We are sorry to hear that Whitlock’s Book Barn, a Connecticut bookstore founded in 1948, will be closing this spring. Independent bookstores hold decades of stories, conversations, and discoveries. To everyone who built and loved it, thank you.
#IndependentBookstores #ConnecticutReads #BookCulture
Our Downtown store isn’t hiding secrets. It’s shelving them.
Mystery paperbacks everywhere. John Sandford, James Patterson, J.D. Robb, Daniel Silva, and more. If you need a twist, a clue, or a sleepless night, follow the sign.
#MysteryBooks #UsedBookstore #Niantic
Week 5 of our DVD drop is live.
Film School, Week 2 features French & Italian cinema plus serious cinephile staples. And yes, Universal’s classic monsters and a parade of vampire films have arrived.
#FrenchCinema #ItalianCinema #VintageHorror
What are you reading today? The Book Barn is officially snowed in, but we’re warm at home with good books. Drop your current read below and let’s build the coziest snow day reading list around.
#NianticCT #SnowDayReads #UsedBooks
A row of DVDs displayed on a wooden shelf in front of a bright window, labeled “Kubrick,” “Altman,” and “Ang Lee.” Visible titles include Dr. Strangelove, MASH*, and Lust, Caution. Each DVD has an orange price sticker on the cover.
A lineup of Fritz Lang films displayed side by side on a shelf, with “Fritz Lang” written across the image. Visible titles include Metropolis, The Blue Gardenia, Man Hunt, House by the River, Dr. Mabuse, and Ministry of Fear, each marked with orange price stickers.
A shelf display labeled “Orson Welles,” featuring DVDs including The Lady from Shanghai, Touch of Evil, The Third Man, The Magnificent Ambersons, and Citizen Kane. Orange price stickers are visible on several cases.
A graphic titled “DVD New Releases” with “February 18” and “Week 4” highlighted. The flyer reads “Film School, Week 1: The Directors” and includes a photo of a hand holding a film clapperboard outdoors. The design features blue and black text with a “buy watch love” badge.
Week Four at Chapter 3 is Film School, Week 1: The Directors. Kubrick, Altman, Ang Lee, Fritz Lang, Orson Welles. The filmmakers who shaped cinema and gave future directors something to argue about. Organized and ready to browse.
#DVDs #FilmSchool #Chapter3
Narrow back room at The Book Barn in downtown Niantic filled wall-to-wall with cookbooks, long wooden shelves on both sides, a checkered black-and-white floor, and a brown bench in the center aisle.
Wooden bookshelf filled with celebrity chef cookbooks at The Book Barn in Niantic, CT, including titles by Ina Garten, Rachael Ray, Emeril Lagasse, and Giada De Laurentiis, neatly arranged under a “TV Chefs” label.
Tall stack of colorful cookbooks balanced on a small white step stool inside The Book Barn, featuring titles like SkinnyTaste, Barefoot Contessa, Beat Bobby Flay, and The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook.
Floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves packed with baking and dessert cookbooks at The Book Barn, including sections labeled Chocolate, Frozen Treats, and Cookies, with tightly arranged spines in pastel and earth tones.
Our downtown store has a cookbook room. Not a shelf. Not a section. A full room devoted to chocolate, cookies, grilling, slow cooking, fast cooking, and heroic dinner plans. If you have ever said “I should cook more,” this is your moment. #NianticCT #UsedBooks #Cookbooks
Week Three has landed at Chapter 3. 245 Asian action films plus shelves of Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, and Charles Bronson. Roundhouses, slow motion, steady stares, and cinematic justice, all organized and ready to browse.
#DVDs #ActionCinema #Chapter3
You may have missed it, but Week Two of our massive DVD collection landed at Chapter 3. Criterion Collection films, a deep Quentin Tarantino run, John Woo action in full slow motion, and a wall of biker gang movies. Organized, browsable, and waiting.
#DVDs #FilmNerds #Chapter3
A tabletop display of Paul Newman DVDs at The Book Barn, featuring titles like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Hustler, Hombre, The Verdict, and Hud. The DVDs are arranged upright and flat, each with orange price stickers, with shelves of books visible in the background.
