Odyssey Bookshop - South Hadley, MA - Independent Bookstores on Waymarking.com

The Odyssey Bookshop was established in 1963 by Romeo Grenier, a pharmacist who in 1957 he bought Glesmann’s Pharmacy, across the streeet from Mt. Holyoke College and near the current location. Soon it became a gathering place for the college students, faculty and town people. The owner decided to set aside a small section of the pharmacy to install a book section and filled it with 500 Penguin Books titles. At the request of Mt. Holyoke College asked Romeo to open the Odyssey Bookshop in November of 1963.

It became a favorite of people throughout the Pioneer Valley nd with help from the community it recovered from two major fires in the 1980's. In 1991, ownership was passed to Romeo’s daughter, Joan Grenier, who moved the Odyssey Bookshop to its current location as the anchor store of the Village Commons.

The Odyssey Bookshop has been successful because of community engagement and their unique relationship with Mt. Holyoke College. Many special events at Odyssey are planned in conjunction with college faculty, student organizations, and departments. In 2003 they began to carrying art supplies required for the college’s art studio courses. Moreover they have stayed current with online book selling with their a full service website.

What's the specialty of the bookstore?: Bringing readers and writers together. They are famous for hosting authors, especially local authors, and providing signed first editions. They carry new, used, and electronic books. They also sell art supplies and educational items for all ages and backgrounds. what book did you buy in this store?: The Devil in the White City (paperback) by Erik Larson At what times is the store open for the public?: Hours: Monday 10am-6pm Tuesday-Friday 10am-8pm Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 12pm-5pm Are there areas to read inside the store (chairs, couches, etc. etc.): yes Do they supply beverages?: no How large is the store?: 1 year

Visit Instructions:
another photo of the store

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   01/28/2023 Coydogs413 visited it