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Being a Bibliophile in Boston
- by mswen
- -
- September 20, 2008
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Do you love books? Not just the act of reading, but the books themselves? Does the thought of holding a book in your hands and turning its crisp pages thrill you? If so, my friend, you are a bibliophile. And, like any good "phile", you need your fix and you need it often. Here's what it means to be a bibliophile in Boston.
Feed your love
There’s worse things to be smitten with. Like cigarettes, The Hills, and Twinkies. Books? Those tightly-bound bundles of words (and, in my case, pictures)? Puh-leeze. We all should have such a vice. Go with it.
Where Bostonians do their reading
Find out where to meet other book-obsessed pals in this fab guide by jilliancyork.
Walk the stacks
You know you love books when the sight of a dangerously full bookcase thrills you to pieces (rather than gives you a horrible flashback to your school days). Seeing stacks and stacks of books is one thing that sets a book lover’s heart all aflutter.
Boston is the higher-education capital of the world; so, my friend, you’re in the right place for this sort of weird eye candy. Here are just a fraction of the best spots to drool (and, buy).
Fabulous outdoor shelves at the Brattle Bookshop.
Brattle Book Shop
9 West St, Boston, MA 02111
The shelves outside the Brattle are almost surreal, like some sort of piece of art rather than something you can actually touch (and buy). And these shelves hold just a fraction of used books sold by this well-loved bookstore — inside are towering shelves (sometimes two rows deep) stocked to the gills with unexpected, random, even rare used tomes. Prepare to spend at least an hour here. Bonus for biliophiles: that certain “used bookstore” scent may just throw you into sensory overload.
The shelves outside the Brattle are almost surreal, like some sort of piece of art rather than something you can actually touch (and buy). And these shelves hold just a fraction of used books sold by this well-loved bookstore — inside are towering shelves (sometimes two rows deep) stocked to the gills with unexpected, random, even rare used tomes. Prepare to spend at least an hour here. Bonus for biliophiles: that certain “used bookstore” scent may just throw you into sensory overload.
Majestic stained glass windows hover over the bookshelves at Bapst.
Bapst Art Library
140 Commonwealth Avenue Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
This library was the original library of Boston College, and now specifically houses books relating to art, architecture, museum studies and photography. And with over 51,000 beautiful books stockpiled between its storied walls, you can be certain that these shelves are some of the most fabulous around. The icing on the cake? Gentle light seeping through giant stained glass windows create a surreal and heavenly atmosphere.
The shelves in the Johnson Building of the Boston Public Library.
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Duh! Of COURSE the Boston Public Library is going to be a go-to spot for shelf-spotting. And browsing. With about a zillion books in two buildings (the McKim being the most impressive of the two), you’re sure to get lost in the wonder of your surroundings.
Duh! Of COURSE the Boston Public Library is going to be a go-to spot for shelf-spotting. And browsing. With about a zillion books in two buildings (the McKim being the most impressive of the two), you’re sure to get lost in the wonder of your surroundings.
The halls of my beloved Mugar.
Mugar Memorial Library
771 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215
As a Boston University student, I spent almost every waking moment in this place. Pacing up and down its crammed aisles; looking up book after book and carrying them by the armload back to my table where I’d devour the knowledge inside like a starving dog. Often, I’d pick a shelf and make it my afternoon’s (and evening’s, of course!) goal to read all of the books contained on it. Only within this fabulous building could I quench my insatiable thirst for knowledge and books!
[Yeah, right.]
Brookline Booksmith
279 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446
This independent bookstore (yay!) seems to please everyone: those looking to discover a treasure in their used section, and those preferring to browse the new books — all organized (yep, even the used ones) and stacked to perfection.
This independent bookstore (yay!) seems to please everyone: those looking to discover a treasure in their used section, and those preferring to browse the new books — all organized (yep, even the used ones) and stacked to perfection.
Hold onto your wallets! We’re at Barnes & Noble.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
111 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02199
Sure, you can go here and just browse. Walk the aisles and grab a seat on the windowsill and flip through books at your leisure, check out all the latest and greatest releases presented so attractively, scan the incredible magazine racks (I include magazine obsession in with bibliophilia) for fabulous publications you’ve never seen before. And, you know, just walk out. Empty-handed. But you know what? Even though you could order the same books on Amazon for less, chances are you won’t be able to resist leaving without at least one book under your arm.
Sure, you can go here and just browse. Walk the aisles and grab a seat on the windowsill and flip through books at your leisure, check out all the latest and greatest releases presented so attractively, scan the incredible magazine racks (I include magazine obsession in with bibliophilia) for fabulous publications you’ve never seen before. And, you know, just walk out. Empty-handed. But you know what? Even though you could order the same books on Amazon for less, chances are you won’t be able to resist leaving without at least one book under your arm.
Get inspired
Thank God for the www. Because when you’re sitting at home, and need a little bookcase fix, you can still get it. Simply search Flickr for the words “bookcase” or “bookshelf” and you can easily spend hours in fabulous photo heaven.
It amazes me how organized (bored?) some people are.
Want your head to explode from bookcase goodness?
Then click here.
Start (or join) a book club
Connecting with fellow book lovers is easier than you think. Book clubs are all the rage, whether they’re online or with the rest of the neighbors in your suburban cul-de-sac. And if you’re into dissecting and discussing your latest read with other passionate peeps, it’s an excellent idea.
Over 50 great books...
…according to Twitter users. (That’s right, they’re not ALWAYS online.)
Display your beloved books
As a book lover, chances are that means you’ve got a lot of books. You’ve probably got stacks and stacks sitting atop tables, maybe on the floor, probably in the bathroom, and all over your bedroom. You know it, and I know it.
So, it’s time to organize. Because with organization not only comes sanity, but also a sense of pride in showing off your treasures.
This Spine Wood Bookcase from West Elm is perfect for those who want a clean and modern aesthetic, and for anyone who lives a small space.
The Studio Wall Shelf from Pottery Barn is a rustic, yet airy, way to show off your books.
The BILLY bookcases from Ikea can be combined any way you want for a fabulous streamlined, built-in look.
Talk about minimalist! This “invisible” bookshelf can hold up to 15 pounds of books and creates a super-modern look in your space.
Or, you can fake it
Haven’t amassed a collection of books yet, but still want to be surrounded by them? Check out these funky ways to do just that.
These cool self-sticking decals are removeable, so when you eventually get real books you can take them right off the wall.
This painting hilariously mimics a stack of magazines perched precariously on top of a toilet.
Boston's best book spots
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Well done, you got Ikea in yet another guide! The color-coded books thing is kinda cool…can’t say aesthetics are why I’m into books, but that sure would add something to a room!
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