A wooden shelf filled with Academy Award Best Picture winner DVDs, including classic films from the early to mid 20th century. Visible titles include Mutiny on the Bounty, Mrs. Miniver, The Broadway Melody, and My Fair Lady, neatly lined up with orange price stickers, with additional DVDs stored below the shelf.
A tightly packed shelf of Jean-Claude Van Damme DVDs labeled “JCVD,” featuring action films such as Bloodsport, Double Impact, Timecop, Cyborg, and Universal Soldier. A small sign with an image of Van Damme in an action pose sits above the DVDs.
A graphic announcing “DVD New Releases,” featuring a stylized orange film reel and filmstrip. Text highlights a massive DVD collection released in weekly themed drops, with January 28 noted, and categories including Academy Award Best Picture winners, Paul Newman films, and Jean-Claude Van Damme movies.
You may have missed it, but last week we released the first wave of a massive DVD collection at Chapter 3. Best Picture winners back to the 1930s, Paul Newman in fine form, and 33 Jean-Claude Van Damme films, stretching included. More soon.
#DVDs #FilmNerds #Chapter3
We just spotted Santa walking the secret path. That means he’ll be here in just a few hours. Join us tonight from 5 to 7 for photos, cocoa, crafts, a movie, and goats who have been good all year. Bring socks, gloves, or hand warmers for Care and Share and receive a special thank-you from the elves.
Santa visits the Book Barn Dec 20, 5–7 PM! Cocoa, crafts, goats, & jolly cheer await. Bring socks/gloves for Care & Share and earn a special Elf prize. The goats are practicing their caroling.
#NianticEvents #SantaStop #CareAndShare
A large collection of vintage Peanuts books is spread across a wooden table. Dozens of small, colorful paperbacks featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, and other Peanuts characters are stacked in neat piles and arranged upright in the back. Titles include “You’re the Greatest, Charlie Brown,” “Let’s Face It, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy, Come Home,” “Good Ol’ Charlie Brown,” and “Play It Again, Charlie Brown.” The bright covers in shades of orange, green, yellow, blue, and pink create a cheerful, nostalgic display.
A new batch of Peanuts books arrived over the weekend, just in time to wish you a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. As Charles M. Schulz said, “Happiness is a warm puppy.” The Book Barn will be closed tomorrow, reopening Friday at our normal time.
#PeanutsBooks #CharlesSchulz #BookBarnFinds
Brightly repainted "Secret Entrance" sign at The Book Barn, featuring a vibrant scene of Alice in a blue dress pulling back a curtain of purple grass to reveal a glowing keyhole filled with stacked books. Above her is a hand-painted pink Cheshire Cat on a night sky background with the words "We're all mad here." The border is decorated with pink hearts and roses.
Close-up of the Alice illustration on the Secret Entrance sign. Alice, holding a golden key, peeks behind a curtain of tall, painted grass to look through a glowing keyhole where colorful books are stacked inside. The background is a swirl of pink, navy blue, and glittering stars.
Detail of the freshly repainted top sign reading "Book Barn," surrounded by hand-painted flowers, vines, and butterflies. The sign has a shiny black background with whimsical floral accents, leading into the overall Secret Entrance display.
Focused view of the Cheshire Cat painting at the top of the Secret Entrance display. The cat is large and fluffy, painted in vivid pink and purple tones with glowing yellow eyes, a wide grin, and a crescent moon in the background. Below it, a small sign reads, "We're all mad here."
The Secret Entrance just got a full makeover. Alice is radiant, the cat is plotting something, and the glitter is out of control. Visit soon and see what winter art magic looks like.
#BookBarnNiantic #SecretEntrance #WonderlandGlowUp
A smiling woman wearing a blue "Book Barn" T-shirt holds a clear plastic donation bin labeled "Care and Share of East Lyme" inside a cozy bookstore. Bookshelves filled with colorful titles line the background.
