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Longfellow Books
1 Monument Sq, Portland, ME 04101, United States
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Longfellow Books
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De
Review №1

Great book store. Knowledgeable and helpful staff; broad and interesting selection. It’s a pleasure to shop here.

Bl
Review №2

Ooooh, what a lovely place. Spacious, curious staff, good displays. New and used books, miscellaneous reader related things. Great Maine-centric collection. (Found Bernd Heinrich there... Woot woot!) This is my second annual visit here...hope to have many more.

Be
Review №3

They have books here. Do you like books. Cause they have them here. No public restroom.

Lu
Review №4

Not a huge amount of used books, mainly new. Nice layout

Jo
Review №5

Great selection. helpful staff. great location.

Ju
Review №6

Great book selection and excellent service. Clean and open and friendly.

A
Review №7

Friendly staff and a great selection of new and used books!

Ka
Review №8

Wonderful, local bookstore. Always has what I am looking for, and often find books I never knew I needed but love. Helpful and friendly staff! Love Longfellow Books.

De
Review №9

Pretty good selection of books, but customer service is lacking. First time I went the guy at the counter was unfriendly to me (and was also rude to his co-workers, not a good sign), but I let it go. The next time the person checking me out was civil but not too friendly. Third time, the person told me the wrong hours, so when I went back to pick up the book on Christmas Eve they were closed and I couldnt give my Christmas gift on Christmas Day. Lack of friendliness + lack of competence = I am looking for a new local bookstore.

An
Review №10

After being a customer for decades, I will never again shop at Longfellow and neither will my family members (retired English teachers and avid readers!). We have been supporting bookstores instead of Amazon and prefer to read hard copy books, so we will now patronize Print.Last week, I placed an order online for 2 books and paid for it. I selected curbside pickup as I thought my father was going to come in to pick up his order. When he told me he wasn’t, I called the store to request my 2 books to be mailed to me. Meg answered the phone and said she could switch the order, but there would be a $7 mailing fee. I was surprised since the online order option said the mailing fee was waived and she said that’s only if you have a financial hardship due to Covid.I explained in all honestly that I did not have a financial hardship but that I have a physical one because I cannot come in person due to Covid as I am currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and hoped the fee would be waived. She responded “I appreciate that, but I’ll need your credit card number to mail your order”. Stunned, and because I had already paid for my books online so couldn’t easily cancel my order, I gave her my credit card number and was charged $7.Your website clearly says that the mailing fee will be waived for any reason. Apparently cancer doesn’t qualify. I hope the $7 was worth losing multiple customers as I will surely share this horrid experience with others. And the 2 books I bought were less expensive on Amazon where I definitely would have had free shipping.

An
Review №11

Downtown bookstore stocked with an intelligent variety of books and reading materials. Attracts locals and tourists alike. Great recommendation sections. Highly recommended if you are downtown Portland.

Pe
Review №12

Wonderful bookstore! Very helpful and can call for having your questions answered.

Ma
Review №13

Such a great place and normally wonderful people, but the first and only rude experience in my three months in this city where I felt like being a customer was an intrusion/inconvenience to the staff member. I’m sure everyone has bad days, but if you stand under an information sign and ask someone to step up then the first question should probably not get met with annoyance... especially since I was ready to spend money. Maybe she just needs a hug.

Fr
Review №14

Nice selection of books, helpful staff.

Sh
Review №15

I had ordered gifts for Christmas to support small, local businesses and I unfortunately selected the wrong one to support. Longfellow may have a history of being an iconic bookstore in Portland, ME but it no longer has that feel or should be bestowed that honor. I had called, emailed, and messaged on social media without a response for several days regarding the status of my order. When I went to pick up my order I was yelled at (and I mean yelled at) about the hours of the store, which in the times of a pandemic, maybe don’t have the instructions on how to pick up your order be larger than the store hours. When I called to cancel my order, I tried to relay feedback about. My experience and was met with “you can’t expect us to answer every email that we get”.We’re all navigating a pandemic so to think that your business is above treating people like humans, you are no different than an Amazon. At least there I can expect a friendly customer service agent. What a shame!

Br
Review №16

Lucinda was great help

JC
Review №17

A great bookstore with knowledgeable staff and good selection of used books. Love them!

Mi
Review №18

This is a great independent bookstore!

Am
Review №19

Nice sized local-run book shop. Hosts events. Great used books of excellent quality. Well laid out. Places to sit. Willing and helpful staff.

