Cape Cod Bookstores
Looking for books on Cape Cod? From Sandwich to Provincetown, there’s something for every book lover on this Cape Cod bookstore trail.
When traveling, I visit bookstores, leaving room in my luggage just for books. On a return trip, my suitcase can gain 5 pounds. I blame it on the hardcovers.
Along the 65 miles of Cape Cod, there are more than 20 small, independent bookstores.
This list features 7 of the best Cape Cod bookstores.
Whether you’re looking for new and used books or only used books, here’s everything you need – including parking, rest stops, and restaurant recommendations – to find books on Cape Cod.
Now, let’s get lost in a good bookstore.
Along the 65 miles of Cape Cod, there are more than 20 small, independent bookstores.
This list features 7 of the best Cape Cod bookstores.
Whether you’re looking for new and used books or only used books, here’s everything you need – including parking, rest stops, and restaurant recommendations – to find books on Cape Cod.
Now, let’s get lost in a good bookstore.
Titcomb’s Bookshop, East Sandwich
Colonial Man statue outside Titcomb's Bookshop.
You may recognize the Colonial Man statue that stands at the edge of Titcomb’s property like a beacon to book lovers.
Established in East Sandwich in 1969, Titcomb’s has three floors to explore, including new and used books, toys, gifts, and cards.
On the main floor, Titcomb’s has new books and bestsellers, including books about Cape Cod and books by Cape Cod authors.
Established in East Sandwich in 1969, Titcomb’s has three floors to explore, including new and used books, toys, gifts, and cards.
On the main floor, Titcomb’s has new books and bestsellers, including books about Cape Cod and books by Cape Cod authors.
Titcomb’s second floor has new and used books.
Upstairs at Titcomb’s, along with new books, there are used books on a variety of topics.
You can find used books in good condition from $5.00 to $100.00 and more.
You can find used books in good condition from $5.00 to $100.00 and more.
Beatrix Potter: Artist and Storyteller “bonus material”
What adds to the fun of buying used books? Any “bonus material” found inside your new acquisition.
While you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can learn about people from their books.
For example, Beatrix Potter: Artist and Storyteller is the companion book to the Morgan Library exhibition in New York City.
Tucked between the pages was The New York Times review of this 1988 exhibition and a 2020 feature from The English Garden magazine about Hill Top Farm, Beatrix Potter’s Lake District home.
These clues tell me the book’s previous owner had an enduring interest in Beatrix Potter. My kind of book lover.
Titcomb’s Bookshop
32 Route 6A, East Sandwich, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-888-2331
Website and online orders: https://www.titcombsbookshop.com/
Used books available on AbeBooks: https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?vci=17745
Parking: On-site parking
Public Restrooms: This bookstore has a public restroom in the children’s book area on the first floor (it’s the door with the duck). Another option is the Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center, 60 Ed Moffitt Drive, Sandwich (4.3 miles from the bookstore).
Restaurant Recommendation: Father’s Kitchen & Taphouse, 406 Route 6A, East Sandwich (0.2 miles from the bookstore): https://www.gotofathers.com
While you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can learn about people from their books.
For example, Beatrix Potter: Artist and Storyteller is the companion book to the Morgan Library exhibition in New York City.
Tucked between the pages was The New York Times review of this 1988 exhibition and a 2020 feature from The English Garden magazine about Hill Top Farm, Beatrix Potter’s Lake District home.
These clues tell me the book’s previous owner had an enduring interest in Beatrix Potter. My kind of book lover.
Titcomb’s Bookshop
32 Route 6A, East Sandwich, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-888-2331
Website and online orders: https://www.titcombsbookshop.com/
Used books available on AbeBooks: https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?vci=17745
Parking: On-site parking
Public Restrooms: This bookstore has a public restroom in the children’s book area on the first floor (it’s the door with the duck). Another option is the Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center, 60 Ed Moffitt Drive, Sandwich (4.3 miles from the bookstore).
Restaurant Recommendation: Father’s Kitchen & Taphouse, 406 Route 6A, East Sandwich (0.2 miles from the bookstore): https://www.gotofathers.com
Isaiah Thomas Bookstore, Cotuit
Isaiah Thomas Bookstore moved to Cotuit in 1990.
Want to get lost in the stacks? Isaiah Thomas is your bookstore.
Started in 1969 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the business moved to Cotuit in 1990.
