Amherst Books — Local services in Amherst

I have been coming to Amherst Books since I was 13, it was always a lovely place to read, browse books, and feel comfortable. Ever since last year, I have exclusively gone to Amherst Books first before going to Barnes and Noble or ordering books online because as someone who's family owns a small business, I understand that the pandemic was extremely taxing both financially and mentally on independent business owners. There were 2 separate occasions, one where I walked in to find a book for a class at UMass and another to find a book I simply wanted to read for fun. Both times I was met with extremely agitated employees, one person in particular, who seemed frustrated with me for asking about specific titles. I work in customer service, I understand it can be stressful and there are bad days, but these interactions left me feeling extremely upset and I no longer have any interest trying to go and find books at Amherst Books when the employees are consistently rude, dismissive, and seem to not be interested in actually selling books. I'm leaving 2 stars because this place really is memorable with my childhood and I think the store is a crucial aspect to Downtown Amherst but I believe there needs to be a change in the way the employees deal...

I have spent hundred of dollars purchasing books from this store for college, despite the fact that I could buy the books for less than half the price on Amazon. It adds insult to injury, then, when I attempt to return a book during the add/drop period, and I am denied being able to return it. I was told that I couldn't because of a tiny, barely visible crease in the bottom corner of the book. Not only was I not told that such a tiny element of the book's condition could affect returns, but the crease is virtually unnoticeable. Additionally, the clerk was awfully rude about my attempt to return the book, and would not even allow me to return it for half or less than half of the price. I will never buy a book from this institution again, I suggest you don't if you even plan on returning a book during the add drop period. Save your money, buy the...

Enjoyed this treasure on Main Street. Many years ago I came here to supplement college text books and supplies. Today, I brought my teens. They were fully immersed in the store. The enjoyed finding books on robotics, the magic of science, green mythology, the Roman empire, and Pride.

A large selection of books for all ages are available on 2 levels. The downstairs has books from floor to ceiling with 2 ladders provided to reach the book of your choosing. There is also plenty of seating downstairs while you decide which book to bring home. Also, was in need of a birthday card to send and found this here as well. My daughter was excited about the poetry machine that both dispenses poetry and has a way to submit poetry...