Tucked away on John Street in Morristown is an unsuspecting brick building with a charming “Used Books” sign displayed on the side. But with one step inside, the smell of well-loved books and musty antiques envelops you—you won’t soon forget where the Old Book Shop is.
You’re welcomed by dozens of wooden filing drawers and soft cardboard boxes labeled by type. These hold more than 10,000 postcards and vintage flyers in the bookshop’s inventory. As you sort through them, you’ll come across 1940s holiday cards, perfume advertisements, and postcards from across the East Coast. Their collection features an extensive array of New Jersey parks and landscapes.
Founded in 1938 by Harry Turitz, the bookshop was sold to its current owners, Virginia Faulkner and Chris Wolf, in 1974. They found the store’s permanent home on John Street in 1986.
Once you make it past the enchanting drawers, you’ll be captivated by the floor-to-ceiling shelves and the winding aisles. The Old Book Shop houses over 30,000 used and rare books, making it the oldest and largest used bookshop in New Jersey.
You’ll find yourself lost in a trail of beautiful hardcovers. Their soft leather spines melt from deep blues to rich reds and every shade in between, the conditions ranging from tattered pocket-sized editions to pristine first prints. The warm overhead lighting makes the gold-leafed titles glimmer.
As you browse, you might notice one of the attendants sorting through a customer’s hopeful donations. With a keen eye, they inspect each book’s title, spine, and condition. The Old Book Shop keeps the selections that fit its inventory, leaving the rest for the customer to take elsewhere.
In the aisles, you’ll find everything from coffee table books, children’s stories, and classics to graphic novels, Merriam-Webster dictionaries, and first-edition novels. It’s easy to get lost in front
of the same bookshelf, discovering the hidden gems this shop has to offer.
The Old Book Shop is a piece of county history and a must-visit during your time in Morristown—whether to browse or buy.
Old Book Shop
4 John St, Morristown, NJ 07960
973-538-1210
www.oldbookshopmorristown.com
