Northshire Bookstore — Local services in Manchester

I love a good book shop, and this is one of my favorites. You know if you find a bookshop that every time you walk out you have half a dozen books...that you've found a place that is meticulous about curating a collection of both popular and lesser-known but still great writers. In fact, I've found many of my favorite recent authors that I had never heard of until I browsed their shelves.

Like most good bookshops, there are recommendation cards all over the shelves...the one in the scifi/fantasy section is positively dripping with reviews and recommendations. Even though I have been in bookshops that have had much larger sections, this one has all meat, no gristle.

They also have a small used book area, and not of the type of book you find ten copies of in the local donation store, plus various curious items you find in bookstores these days, and a good little cafe with an upstairs lounge that is large and comfortable to spend time over a cup of coffee and your purchases.

There are only so many of these types of shops left, and visiting Manchester is always accompanied with a stop in here. You could easily spend two hours in here unless you have very specific things you are...

The bookstore is always a great place to browse and find a new read. One of the things I used to love was the clothing, really interesting unique pieces but when I last visited the unique selection was nowhere to be seen and had been replaced by Vermont tourist t-shirt level clothing. So disappointed. I hope the new owners rethink their stock and bring the cool clothing back! The bookstore is in a very unique location, so centrally located in town and I can highly recommend allocating at least an hour to spend there. *There is a cafe in the same building (cafe not owned by the bookstore) although this review is for the bookstore, no visit to the bookstore for me is complete without a visit to the wonderful Bonnet & Main. Really great menu, changes seasonally, all homemade. I am always torn between a barista coffee and a dessert or one of their freshly made menu items, so enjoyable to open a new book as you enjoy the wonderful home cooked food. Both of these businesses are a great addition...

Northshire is a gem.

BOOKS: Wonderful selection of books - everything from hot-off-the-press fiction best sellers to rare, collectible, and signed editions of books collectors will appreciate. The second floor also offers an extensive children’s book selection.

STAFF: The staff is helpful and always courteous. It’s becoming harder and harder to find local businesses like Northshire - you might pay $1-$2 more than on Amazon, but the almost negligible difference in price is well worth it to support a local (and independent!) book store where you can go and actually compare editions of books.

CAFE: There is also an excellent caffe with great local coffee and baked goods on premises. You can read your new purchase over a cup of coffee and a scone (or a sandwich!) without leaving the building. Four restrooms are available in the building.

It’s worth checking out Northshire if you’re in the area - it’s a charming mainstay...