Carlson & Turner Antiquarian Books & Bookbindery

Portland, United States

5

Closed now

11 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 207-773-4200
Website:
www.carlsonturnerbooks.com
Address:
241 Congress St, Portland, ME, 04101
East Bayside
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
2.1 miPortland
Categories:
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
No

Today

Today 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Portland) 9:45 AM Thursday, May 22, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Used Books, Antiquarian Books, Antique Maps, Fine Art Prints, Bookbinding & Book Repairs, Letterpress Printing Services.

History

Established in 1977.

Started by David Turner & Norma Carlson the shop was briefly located in the Old Port area of town until the early 80’s when they moved permanently to the present Congress Street Location. The business was purchased by Scott Wilson in the mid 1990’s and Bookbindery Services were added shortly after. The shop is located in a historic 1888 Victorian era building housing 20,000−30,000 volumes along with hundreds of antique maps and prints.

Meet the Business Owner

Scott W.

Business Owner

Long time book lover, collector, bookseller and bookbinder

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11 reviews of Carlson & Turner Antiquarian Books & Bookbindery

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Porter Square, Boston, MA
This is one of the best bookstores I have ever visited. Its holdings cover a wide range of subjects, with especially strong offerings in local/​regional topics like sailing and Maine history. The prices are excellent overall, though the rare items are pricey, as is to be expected. A visit here promises at least one or two unexpected and thrilling finds.
Place rating: 5
Holmes, PA
This shop is wonderful. Best in Portland, no question. It’s lovely, very well organized and well kept, with a more than decent selection for a second hand bookstore. The environment is magic, there are bookshelves that the climb up to the ceiling, and ladders on railings to reach them, and little antiques scattered here and there all throughout the shop. If you happen to be in Portland and you like book shopping, you cannot miss it.
Place rating: 5
Village of Nagog Woods, MA
Delightful hidden gem in Portland! Great selection of vintage books & prints & photographs, as well as a very decent selection of modern books. The shop is well organized with genre labels on the shelves, and the staff is very welcoming/​friendly/​helpful.
Place rating: 5
Portland, ME
Wow. The most lovely bookstore I have ever been to in this size. Amazing organization, lovely décor and interesting kicknacks. Woman behind the counter was just wonderfully engaging.
Place rating: 5
South Portland, ME
Bookshelves reaching up to the ceiling stacked with books, the color of their bindings muted with age. Shelves and bins of antique maps of Portland and Maine. Displays full of of antique eyeglasses and other treasures, and the wonderful smell of old books!
I haven’t bought anything here but I’ve browsed on several occasions (shame on me, right?), and it’s always a pleasure. The books are categorized nicely and the shelves are orderly.
If you like old books, Carlson & Turner is a little slice of paradise. If you don’t, it’s still a great shop to roam around in for a while.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
Just stopped in out of curiosity and walked out with three fantastic finds. You just don’t find these kind of book stores often enough anymore. If being surrounded by old books of every stripe and kind makes you feel like you’ve been wrapped in a warm blanket, then this is your place. If you’re just visiting Portland like I was, Carlson & Turner deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Place rating: 5
Cornish, NH
Carlson and Turner books is a gem! A magical environment for anyone who has an affinity for the printed word. I first popped in the store over a year ago and I was amazed by their selection and prices. One of the few places that can entertain my wife and three generations of my family at the same time. You could spend hours hunting for that perfect book or just ask the friendly, helpful and charming staff. They have searched out books that I have inquired about, held onto them and even taught us a few things about the book business. They deserve more than 5 stars but unfortunately that is all Unilocal allows us to give…
They are putting humanity and art back into a business that has been overrun by chain stores and the Internet.
They obviously run a great place!
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
Lots of cool old books on Maine and New England… Some really old and gnarly old books in a special book case across from the counter which could be cool for art projects (iPad cases or something). Lady was friendly, offered to giftwrap the books, had a dog. Good feel to the place. Ill be back to explore.
Place rating: 5
Portland, ME
This place is amazing! Came in out of the snow… Wonderful smell of old books, the cutest curious dog, and a very helpful and friendly woman behind the counter! I could lose myself in a place like this! Spent most of my time searching the art books! Excellent! Can’t wait to check back soon to see what has been added!
Place rating: 5
Salt Lake City, UT
So many books! So little time. This place is great!
Place rating: 5
Yarmouth, ME
Stopped by after a suggestion from another shop owner in the area. A wide selection and friendly staff. Got a great print and a couple books. Will be back next time I’m in town.