Commonwealth Books

1:32 p.m. Boston, MA I was on my way to a comic book store when I noticed a narrow alleyway and a black awning tucked between tall buildings. Curiosity won. Down the brick path was Commonwealth Books, a small shop that felt like something straight out of Harry Potter. Inside were shelves of old prints and forgotten titles stacked to the ceiling. The kind man working there told me about the cat in the photo wall, once the resident of their sister store in New Orleans. I wish I could have met that cat. It didn’t have what I was looking for, but it didn’t matter. Some places exist just to remind you that wonder still hides in plain sight. Praise the Hidden Alley.

What a delight to see a bookstore filled with people! In my first ever visit the other day I found large selections of what I was hoping to explore: art monographs, literature, and cookbooks. The gentleman at the desk was both helpful and kind. I look forward to returning- this is a gem!

Cozy, eclectic, and diverse. Classic used bookstore with lots of shelves, cubbies, piles, and bins ready to explore. A little tricky to find, it's worth the wander. Found a couple more volumes of a series I've been trying to complete. Welcoming staff let's you explore but are ready for questions if you need them. Loved it!

HECK yeah this bookstore is awesome. Authentic. Dusty asl. Great selection. Good prices for some amazing books. On a little cobblestone side road. So cute. Cashier was knowledgeable and friendly to a newcomer like me.

A quaint, hidden gem of boston! They have books, old maps, comics, special edition copies etc. The shopkeepers were super nice and helpful with recommendations and let us browse all we wanted- 10/10 would recommend popping in for a visit!

I think this bookstore has the best selection of books in the Boston area. I come here and always walk away with fairly priced gems. I've been getting some really great hardcover finds about once a month that I wouldn't have found at another bookstore. Great fun!

It’s painful to rate a used bookstore this low, but still. Cool location and a fun stop regardless. But selection is rough and prices are high. I usually try to visit used bookstores when I travel but it was legit hard to find a book that was worth buying here, esp for the price. Lots of cool maps and old books. No children’s or YA, just FYI.