The Otto Bookstore

The most wondrous, beautiful and lovely reading and shopping experience for both I and my daughter. This store is a treasure trove of delightful reads and equally the same is true for the beautiful people who work here. Nothing is too much to ask for you feel treasured and blessed when you step into this store. My two year old daughter feels equally the same, as she had befriended quickly one of the lovely woman who continues to bestow her kindness and book knowledge upon us readily each time we venture into this store. We enjoy our time spent in and amongst the various toys (they have a kids corner/side) and a large array of books, of which, there are so many “best selections,” displayed beautifully, I never know which to purchase, from this hidden gem of Williamsport!? You won’t be disappointed if you choose to journey here. Thank you to those who continue to make this a beautiful place to celebrate knowledge and dreaming, as only reading can offer, in just such a unique and auspicious and whimsical way.
Listed in the photographs are some of my daughter’s and my own personal favorites to read most were purchased from this lovely book store; some have yet to be but we’re enjoyed within the leisure time spent at the store itself.

You can't be a book lover & not stop by the oldest indie bookstore in the country. Kid friendly sections abound & you'll find everything from cookbooks & bios to tarot decks & Manga. Full disclosure: they're lovely hosts to featured authors.

October, 2023
What a blessing to have Alissa and Nancy greeting us as we open the doors of the oldest independent bookstore in the USA! Great people, great atmosphere, great books! May you continue to prosper as you enrich so many lives! Already looking forward to my next visit to Williamsport so I can return!
May 2023
What an amazing bookstore run by amazing people! I was so fortunate to wander in here as I traveled through town. Diverse collection of all types of books: novels, mysteries, children's books, best sellers, travel, poetry, self help, art, fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc! Chairs to sit in while you decide what to buy! Warm inviting energy here. Come in and relax a bit among the magic of books! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO TO ENRICH OUR LIVES!

This is a great bookstore! We happened upon it while walking around Pine Square. The staff are so friendly! Definitely a place you must check out!

A gem of the Williamsport community. Their curations and displays for both kids and adults making shopping and stopping in a joy. And their kindness goes further beyond. Alissa and Nancy are the most wonderful souls around. A keystone part of our community! We absolutely love Otto’s!

Wonderful service!!! I just called about a book I saw online and the woman who helped me over the phone was the friendliest worker! Thank you so much!!!❤

Very friendly, lovely bookstore, I especially love they're selection of books on local history!

I can’t say enough about the amazing staff at Otto’s!! Their love for reading and the Williamsport community are so apparent! They have energized my son (who doesn’t exactly love reading yet!) to read their recommendations and report back to them with his review! We are so lucky for the staff who help make Otto’s a home for all!

Such a lovely bookstore. Great selection, well organized and customer service top notch. My eldest (age 9) got a book (The Skull) from “the book lady”. He enjoyed it so much! This is what he said
““It was a great book with a great ending. It was very interesting and I would recommend it to a lot of kids my age. 10 out of 10! I loved it.”

A small bookstore, but with a pretty good selection. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I'm glad I stopped in

I lived in Williamsport for 28 years and recently came back for a visit and was thrilled that the store was still thriving. The staff was super sweet and helpful. When visiting downtown Williamsport, take a day to visit the shops downtown, they won't disappoint : )

This place has a great variety of books. I've been going here for years. Cozy atmosphere. I always find something to read here. The staff is super friendly and helpful. If you don't find the book you're looking for, they can order it for you. They've even given me books for free before.

Always a place to pleasantly wander and find your next new reading adventure or two.

The most wonderful place in the world for any book lover. Alissa has been my personal literary sommelier since I learned how to read, through every phase and interest I've had over the years. All of the staff at this historical gem - the longest privately-owned bookstore in the country! - are happy to not only give great suggestions, but to spend as much time with you as you need to help you find that perfect read or gift. Even if they don't have something in stock, they can almost always order it, so no Amazon necessary! They also have a great kids' section. This is the kind of place you wish you could give more than just 5 stars

Wonderful, knowledgeable staff and great selection! A cozy atmosphere to make you want to linger. This is one of my favorite places! There are a couple coffee shops nearby for a warm beverage also.

I've been going to Ottos since I first learned to read. I remember having to be cajoled out of the YA section time and time again, going to the midnight release of the last Harry Potter book, and eventually going there by myself because I finally had a job and my own money to spend on books! Point being, this is a staple of the community, a lovely bookstore, and a place of nostalgia for many people. Great selection of books, and a beautiful homey atmosphere.

Always incredibly kind service, you can see them smile with their eyes while they keep us safe wearing their masks while the pandemic rages on (9/24/22). Every experience has been warm, inviting, and the conversation sparkling.

I hope the owners see this and take the suggestion from a BIG FAN to redo the website and include a wishlist that is sharable!

Absolutely a fantastic experience. The staff is extremely helpful with not only book suggestions and or inquiries, but the entire atmosphere is extremely personable and wonderful. I always try and shop local to avoid supporting big business due to the lack of personability and interpersonal relationships that tend to happen, none of that happens here. Everybody will know you by name after you shop there a few times they'll know what books you're interested in and offer suggestions for something else that you might enjoy. Additionally, the store has been around for almost 200 years, so if you decide to support local historic businesses this is definitely the place.
10/10 cannot recommend this business enough.

I LOVE this place. I generally come to Williamsport once a year and I make it a point to buy something here and support an amazing local bookstore!

What a beautiful store! My son and I loved browsing here. Unique books, cards, gifts and card sets. Lots to look through. A nice atmosphere!