Commonwealth Books
NEWPORT Since 2019 , Commonwealth Books has been Newport ’ s most extensive vintage bookstore , carrying everything from medieval manuscripts to paperback mysteries , history books covering the past 500 years , literature and poetry . Old maps are tucked in bins throughout , while engravings and historic prints hang prominently . Owner Joe Phillips buys , sells and trades regularly , from single books to large sets . In addition to the store ’ s collections , its building is appealing , too . It ’ s located on Touro Street in the 1750 Buliod-Perry House , which housed Newport ’ s War of 1812 hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry — whose statue stands just outside the front door — and Moses Seixas , a founding member of the nation ’ s oldest Jewish Masonic lodge . Commonwealth Books also has locations in New Orleans and Boston . SHOP FOR : Vintage books , maps , prints and history . DON ’ T MISS : A well-edited collection of antique , leatherbound editions as well as historic novels . 29 Touro St ., Newport , 487-0128 , cwbnewport . blackwidowpress . com
Commonwealth Books is Newport ’ s most extensive vintage bookstore .
Charter Books
NEWPORT Founded by Tiverton native Steve Iwanski in 2021 , Charter Books is a tribute to the Newporters who wrote the Rhode Island Royal Charter of 1663 — which became the foundation of our state ’ s democracy — and “ who put faith in words to enact change and secure liberties ,” Iwanski says . Now a cornerstone of downtown Newport ’ s literary scene celebrating the exchange of ideas , Charter Books lives up to its name . Offering a selection of the latest fiction and nonfiction , plus a variety of children ’ s and young adult books , the store engages its active readership with year-round author lectures and events , plus monthly book clubs for adults and kids that include curated staff picks of signed first editions mailed straight to their door . SHOP FOR : An unrivaled selection of signed books ; some even include drawings for kids . DON ’ T MISS : Children ’ s reading nooks with painted wall murals and couches for reading comfort . 8 Broadway , Newport , 236-8678 , charterbookstore . com
Island Books
MIDDLETOWN Reading devotees have shopped at Island Books for thirty years . From tried-and-true fiction , to nonfiction , debut novels , local interest , Indigenous authors and cooking and travel selections , this indie bookstore has it all . Sprinkled throughout are fun items like soaps , socks , notecards and calendars , which make great hostess gifts or stocking stuffers . “ The people that shop here like mainstream fiction , and we pay attention to political books that pay tribute to our nation ’ s climate ,” says owner Laurie Sutherland . “ It ’ s fun being in front of new books and talking to people about them . Our customers want good books , and we honor that .” LOOK FOR : Fun new fiction , local authors and book signings . DON ’ T MISS : A cozy kids ’ corner in the back has Lego bricks , puzzles and stuffed animal friends . 575 E . Main Rd ., Middletown , 849-2665 , islandbooksri . indielite . org
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