Brattle Book Shop alley and outdoor stacks

Brattle Book Shop, one of America's oldest and largest used bookshops, operates a narrow outdoor alley and courtyard where discounted books are displayed on carts and shelves year-round. The alley between the shop and adjacent buildings creates a semi-enclosed, maze-like outdoor stall area that has been part of the business since the 19th century. Many rare or out-of-print finds surface in this cramped, behind-the-store space that is less obvious from the street.