Harvard Book Store to open new shop in downtown Boston
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Harvard Book Store in Cambridge. Photo: Rick Friedman/Corbis via Getty Images
At last, Harvard Book Store will expand into Boston.
Why it matters: The 94-year-old bookstore tried to open a second location in the Prudential Center, but those plans fell through in 2024.
Driving the news: The bookstore will move into a 3,500-square-foot storefront in the historic Yankee Publishing Building at 33 Union St. in the fall, according to an email sent to customers.
- The space will include an adjoining cafe, Lakon Paris Patisserie, and will also sell wine.
What they're saying: "Opening a store in Boston proper has been a dream of Harvard Book Store for many years. We're now confident that dream will become a reality," wrote Lisa Jayne, the general manager, and Linda Seamonson and Jeff Mayersohn, the co-owners, in a statement.
Context: The building is part of the Blackstone Block, Boston's oldest commercial district.
- Its namesake, William Blackstone, is considered Boston's earliest European settler and the owner of New England's largest library at the time, the bookstore's owners note.
- Colonists published "The Massachusetts Spy," a radical colonial publication, nearby.
- The building, built in 1874, was also home to Yankee Magazine.
Harvard Book Store has welcomed award-winning authors, poets and celebrities over the years, from BJ Novak to Stephen King to former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
- The Union Street bookstore will also host authors and events.
Yes, but: Don't expect any changes to the original bookstore in Harvard Square.
- "Our expansion is, in part, an affirmation of the critical role that independent bookstores play in supporting the free expression of ideas, through public discourse and the printed word, at a time when such discourse faces increasing challenges," the bookstore's leaders wrote.
- "We hope, when visiting either store, you will experience that commitment."