New Discovery: Commonwealth Books

I have been working in downtown Boston for just over six months and every time I walk from my office to the Park Street T stop I pass a bookstore in a tiny alley. I've always wanted to go in, but typically when I am leaving work I am rushing to meet someone.

Sunday morning after a glorious stay at the Ames Hotel I woke up and headed into Downtown Crossing. After a successful trip to H&M (I am now the proud owner of two new dresses and a heavy, winter sweater) I convinced my two shopping buddies to come with me into Commonwealth Books.

As you walk downhill in the alley you can tell whether the store is open or not based on the flag placed on the end of the bargain book shelf that sits out front. I was thrilled to see the green flag waving in the wind that said "Open."

Before even heading inside I inspected every title on the bargain bookshelf. Each of these books are between $1 - $5. That is a bargain! I was able to find a book by chick lit writer Jennifer Weiner which I thought would make a great beach read while I am in Miami this coming week for Thanksgiving. I tucked it under my arm.

The entrance to the shop is very charming. The wood details above the doorway were particularly beautiful.

Inside the shop the book collection is quite impressive! Books are organized by category and then by the author's last name.

All around the shop there are cozy reading nooks. I loved this one with the deep red, leather chair, the old school globe and the stove.

In addition to the books, Commonwealth Books also has a splendid collection of prints and maps. I was enchanted by these prints and spent most of my time leafing through them.

I found a print of an old map of Boston and immediately fell in love. I was already picturing it in my apartment when I flipped it over to check the price - $250! Eeeeek! I'll have to add that to my wish list.

Just as I was turning the corner away from my dream map, I almost stepped on this fluff ball! Apparently the shop has a mascot!

We were pressing up against 1:00pm, the time of our brunch reservation, so we had to head out, but I could have explored the shop for another hour or two. I walked up to the register with my bargain shelf find. This book, which was original priced at $24.95, was sold to me for $3.19. Yahoo!

If you consider yourself a bookworm, the next time you're downtown, be sure to pop into Commonwealth Books. You can find them at 9 Spring Lane.

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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