Porter Square Books

Porter Square Books may seem small from the outside, but the shop unfolds as you walk into its spacious aisles and easy-to-browse displays. The newest independent bookstore in the area is a welcome addition, brightly lit with a pleasing selection of books and magazines alongside the small coffeeshop (Cafe Zing) it houses. The store also hosts frequent readings and events with local authors. more

Now I have a place to hang out and calm my nerves after the Porter Square parking lot has jangled my nerves. They are starting to have special events, and I love that they have a cafe. I work out at Healthworks, and for years there has never been a satisfying place to go with the girls before or after a workout. I love that they have a cafe. They have a fun window display, and it is great to have a place to go and browse the books. I'm so glad an indie went into the space instead of one of the chains. I hope they make it since that spot has been unlucky over the years for several businesses. more

Since I moved to Somerville a few years ago, I was amazed at the lack of a bookstore in the area! I was so relieved that we finally got one and it's in a perfect spot. I often stop by for a quick browse when I'm doing my shopping at the supermarket. The staff is very friendly and always accomodating. Just today one of my co-workers visited Porter Square Books for our latest bookclub book. They had ordered a few copies for her because they were out of the book that we are reading. I really hope that they can continue on this track of success. I feel like the opening of the cafe within the bookstore will help out business as well. I would love to see more bookmarks there (I was looking and couldn't find any) but overall, I think that this is a great addition to the area. more

I truly hope that this indie book store can make a go of it. The area definitely need a good book store, I just hope that people continue to shop there instead of always turning to the bigger stores or Amazon. I feel good about buying my books here b/c I know I'm supporting the idie effort. And Cafe Zing is a great bonus! My book group has had our meetings here several times, and we love browsing the shelves afterwards to help us pick our next book! more

The area needed an indie shop with new books, and now we've got it and a cafe to boot. The selection is terrific, the staff are knowledgeable, they'll order anything and there's also a nice selection of cards and magazines. The displays are thoughtfully done and there's plenty of room to maneuver. There are regular author readings and signings. Porter Square Books is a vibrant addition to the community. They close at 9 - if only it was later. more

With the addition of Café Zing, Porter Square Books has become a quintessential, near-perfect local bookseller. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. The vibe is friendly and relaxed. They may not have as many books as the big chains, but they have the books that are most worth reading. It's easy to browse and discover books here. They have an active schedule of readings and other events. more

what a great bookstore!! Their selection is fantastic and well laid out. They get some great speakers to come in and sponsor great book events, such as book fairs. They do story hour for the kids and their selection is not shabby. Store hours are reasonable, not as long as some of the chain stores. Very community oriented, a plus for them! more

I was so glad when Porter Square Books opened up in Porter Exchange -- what an improvement for the neighborhood over Dress Barn. Of course their selection does not come anywhere near that of the big chains, and their prices can not compete with online sites... but it is nice to have a store with a friendly, intelligent staff to wander into that is so close to home. more