Bookstores We Love: Gibson’s Bookstore
In celebration of the spirit of independent bookstores, in each edition of our 2026 newsletter we’ll profile a New Hampshire bookseller.
First up is Gibson’s Bookstore, located at 45 South Main Street in Concord, which is also the street location of the book festival. Come experience it for yourself–October 2-3.
Gibson’s was founded in 1898, and is the oldest continuously operating retailer (of any kind, not just books!) in the Concord area. Current owner Michael Herrmann purchased the bookstore in 1994, and in 2013 moved it to its current location on South Main Street.
Gibson’s is the largest independent bookstore in Northern New England, and the store also offer an extensive selection of educational toys and games, and a cafe. There are several author events per week, and a monthly book club.
In 2024, Gibson’s was named the 2024 New Hampshire Retailer of the Year. Gibson’s Bookstore is the retail partner of the NH Book Festival, providing all titles in an on-street venue that is open during the entire festival.
Michael Herrmann says of his partnership with NHBF: “We are proud to support the NH Book Festival.”
Selected Gibson’s Staff Picks:
And Bookseller Ryan touted Watching Evil Dead: Unearthing the Radiant Artist Within, by Josh Malerman.
“Reading this book feels like sharing a drink or several with Josh Malerman as he discusses life, love, art, and Evil Dead. It is so entirely him. His philosophies, his thought process, his writing processes, his love, his anxiety, it’s all in there, enveloped by the Evil Dead movies, and one beautifully important night.
Bookseller Kat picked Discontent, by Beatriz Serrano:
“A modern-day Bartleby Scrivener, but if Bartleby were given access to YouTube and then forced to go on a work retreat. Discontent is funny, bleak, and way too real. It’s a book for anyone who’s ever lost hours doom scrolling, or fantasized about getting hit by a car so you didn’t have to go to work.”
