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This Mass. bookstore was named one of the best in America by USA TODAY
A Concord independent bookstore landed at the No. 4 spot.
In a nod to Concord’s rich literary history, Barrow Bookstore has been named one of the top 10 independent bookstores in the country by USA Today‘s Reader’s Choice Awards for 2025.
Ranking No. 4 on the national list, Barrow Bookstore earned praise for its deep ties to the town’s storied past and its curated collection of rare, antique, and gently-read books.
Here’s what the publication wrote about Barrow 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 themed 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.
Open since 1971 and woman-owned for three generations, Barrow Bookstore also offers literary-themed gifts, crafts, and local memorabilia. It frequently hosts author readings, seasonal events, and community celebrations that highlight Concord’s lasting place in American literature.
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“Our tagline is that we’re home for the eclectic reader, because we have a bit of everything,” owner Aladdine Joroff told Boston.com.
Antiquarian collectible books make up between 10 and 15% of the store’s inventory, alongside gently-read titles spanning genres and age groups.
“You can get a reading copy of ‘Walden,’ [by Henry David Thoreau] or you can get a first edition of ‘Walden,’ she added.
The annual USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards are selected in two parts: first, a panel of book-loving experts nominates standout independent bookstores across the country; then, readers vote for their favorites.
“It was a real honor, and we’re just thrilled to be recognized by our readers,” Joroff said. “Our success depends on our readers and the literary community, so having them involved in voting and supporting us was just such a pleasure and an honor.”
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Here’s the full list of 2025’s 10 Best Independent Bookstores in the U.S., as voted by USA Today readers:
Top 10 Independent Bookstores
10. The Ripped Bodice (Brooklyn, New York)
9. Red Emma’s (Baltimore, Maryland)
8. Hearthside Books and Toys (Juneau, Alaska)
7. E Shaver, Booksellers (Savannah, Georgia)
6. BookPeople (Austin, Texas)
5. Blue Willow Bookshop (Houston, Texas)
4. Barrow Bookstore (Concord, Massachusetts)
3. Loudmouth Books (Indianapolis, Indiana)
2. Parnassus Books (Nashville, Tennessee)
1. The Mysterious Bookshop (New York City, New York)
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