Toadstool Bookshop

The Toadstool Bookshop has been a cherished part of downtown Keene since 1972, serving the Monadnock Region with the kind of warmth and consistency that defines the best independent bookstores. The nature writing section is the store's crown jewel, stocked with field guides, conservation texts, and literary explorations of the natural world that reflect the region's deep connection to Mount Monadnock and the surrounding forests and rivers. Outdoor recreation titles cover hiking, birding, kayaking, and cross-country skiing, making the Toadstool a planning headquarters for weekend adventures. A small cafe near the entrance serves house-blended teas and locally baked scones, and the worn armchairs scattered throughout the store invite readers to settle in for the afternoon. Generations of families in the Keene area have grown up with the Toadstool, and the staff's ability to remember regular customers' tastes creates a personal touch that no algorithm can replicate.