Owl and Turtle Bookshop History

The Owl & Turtle Bookshop
A Mid-Coast Tradition Since 1970

Our History

Voted the #1 independent bookstore in Maine, The Owl and
Turtle derives its distinctive name from being situated halfway
between two mid-coast landmarks: Owl's Head and Turtle Neck.
Booksellers for more than 40 years, we feature an exceptionally
broad selection, a nationally renowned marine section and an
experienced and helpful staff.

Knox Mill Center

In 2003 the bookstore moved from Bayview Street to
the Knox Mill Center - an abundant mixed-use
development. Knox Mill Center is located just off
Main Street in the significantly rehabilitated historic
Knox Mill. The development includes 30 residences,
offices, Rockport Blueprint, the Smokestack Grill and
several other businesses.

The Reviews are in ...

As much as we enjoyed our first location, a day does not go by that we don't hear, "wow...
this is a such a great space." And it is. Here's a handful of recent reviews:

"The Owl and Turtle Bookshop is a small bookstore with an excellent selection of new titles
and a particularly good Maine collection. It also features a marine-themed room and a
children's section. A scenic coastal town with plenty of inviting shops, Camden's literary
claim to fame was serving as "Peyton Place" in the film version of the famous novel." -
The Heart of New England

“Look for the Owl & Turtle in the Knox Mill Center.” – Fodor’s

“One of Maine’s best bookstores, now located in an old mill with maple floors and dark
wood book cases, with a reading corner by a fireplace. The children’s room has a little
wishing well with a glass window on Megunticook River. A marine room holds one of the
best selections of marine books on the East Coast. Free parking on Mechanic Street and in
a lot up the street. Marine history, travel and art. Great for browsing, and check out their
frequent author book signings.” – Maine: An Explorer's Guide

“One of Maine’s best new-book stores, with thousands of books and a wonderful children’s
room moved to spacious new digs in the Knox Mill Center.” – Moon Handbook Maine

"The Owl & Turtle Bookshop (32 Washington Street-a block up from the waterfront) has
more than 10,000 titles including a room devoted to nautical books and charts and a glass
floor where you can see the Megunticook River flowing beneath the building. The
bookstore is in the Knox Mill area of Camden, so named because a paper mill was powered
by the Megunticook River current as it flowed into the harbor." – BoatUS.com

"One of Maine's favorite independent bookstores." – L onely Planet

2010 and 2011 Reader's Choice: Best Bookstore
"For forty years and two locations, this independent bookstore has fought off Amazon and
Borders by building a loyal clientele of bibliophiles." - Down East Magazine

An Independent Bookstore

Come in for yourself and experience our independent bookstore. Meet an author at one of
our events or just browse the shelves. Our well-informed staff can assist you in choosing
just the right book for yourself, someone you love or even your boss! As a family-owned
business, we take pride in servicing our customers. From our family to yours, we look
forward to seeing you at O&T.

The Lerner Family

In Memory of
Dr. Paul Lerner

The Historic Knox Mill

Built in 1863, the mill utilized current from the powerful
Megunticook river to turn felts from wool to support
Maine's paper industry. The Mill served as Camden's
primary employer for more than a century. In 1957, 20th
Century Fox chose Camden as the location for the filming of
Peyton Place. For filming, the mill was transformed into
Harrington Mill and served as a backdrop for several scenes.

Today, the completely renovated space compliments the
Mill's history with modern convenience. In addition, our
store has a number of unique features including glass floor
that enables book buyers to see the rushing water of the
Megunticook river below.

*Our Name*

	To this day, people will ask, "how did you get your name?" It was originally selected as the nautical halfway point between two Penobscot Bay landmarks: Owl's Head to the south and Turtle Neck to the north.