El
Review №20

Portlands long-time and best-loved independent bookstore. Great selection and wonderful staff.

Sa
Review №21

Great book store. They have an interesting selection of books and friendly staff. I am never disappointed when I go there. I highly recommend it.

Ma
Review №22

Amazing bookstore in Dublin! There are lots and lots of items for all ages. They carry books of all genres that will appeal to most. Customer service is great as well, they are always nice and polite. I love this bookstore and I hope it stays here forever!

Sy
Review №23

Small neighborhood bookstore with a collection of new and used books. That means its like Amazon but you get to touch the books before you buy them. Friendly staff (live people that are in the store that you can communicate with directly before, during, and after the purchase).

Ju
Review №24

Award winning neighborhood-style bookstore. Diverse selection of fiction and nonfiction books, both new and used. Large and diverse selection of magazines. Separate area of books for kids and young adults. Also features Sale and Remaindered books, greeting cards, calendars, accessories, Holiday gift items. Offers Credit for gently used books. Search and ordering service. Friendly, knowledgeable, book-loving staff. Doggy friendly. Wheelchair accessible through a side door. Parking garage near by.

Ha
Review №25

Bookstores, done well, can uniquely define a place. As a Portland tourist, I and my friend definitely wanted to check it out. So it sort of seemed too new or something. I didnt feel comfortable sitting down to read a book or that I should. Didnt notice anything on sale, but a lot of different type titles, including locally-themed. Ended up sitting anyway to rest my feet then on to the next event.

Br
Review №26

Lovely bookstore. Great selection of books. I love how they mix the used in with the new. Love reading about staff picks. As a fellow bookstore owner I was glad to see an independent doing great things.

Ma
Review №27

Ah, the local bookstore. No trendy displays, no coffee shops in the same building... Just a bookstore. With books. And staff. A novel idea in this day and age, no?Go. Itll do your brain good.

Th
Review №28

Longfellow is my go to book store! Love it!

Be
Review №29

Great place to browse and buy a book!

He
Review №30

A brick and mortar Portland icon. My go-to shop for custom orders and guilty browsing. Love their newsletters keeping me up to date on the latest reading lists.

th
Review №31

Dont know says online in store shopping but not today

Ma
Review №32

I liked the place, especially the availability of used books. 4 stars only because I wanted a Christian section in the used books. I couldnt really browse by genre. Otherwise, a very nice store in a very nice town.

Ja
Review №33

This bookstore has a great vibe. Its clean and well lit, and the prices of the used books are very fair (much lower than other used bookstores in Portland). I wish the new and used books were separated, but thats my only complaint. I hear they have a foster cat, but there was none to be found on our visit.

Mi
Review №34

My favorite book store in Portland. Outstanding collection, magazines gallore and great childrens room. Welcoming staff. I like the bulletin board of local events too.

Ja
Review №35

Great bookstore, excellent stock across many genre. Staff well- informed readers and smart about business. Lots of repeat customers like me, highly recommend this store. Layout conducive to browsing and then easy checkout.

Ro
Review №36

Always a great place to browse and find good books. Im particular to the non fiction and they have a great selection. This time, I used a gift certificate I got for my birthday to get a lovely handcrafting book.

El
Review №37

I make sure to go here every time I visit Portland. The staff picks are always on point and are good jumping-off points if youre unsure what to pick up. Their used book selection is notable and the prices are good. They have a nice kids section, a pretty wide stationery selection, Out of Print brand merchandise, and small gifts. And a cute store kitty!

Lu
Review №38

Nice little book shop with used and new books. Found some of the used books were a little more expensive than Id expect, but maybe Im expecting too much. Other than that they have a great selection of books and magazines and on the whole are well priced.

Ja
Review №39

Longfellow books is a locally owned new and used bookstore thats been an institution in Portland for years. They are reliably stocked with many many local authors, as well as literary fare from all around. Theyve got excellent staff picks and a robust childrens section. Portland is lucky to have this gem right in the heart of monument square.

Ol
Review №40

Browsing through Longfellow Books was a lovely experience. A great selection of new books, friendly and helpful staff, good store layout, and a pretty central location. Worth a stop if youre browsing after a morning coffee or looking for gifts!

Ja
Review №41

Cozy atmosphere, large selection of. Looks at reasonable prices. Wonderful staff, they always are upbeat in my experience. Worth a visit, I love supporting local businesses!!

