on, and they grabbed it off the shelf, gave me 20% off (some special discount on best sellers right now), and stamped my little card that will eventually give me a deal on a book, too.
Support your local book shop! -
Review from Stephanie H.
Salem, MA
Updated - 3/17/2011
This store closed on 10/31/10
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/20/2007 First to Review
I have been to Cornerstone Books many times in my travels around Salem. It is a nice addition to the… Read more »
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Review from Alicia B.
Boston, MA
1/7/2009
Great local bookstore with an awesomely friendly owner.
I picked up their little "paper" on the way out to peruse upcoming events/news. Very cool.
My fave part of the store (besides the fireplace/sitting area) was the selection of board games - some I had never even heard of. I didn't have much like finding a book that screamed "buy me;" then again, I wasn't really shopping. I stopped in here out of curiosity.
Thinking back, I wish I had snagged up one of the mugs that had the faces and names of some of America's most famous poets, like Dickinson, Poe, Plath and Wordsworth.
You can find quite a bit here, between local history and science to kid's books and fiction. They even serve coffee/tea, which was a welcome treat from the winter cold.
So yes, go; check this place out.
They have a new Web site up - http://www.cornerstone.... They are now partners with Baker & Taylor, so you have access to millions of book titles, CDs, DVDs and video games - beyond what's in stock at the store. -
Review from Boris A. P.
Salem, MA
4/4/2011
This cat misses Cornerstone Books. The decline of the locally owned bookstore barrels ahead.
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Review from Celeste A.
Bedford, TX
11/9/2008
Its not real big but a cute store. I had a good time looking at travel books while my best friend looked through the young adult stuff. A great place to kill an hour while waiting for rush hour Friday traffic to subside in Boston.
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Review from Jon D.
Salem, MA
10/25/2010
Love this place. Wish it was a bit bigger.
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Review from Rachelle H.
Salem, MA
2/14/2009
cozy is the first word that comes to mind when i think of cornerstone. there's just something about the atmosphere that is calming when you walk into this warm book store. the selection isn't huge, as it's not a gigantic store, but it's actually a little suprising how much they do have. i like the variety; it feels like they have as many history books as they do fiction, etc. i appreciate that.
i'd say this store is great for kids. there is a decent-sized childrens section and there are board games as well. i imagine it to be a great place for parents to bring their kids, where the parents can actually enjoy themselves. i'm not a parent so i wouldn't know for sure but i get the impression.
this is just a very welcoming place. they have coffee, tea, and usually a few snacky baked items. i could spend a long time in here. -
Review from Lisa C.
1/6/2010
I adore this place! I probably wouldn't have even known about it had I not been given some gift cards, but I am so glad I was. The place has a really good selection of books considering the size of the space. I also really liked how they have some cozy chairs to sit around and read and a small cafe area. I think it's really cool that they feature local bands in their music collection as well.
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Review from Jenna M.
Salem, MA
6/18/2008
I love this local store. The people are very friendly and you don't feel overwhealmed like you may in larger bookstores such as Barnes and Noble where there are multiple floors, coffee bars and directories so you don't get lost! ( Don't get me wrong, I go to Barnes and Noble as well, it's just nice to delve into a smaller store once in a while.). They have super comfy chairs in the store and I love to sit in the corner and read. I have not purchased any food or drink from them, but I am sure it is good. I know that they also supply a few different board games for any one to play. . .
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Review from Lucien D.
New York, NY
7/10/2009
This bookstore automatically wins a star just by being an independent bookstore. The staff is very knowledgeable about their stock and their selection is pretty decent. If you live in Salem or you just moved here and you are a book worm you will love this place, They have a nice choice selection of children books as well. A gem of Salem!
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Review from Jen F.
Essex, MA
11/30/2009
This local bookstore is fabulous. It is cozy, warm and inviting. The staff is friendly and helpful. The news letter is amazing. They have so many events throughout the week with authors and reading groups and more.
My only critic is I wish the coffee selection was better but still 5 stars - a great place -
Review from Octavia B.
Boston, MA
6/7/2010
Not a Fan. The store's buyer is a total creep, and the owner treats people poorly to say the least. They have an ok selection, but I would never support this place.
