Harvard Book Store to Open New Location in Boston

The independent bookstore will expand into the Yankee Publishing Building on Union Street by fall 2026.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Interior of a historic urban bookstore with exposed brick, tall wooden shelves, and warm afternoon light, suggesting a literary environment. — Harvard Book Store owners Jeff Mayersohn and Linda Seamonson announced a second location will open in Boston's Union Street by fall 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Harvard Book Store owners Jeff Mayersohn and Linda Seamonson are opening a second location at 33 Union St. in downtown Boston. The new bookstore is scheduled to open in fall 2026.

Why it matters

This expansion brings the brand to a new city center and aims to bolster community space for physical book reading. The move supports local interest in independent bookstores by providing a new hub for literary events and browsing.

The new site covers 3,500 square feet, with an additional 1,500 square feet dedicated to an adjoining Lakon Paris Patisserie cafe. This expansion follows 18 years of ownership by Jeff Mayersohn and Linda Seamonson.

The players

Jeff Mayersohn

He has co-owned the Harvard Book Store with Linda Seamonson since 2008.

Linda Seamonson

She serves as a co-owner of the Harvard Book Store alongside Jeff Mayersohn.

Lakon Paris Patisserie

This cafe brand will occupy the 1,500-square-foot space adjoining the new bookstore.

The details

The owners secured a spot in the Yankee Publishing Building featuring large windows and exposed brick to match their original aesthetic. The new store will hold a license to serve wine during future events.

October 2008: Jeff Mayersohn and Linda Seamonson purchased the Harvard Book Store.
Fall 2026: The new Boston store location is scheduled to open.

Market Landscape

The expansion follows the broader trend of independent bookstore growth and resilience in urban markets. By integrating a cafe, the store positions itself to compete for community foot traffic against larger retail chains.

Local book lovers can anticipate a new downtown venue offering both literary inventory and an adjoining cafe experience. Once opened in 2026, the space will provide a new destination for events featuring wine service.

The takeaway

Independent bookstores continue to evolve by adding experiential features like cafes and event programming to attract local shoppers. Residents can monitor future announcements as the 2026 opening date approaches.