New Bedford’s Newest Spot for Readers and Book Lovers

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Book lovers will have a new opportunity to explore the world through used books, with a new bookstore making its way to New Bedford.

Aviary Books is heading downtown on 6th Street and will officially open its doors on October 18.

The SouthCoast has a good selection of bookstores to visit, but most of them only sell new books. These days, books have become an expensive investment, which can be both a good and bad problem.

Store owner Laura Ryan hopes that a used bookstore in the city will create a space for books to be purchased at an affordable price.

About Aviary Books

Ryan has always been a book lover, collecting copies and traveling to bookstores across Massachusetts, especially in New Bedford.

It wasn't until 2023, after the owner of the beloved Upstairs Used Books passed away, that she decided to pursue her dream of opening her own store.

"Ira was here for 40 years selling books, and I really loved his books a lot," Ryan said. "Three months later, I was looking at a pile of books in my house and thinking about how there's no more book store in New Bedford, and that's when I started to get to work."

Ryan specializes in fine art photography and architecture. She has an MFA in photography, which is why she started collecting books. For her, this is something that she is excited to also share with others.

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Used Books Ready for Purchase

Ryan has purchased most of the books to resell, with some donated by the community.

Other genres that you'll be able to find at Aviary Bookstore include fiction, biographies, literary theory, history and culture books, science, animals, nature, field guides, poetry – the list goes on.

"Every time I get a new hobby or interested in something, I collect a bunch of books so I'll have most genres available," she said. "I'm hoping i would even have stuff that will be useful for UMass and other college students."

Paperbacks will range from $5 to $15. Hardcovers, fine art books, and special editions are usually higher depending on their rarity and condition. Book donations are also welcome.

If you have boxes, you can make an appointment to drop off. Ryan also ensures that pick-up accommodations can be made as well.

Browsing the shelves ahead of the opening can happen by contacting Aviary Books on social media.