Grolier Poetry Book Shop Inc

01/21/09

The oldest poetry book store in America

by hardinghouseinncambrdge at Citysearch

This Harvard Square institution, opened in 1927, is the oldest poetry book store in America. For over 80 years, Grolier has been a legendary meeting place for world-renown poets like Adrienne Rich, e.e. cummings, Robert Lowell and Allen Ginsberg. Entering this tiny 400-suare-foot shop on quiet Plympton Street is like stepping back into time. You?ll love the old-fashioned sign, poems hanging in the window, free candy dish on the counter, and the towering bookshelves that reach up to the 25-foot-high ceilings. Adorning the walls are black & white photos of famous friends and customers like T.S. Eliot and Marianne Moore. Grolier has over 15,000 poetry books and tapes ranging from Japanese haiku to Spanish poems, and they carry out-of-print editions and hard-to-find foreign authors. They also have readings and book signings. If you love poetry and want to experience the art form?s rich Cambridge history, Grolier is the place for you.

The oldest continuously-run poetry bookstore in the United States, located in the heart of Harvard Square.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
As a specialty poetry shop, Grolier attracts literary types from all over New England, whether they're searching for a particular title or just browsing for meaningful verse. Books are arranged alphabetically, within nationality. Featuring poets from the obscure to the famous, readings are held often and are occasionally followed by signings.

11/25/05

appalling customer service!!!!

by kbussey1 at Citysearch

I came into Grolier's one afternoon, and I was

genuinely shocked at the treatment I received. I just

just moved to the Boston area, and I had never been in

the store before. After browsing for about ten minutes, the woman who

was running the store pointed at me and a friend of mine claimed she "recognized me" and told me to

leave the store. I have no idea why this woman chose to act in such an abrasive and disrespectful manner. I

find this entire incident shocking and the worst example of customer

service I have ever received. My friends and I had books in hand that

we were planning on purchasing. Of course after this I never have any

intention of giving money to an establishment that treats people in

such a tactless and humiliating manner.