Illume Books

Illume is a destination, not just a bookstore. Jen Perry’s selection is top notch and if you don’t see the book you want there, she will order it. She carries books by local authors, the classics we know and love, and hot off the press. I’m looking forward to her events—author’s talks, book signings and more.

I really fell in love with this bookstore from the moment I first came in. It’s like home. Jen makes you feel like you are part of her community of book lovers and really lives how books and stories feed the soul. She has such cool ideas and is always doing a wonderful event there. I wish I lived closer! She has an inviting, calm, relaxing, inviting store and like Cheers, you always feel like you’re home. I don’t know how she remembers everybody’s name! I also love the quotes of famous folks who have read each book in her curated collection. I love the books, art, and easy friendly environment! For me, a trip to Newburyport isn’t complete without a stop to Illume and I look forward to the next time I stop over! Great to support this wonderful store!

Gorgeous store! When I walked in I felt immediately welcomed. On each shelf is a book displayed with a card review talking about the book. You can really feel the love and effort put into this store! Bookworms and new readers will find something for themselves inside. And the cashier is so friendly and was reading while waiting for someone to appear at the register and I absolutely adore that! Book lovers providing books will always warm my soul. Please visit this place if you love books!

I walked in today and wow what a beautiful store! Jen the owner was a delight to speak with, so kind and insightful, and her books are carefully curated. This is NOT your everyday bookstore. This is a book boutique!
I look forward to the next evening gathering. Sign up with an email and learn about all of her wonderful community connecting events to attend!

I visited Illume Books for the first time today and absolutely fell in love. This isn't a traditional bookstore. You won't find stacked shelves or authors listed A through Z here. Instead it's an experience curated so that those who enter may find the what calls to them. There is a lovely selection of books, fiction to nonfiction, all intermingled and generously labeled with a short description to help the wandering eye. Do not enter this store with a specific novel or volume in mind. Instead, wander in aimlessly and let your intuition and love of reading guide you to your next adventure. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Illume is the FM station in upstate Vermont that has raided your vinyl collection, but plays not the hit track, but the *best* one on the album.
Illume is the small restaurant in rural France run by a young couple who list their suppliers, all local, and who introduce you to taste combinations you didn't know existed.
Illume is the bookstore where you see books you love and respect and which you bought either decades ago or yesterday.
Illume is the bookstore that says "Based on your previous purchases, you might like this book that I've curated next to your favourite" and - because you trust them - you buy it.
Illume is the bookstore that Amazon should be afraid of...

This limited edition planner was sold out on Amazon and hard to find locally. Thank you for the quick shipment on my online order!

A must-stop for lovers of bookstores, with a selection that reflects much thoughtfulness and care. So many titles were either already on my bookshelves or on my to-buy list. I’m looking forward to returning for my next read.

OMG… amazing on quite a few levels… 1. It’s an actual Bookstore, with books, and walls, and someone who is actually reading the book I just asked about. 2. Seemed like every book on the shelves was either one I had read and loved or would want to read. So glad for this addition to downtown NBPT.

Friendly and informative. A great addition to the city. My new favorite book store. 🙂

Wonderful bookstore. Don’t miss it!

Lovely new book store in town, cozy and intimate. Will be having local authors.

That book that you loved 30 years ago, it's here.

Wonderful and unique. Well curated.

Found them very unfriendly. Door open ten minutes before closing but told we could not go in even just to look around. Glad we have a friendly bookstore down the street.