The Harvard Coop

A Harvard institution since 1882, The Harvard Coop is frequented by a diverse clientele of academics, tourists, and Cambridge residents. The bookstore, now managed by Barnes and Noble, occupies The Coop's privileged position on Mass. Ave. The top floor coursebook section's high prices have spawned student-run discount textbook sellers such as Redline Textbooks. A bridge leads to the Palmer Ave. location, where students can purchase anything else even remotely related to college life. Special services include custom book orders, worldwide shipping, author events, and a Harvard Authors section. Become a Coop member for $1, and you'll get a refund check at the end of the year for 6% of all your purchases. 15% off all Harvard apparel with student ID. Located near the New Release section, you'll find a table and benches, with crayons and scrap paper on hand for those who need a break from books. Future illustrators in the crowd? The Coop for Kids has story time during the week. On Tuesdays at 11am, preschoolers are invited to hear a selection of engaging stories. Many new parents bring their babies along to join in the fun; it's a great spot to meet other parents and make new play pals. On Saturdays at 11am, children under 7 can participate in the story and craft hour. Stories and crafts often tie in with seasonal themes, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, etc. Expect that your children will be occupied for about an hour. Refreshments (cookies and juice) are offered at both story times. Story hours are free and open to the public. Public restroom: Take the spiral staircase at the back of the store to the third floor. Bathroom is ahead and to the right, near the college entrance exam books. Halloween fun: The Harvard Coop is having Halloween stories and a costume contest on 10/25 from 1-4pm.