The Shire Book Shop is, hands down, my favorite used book store.First of all, the place is huge. Housed in a historic former mill on Union St. in Franklin, The Shire is more like a book warehouse.
The square footage (probably the largest used book store I've ever visited), the scruffy yet organized atmosphere, the prices, the sweet proprietor (Jean Wallick, who offers you tea and hot chocolate) the vast collection of: ordinary paperbacks and hardcovers in every imaginable genre, first editions, out of print, and rare volumes, the fantastic children's section - all of it make the shop a book lover's heaven.
The atmosphere and decor fascinate me. Despite my feelings about converting mills into condos and penthouses (stupid!), I can't get enough of retail shops in that setting. I feel more comfort-able sinking into one of the Shire's arm chairs or couches than any stiff new leather chair at a big box store.
The Shire has so much character, so many odds, ends, curiosities, and antiques lining the outer shelves near the windows.
I like the old wood stove, the tiny child's school desks, the piano, and the ladders in every aisle.
All of that is fun, but, of course, it's all about the books. You won't find a bigger selection of quality used (current and rare) books anywhere. You won't find such a diverse selection, or better prices. The cookbooks greet you at the door, the fiction paperbacks line the outer wall, history and biographies take center stage, and the rare collectibles are the corner sirens near the register.
Don't let the not-for-sale sections sadden you - yes, their spines are broken, their pages dirty and decaying, but they're in a good home. They're going to be alright. The children's section reminds me of my own book-filled childhood - it reminds me of my mother balancing on a little stool in front of the low stacks, going through every single volume looking for a new story to share with me.
It doesn't matter where you live - Boston, Warwick, wherever - you must go to the Shire Book Shop!
