We continue our exploration of Cape Cod's used bookstores with Parnassus Book Service on historic Route 6A in Yarmouth Port. Parnassus, which is defined as a collection of poems or elegant literature, offers new, used, rare, and out-of-print books, as well as prints and ephemera.
The three-story building occupied by this lovely bookstore was once the Knowles General Store. Built during the early 1800s, the general store sold sundries, groceries, candy and liquor. For roughly a decade, the building's second floor was the home of the Yarmouth Swedenborgian Church. Eventually, the congregation built a permanent structure across from the village green. A unique feature of this 19th century building was a whistle on the roof that used to blow daily at noon, letting nearby workers know it was lunchtime.
Ben and Ruth Muse moved into the space in 1959. Ben also established Parnassus Imprints to re-publish out-of-print books of local interest. Now in their third generation, this family-run business has employed children, grandchildren and even cousins. Ben and Ruth's daughter, Sarah Romano, has worked at Parnassus since 1979 and is the current owner. In addition to selling new and old (often rare) books, Parnassus also issues specialty catalogs on a variety of subjects including Americana, Latin America, Maritime, Art, the Orient and a variety of other subjects.
This is a bookstore where you could easily lose yourself for a few hours. The floor to ceiling shelves lend a certain charm to the space. Rather than feeling claustrophobic, it's easy to envision oneself as Belle in the Beast's stunning library. The intoxicating aroma of old books mixed with an old building full of history is the proverbial icing on the cake.
Another unique feature is the outdoor book stall. Running nearly the entire wall, it houses an ever changing collection of hardback and paperback books. Prices are scrawled in pencil on the front endpaper. If you happen to visit after-hours, simply push your money through the mail-slot on the front door to pay.
TO VISIT: Parnassus is located at 220 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675. Their hours are Mon-Sat 10-5 and Sun 11-4. They can be reached at (508) 362-6420.