Myopic Books quietly opened its doors on May 11th 1996 on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. Within our first week a midwestern transplant asked, “Are you related to the Myopic Books in Chicago?” To which I replied, “?” and then “no…” After ten years we have yet to make contact but have heard only good things from the Chicago shop’s customers. (Including a sign on their door expressing similar sentiments to our own regarding cell phones in bookshops!).
Our inventory reflects the shop’s proximity to Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design with an emphasis on scholarly books, literature and books on the arts. We carefully choose our books based on condition and content. For a list of all of our favorite subjects see our buying policy page.
Beyond books, the shelves offer up rare flea market treasures and quirky objects. The products of a fruitful garden are often on sale, and handmade recycled cards give new life to bits of book detritus. Browsing and reading are encouraged. Sit on the couch for an hour or, in fair weather, read under a fruit tree in our garden courtyard.
From time to time Myopic Books hosts signings and readings by authors of note. We also exhibit small format visual art, with a curatorial bent toward assemblage, collage and work using recycled materials. Solo and group shows by emerging and established artists are organized three to four times a year. We welcome for review proposals from artists working in this vein. For information on events please click here to join our email announcements list.
In April Myopic takes its brand to Wakefield in South County. Look for us in the old Keen Casuals spot on Main Street. We plan to specialize in children’s books, cookbooks, literature, nature and nautical books with the same quality and comfortable atmosphere of the Providence shop.