Harvard Bookstore

The HARVARD BOOK STORE has consistently proved over the years, via the Phoenix Best Readers’ Poll, that when it comes to perusing for reads, most Bostonians will eschew warehouse-like chain behemoths for reliable neighborhood literary haunts. The 77-year-old Harvard Square fixture changed ownership this past fall, from the Kramer family (Mark S. Kramer founded the store in 1932), to Jeff Mayersohn and Linda Seamonson — who, from the looks of it, knew not to fix what ain’t broke. The store’s continuing popularity is due at least in part to its location and massive selection, paired with a welcoming feel and total lack of pretentiousness. But it also helps that the shop hosts an ever-alluring schedule of readings, which are often so popular that the HBS has to move them to the spacious pews at the First Parish Church around the corner. If there’s a new and interesting book out, the author is most likely reading at Harvard Book Store. Annie Liebowitz? Sure. Sarah Vowell? Yep. Chuck Palahniuk? Certainly. Nifty Web address, too.

HARVARD BOOK STORE | 1256 Mass Ave, Harvard Square, Cambridge | 617.661.1515 | harvard.com