About The Andover Bookstore

ABS in the News

Massachusetts’ oldest independent bookstore has a long history — and a fight to survive!

“It’s a special gem in this town,” Andover home to the oldest independent bookstore in US

Our History

The Andover Bookstore is the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the United States! Please, read that sentence again . . . the oldest bookstore in the country! Amazing, right?

Our journey began in 1809, the year of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. We are still here! We are ready — eager — to serve you. Our 215-year (and counting) adventure is just beginning. We hope that you’ll join us as the next chapters in the Bookstore’s tale are revealed.

From its beginnings on the campus of Phillips Academy to its current location in the center of a bustling downtown, the Andover Bookstore has proudly served as the region’s most popular source for books, and so much more. Over many decades, the store has had six different addresses in town. While its location has changed, the store’s commitment to the printed word, and to the larger community, remains unchanged. In fact, it is stronger than ever.

These are not easy times for traditional retailers, especially bookstores. Instant access to all manner of digital media, and a worldwide shift in how and where consumers purchase have heightened the challenge of keeping physical, independently-owned stores viable. Doing so requires two things: a willingness to adapt, and strong support from an expanding base of customers. The long and storied history of the Andover Bookstore is the result of the community’s loyalty.

The store survived America’s Civil War and two World Wars. It has experienced the administrations of forty US presidents. It has stood unharmed through blizzards and hurricanes. More recently, the Bookstore endured unexpected, prolonged shutdowns. The 2018 Merrimack Valley natural gas explosions dealt a lasting blow to the communities of Andover, Lawrence and North Andover. Fewer than two years later, a global pandemic has upended all aspects of the world economy. Steadfast in the belief that we are strengthened by challenges, and certain of the essential nature of books as a source of information, culture and joy, we are confident in our continued mission to make people’s lives — and perhaps the world — incrementally better.

Andover Bookstore is owned by John Hugo. He literally grew up in bookstores. His dad, Bob Hugo, purchased the Bookstore in 1992. Bob was an iconic figure in the book world. During a lifetime of bookselling, Bob operated stores in far flung locations that included Alaska, Fernandina Beach Florida, and Martha’s Vineyard. An early store in Reading, MA hinted at Bob’s later influence in Massachusetts, his home state.

John partnered with his dad in 2004. Together, they were able to expand offerings and to open additional stores. Eventually, locations in Beverly, Newburyport, Swampscott, and Marblehead — all noted for outstanding customer service — served the varied book needs of countless readers for many years. Now, through consolidation and some downsizing, all efforts and resources are devoted to ensuring that the Andover Bookstore remains the region’s first-choice source for books.

The Andover Bookstore has always been proud of its strong connection to the town and its residents. From midnight release parties celebrating the publication of new Harry Potter titles to the annual summertime Where’s Waldo hunts throughout the downtown, the Bookstore has hosted events that unite and engage the community. We have offered Fancy Nancy dress-up parades, Date Night for singles, and many birthday parties. We even hosted a unique — and very lovely — wedding at the store. Some of the country’s finest artists have entertained and enlightened bookstore audiences with memorable visits. Arlene Alda, Julia Alvarez, Jan Brett, Howie Carr, Andrew Coburn, Barbara Cooney, Tomie dePaola, Anita Diamant, Christopher Golden, Donald Hall, Paul Harding, Norton Juster, Alan Lightman, Sy Montgomery, Mary McGarry Morris, Robert Pinsky, Paul Yoon and Henry Winkler are among them. Book Clubs meet regularly in the cozy nook that faces our fireplace. Proud to be the literary and cultural nexus of our town, we will continue to create opportunities for the community to come together in celebration of literature.

The Andover Bookstore was established to provide textbooks to the students of Phillips Academy. Former students fondly recall the long line that curled around the building at the start of each new term. After snaking up the stairs, the kids received their texts, gathered with remarkable speed by an efficient team of bookstore runners. These traditions stood for well over 100 years, and although students no longer journey “down the hill” for textbooks, the histories of the Academy and the Bookstore will always be linked.

For many, thoughts of the Andover Bookstore bring them to the Olde Andover Village location. After earlier relocations, Ethel and Jerry Cross, owners of the Bookstore from 1963–1990, settled the store into a renovated barn with two (and later three) floors, and a fireplace. Here is where so many book lovers settled into overstuffed chairs, balancing a coffee and cookies. Some brought their children to listen to stories performed with memorable zeal by a professional storyteller (and a bookseller too). Other readers chose quieter times to sit pensively while enjoying a peek at the latest bestseller. This has always been, and will remain, a welcoming space all.

In our very cozy location just across the street from the old “barn”, customers continue to enjoy the endless pleasures of the Andover Bookstore. That unique joy will never change. We want to be your bookstore. Customers’ support has allowed us to serve our community for a truly historic number of years. We can’t do it without YOU. Thank you.