Anne S.
Yelp
Print is a wonderful local bookstore in the East End that packs a lot into a relatively small space. Be prepared to linger and browse and emerge with more than you planned on, and by the time you do it's highly likely you'll have chatted at length with everyone on staff and half the patrons too. Which is to say, it's a book lover's heaven.
They always have a good selection of new fiction and nonfiction releases (as well as curated backlists of both), a prominent table of new paperbacks, a fantastic "Maine authors" and New England travel area, and a nice kid's section, with a bit of room to pull things out and play. Someone on staff clearly likes to spend time in the kitchen, because the cooking and food section is *amazing*. There are cool art books and pop culture tomes (really good stuff for gifting), as well as a selection of other great small locally made gifts (cards, candles, notebooks, etc.) sprinkled around throughout the store (I tend to come here first when I'm looking for presents). Possibly my favorite thing is the small presses shelf with wonderful books from US and global presses that publish things out of the ordinary: think beautifully designed books of odd trim size and lovely paper, along with works in translation--stuff that isn't easy to find.
Wait, I lied! My favorite thing is the STAFF RECOMMENDATION SHELF, which, if you're trying to not spend money, will be your downfall. Haha, who cares? Especially when you're likely to get a detailed, enthusiastic plug from one of the staffers right there--I mean these are book lovers who know how to describe something, and what it means to them, and why you might like it too. Trust me, you won't regret it: this is genuine old-fashioned handselling of the best kind, and I've loved every single recommendation I've picked up here.
By shopping at Print you are also (a) not supporting that giant online place where everything is cheaper but doesn't do anything for a local economy (or authors!) and (b) Print has a frequent flyer program you can join, so you'll rack up some credits you can use on subsequent visits. Join their newsletter to learn about other deals (such as the fabulous 20% off day they had for Thanksgiving this year), as well as readings by local authors. Bonus points too for a website that's easy to navigate, and you can also order there to pick up.
Print: a bookstore, and already a local institution. Be there!