We’re collecting nonperishable food at all 3 Book Barn spots for Care and Share of East Lyme. Bring a can, grab a book, help a neighbor. Full list of needed items: careandshareofel.org
#nianticct #bookbarnniantic #fooddrive
The exterior of the Hades building at The Book Barn, decorated with detailed and colorful underworld-themed art. A skeletal ferryman rows a boat through a flaming river, surrounded by outstretched arms and fiery borders. Shelves of books are visible inside, and both sides of the entrance feature new flame-painted panels and sculptural elements including gargoyles, skulls, and ravens.
Two vividly painted panels sit on a table, covered in hand-painted flames with hues of red, orange, yellow, and purple. The left panel features three stylized purple dragons emerging from the fire. The right panel includes a mounted sculpture of a crouching gargoyle above a separate shelf holding a black raven perched on a human skull.
A close-up of a sculpted gargoyle figure crouching on a black shelf, surrounded by a background of painted flames. The gargoyle is painted gold and purple, with muscular detail, outstretched wings, and a fierce expression.
The right-side doorway of the Hades building, with flames painted from top to bottom. A mounted display features a snarling skull with “Welcome to Hades!” signage, a golden gargoyle crouching mid-frame, and a black raven perched on a skull near the base, all set against a blazing background of fire.
Our Hades building just got a fiery refresh, complete with gargoyles, ravens, and some very judgmental skulls. Stop by before Halloween and enter… if you dare. If you haven’t visited, follow the flames... and maybe bring a coin for the ferryman.
#NianticCT #HalloweenReads #BookBarnHaunts
We’re honored you braved the maze of cats, carts, and winding paths. Sending our best from the coast to your corner of Charlottesville. The shelves say hello, and the goats nod in agreement.
A copy of The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle sits on a bookshelf, its orange cover featuring a sketch of Sherlock Holmes in profile. Text below the photo reads: “The game is afoot!” — The Adventure of the Abbey Grange, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
A copy of The Life of King Henry V by William Shakespeare is open to the title page beside a color illustration of a medieval battlefield with soldiers holding banners. Text below the photo reads: “The game’s afoot; Follow your spirit: and upon this charge, Cry — God for Harry! England and Saint George!” — The Life of King Henry V, William Shakespeare.
“The game is afoot!” From Shakespeare’s battlefields to Sherlock’s mysteries, the hunt begins again. The Annual Sale starts today, Oct 11–19, with 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three Book Barn locations.
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
A copy of The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas sits on a bookshelf beside other classic novels, including Queen Margot and D’Artagnan. The cover shows a colorful illustration of sword-wielding musketeers in action. Text below the photo reads: “All for one and one for all, united we stand divided we fall.” — The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas.
“All for one and one for all.” The Musketeers were ready for action, and so are we. Tomorrow marks the beginning of our Annual Sale, October 11–19, with 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three Book Barn locations. The shelves await their champions.
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
A copy of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde sits on a bookshelf among other classic novels. The cover shows a Victorian social scene with people in formal attire gathered for conversation. Text below the photo reads: “In married life three is company and two is none.” — The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde.
“In married life three is company and two is none.” We’ll disagree, Mr. Wilde, two’s perfect when it’s you and a friend coming to our Annual Sale! It starts October 11 to 19 with 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three Book Barn locations.
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
A copy of The Cat Who Came for Christmas by Cleveland Amory sits on a wooden bookshelf among other cat-themed books. The cover features a white kitten playing with a red Christmas ornament. Text below the photo reads: “My cat, for example, liked to get up early — in fact he liked to get up at 3 A.M.” — The Cat Who Came for Christmas, Cleveland Amory.
“My cat liked to get up early — at 3 A.M.” We’ll start a bit later, but the excitement’s the same. In 3 days, our Annual Sale begins: Oct 11–19, 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three Book Barn locations. Paws ready, shelves steady.
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
A copy of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott stands on a bookshelf beside several other novels. The cover features illustrated portraits of the four March sisters inside oval frames. Text below the photo reads: “Four little chests all in a row, dim with dust and worn by time.” — Little Women, Louisa May Alcott.
