Picture this: a sunny afternoon, the scent of fresh pine on a warm breeze, and a gently creaking Adirondack chair beneath you as you sink into a great novel. Maine may still be shaking off the last hints of snow, but spring is unmistakably in the air – beckoning you outside, with a cool drink in hand and your favorite book by your side. And if your reading list is as endless as your curiosity, there’s a literary treasure trove tucked away in Wells that’s calling your name. With 14 sprawling rooms packed floor to ceiling with stories waiting to be discovered, this isn’t just a bookstore – it’s a book lover’s paradise.
A Labyrinth of Literary Treasures
Nestled along the scenic stretch of Post Road in Wells, Harding’s Books invites you into a world where stories live in every corner and the past softly whispers from worn pages. Step through the door and you’re immediately surrounded by quiet reverence – a cathedral for the curious, with over 100,000 used and rare volumes waiting to be explored.
These aren’t just your average paperbacks. The collection spans generations and genres – from timeless fiction and hard-hitting nonfiction to every curious category in between. It’s the kind of place where you stumble on books you didn’t know you were searching for.
Even the exterior hints at its abundance – shelves spill out onto the porch, inviting passersby to pause and peruse under the open sky. It’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into a whimsical, lived-in library built by decades of book lovers.
If you have a taste for rare finds, Harding’s doesn’t disappoint. Shelves are brimming with forgotten gems that aren’t likely to appear in big-brand bookstores – or even online. These are the kind of books with cracked leather spines and penciled-in notes that tell their own kind of story.
Their specialty lies in Americana and the textured past of New England. You’ll uncover maritime lore, town histories, genealogy registers, and art books that transport you across centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or just love thumbing through the tangible past, there’s a captivating story waiting around every turn.
Collectors and curious travelers alike will be delighted by their vast selection of antique maps and prints, some dating all the way back to the 16th century. Each piece is a window into how we once saw the world – imperfect, beautiful, and endlessly discoverable.
With 14 detailed rooms filled to the brim, it’s easy to lose track of time – and honestly, that’s the point. You can also browse a portion of their catalog online, but there’s truly no substitute for stepping through their front door and letting curiosity guide you.
Harding’s Books is located at 2152 Post Road in Wells and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Whether you’re passing through or planning a dedicated literary pilgrimage, this cozy cathedral of books is well worth the detour.
And Just When You Thought It Couldn’t Get More Maine
Believe it or not, not far from your book-filled daydreams, you can take a slow walk in the fresh Maine air – alongside a gentle, wooly alpaca. Yes, alpaca walks are a real (and adorable) thing here, adding a dash of whimsy to your already unforgettable visit.
Whether you came for the books, the charm, or the unexpected moments, Wells offers more than just a stopover – it offers stories in every sense. And, somehow, it all just fits perfectly.
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