How It StartedWhat once started out as a Little Professor franchise in the coastal town of Barrington, Rhode Island back in 1986, has now evolved into an award-winning, regional shopping destination and beloved community hub.
Shortly after the current owners purchased their neighborhood bookstore in July of 2008, they quickly realized the stand-alone bookstore model wasn’t sustainable. While still offering an impressive library of titles, light gift items, stationery and toys were introduced to the product mix, items that complimented the book category yet filled a need for today’s busy families. |
Who We Are |
Our customer base is truly a cross-generational demographic in search of an authentic shopping experience, unique quality merchandise, and the added value only an independently owned and operated store can provide.
Today, Barrington Books, voted Best Independent Bookstore Statewide by Rhode Island Monthly’s Reader’s Poll time and again, is known far and wide for its knowledgeable book-loving staff, vast selection of high-quality books, toys and gifts, as well as its vibrant community events. |
Our History |
Our new location, opened in October of 2015, boasts the same exceptional service and quality products that generations of customers have come to expect from Barrington Books, just reimagined in a carefully thought out retail environment second to none.
From the vintage Citroën positioned to greet guests at the front of the store, to the life sized “Giving Tree” that centerpieces the children’s area and is the site for lively weekly story times, to the unique features one will discover throughout, Barrington Books Retold is the epitome of the independent. Both stores offer complimentary gift-wrapping year round and “live music while you shop” during the bustling holiday seasons. Barrington Books, and now Barrington Books Retold, provide an authentic shopping experience unique not only in Rhode Island, but in the Regional retail industry at large. |
Testimonials
"Only bookstore I go to!
The staff is always friendly and helpful!!"
"Wonderful selection and superior customer service!
Entertainment while Christmas shopping was magical!"
"Gorgeous store!
Cozy, comfortable, beautifully run, and the workers there treat you like family.
Barrington Books is magical for readers, young and old.
This past week was my first time visiting the store, and I CANNOT wait to go back.
I look forward to many trips to Barrington Books in the future!"
"Love this store.
It's lovely to shop here.
Beautiful displays, great selection of books and gifts.
Provides gift wrapping.
There is also an area in the back built for kids to sit and read."
The staff is always friendly and helpful!!"
"Wonderful selection and superior customer service!
Entertainment while Christmas shopping was magical!"
"Gorgeous store!
Cozy, comfortable, beautifully run, and the workers there treat you like family.
Barrington Books is magical for readers, young and old.
This past week was my first time visiting the store, and I CANNOT wait to go back.
I look forward to many trips to Barrington Books in the future!"
"Love this store.
It's lovely to shop here.
Beautiful displays, great selection of books and gifts.
Provides gift wrapping.
There is also an area in the back built for kids to sit and read."