Harvard Square, long celebrated as a haven for intellectuals, scholars, and book lovers, is about to witness a revival—Rodney’s Bookstore. The beloved bookstore that has been missing from Cambridge since October 2020, has made a triumphant return, and people couldn’t be more enthusiastic about it. Greg Williams, a long-time Cambridge resident and professor at Boston University shared his thoughts on the recent opening of Rodney’s Bookstore. “It’s always nice to see a new bookstore open its doors and Rodney’s is a welcomed addition to the neighborhood. I’m looking forward to checking it out in my free time.” His perspective reflects the local sentiment about the bookstore’s arrival: a sense of anticipation and curiosity.
Rodney’s Bookstore opened in late August and has brought about a breath of fresh air for bibliophiles who have been eagerly anticipating its return. This exciting development comes after nearly three years of absence, a hiatus that owner Shaw Taylor did not foresee but wisely chose to navigate with caution during the COVID-19 pandemic. When considering potential locations, he explored not only Harvard Square but also Central Square and even ventured into Boston. While the iconic wooden Rodney’s sign won’t be on the exterior, it has found a new home inside the store. This sign, an homage to Taylor’s faithful canine friend who passed away in 1996, now proudly stands atop bookshelves inherited from the previous occupant, Raven Used Books. The sign’s weight, a formidable 100 pounds of mahogany, presented another challenge. However, its presence inside Rodney’s is a comforting reminder of the store’s rich history, Taylor emphasizes.
One of the intriguing aspects of Rodney’s return is the change in its book selection process. With the new location being a quarter of the size of his original Central Square store, Taylor has had to be selective about the books made available to customers. Some categories, such as books on antiques, have been omitted, reflecting changing reading habits in the digital age. Taylor explained that while the mix of genres may be condensed, the store’s selection still promises to offer a delightful experience.
Harvard Square has seen many transformations over the years, with Rodney’s being just one chapter of this story. Half of Church Street closest to Massachusetts Avenue has faced its fair share of challenges, including the closure of the Harvard Square Theatre and the popular Border Cafe. While some businesses have thrived, others have faced delays in their openings. “Sometimes I do feel like Harvard Square is sort of losing its authenticity,” Shahria Bassiria ’25 told the Register Forum. “Now it’s all expensive coffee shops and it’s like the soul of the place has been replaced with high-end consumerism. I think the old Harvard had a certain character to it that’s slowly fading,” she goes on to say.
As Harvard Square continues to evolve, Rodney’s bookstore is set to become a fresh component in the mix. The Register Forum would like to warmly welcome Rodney’s Bookstore to Harvard Square and get ready for some awesome book adventures.
This article also appears in our September 2023 print edition.
