The Owl & Turtle Bookshop
A Mid-Coast Tradition Since 1970
Our History
Voted the #1 independent bookstore in Maine, The Owl
and Turtle, a midcoast area fixture, derives its distinctive
name from being situated halfway between two midcoast
landmarks - Owl's Head and Turtle Neck.  Booksellers for
more than 36 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. Construction is
underway for the addition of 30
luxury
condominiums
, community-friendly marketplace,
family-oriented restaurant, coffee shop & wine
bar, antique & art gallery, day spa and full-service
fitness center.  Completion of the Knox Mill
Market and Grill is slated for 2007.
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 some 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

An Independent Bookstore

Come in for yourself and experience our independent bookstore.  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 your next visit to the
Owl & Turtle.

The Lerner Family
In Memory of
Dr. Paul Lerner
Portland Press Herald
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 got
your name?"  It was
originally selected as the
nautical halfway point
between two Penobscot
Bay landmark:  Owl's
Head to the south and
Turtle Neck to the north.