Isaiah Thomas is a used and rare bookshop, specializing in art, architecture, and photography, plus first edition and miniature books.
Started in 1969 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the business moved to Cotuit in 1990.
Isaiah Thomas is a used and rare bookshop, specializing in art, architecture, and photography, plus first edition and miniature books.
Get lost in the stacks at Isaiah Thomas Books.
Named in honor of the American Revolutionary War-Era printer and founder of the American Antiquarian Society, Isaiah Thomas has approximately 70,000 books.
But really, who knows? It’s a pink house stuffed with books you won’t find anywhere else.
But really, who knows? It’s a pink house stuffed with books you won’t find anywhere else.
Who would own such a book?
Purchased at Isaiah Thomas: A Frivolous Distinction – Fashion and Needlework in the Works of Jane Austen by Penelope Byrde. It’s a booklet written by the Keeper of Costume for the Bath Museums Service in the United Kingdom.
Besides me, who would own such a book? As I discovered later, pencil marks inside the cover show the book came from the Helen Pond/Herbert Senn Estate in Yarmouth Port.
Besides me, who would own such a book? As I discovered later, pencil marks inside the cover show the book came from the Helen Pond/Herbert Senn Estate in Yarmouth Port.
One of the original set designs for The Nutcracker.
Helen Pond and Herbert Senn were partners in life and work as set designers.
Their set designs have graced stages from Boston (winning awards for staging The Nutcracker for 35 years) to Broadway and the White House (creating more than 60 sets for A Voyage to the Moon opera, which was presented to President Lyndon Johnson and the Apollo astronauts in 1967).
From 1956 to 1994, Helen Pond and Herbert Senn designed sets for The Cape Playhouse in Dennis. Her partner, Herbert, died in 2003 at the age of 78. Helen died in 2017 at the age of 92.
Isaiah Thomas Bookstore
4632 Route 28 (Falmouth Road), Cotuit, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-428-2752
Website and online orders: https://www.isaiahthomasbooks.com/
Parking: On-site parking
Public Restrooms: Dunkin’, 3821 Route 28 (Falmouth Road), Marstons Mills (1.6 miles from the bookstore)
Restaurant Recommendation: Morning Glory Cafe, 211 Cotuit Road, Marstons Mills (2.4 miles from the bookstore): https://www.morningglorycafema.com/
Their set designs have graced stages from Boston (winning awards for staging The Nutcracker for 35 years) to Broadway and the White House (creating more than 60 sets for A Voyage to the Moon opera, which was presented to President Lyndon Johnson and the Apollo astronauts in 1967).
From 1956 to 1994, Helen Pond and Herbert Senn designed sets for The Cape Playhouse in Dennis. Her partner, Herbert, died in 2003 at the age of 78. Helen died in 2017 at the age of 92.
Isaiah Thomas Bookstore
4632 Route 28 (Falmouth Road), Cotuit, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-428-2752
Website and online orders: https://www.isaiahthomasbooks.com/
Parking: On-site parking
Public Restrooms: Dunkin’, 3821 Route 28 (Falmouth Road), Marstons Mills (1.6 miles from the bookstore)
Restaurant Recommendation: Morning Glory Cafe, 211 Cotuit Road, Marstons Mills (2.4 miles from the bookstore): https://www.morningglorycafema.com/
Parnassus Book Service, Yarmouth Port
Parnassus Book Service - c'mon in!
Like Isaiah Thomas in Cotuit, Parnassus is a place to find books you never knew existed.
Started in Hyannis in 1957, the business moved to Yarmouth Port in 1959, making it the oldest Cape Cod bookstore on this list.
Parnassus is a used and antiquarian bookshop with a wide selection of titles and editions.
Some books are available for purchase anytime under an outdoor overhang (leave your money under the front door).
Started in Hyannis in 1957, the business moved to Yarmouth Port in 1959, making it the oldest Cape Cod bookstore on this list.
Parnassus is a used and antiquarian bookshop with a wide selection of titles and editions.
Some books are available for purchase anytime under an outdoor overhang (leave your money under the front door).
Parnassus Book Service - whole lotta books.
Inside, the bookstore has creaky floorboards and wooden shelves reaching to the ceiling.
For movie fans, Parnassus served as the fictional bookshop for The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (based on the novel about bookstores and the people who love them).
