Bryn Mawr Book Store

The Bryn Mawr Book Store is a nonprofit used and rare bookstore in Cambridge, selling fine books at reasonable prices. More than 30,000 books on nearly every subject are offered in the shop and online. Every book is donated, the store is run by volunteers, and the proceeds fund scholarships to Bryn Mawr College for students from New England. It is one of the few remaining used bookstores in the Boston area.

Founded in 1971, the shop was once one of ten used bookstores in the Northeast started by Bryn Mawr graduates; today only this one and The Lantern in Washington, D.C. remain. Over the years it has contributed more than two million dollars to the college. The store describes bookstores as part of their communities, and it has paused business on May Day to stand with workers. A short booklet on its first 50 years, written by Jan Gardner, is sold in the shop.

What to Know

• Books can be bought online around the clock through AbeBooks.
• The 72 bus from Harvard Square runs to the shop.
• The store is a member of MARIAB, the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Antiquarian Booksellers.
• Bryn Mawr College, which receives the proceeds, is located outside Philadelphia.