Wicked Good Books - 215 Essex St.

Wicked Good Books, Salem's independent bookstore, opened here in the summer of 2014. Selling new and used books, the shop curates its selection of books with the intention of pleasing both its local audience, as well as the crowds of tourists who visit Salem annually. As well, Wicked Good Books participates in the local literary community by selling books by local writers, hosting readings and signings, and aiding in the production of other local literary events, such as the Salem Literary Festival.

Some of you on this tour might remember visiting another bookstore on this site. This was once the location of Derby Square Books, which was perhaps best known known for its towering stacks of used books -- some reaching all the way to the ceiling. Owned and operated by the Monroe family from its start, by the time they'd closed in 2014, Derby Square Books had operated out of this building for nearly 40 years.

Please continue down Essex St. to our next stop, on the right-hand side -- the Peabody Essex Museum.