The store celebrates its 70 years with recognition by the industry and the press including Publishers Weekly Bookseller of the Year and Boston Magazine's Best Bookstore.

Our History

Harvard Book Store was founded in 1932 by Mark Kramer, Boston native, with $300 borrowed from his parents; two years later, his wife Pauline joined him in the business. The theme of quality bookselling expressed through a broad inventory and personal service was established early by the Kramers, and it is retained today as the primary goal of the company. In 1962, at the time of Mark's death, Frank Kramer entered the business and, as president of the corporation, has actively directed company activities since that time.

Today, our full-service bookstore provides a complete general selection with an academic emphasis, featuring powerful sections in philosophy, fiction, cultural/critical theory, cognitive science, politics, African American studies, and business. We also feature the capability to special order books that are not available in our store. This web site is our latest effort to make our selection and services available to anyone, no matter where in the world you might be.

In our 70th year, Harvard Book Store continues its tradition of excellence, recognized as Publishers Weekly Bookseller of the Year 2002, and Boston Magazine's Best Bookstore of 2002 and 2003.

2003 Best New & Used Book Store Best Events

Come and Visit our Store!

The Harvard Book Store is conveniently located at 1256 Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard Square. We are at the corner of Plympton Street diagonally opposite Harvard Yard at the University's Widener Library. Other landmarks in our immediate vicinity are The Inn at Harvard and Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage. Please stop by to browse our impressive inventory of books, check out the latest titles, or make use of our very helpful staff. Even among all the historical and cultural attractions in Cambridge, we at the Harvard Book Store try to make your experience worth the visit for book lovers, students, or any visitor who comes by.

Directions to Harvard Square

By Public Transportation (Highly Recommended):

On the subway (the "T"), take the Red Line to the Harvard stop, or take one of the buses that come to the Square. For more information and schedules, visit the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) website at http://www.mbta.com or call at (617) 222-3200 or (800) 392-6100.

By Car:

From the Massachusetts Turnpike (east and westbound): Take Exit 18 (Allston, Cambridge): Go through toll booth ($.50), bear right towards Cambridge, then get into far left lane at set of traffic lights. At 2nd traffic light (before the bridge across from the Doubletree Guest Suite Hotel) turn left onto Storrow Drive; continue straight on Storrow Drive to the Harvard Square exit. Cross over Lars Anderson Bridge. Go straight on JFK Street into Harvard Square.

Parking:

Street parking is sometimes available on the surrounding streets. One and two hour meters require payment (quarters only) Monday through Saturday between 8am and 6pm. Parking is free all night and on Sundays and holidays

Hours

Harvard Book Store is open 363 days per year. We are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

9am - 11pm Monday - Thursday
9am - midnight Friday and Saturday
10am - 10pm Sundays

During the winter months, starting January 1 through February, we close on Fridays and Saturdays at 11pm. Our used book-buying hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Note: we will not be buying used paperbacks from Saturday, April 17 until Tuesday, April 27 to allow for that department's inventory.