Because Parnassus is located in Yarmouth’s historic district, the bookstore’s exterior is no longer painted purple as it appears in the movie and has returned to a historically appropriate paint color.
Parnassus does sell The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry in its store (with the movie version of the bookstore on its cover).
For movie fans, Parnassus served as the fictional bookshop for The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (based on the novel about bookstores and the people who love them).
Because Parnassus is located in Yarmouth’s historic district, the bookstore’s exterior is no longer painted purple as it appears in the movie and has returned to a historically appropriate paint color.
Parnassus does sell The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry in its store (with the movie version of the bookstore on its cover).
Perfect Muffins and Bakes - $6.00 for 100+ recipes.
Back in the real world of book buying, for only $6.00, Perfect Muffins and Bakes contains more than 100 recipes. While this book is from 2006, if you’re buying really old cookbooks, there’s something else to keep in mind.
With old cookbooks, you may need to translate recipes to today’s terminology. For example, baking on “medium heat” is 350 degrees Fahrenheit and a modern-day substitute for “sour milk” is buttermilk.
But some old cookbooks don’t give you an oven temperature or a cooking time. If you plan to use the cookbook for more than decoration, look closely at the recipes before you buy or be prepared to do some research to put those recipes into practice.
Parnassus Book Service
220 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-362-6420
Website and online orders: https://www.parnassusbooks.com/
Parking: On-site parking
Public Restrooms: Yarmouth Visitors Center, 424 Route 28, West Yarmouth (4.8 miles from the bookstore)
Restaurant Recommendation: Old Yarmouth Inn, 223 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port (across the street from the bookstore): https://oldyarmouthinn.com/
With old cookbooks, you may need to translate recipes to today’s terminology. For example, baking on “medium heat” is 350 degrees Fahrenheit and a modern-day substitute for “sour milk” is buttermilk.
But some old cookbooks don’t give you an oven temperature or a cooking time. If you plan to use the cookbook for more than decoration, look closely at the recipes before you buy or be prepared to do some research to put those recipes into practice.
Parnassus Book Service
220 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-362-6420
Website and online orders: https://www.parnassusbooks.com/
Parking: On-site parking
Public Restrooms: Yarmouth Visitors Center, 424 Route 28, West Yarmouth (4.8 miles from the bookstore)
Restaurant Recommendation: Old Yarmouth Inn, 223 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port (across the street from the bookstore): https://oldyarmouthinn.com/
Reed Books, Harwich Port
Reed Books may become your happy place.
Opened in 2004, Reed Books sells new, used, and rare books in the heart of Harwich Port.
From a wheeled cart on the sidewalk, half-price paperbacks are waiting for you. And you haven’t even gone inside yet.
No worries. New books inside the store are discounted, too.
From a wheeled cart on the sidewalk, half-price paperbacks are waiting for you. And you haven’t even gone inside yet.
No worries. New books inside the store are discounted, too.
Reed Books wheeled cart of half-price wonders.
Specialties at Reed Books include children’s literature, cooking, gardening, mystery, nature, nautical, and travel (so you can plan your next trip while relaxing on Cape Cod).
Reed Books has used books for young children.
You can even find out-of-print books in excellent condition. It’s hard to leave the shop without seeing a book you just have to have.
Reed Books
537 Route 28, Harwich Port, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-432-5293
(no website)
Parking: Harwich Chamber of Commerce, 1 Schoolhouse Road (456 feet from the bookstore; just off Route 28), Harwich Port
Public Restrooms: Harwich Chamber of Commerce, 1 Schoolhouse Road (456 feet from the bookstore; just off Route 28), Harwich Port
Restaurant Recommendation: The Seal Pub and Cafe, 703 Main Street, Harwich (1.4 miles from the bookstore): https://thesealpubandcafe.com/
Reed Books
537 Route 28, Harwich Port, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-432-5293
(no website)
Parking: Harwich Chamber of Commerce, 1 Schoolhouse Road (456 feet from the bookstore; just off Route 28), Harwich Port
Public Restrooms: Harwich Chamber of Commerce, 1 Schoolhouse Road (456 feet from the bookstore; just off Route 28), Harwich Port
Restaurant Recommendation: The Seal Pub and Cafe, 703 Main Street, Harwich (1.4 miles from the bookstore): https://thesealpubandcafe.com/
Where the Sidewalk Ends, Chatham
Two stories of books at Where the Sidewalk Ends.