“Four little chests all in a row…” In 4 days, our Annual Sale begins: Oct 11–19, 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three Book Barn locations. Like Alcott’s sisters, we’ve kept our treasures safe — and now it’s time to share them.
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
A copy of The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss sits on a table surrounded by stacked books. The cover features the warm glow of hanging lights over shelves of books. Text below the photo reads: “And so they authorized $10,000 for a five-day book festival in October of 1919.” — The Bookshop, Evan Friss.
A century ago, book lovers held “a five-day book festival in October of 1919.” In 5 days, our own October celebration begins. The Annual Sale runs Oct 11–19, 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three Book Barn locations. History and stories repeat beautifully.
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
A copy of The Call of the Wild by Jack London is displayed on a wooden bookshelf surrounded by other Jack London titles, including The Sea Wolf and White Fang. The cover shows a wolf silhouette against blue mountains and trees. Text below the photo reads: “The team consisted of six dogs, and Buck led them with pride.” — The Call of the Wild, Jack London.
“The team consisted of six dogs, and Buck led them with pride.” Six days until our Annual Sale, Oct 11–19. 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three Book Barn locations. Follow your instincts, trust the pack, and head toward the books.
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
A copy of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig stands on a table at The Book Barn beneath a green “New Arrivals” sign. Behind it are shelves of books and a post covered with colorful stickers and signs, including “Support Local Organic Farmers.” Text below the photo reads: “Seven hours before she decided to die, Nora was in free fall…” The Midnight Library, Matt Haig.
“Seven hours before she decided to die…” But that’s only the start. In The Midnight Library, every life has more pages to turn. Seven days until our Annual Sale, Oct 11–19. 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG). New stories, new shelves, new chances.
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
A copy of The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Robert Fagles, is displayed upright on a bookstore shelf among other classical works. The orange and blue cover shows stylized illustrations of ancient figures. Below the photo, text reads: “I came in the eighth year.” — Odyssey, Homer.
“I came in the eighth year.” You’ll only need to wait 8 days. Our Annual Sale runs Oct 11–19, 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three Book Barn locations. Odysseus faced storms and monsters. You’ll just face the joy of too many books to choose from.
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
A copy of The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien is displayed upright on a bookstore shelf, flanked by other novels including The Hobbit. The book cover shows a dark silhouette of a rider against a blue sky. Below the photo, text reads: “Nine companions. So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring.” — The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien.
“Nine companions. So be it.” Nine days until the Annual Sale, Oct 11–19. 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG). This very Lord of the Rings is waiting on our shelves, along with thousands of others. Will you bring nine friends to help you carry them?
#BookSale #Niantic #UsedBooks
Our thoughts exactly!
Two Harry Potter books are displayed on a wooden shelf: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with its illustrated cover of Harry flying on a broomstick, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban showing Harry with Buckbeak the Hippogriff. Below the photo, text reads: “Ten points to Gryffindor” — Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J. K. Rowling.
“Ten points to Gryffindor.” Ten points to you for joining the countdown. In 10 days, our Annual Sale begins: Oct 11–19, 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three locations. Shelves are full, cats are ready, and parking attendants are at attention.
#BookSale #UsedBooks #Niantic
The cats have signed off on it: our annual sale runs from October 11 to 19. Take 30% off all merchandise (except SWAG) at all three locations. Bring a bag. Bring a friend. Bring a list. Or don't. Surprises are part of the fun.
#UsedBooks #NianticCT #BookSale
A small wooden shed-like room filled with towering stacks of books covering nearly every surface. Shelves line the back and side walls, packed tightly with more books. A single orange swivel chair sits in the center, partially surrounded by piles of unshelved books. A blue street sign reading "TRIGGER AVE" leans against the back wall behind the chair. The room appears cozy but overwhelmed by the sheer volume of incoming books.
Labor Day weekend brought nearly 500 boxes of books through our gates. This weekend is right behind it. We take in 10,000 books a week on average. This photo shows just one corner of our new arrivals. Visit often, you never know what you’ll find.
#usedbooks #bookshopping #bookbarnniantic
