The Book Bin (Salem Downtown)

Phenomenal local bookstore, with a cat, Rose, too!! My 1st stop for gifts. The Book Bin is a family owned business that celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2023. They are a general interest book store that has a little bit of everything. They carry new books and used books, as well as calendars, cards, and gifts. They buy used books every day by appointment. Their rare book room specializes in collectable fantasy, horror, and science fiction, and also has an array of other delightful things. Most importantly, Rose has lived at the Salem Book Bin since 2013. She was adopted from the Humane Society when she was wee. She lives at the store full time, and is usually both happy to see people in the morning and ready for time to herself in the evening. She spends much of her time sleeping in hidden corners of the store, so you're lucky if you spot her. If you see her, she loves her picture being taken, but please only pet after obtaining her most gracious permission.

The staff is great! Friendly, knowledgeable, a great help. I was selling books this time, I felt I was given a very fair price. They didn't buy everything but I had some odd books in that stack.

Great selection of new and used books. Rose, the book store cat, is adorable and it's the highlight of my visit if I can find her. The staff is very friendly. They have fun events, like book clubs. Support your local independent book store!

I absolutely love shopping at Book Bin. Every time I visit, the staff are incredibly kind, helpful, and genuinely knowledgeable about books. You can tell they’re readers themselves because they always have great recommendations and never make you feel rushed or talked down to. It really feels like a community bookstore where the people working there want to help you find something you’ll love. The store is well organized, the atmosphere is cozy, and I always walk out with something new that I’m excited to read. Unfortunately, I’ve only seen the cat once — but I’m holding out hope.