Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough, Massachusetts—the largest independent bookstore in new England—has undergone several major transitions in its 43-year existence.
When I first moved to Central Mass. in 1994, I remember people raving about “the bookstore” to go to, Tatnuck on Chandler Street in Worcester.
That wasn’t the original Tatnuck, though, which was located elsewhere in Worcester when it opened in 1976. Fifteen years later, in 1991, Tatnuck was moved to a brick factory building at 355 Chandler Street. The 27,600-square-foot building was renovated and eventually housed five miles of books! In addition to bestsellers, Tatnuck was known for featuring many books by regional authors and about the region.
I’ll be reading from Horseshoes and Hand Grenades at Tatnuck Bookseller on Sunday, Nov. 17th at 1:00 PM.
Times Change
In 2004, the owners opened a second location, in Westborough, Massachusetts. The 31,000-square-foot store is in the Westborough Shopping Center on Lyman Street near Route 9.
Sadly, the Worcester store, which had long been considered a local institution, closed its doors in 2006.
But the Westborough store carries on the proud Tatnuck tradition, which includes hosting local authors on a regular basis.
Books & More
Today, like many independent bookstores, Tatnuck has expanded beyond books. It now sells women’s fashions and accessories, jewelry, gifts, toys, games, puzzles and cards. And it has a very comfortable café where you can flip through a magazine or dip into the latest bestseller.
But the focus remains where it should: on the books.
I’m enjoying your reviews of independent bookstores. I patronize many of the ones you’ve reviewed and I’ve done readings at several as well. I can’t remember, did you do one on Root and Press in Worcester? I recommend them.
I’m going to be part of a holiday author fair there on Dec. 14th!