In 2005, a mother-daughter team – who shared a love of reading and a dream of owning a bookstore – opened Where the Sidewalk Ends in Chatham.
The store is literally where the sidewalk ends in downtown Chatham and has on-site parking (which is a luxury in downtown Chatham).
The store is literally where the sidewalk ends in downtown Chatham and has on-site parking (which is a luxury in downtown Chatham).
Where the Sidewalk Ends has something for everyone.
This two-story barn on Main Street stocks new books with something for everyone, including a focus on local authors, plus a small selection of used books near the Biography section and on the second floor.
In 2010, the space next door became the Children’s Annex filled with educational books and toys for young children, including kites, costumes, puppets, and stuffed animals.
There is a ramp to the bookstore entrance and the Children’s Annex is stroller-friendly.
During the summer season, the shop is open until 9pm, so an after-dinner stroll can turn into a bookstore visit. Books for dessert? Sweet!
In 2010, the space next door became the Children’s Annex filled with educational books and toys for young children, including kites, costumes, puppets, and stuffed animals.
There is a ramp to the bookstore entrance and the Children’s Annex is stroller-friendly.
During the summer season, the shop is open until 9pm, so an after-dinner stroll can turn into a bookstore visit. Books for dessert? Sweet!
I might be here for a while.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
501 Main Street, Chatham, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-945-0499
Website: https://www.booksonthecape.com/
Online orders on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/sidewalk
Parking: On-site parking
Public Restrooms: 11 Chatham Bars Avenue, Chatham (0.1 mile from the bookstore; near the public parking behind Main Street)
Restaurant Recommendation: The Chatham Squire, 487 Main Street, Chatham (0.1 mile from the bookstore): https://www.thesquire.com
501 Main Street, Chatham, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-945-0499
Website: https://www.booksonthecape.com/
Online orders on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/sidewalk
Parking: On-site parking
Public Restrooms: 11 Chatham Bars Avenue, Chatham (0.1 mile from the bookstore; near the public parking behind Main Street)
Restaurant Recommendation: The Chatham Squire, 487 Main Street, Chatham (0.1 mile from the bookstore): https://www.thesquire.com
Sea Howl Bookshop, Orleans
Sea Howl Bookshop - a breath of fresh air.
Opened in Orleans in 2020, Sea Howl Bookshop is a small (600 square feet), friendly place for book people. You won’t find just the usual bestsellers here.
The small, but mighty space at Sea Howl.
Sea Howl carries over 5,000 titles, plus puzzles, greeting cards, journals, stickers, and a small selection of used books.
The used books sit on wheeled carts next to the counter and at the back of the store.
Just like the new stock in this shop, the used books are eclectic and unusual, such as A Field Guide to Your Own Back Yard written by John Hanson Mitchell and illustrated by Laurel Molk.
Just like the new stock in this shop, the used books are eclectic and unusual, such as A Field Guide to Your Own Back Yard written by John Hanson Mitchell and illustrated by Laurel Molk.
Sea Howl has two wheeled carts with used books.
Looking for a new book? I overheard the helpful staff ordering a book for a customer who didn’t know the book’s title, the author’s name, or the main character’s name.
But he did know that it’s about a couple who solve mysteries in the vein of Dorothy Sayers novels. If you’re interested, the answer is: The Marjorie McClelland Mysteries by Amy Patricia Meade.
Sea Howl Bookshop is a breath of fresh air. A great place to browse, discover something new (or used), and pick up a book or two (or four).
Sea Howl Bookshop
46 Main Street, Orleans, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-255-3343
Website: https://www.seahowlbookshop.com/
Online orders on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/seahowlbookshop
Parking: On-street parking and behind Main Street, accessed from Cove Road
Public Restrooms: 44 Main Street, Orleans (next door to the bookstore; the entrance is on the side of the Chamber of Commerce building)
Restaurant Recommendation: The Alley Bowling + BBQ, 191 Route 6A, Orleans (0.7 miles from the bookstore): https://www.alleybowlingbbq.com/
But he did know that it’s about a couple who solve mysteries in the vein of Dorothy Sayers novels. If you’re interested, the answer is: The Marjorie McClelland Mysteries by Amy Patricia Meade.
Sea Howl Bookshop is a breath of fresh air. A great place to browse, discover something new (or used), and pick up a book or two (or four).