Dr
Review №42

Great used book section. Its a little bookstore but it has good character. Centrally located it is a great place to stop.

Mo
Review №43

My absolute favorite bookstore. Not only do they have a vast and thoughtful collection, that always leaves the heart wanting more, but if they somehow dont have what youre looking for, they are always more than happy to order it for you. Love Longfellows, always!

jo
Review №44

Remember when there used to be a lot of great little book stores? This is like a time machine back into those days. If you can get out of here without a book Im not sure whats going on.

To
Review №45

A fantastic independent book store. Great location. The best part is you can order any book in print on their website and pick it up at the store in a couple of days. The convenience of the internet while supporting an independent business.

Da
Review №46

Good location, large kid section, but didnt have much for fantasy books. They have new and used books here as well. Overall nice store and staff was very friendly.

Ty
Review №47

Longfellow is an awesome bookstore in the heart of Portland. The staff is super friendly and can help find anything or recommend books. They even let you shop with your dog. The selection is a great mix of best sellers and more unique hard to find books so there is always something new to discover. Support your local bookstore as there arent many left.

Al
Review №48

The books are beautiful and the shop has a great atmosphere. I like their display of must-read books. I rarely leave empty handed! Also, free gift wrapping!

Sa
Review №49

So yes. Lots of new titles, also EXCELLENT used book section, also EXCELLENT kids section. I think most comprehensive local independent bookstore if theres a particular title youre looking for (though I love all the other local bookstores too, for different reasons). Major pro for me but maybe con if youre allergic- they usually have a cat or two living there while up for adoption who will welcome your attention/scritches. Dont let the cat(s) out!

Pr
Review №50

You are unlikely to find any hidden gems here, but instead will pay about as much as you could for a used book. They do have a lot of books, to be sure, and they will get you the book you want. This really isnt my kind of place as I dont like paying these kind of prices for used books. It kind of takes the fun out of the hunt if you cant connect your sought out book with a reasonable price.

Je
Review №51

The staff is well read and helpful, there is usually a cat wandering around, and they carry a nice selection of literary-themed gifts as well as chocolates. I always look at their staff recommendations! Their events with both local authors and writers from away are intimate and engaging. I wish they had more room to develop their childrens book collection, but they do well with the room they have.

Dy
Review №52

Great bookstore. They will order anything you want. Theres no excuse to go online for books and drive great local stores like this out of the market.

Du
Review №53

Nice little pet friendly book store! Good sized room of picture and learning books for children, decent discount table and gently used books. Great place to hang out for a while and do a little readin.

An
Review №54

Quaint local shop with great deals on used books and friendly atmosphere.

Ju
Review №55

Sweet local bookshop, with a carefully selected inventory . Well worth it!

Ra
Review №56

Got to pet a kitty five stars. Im sure there are other qualities but i got to pet a kitty thats all i needed from here. I think they sell books or somthing?

fi
Review №57

Have a lot of good information about books and great customer service

Gu
Review №58

Always friendly and accomodating... if the book is not in it can usually be ordered and recieved within the next day or so.

S
Review №59

Comfortable & environment. Very pleasant & helpful staff.

Sh
Review №60

Great bookstore, they have a buyback program which is amazing.

Da
Review №61

Some very good books for sale. Used copies were not anything interesting. Nice location.

Ka
Review №62

Great selection of both new trade books and used books. Nice sitting area. Centrally located.

Ka
Review №63

Great selection of books, wonderful staff, nice atmosphere

Ja
Review №64

Great book store and a free book for kids around the holidays is a fantastic touch. Also, where else can your kids be on first name terms with Chris Van Dusen?

'I
Review №65

One of my favorite places to stop in Portland! They have a great selection, friendly staff, and a good recommendation for everyone.

An
Review №66

Very good, traditional local bookstore. Nice, broad selection of books. A pleasant place to spend part of a Saturday afternoon. Bought two books.

An
Review №67

Awesome bookstore! Super friendly and helpful!

Je
Review №68

The clerks really know books. The atmosphere is friendly, dogs are welcome, and its just a great place to be in a great location .

Th
Review №69

Old fashioned bookstore great selection of books used and new

Ba
Review №70

Really well curated inventory. Mixture of used and new. Good selection of local interest

Jo
Review №71

Glad I stumbled upon this book store on my trip to Portland. They have a knowledgable staff, decent selection, and an adorable kitty!

Ma
Review №72

A great downtown bookstore.

