Bookstore Tourism in the Monadnock Region

Travelers who are bibliophiles can’t help but wander into local bookstores when visiting a new place. Visiting an independent, used, or antiquarian bookstore is an exciting adventure for book lovers … the thrill of the “local authors” section, the delight in finding a rare book, and then there’s the relaxation of sitting down and reading the first page of a coveted hardcover.

According to Larry Portzline, the author of “Bookstore Tourism: The Book Addict's Guide to Planning & Promoting Bookstore Road Trips for Bibliophiles & Other Bookshop Junkies”, bookstore tourism is a growing grassroots travel niche that encourages book lovers to plan group trips to cities and towns with interesting, fun and unique independent bookshops.  “It taps into this thirst for literary adventure,” he writes. Portzline suggests combine your bookstore trip with other literary attractions, such as writing retreat centers, sites of well-known books and tours of famous authors’ homes.

Here are some bookstores along the way if you plan a literary adventure in the Monadnock Region. Asterisked (*) booksellers are open by appointment or by chance only, so make sure you call ahead. And don’t miss the upcoming “Round the Mountain Book Sale” on April 11-14, 2013. For more information about this sale and participating bookstores visit:

Aard Books*
31 Russell Ave., Troy NH
603-242-3638.

Bequaert Old Books*
37 Rt 119 W, Fitzwilliam, NH
603-585-3448

Callahan & Company Booksellers*
Rte. 123, Sharon, NH
603-924-3726

Eagle Books*
19 West St., Right off Central Square in Keene, NH

603-357-8721 


Homestead Books
221 East Main St. (Rt 101), Marlborough, NH

603-876-4213


Hurley Books, Inc.*

1752 Rte. 12, Westmoreland, NH 03467
603-399-4342 


Ray Boas, Bookseller*

On the Common, 44 Elm St., Walpole, NH 03608

603-756-9900


Ted Cole Books*
7 West Street, Antrim, NH 03440

Books also for sale at New Hampshire Antique Coop in Milford, NH
603-588-3145


The Book Preserve*
33 North Main St., Antrim, NH
603-588-4020


Toadstool Bookshops
3 Locations:
  12 Depot Sq., Peterborough, NH
  222 West St., Keene, NH
  586 Nashua St., Milford, NH