Our Story
About the Raven
The Raven opened in 1993 in downtown Northampton, MA. Located in the heart of the five-college area, we specialize in academic and scholarly books. We also carry other categories of books including children’s books, cookbooks, gardening, occult, art, and a wide range of classic literature and poetry.
We have large sections of philosophy, history, eastern and western religion, Greek and Roman classics, science, black studies, radical studies, and much, much more. Our prices are generally half of the original publisher’s price. In addition to used books, we carry a wide selection of publisher’s overstock books. We strive to create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere where everyone can find something special. Please give us a call if you’re looking for a title!
Our History
In 1978, Betsy Frederick, moved out to Western MA from Gloucester to attend UMass Amherst, where she studied art. After a variety of jobs, including the Albion Bookshop in Amherst, she found herself working at the Montague Bookmill, a used bookshop.
Along with fellow book aficionados, John Petrovato and David Lovelace, she opened the Raven in Northampton in 1993. After a dozen years, John and David moved onto other projects: John opened a Raven in Cambridge, and they both collaborated on opening the Book and Bar in Portsmouth, NH. Betsy is now the sole owner of the business in Northampton.
Find it here
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At Raven Used Books
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Find it here 〰️ At Raven Used Books 〰️
Behind the Raven Used Books Brand
The name Raven is taken from the Edgar Allen Poe poem. Betsy created the popular Raven logo using a linoleum block printing process. It is now emblazoned upon our totes, mugs, and t-shirts.
Visit Us
4 Old South Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Phone
413-584-9868
Hours
Monday–Saturday
10am–6pm
Sunday
11am–5pm