An
Review №73

Interesting selection of books on display in a friendly environment that welcomes casual browsing. Lots of childrens books. Chill resident cat.

We
Review №74

Best local bookstore! While they may not always have what you are looking for oN hand, I always find something of interest, and their online ordering options are fantastic and theyll track down whatever you are looking for with free shipping if you pick up your order at the store! Very cozy and comfortable environment perfect for browsing the day away, but easy to navigate if you need to Make make a quick trip in and out. Very friendly and helpful staff amd the owner is incredibly kind and has helped me with countless online orders for my classrooms, and for my home library. Love this place!

Dr
Review №75

Great local family owned store. They tend to have events. Check out signed copies of local artist.

Ri
Review №76

Great selection for some genres, but very limited for others (graphic novels, for example). The childrens section of the store is very nice.

Mi
Review №77

A long-standing independent bookstore with excellent qualities of choice and service. It is a gem and one of the last in the country!

Ro
Review №78

Really nice comfortable old style book store. Parking is a challenge...

El
Review №79

Good curated selection of new and used books, awesome gifts, knowledgeable staff and (occasionally) adoptable cats! What more can one want?

Ba
Review №80

Fascinating bookstore. Lots of old treasures.

Re
Review №81

Great store. A little pricy, but Id still rather shop there than a chain store!

Sh
Review №82

I went in yesterday looking for a specific book that was out of stock. They offered to special order it for me, but I explained I live an hour away. So they called a nearby bookstore to see if they had the book and asked them to hold it for me. It wasnt my first time in Longfellow Books and it certainly wont be my last!

re
Review №83

Great experience every time I go!

Sc
Review №84

Friendly staff. Very helpful on finding a childrens book about Maine

ms
Review №85

Last week I went to a dank, dark, and dirty bookstore in Philly and vowed not to return because the owners had two stinky cats wondering around, one turned his butt toward me and sprayed my shoes and skirt., yuck! ...there are many people allergic to cats, and cats are dirty, period. I come all the way, 8hr drive, to portland, and since I love to read, I can wait to get to the first bookstore and theres a cat meandering around. Keep your cat home. This is a place of business.

su
Review №86

Everything you need in a local bookstore. Cozy and cute with knowledgeable staff. Definitely a community favorite.

Ja
Review №87

Large bookstore featuring new and used books. Located off of Monument Square in Portland, Maine, a stones throw from the childhood home of its namesake, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Ab
Review №88

Amazing selection, helpful staff, great cards and other paper products

Za
Review №89

Pros: I love this place because of its diverse bric-a-brac (notebooks, gifts, shirts). The book selection is good but elsewhere is certainly more unique. Have frequent readings and events.Cons: Certain staff members can be extremely brusque and difficult to deal with. Prices are market standard.

Ja
Review №90

A real local community store thats also looking to grow and nurture Portland. The selection is good, the staff is nice, and the store is the farthest thing from a big corporate chain.

Ar
Review №91

Great Community bookstore Excellent experiance and activities. Support a local community diamond.

Da
Review №92

Everything you want in a neighborhood bookstore. Decent selection, nice location, pleasant decor, and helpful staff. Its discouraging that establishments like this are disappearing.

Pa
Review №93

Classic book store downtown with extremely friendly and helpful staff. When you want to steer clear of the behemoth box type stores, head here instead.

Sa
Review №94

Cute little place, love to see more places like this.

An
Review №95

Amazing store , friendly and knowledgeable staff, supports the community..neat shelves pet friendly..resident cat on-site

Tr
Review №96

Very nice independent bookstore in Portland, Maine. Friendly staff.

Se
Review №97

Fantastic bookstore right in the heart of downtown Portland.

Mi
Review №98

Excellent independent book store. Staff very helpful.

Sc
Review №99

One of the better bookstores in Portland. My favorite stop when I am in that area with time to kill hands down.

Ke
Review №100

Nice local bookstore.They have a decent periodicals section.

Information
56 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:1 Monument Sq, Portland, ME 04101, United States
  • Site:http://www.longfellowbooks.com/
  • Phone:+1 207-772-4045
Categories
  • Book store
Working hours
  • Monday:9AM–7PM
  • Tuesday:9AM–7PM
  • Wednesday:9AM–7PM
  • Thursday:9AM–7PM
  • Friday:9AM–7PM
  • Saturday:10AM–6PM
  • Sunday:Closed
Service options
  • Curbside pickup:Yes
  • In-store pickup:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
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