7 Coastal Maine Bookstores to Put On Your Destination Bucket List

Here's an idea for your summertime travels: a book tour of Maine's mid-coast. There are several independently owned book stores on Maine's coast where you can find some special finds, collect some great journeys, and see some beautiful sights along the way. Here are 7 special spots to include for your Maine book tour for a fun summertime jaunt.

Left Bank Books

This comfy bookshop is open all year round on Church Street in the heart of Belfast. There are tons of great reviews about this little independent book store- so loved, in fact, that two long-time employees just became the new owners of the store. Side note, well-mannered dogs are welcome to come by this book store.

Big Chicken Barn Books & Antiques

Another year-round bookstore and more is located in Ellsworth. Not only does this store feature old, collectible books but it also has tons of other wonders, such as home decor, furniture, and who knows what else you'll find in the 21,000 square feet of chicken barn converted to antiques shop. Check out their seasonal hours at their website.

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Sherman's Books & Stationery

This independently owned book store is a chain of Maine with coastal locations throughout Maine including one located in Bar Harbor. It is open all year-round, seven days a week. The Bar Harbor location started as a print shop in 1886, printing the local newspaper and selling stationery, books, and office supplies. The store became a local landmark and is open every day in Bar Harbor. Check out all the locations of this local coastal chain at Shermans.com.

Bar Harbor Book Shop

This book shop in Bar Harbor also goes by the name Mystery Cove Book Shop. This book shop has limited visiting time during the year with fall and winter visiting hours as 'by appointment or by chance'. This shop features new and used books as well as collectible books. Bring your well-behaved pup and stop by when they happen to be open.

Nautical Scribe Books

Self-described as a 'maritime bookstore', this book store is located right on Route 1 in Stockton Springs. This book store also features an espresso bar. The store features new and used maritime books and also sells ship models, maritime artwork, and just about anything nautical. They do adjust their hours for the seasons, so check their website to see what their hours are before you visit.

Owl and Turtle Bookshop Cafe

Another independently owned bookshop, this Camden bookshop is located right in downtown with a cozy cafe. The bookstore boasts it's ever-evolving stacks and highlights it's Maine-centric selections. If you want a place to enjoy your book this store doubles as the place to be absorbed into your collection as well. Check the website for their hours.

Old Professor's Bookshop Café

A Harvard Square Bookshop in Belfast, this unique book store offers books all about offering and answering the big questions of life. Evolution, science, religion, and whatever other intriguing philosophical, ideological, or science-based subjects there could be is the foundation of literature in this store. Check out this store on Main street, which is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.