Romance Bookstore Now Open in Harvard Square
Lovestruck Books, a new romance bookstore, is now open in Harvard Square.
Per Boston.com, the new store is owned by former educator Rachel Kanter. She told the outlet, “I have always loved romance. It was sort of my guilty secret, and I would sort of slip my friends my favorite romance books growing up, and then as I’ve gotten older, I’ve just become more and more overt about it.”
Lovestruck Books aims to appeal to readers who are new to the romance genre and those who’ve carried a torch for romance books for years. The store is 5,000 square feet and will feature the many sub-genres within the popular romance genre.
Lovestruck Books is located at 44 Brattle St in Cambridge. Its normal business hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. The store is closed on Christmas Day and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Complete store details can be found at LovestruckBooks.com.
Harvard Square Kiosk Reopening as Community Space
Lovestruck Books isn’t the only opening happening in Harvard Square. Back in November, it was announced that the historic Harvard Square Kiosk is reopening in early 2025 as a community space.
The City of Cambridge announced this news in a press release sharing that the space will be named the Cambridge Kiosk which will also act as a “vibrant cultural incubator” and a “visitor information center.” The city announced the space will be be run by the new Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee. Those interested in serving on that committee can apply here.
Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang said in a statement, “The activation of the Cambridge Kiosk represents a significant milestone for our community. By transforming this historic landmark into a dynamic public space, we will provide greater opportunities for creativity, connection, and collaboration in the center of Harvard Square.”
The kiosk has existed since 1927. Notably, it featured the Out of Town Newsstand from 1983 until the kiosk closed in 2019.
Commissioner of Cambridge Public Works Kathy Watkins said in a statement, “The Kiosk has adapted over its nearly 100 years to meet the needs of the community and it is exciting to see it transform yet again. The current renovations have been led by a dedicated team of architects, engineers and historians and will support this treasured building becoming a modern amenity, while honoring and celebrating the historic details that make it special.”