Harvard Book Store Owner To Sell Shop

The owner of Harvard Book Store, an independent shop on the corner of Mass. Ave. and Plympton Street said this week that he planned to sell the shop that has been owned by his family since 1932.

Frank Kramer, who took over the store 46 years ago, when he was a senior at Boston University, said in an interview with The Boston Globe that the book store is still profitable and that his landlord, Harvard, has been supportive of the business.

Kramer, who took over the book store after the death of his father Mark, said that he is not in a hurry to sell and plans to wait for the right buyer. After the sale, he intends to then invest more time in the organization of local businesses he helped to found, Cambridge Local First.

Harvard Book Store began operations in 1932 by selling used books on what is now JFK Street.

At its current location, just across from Harvard Yard, the store sells academic-minded books and other merchandise.

Kramer told The Globe that he hopes the next owner will preserve many of the store's strengths.

"Harvard Book Store is now run largely by Carole Horne, our general manager, and an experienced team of dedicated managers supported by a strong and committed staff," Kramer said. "We cannot imagine why the next owner would not keep them on."

Like many independent booksellers, Harvard Book Store competes with chains and Web retailers due to its loyal customer base, knowledgeable staff, and hosting of prominent authors.

In the last year, the store has brought authors like Stephen King, Madeleine Albright, and Tom Brokaw to Harvard Square for talks and book-signings.

—Check TheCrimson.com for more updates.

—Staff writer Chelsea L. Shover contributed to the reporting of this story.