USA's oldest poetry-only bookstore
Grolier Poetry Book Shop, Inc
Why locals love it
Founded in 1927, the Grolier is the oldest (and one of only two) poetry-only bookstores in the US. For a city with such tremendous literary history, the Grolier is as much a symbol and myth as it is a bookstore. It is now run as a non-profit, which allows the shop to keep its mission ever-strong. The one room store hosts over 15,000 titles.
Why you should visit it
When browsing at Grolier, it is highly likely to run into any number of the famous poets who live and dwell in Cambridge. Old photos of many of them hang high on the wall--Robert Pinsky, Carolyn Forché, etc. The bookstore is organized by nation, which gives readers an opportunity to peruse different translations.
Special tip
Arrive early for readings as the space fills (mostly with famous and emerging poets from around town).
Tu-We: 11:00-19:00
Th-Sa: 11:00-18:00