Literatus & Co — Local services in Watertown

I would say I have been in this store at least 10 times. 7 of those times my son and I sat upstairs for a bit after our walk to the store. Out of those 7 times after our walk 6 of them we purchased a book for my son. 1 other time I didn’t buy a book but bought a Rice Krispie from there for him to snack on. The other 3 times we have gone there it has been with our parents who bought a book or two for my son or themselves and than we left. Yesterday was the first day I visited that we did not make a purchase. We planned to go back today to purchase the new book my son saw yesterday. We walked there today to get the book. The first employee stopped me and told me “We need you to buy something if you are going to visit the store.” I informed her I almost always buy a book for my son for something to do when we stop in. She than stated “Yes but yesterday I noticed you didn’t buy anything.” I politely informed her that she is correct we didn’t buy anything yesterday because he was finishing up the book we bought from there the last time. My son had a balance bike which is light and we generally either carry or push it to our seat. She informed me that in the future we should leave that at the entrance. I normally bring it with us because it is small and the entrance to the store is not large either so I didn’t want it in the way. He never rides it in the store and I make sure he is respectful of the store. With that being said I didn’t think they would want it in the way of customers walking in. Going forward I would have had no problem doing so and leaving it at the entrance. We then picked out seats and waited for the line to die down before getting the book. Once the line died down we walked back downstairs to get the book my son had wanted. After checking out another employee, I imagine is the owner, stops to speak with me. He states “Just let them know that you are buying a book when you stop in here. The seats are usually only for those who are also going to buy food.” “So just let them know you are buying a book before sitting.” I stated I didn’t realize that the seats were for those who make food purchases only. I was under the assumption we could sit in the store with the book we bought from the store. I also didn’t realize until last week that they sold lunch food. I have only ever seen the bakery items. We than went back up stairs and left the store. We will not return. I have been there and witnessed multiple times people come in with their computers. They do not purchase food or books. They sit on their laptops. It is outstanding that a business in a small town like Watertown would not welcome guests who make purchases from their store regardless if it is food or books. I have recommended this place to multiple friends who have already visited and made multiple purchases. It would have been completely understandable for them to ask for a purchase if we stopped in often without purchasing anything. But out of the 10 times I personally have only not purchased once seeing as the 9 other times either my parents or myself have made one or two purchases. Also my son has never been loud or disruptive in the store. He enjoys going. He looked forward to seeing what new book they had for him to get. We sadly will be finding a different location for our books...

First time here. Passing through town, and wanted to stop for a hot beverage and something for breakfast. What a cute place. Love the combination of historical location, book store, and a coffee shop. There are two levels, and seating on each to read, eat or both. Has a nice casual/relaxed feel to the entire place.

Got greeted by friendly and helpful staff. They made a us an excellent London Fog Latte (little lavender, little vanilla, extra foam please), along with an Americana. For food we got a Cruffin (Croissant Pastry Dough cooked in muffin team with cinnamon sugar), the Garden Frittata, and a Blueberry Scone.

It took a little bit to get served, but everything was excellent. I especially enjoyed the scone that was perfect. Just the right amount of "dry crumble" with fresh blueberries.

For the bookstore part, there is plenty to look at, and peruse. There are curated display collections for many of the different areas including, childrens, politics, novels, etc.

Even the restroom was interesting, with numerous quotes on the walls to showcase a diversity of thought and humor.

Would definitely come back next time we are...

Delicious local bakery and coffee, outstanding used & new book selection, but what really sets this bookstore apart is its atmosphere. Watertown's olde-timey downtown stretches just a few blocks and the 1900s brick-building corridor speaks to its early history as a railroad town. Passenger rail is long gone, but Literatus is a hidden treasure in this rural village and worth the visit if you're within 20 miles of here. The street-side entrance and slim profile hides a deep store that manages to extend to a lofted 2nd level (at 6'2" I had to stoop a little) filled with books - some packed so tightly I was sure they were load-bearing. Not only books, but dozens of chairs & tables to create space for reading and conversation. Will definitely stop back next time I'm...