Mass. bookstore named among America’s best independent bookstores

Local News

Barrow Bookstore ranked second on the list, moving up from its No. 4 spot last year.

Barrow Bookstore, located at 79 Main St. in downtown Concord, was named among the best independent bookstores in the country. (Photo courtesy of Aladdine Joroff)

By Annie Jonas

June 12, 2026 | 11:50 AM

1 minute to read

This independent bookstore in Massachusetts was named a top bookstore in the country for the second year in a row by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Barrow Bookstore ranked second on the list, moving up from its No. 4 spot last year. The store was voted on by the public, a panel of subject matter experts, and USA Today 10BEST editors.

Located in downtown Concord, the bookstore specializes in used and antique books across genres, with a focus on Concord authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and Henry David Thoreau.

The store also sells literary-themed gifts, crafts, and souvenirs — many of which are produced by the staff — and hosts regular events for community members.

The bookstore has been a woman-owned business since its founding in 1971.

Here’s what USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards said about the bookstore:

“Located in historic downtown Concord, Massachusetts, Barrow Book Store carries on the literary traditions of its most famous residents, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The bookstore specializes in gently read and antique books across genres, with a special focus on Concord authors. One can also find a variety of literary gifts, crafts, and local memorabilia. Barrow Book Store holds frequent readings, seasonal events, and celebrations honoring the town of Concord’s literary history. Open since 1971, Barrow Book Store has been a woman-owned business for three generations.”

See the full list of the 10 best independent bookstores.

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.