Shopping - Boston 2009 - page 203

bookstore operations around town (see “College Merchandise,” below). Shops at Pruden-
tial Center, 800 Boylston St. & 617/247-6959. www.barnesandnoble.com. T: Green Line E to Prudential,
Green Line to Copley, or Green Line B, C, or D to Hynes Convention Center. 325 Harvard St., Brookline.
& 617/232-0594. T: Green Line C to Coolidge Corner.
Borders All three local branches make good places to retreat when you've had
enough of the abundant shopping around them. The sprawling Downtown Crossing
store contains two levels of books and one of music, the Back Bay location has an
entrance off Newbury Street, and the Cambridge Borders is one of the only quiet
places in the mall. 10-24 School St. & 617/557-7188. www.bordersstores.com. T: Orange or Blue
Line to State. 511 Boylston St. & 617/236-1444. T: Green Line to Copley. CambridgeSide Galleria mall,
Cambridge. & 617/679-0887. T: Green Line to Lechmere.
Brattle Book Shop Bibliophiles who start here might not get any other shop-
ping done. This marvelous store near Macy's buys and sells used, rare, and out-of-print
titles, and second-generation owner Kenneth Gloss does free appraisals. Be sure to
check the outdoor carts and shelves for good deals on books of all ages. Closed Sun-
day. 9 West St. & 800/447-9595 or 617/542-0210. www.brattlebookshop.com. T: Red or Orange Line
to Downtown Crossing, or Green Line to Park St.
Brookline Booksmith The huge, varied selection makes this store a poly-
math's dream. The employees have excellent taste—look for their recommendations.
A great gift-and-card section, a small but choice used-book selection in the basement,
and tons of events are among the offerings. 279 Harvard St., Brookline. & 617/566-6660.
www.brooklinebooksmith.com. T: Green Line C to Coolidge Corner.
Curious George Books & Toys No, it's not just Curious George books and mer-
chandise. Here you'll find a superlative selection of children's books and gifts, includ-
ing stuffed animals and games. Check downstairs for items that suit older kids, with
an emphasis on old and new classics. 1 John F. Kennedy St.

&

617/498-0062.

www.curiousg.com. T: Red Line to Harvard.
Globe Corner Bookstore The offspring of the dear departed original on the
Freedom Trail, the Globe Corner carries huge selections of travel guides and essays,
maps, atlases, and globes. Check ahead for special events, such as the annual adven-
ture-travel lecture series. 90 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge. &

800/358-6013617/497-6277.

www.globecorner.com. T: Red Line to Harvard.
Grolier Poetry Book Shop Shelves packed with poetry line this tiny space from
floor to high, high ceiling. Grolier carries just what the name says: only poetry, and
lots of it. 6 Plympton St., Cambridge. & 617/547-4648. T: Red Line to Harvard.
Harvard Book Store On the main level of this shop, readers peruse an excel-
lent scholarly selection and discounted bestsellers. The basement is the draw for those
in the know: Prices on remainders are good, and used paperbacks (many bought for
classes and hardly opened) are 50% off their original prices. Check ahead for informa-
tion on readings and other special events. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. & 800/542-
READ or 617/661-1515. www.harvard.com. T: Red Line to Harvard.
Porter Square Books A well-stocked independent bookstore with everything
from the latest best-sellers to esoteric academic tomes to a great children's depart-
ment—it's a dying breed. If they were all run as well as this one, with staffs this help-
ful and selections this brain-tickling, the species would be anything but endangered.