VISIT US
33 Bay View Street
Camden, Maine 04843
207.230.7335
HOURS
Tuesday - Saturday 9:00a-4:00p
Most of the time
Please know that the café closes for a 30 minute midday lunch break
NEWS & UPDATES:
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.”
-Oscar Wilde
ABOUT
Since 1970 the Owl & Turtle Bookshop has been an integral part of coastal Camden’s vibrant downtown, serving the community as a quality independent bookstore, friendly gathering spot, and—more recently—cozy neighborhood café. The well-curated book collection includes an ever-evolving stock of fiction and non-fiction, an extensive children’s section, and plenty of cookbooks. Offerings of poetry, memoir, and marine books are forever expanding along with the always popular Maine-centric selections. In the café you’ll find locally-roasted beans from Coffee on the Porch and sweet and savory treats from area bakers. The shop is a welcoming place to browse and be—whether you choose to bury your nose in a book, beverage, or both.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2023 Christmas-By-The-Sea Events!
Reading & Signing Event with Laurie Brooks Evans
Friday 12/1 @ 1pm
Since the 1960s, the community of Camden Maine has worked together to transport a 23-foot star to the top of Mount Battie and place it on the tower there during the holiday season. The Christmas star is a beacon of hope and cheer and Laurie has written a beautiful picture book about it!
Laurie Brooks Evans was born and raised in Camden, Maine. Blessed to live at the base of Mount Battie, she trekked up the back trails to the mountain as a child. Although she lived away from her beloved Maine for over 40 years, she now is a part-time resident of Camden again. Laurie loves sharing Maine through her writing.
Chris Van Dusen Book Signing Event!
Saturday 12/2 @ 10am
Come meet Chris Van Dusen and get a signed copy of 'Mercy Watson Is Missing!' which is the latest book in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive series (Volume 7) which he illustrated!
SHOP HISTORY
Bill and Rebecca Gene Conrad opened the Owl & Turtle as a bookshop motel in 1970, naming the store for two nearby Maine locales: Owl’s Head and Turtle’s Head. In its original spot at 8 Bay View Street (a former refrigerator showroom), the Conrad’s three story book haven quickly established itself as the place to go in Camden—whether to shop for reading or reference material, enjoy a quiet respite, gather with friends, or convene with other community members for a book signing by such esteemed persons as Walter Cronkite and David McCullough. Through several owners (and a few different in-town locations), this unique bookshop’s place in the community has remained steadfast. Now back on Bay View Street, the Owl & Turtle evokes memories of the past while also exemplifying the best of what an independent bookstore can be today.