134 Main Street, Greenfield, MA

Greenfield Massachusetts has the distinct pleasure of hosting three fine bookshops, and this is the third I visited during my travels there this last year. World Eye Bookshop is decorated with a variety of art and children’s book characters—little wildlife creatures in anthropomorphic clothes. It was very cute, and the shop’s specialty, it appears, was their selections of work from Astrid Sheckels.

Sheckels creates a series of children’s picture books about the adventures of Harold Fox and his friends, as well as other animals, books, artworks, and prints. The stories and drawings are beautiful and the shop offers a wide variety of these for sale. I picked up one for my niece and nephew and flagged the shop as a place to go for future gifts.

The shop does seem to focus on items for children, with kid’s books and YA offerings in the rear, plus stuffed animals, toys, kits, cards, and more. There are a few books on parenting, cookbooks, a smattering of science and poetry, magazines and crossword books. Some of the shelves were a bit light on selection, but in the front of the shop I found a few full shelves for mystery and thriller titles from the likes of Harlan Coben, John Grisham, Jane Harper, and others. The shop may have seen more robust days but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have something to offer still.

I encountered friendly staff during my quick, and I didn’t leave emptyhanded. With the number of kids in my life who like to read, I would certainly stop in for birthday and Christmas gifts if I’m ever passing through again.

Atmosphere — A calm, pleasant environment that leans toward a younger audience, although it has some sections for adults as well.

Quality — The books are mostly new and in fine shape.

Quantity — There wasn’t as much here as in other similar shops, but there’s enough to make it worth a visit if you’re in Greenfield. Especially if you’re shopping for younger readers.

Diversity — This shop has some adult titles, especially in mystery and thriller, but leans heavily toward younger readers, from picture books up to YA.

Affordability — The books were all very fairly priced for new books.

Amenities — There are a couple chairs for young readers, and lots of gifts, cards, educational kits, and stuffed animals to go along with the books on hand.

Location — Right on Main Street downtown near the intersection with Wells Street.

Customer Service — The woman running the shop that day was very helpful and friendly!

Overall — This shop is perfect for those shopping for younger readers, with books, art, toys, kits, cards, and more, and there’s some mystery and thriller titles for adults as well. If you’re passing through Greenfield, it’s worth a stop to browse.