Porter Square Books
A distinguished Cambridge establishment
The Indie Bookstore That Survived—And Thrived
Who Runs It
Porter Square Books is employee-owned (since 2019) and community-run. The team includes former academics, publishing veterans, and lifelong booksellers who read voraciously and recommend passionately.
The Origin
Opened in 2005 when independent bookstores were supposedly dying, PSB bet on community. They host 200+ author events annually, stock books by local authors prominently, and built a loyal following by being the anti-Amazon: curated, personal, and present.
What Makes It Special
The staff picks are legendary. These aren't algorithmic recommendations—they're books someone on staff loved enough to hand-sell. Ask any employee what they're reading and you'll leave with something you'd never have found online.
PSB is Porter Square's intellectual heart. The author events draw crowds. The children's section raises readers. The staff knows regulars by name. In an age of algorithm-driven retail, this is what personal curation looks like.
What People Love
Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable staff, excellent selection, and the feeling of discovery. The children's section gets special praise.
What To Know
This is a mid-sized indie bookstore, not a superstore. Prices are MSRP (not discounted). Some popular titles may not be in stock but can be ordered quickly.
Books are cover price. Yes, you can get them cheaper online. But you can't get the recommendation that changes your reading life cheaper online. The value is in the curation and community.
Rating Breakdown
Exceptionally high ratings for a retail bookstore. The slightly lower Yelp scores often mention prices—a valid note, but that's the reality of supporting indie retail.
What Customers Say
“I asked for a book recommendation for my "I don't like fiction" husband. The staffer asked three questions and suggested Station Eleven. He's now read every Mandel book. This is why indie bookstores matter.”
“Best children's section I've found. The staff genuinely knows kids' lit and helped me find age-appropriate books that my 8-year-old actually wanted to read.”
“Prices are full retail. I get it, but it's hard when Amazon has the same book for 40% off. I still buy here when I can afford to.”
Insider Tips
Weekday afternoons are quietest. Weekend mornings for the children's section vibe. Evening events are standing-room but worth it.
Walk in with a mood ("I want something like X but different") and let staff recommend. This is their superpower.
The staff recommendation cards tucked into books throughout the store are gold. Read them all.
Porter T stop is 2 minutes away—the store is literally in the Porter Square Shopping Center above the station. Parking garage under the building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a book that's not in stock?
Absolutely. Most orders arrive within 2-3 business days. They can also do special orders for out-of-print or hard-to-find titles.
Are the author events free?
Most events are free and open to the public. Ticketed events (usually major authors) typically include a book purchase and guaranteed seating. Check the website calendar.
Do you buy used books?
No, PSB is new books only. For used books, try the Harvard Book Store or Raven Used Books.
Known For
Transit Connections
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Reddit Mentions
Nearby in Porter Square
Contact & Visit
Local businesses here have survived since before America existed.
“I guess you've just gotta find something you love to do and then do it for the rest of your life.”
— Max Fischer, on entrepreneurship