Merrill's Bookshop

Kamryn Miller

2024-02

Wow! What a great experience at Merrill's Bookshop! Speaking with John was professional and very knowledgeable, his love for books shines through in every conversation. I captured some beautiful photos here and 10/10 would totally be back! It was lovely working with John Merrill and if you're looking for a diamond in the rough you surely came looking in the right place!

Evie Jacobs

2023-09

What a gem of a find while driving through Hallowell Maine today!!! Such a great store. So many books!!! Got a couple of great finds…one we were looking for and one we didn’t even know existed!!! This will definitely be on our list to visit every time we visit Maine!

Brett Michener

2024-04

This may be the largest collection of collectible to amazing editions I’ve ever seen. Please visit and ask for your favorites.

Canaan Morse

2021-05

Sometimes I feel like I love this place so much that I shouldn't write a review. But it must be said that Merrill's Bookshop is a bibliophile's heaven; incredible rare and antiquarian selection, constant turnover of new books, and just a beautiful place to sit and feel yourself surrounded by literature. Books to the ceiling, excellent prices, and the most knowledgeable book dealer I've ever met.

Faegan Pan

2018-05

The best bookstore in Maine, hands down. I travel an hour and a half from my home just to come here as often as I can.The owner is always present, and always friendly and helpful. Every time I ask for a book, or have a question about literature, he has a answer! The knowege of the owner and variety in this bookstore is remarkable.This is very well stocked, well cared for bookstore. Clean, cozy, and delightful, it’s as if you have stepped into another world the moment you enter. I always leave with a new book to treasure, always, and am always please by the adventure to come from it!A must-see tourist destination, and a welcome sanctuary for any book lover.

Shelby Heikkinen

2021-05

It was filled with MANY, MANY books!! I loved it. Prices vary and some are pretty high like one I wanted was $95. A but steep for me for a book personally but he collects such a range it's fantastic. He is very helpful and knows his books well and location in the store. He collects old books, first editions and hard to find books and can find books. He can look at your books to see roughly the details of it's history and at times even. Buys books if they're useful to him. Would go back again. I just don't have the funds to buy exactly what I want for some prices. But has some reasonable prices in there too.

Erin Austin (WriterGirlErin)

2022-05

Really cool little shop in Hallowell. One could get lost for hours!

Matt Lichtenwalner

2016-05

Great stop. When you're looking for the magical used book store with a knowledgeable owner who can show you that hidden gem deep within the stack over there in the corner? Yeah. It's that place. The owner was a delight, the books were plentiful and varied (and some were delightfully old). I HIGHLY recommend a stop if you consider yourself any kind of bibliophile.

Kai Cheng

2023-05

I've been to many used bookstore in Maine. Merrill's is by far the best in terms of selection/rarity. I would recommend this place w/o reservation.

Shawn Kelly

2019-05

I stopped in from out of town on a business trip and was glad I did. Merrill was extremely knowledgeable and I enjoyed my conversation with him. The selection of books is outstanding and you'll probably discover some neat finds that you can't get anywhere else.

Jon Kenneth Williams

2022-05

This is one of the best used book stores I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been to a lot. It’s impeccably curated, and the offerings are by and large in excellent condition. I had no idea that such a place existed in the middle of Maine, but I do know that I’ll go back!

David McDonough

2022-05

This is a great bookstore in Hallowell that has something for everyone. I was particularly taken by a section called the Folio Society which is a publishing company in London that has a great range of beautifully illustrated books. Merrills books are very reasonably priced. I will definitely be back.

Joel Watt

2019-05

Excellent selection of quality books. I was perusing the classic novels and would have bought a few if I had any cash on me. My brother did have cash and the owner sold him the Complete Annotated Sherlock Holmes.

Sara Kallock

2023-08

Great political section for leftists, as well as other wonderful finds. Always able pick up a treasure!

Mark Lindholm

2018-05

By far the best used book store I've been to. The owner has an impeccable flair for loading up his byzantine stacks with unusual and interesting selections in every category.He also fancies himself a sort of propagandist, plastering every surface with news clippings and cartoons which prove the stupidity and evil of his political foes. If that's not enough, he will blithely explain to you how stupid Ayn Rand is as you shell out $50 for a rare edition of The Objectivist Epistemology, having unfailingly found you the finest of intellectual ammunition even as he declares war on you. How can one argue with such glorious and sparkling contradiction! I surrender!

MV

2021-05

A rare find of genuine honesty and an old salt of a gentleman, Mr. Merrill is.He knows books and earnest to share his knowledge...A shame the store is closed. Mr. Merrill and his antiquarian tomes are already missed.

Jeff Depietropolo

2023-06

Great bookstore with tons of used and rare books

Ron Lusk

2020-05

This bookshop is a treasure, even more so now that it is not up the narrow flight of stairs in the second floor shop it used to be in. The books are in order, catalog by section, and well-cared for, as far as I could tell. I've always enjoyed shopping here, browsing here, year after year after year.

Alyssa Dusoe

2019-05

Bookworms dream, so much to see so little time. The owner is just lovely, this will be a regular destination for me and when my family is in town.

Henry Bingham

2020-05

Way to cluttered/crowded. Not a good place if you have asthma or allergies. Prices were very high for being a used book store

Emily Fishman

2022-05

The owner is generous with his time and deep knowledge of every book in his store!

Jon “Papabeargsh” Jacobs

2023-09

Great place for rare books.

Lynn Spann Bowditch

2019-05

Friendly, welcoming , knowledgeable owner, and a great selection and collection of books in really good condition.

Lynn Marie

2021-05

Love it here! So many books and such a friendly owner!

Fred Nehring

2022-05

Great selection of books. This is an "old school" bookshop.

Erika Morey

2021-05

Excellent selection of rare, antique, and fascinating books.

Rob Larson

2018-05

A great find. Copies of books out of print.

Michael Parrish

2023-05

Nice guy

Frances Singh

2023-05

Paradise for a book lover

Josh Buzz

2020-05

Really cute little shop