Eclipse Bookstore is a Work of Art

The front door of Eclipse Bookstore — I love the “Antique Parking Only” sign.

Tucked in the corner of Fairhaven at the end of 11th street is a magical portal that feels like you’ve fallen into that 90’s movie The Pagemaster. Fairhaven’s hidden bookstore is just a block past Village Books and Paper Dreams which is the mainstream bookstore everyone frequents, but for those who know, down the block, you’ll find Eclipse Bookstore and Fine Art, one of the most amazing treasures in Fairhaven.

This bookstore has an impressive and eclectic selection of books, that you get the honor of exploring. I was VERY close to walking out with the most beautiful folio collection of Shakespeare’s plays sorted by early comedies, History I and II, Tragicomedies, romances, classical plays, tragedies and comedies proper, I had ever seen. SO TEMPTING. It was in pristine condition and was stunningly bound. I walked out empty handed, but might my theatre-heart is telling me I have to go back…

The bookstore effortlessly creates a unique atmosphere that welcomes and wraps you up in a way that feels like you’ve been transported into a fairy tale. Piles of books line the beautiful wood floors, while you are guided by the shelves which stretch to the ceiling. It is one of those places you just want to be in. The natural light from the Bay beckons you deeper into the store and when the front and back doors are open the breeze makes the whole shop irresistible to exist in.

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As someone who loves organization, you’d think this massive collection of books and minimal floor space would send one into overdrive, but it doesn’t. Just like a good book, the space simply asks you to be.

Most recently we discovered the back deck which has absolutely stunning and had stacks of books and nature pamphlets we thoroughly enjoyed browsing. I can only imagine enjoying a chapter or two on the back deck because it feels perfect for reading!

The Eclipse Bookstore’s back porch which faces the water and exterior stairs to the lower level.

The prices at this bookstore are also extremely reasonable. I will say, it might be like thrifting where you have to go in with an open mind so you can find treasures. That said, I regularly see customers asking the staff and owner questions and for help locating a book or section and everyone seems engaged in what they are doing so finding that book you’re looking for is just a question and deep dive away!

My favorite thing is, when you think you’ve explored it all, you figure out there are stairs down. Full of more books! Chef and I had a good giggle at the manga section full of classics some in English, some in Japanese, all very well maintained and certainly a find for a collector!

Looking from the lower level back up the stairs to the main floor of Eclipse Bookstore.

For a bookshop, I have had friends praise it when they crave that “book smell” I can’t say my nose can really identify that scent as I usually visit the space on sunny days when I am just wandering the town and all the open doors and windows move away any book scent. I think Chef and I easily lost half an hour just gazing and pointing out titles of books, authors we recognized, and admiring all the history packed on these shelves.

Eclipse Bookstore doesn’t have an online presence, which to me just adds to the whole essence of it’s existence. No website, no social media, just used books, ready to be picked up by you and taken home. Truly timeless.

It's everything a bookstore was meant to be.

I easily put this on a must-visit list for anyone exploring Fairhaven any time of year. It’s what your heart hopes for when you picture a classic bookstore. It’s not about buying a book it’s about discovering the written word in a collection that spans decades, has a book in every genre, and is just an awe-inspiring treat to behold it’s grandeur.