Sea Howl Bookshop
46 Main Street, Orleans, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-255-3343
Website: https://www.seahowlbookshop.com/
Online orders on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/seahowlbookshop
Parking: On-street parking and behind Main Street, accessed from Cove Road
Public Restrooms: 44 Main Street, Orleans (next door to the bookstore; the entrance is on the side of the Chamber of Commerce building)
Restaurant Recommendation: The Alley Bowling + BBQ, 191 Route 6A, Orleans (0.7 miles from the bookstore): https://www.alleybowlingbbq.com/
Tim’s Used Books, Provincetown
Who’s thinking about books at 9am?
The early bird gets the bookworm.
Arriving at Tim’s Used Books in Provincetown at 9am meant that I watched the owner put up the “open” sign.
He mentioned how often people take photos of the Tim’s Used Books sign.
I said, “It’s a classic, Tim.”
The sign hangs at the end of a brick pathway that leads to a ramp into the store, an 1840s house.
Arriving at Tim’s Used Books in Provincetown at 9am meant that I watched the owner put up the “open” sign.
He mentioned how often people take photos of the Tim’s Used Books sign.
I said, “It’s a classic, Tim.”
The sign hangs at the end of a brick pathway that leads to a ramp into the store, an 1840s house.
Just a few architecture books at Tim's Used Books.
Tim Barry opened his first bookstore in Provincetown on the East End. That success prompted moving the store to Commercial Street in the center of town.
The shop stocks everything from baking and beach reads to history and science.
The shop stocks everything from baking and beach reads to history and science.
How to make lantern slides (photographs on glass).
Do you need the Practical Photography guide on How to Make Lantern Slides? Unless you’re Alfred Stieglitz in the 1890s, maybe not. But isn’t it nice to know this bit of ephemera still exists?
If you do more than browse, you may even impress Tim: “Oh, look at you. You like books.”
Tim’s Used Books
242 Commercial Street, Provincetown, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-487-0005
(no website)
Online orders on AbeBooks: https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/vi/63832371/
Parking: MacMillan Pier Parking Lot, 24 MacMillan Pier
Public Restrooms: 24 MacMillan Pier (the restrooms are located in a small building that borders the parking lot)
Restaurant Recommendation: Twisted Pizza, 293 Commercial Street, Provincetown (0.1 mile from the bookstore): https://www.twistedpizzasubsicecream.com/
Bonus Recommendation: Provincetown Portuguese Bakery (closed in winter), 299 Commercial Street, Provincetown (0.1 mile from the bookstore and 348 feet from the MacMillan Pier parking lot): https://www.provincetownportuguesebakery.com/
With all that book hunting from East Sandwich to Provincetown, you may need some Portuguese sweet bread for the road. You know. Just in case you get stuck in traffic. Sure, that’s it.
If you do more than browse, you may even impress Tim: “Oh, look at you. You like books.”
Tim’s Used Books
242 Commercial Street, Provincetown, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-487-0005
(no website)
Online orders on AbeBooks: https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/vi/63832371/
Parking: MacMillan Pier Parking Lot, 24 MacMillan Pier
Public Restrooms: 24 MacMillan Pier (the restrooms are located in a small building that borders the parking lot)
Restaurant Recommendation: Twisted Pizza, 293 Commercial Street, Provincetown (0.1 mile from the bookstore): https://www.twistedpizzasubsicecream.com/
Bonus Recommendation: Provincetown Portuguese Bakery (closed in winter), 299 Commercial Street, Provincetown (0.1 mile from the bookstore and 348 feet from the MacMillan Pier parking lot): https://www.provincetownportuguesebakery.com/
With all that book hunting from East Sandwich to Provincetown, you may need some Portuguese sweet bread for the road. You know. Just in case you get stuck in traffic. Sure, that’s it.
Portuguese sweet bread is soft, fluffy, and not-too-sweet.
Blaze Your Own Bookstore Trail
Meet Me at the Bookstore tote bag.
In 2019, the Cape & Islands Bookstore Trail was established to celebrate Cape Cod’s independent bookstores.
Today, there are more than 20 independent bookstores as part of the trail.
Visit 3 (or more) bookstores from April to October and you can enter to win a gift card to the participating bookstore of your choice: https://capeandislandsbookstoretrail.com/
Want some book recommendations, too?
Now you have everything you need to look for books on Cape Cod. Happy hunting!