Imagine a place where books stretch as far as the eye can see, housed in a former chicken barn.
No, it’s not a bibliophile’s fever dream – it’s the Big Chicken Barn Books in Ellsworth, Maine.
Let me tell you about a place that’s part time machine, part treasure trove, and all kinds of wonderful.
It’s a spot where the aroma of old paper mingles with the rustic charm of weathered wood, creating an atmosphere that’s as intoxicating as a first edition Hemingway.
Welcome to the Big Chicken Barn Books, a literary oasis nestled in the heart of Ellsworth, Maine.
This isn’t your average bookstore – oh no, it’s so much more.
Picture this: an 11,000-square-foot former chicken barn, now home to countless books, magazines, and antiques.
It’s like someone took your eccentric book-loving aunt’s attic and expanded it to gargantuan proportions.
As you approach this literary behemoth, you’ll be greeted by a sign that proudly proclaims “BIG CHICKEN BARN BOOKS & ANTIQUES” in letters so large, they could probably be seen from space.
Or at least from the next county over.
And if that wasn’t enough to catch your attention, there’s a giant metal rooster standing guard, looking like he’s ready to crow about the latest bestseller.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“A chicken barn? For books? What’s next, a pig sty for DVDs?”
But trust me, this place is the real deal.
As you step inside, prepare for your jaw to drop faster than a Stephen King novel on release day.
The interior is a labyrinth of bookshelves, each one stretching towards the ceiling like a literary redwood forest.
The air is thick with that unmistakable old book smell – a heady mixture of paper, ink, and nostalgia that’s better than any perfume I’ve ever encountered.
(Sorry, Chanel No. 5, you’ve got nothing on Eau de Antiquarian.)
The first floor is a treasure trove of antiques, where you can find everything from vintage postcards to retro kitchen gadgets.
It’s like stepping into a time capsule, only with better lighting and fewer cobwebs.
But the real magic happens when you ascend to the second floor.
This is where the books live, and boy, do they live large.
Row upon row of shelves stretch out before you, filled with every genre imaginable.
Fiction, non-fiction, mystery, romance, sci-fi – if it’s been printed, chances are it’s found a home here.
The organization is… well, let’s call it “charmingly haphazard.”
It’s less Dewey Decimal System and more “Where’s Waldo?” for book lovers.
But that’s half the fun, isn’t it?
You never know what literary gem you might unearth next to that dog-eared copy of “Moby Dick.”
As you wander through the aisles, you’ll find yourself in a constant state of delighted surprise.
“Oh look, a first edition of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’! And right next to it, a 1950s cookbook on how to make the perfect Jell-O mold. What a time to be alive!”
The sheer variety of books is mind-boggling.
You’ll find everything from obscure academic texts to pulp fiction paperbacks with covers so lurid they’d make a romance novelist blush.
And let’s not forget the magazines.
Oh, the magazines!
They have stacks upon stacks of periodicals dating back decades.
Want to know what was hot in home decor in 1973?
They’ve got you covered.
Curious about the burning issues of the day in 1985?
Step right this way.
It’s like a time machine made of paper and staples.
But the Big Chicken Barn isn’t just about quantity – though with over 150,000 books, they’ve certainly got that covered.
It’s about the thrill of the hunt, the joy of discovery.
Every visit is an adventure, a chance to uncover some long-forgotten tome or stumble upon a book you never knew you needed until that very moment.
As you browse, you might find yourself eavesdropping on conversations between fellow book lovers.
“Have you read this one?”
“Oh, I loved that author’s earlier work.”
“I can’t believe they have this! I’ve been looking for it for years!”
It’s like a social network for bookworms, only with less scrolling and more page-turning.
And let’s talk about the staff for a moment.
These folks are the unsung heroes of the Big Chicken Barn, the keepers of this literary kingdom.
They’re like walking, talking card catalogs, able to point you in the right direction whether you’re looking for a specific title or just browsing for inspiration.
Need a recommendation for a good beach read?
They’ve got you covered.
Looking for an out-of-print cookbook featuring nothing but recipes for squirrel?
They’ll at least know where to start looking.
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But perhaps the most magical thing about the Big Chicken Barn is the sense of possibility it instills.
In a world of algorithms and targeted recommendations, there’s something wonderfully refreshing about the serendipity of browsing.
You might come in looking for a specific book and leave with an armful of titles you never knew existed.
It’s like literary roulette, only everyone’s a winner.
And let’s not forget the prices.
In an age where a new hardcover can set you back the cost of a fancy dinner, the Big Chicken Barn offers a refreshing alternative.
Most books are priced at a fraction of their original cost, making it possible to indulge your reading habit without breaking the bank.
It’s like a all-you-can-read buffet, only without the risk of indigestion.
As you wander through the aisles, you’ll notice little touches that add to the charm of the place.
Hand-written signs pointing out different sections, quirky decorations perched atop the shelves, the occasional comfy chair tucked away in a corner for those who just can’t wait to start reading.
It’s these details that make the Big Chicken Barn feel less like a store and more like a beloved community space.
And speaking of community, the Big Chicken Barn has become something of a local institution.
It’s not uncommon to see families making a day of it, with parents introducing their kids to the joy of secondhand book shopping.
You might spot a couple on a quirky date, giggling over vintage romance novels.
Or a group of friends challenging each other to find the most obscure book possible.
It’s a reminder that in our increasingly digital world, there’s still something special about the tactile experience of browsing through physical books.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking.
“But what about e-books? Aren’t physical books becoming obsolete?”
To which I say: have you ever tried to build a fort out of e-books?
Have you ever experienced the satisfaction of cracking open a new hardcover, or the comforting weight of a well-loved paperback?
The Big Chicken Barn is a testament to the enduring appeal of physical books.
It’s a place where the printed word reigns supreme, where every book has a history and a future.
And let’s not forget the antiques on the first floor.
It’s like a museum where you can actually touch (and buy) the exhibits.
From vintage postcards to retro kitchen gadgets, it’s a treasure trove of nostalgia.
You might find yourself picking up a rotary phone and explaining to your kids that yes, people really did use these once upon a time.
Or maybe you’ll stumble upon a piece of furniture that looks just like the one your grandmother had.
It’s a chance to own a piece of history, to bring a touch of the past into your present.
The antiques section is also a great place to find unique gifts.
Need something for that friend who has everything?
How about a 1950s cocktail shaker or a vintage board game?
It’s the kind of place where you might come in looking for a book and leave with a mid-century modern lamp you didn’t know you needed.
But perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Big Chicken Barn is how it manages to be both vast and cozy at the same time.
Despite its size, there’s an intimacy to the space, a sense that you’re exploring someone’s personal library rather than a commercial enterprise.
Maybe it’s the wooden beams overhead, remnants of the building’s agricultural past.
Or perhaps it’s the way the bookshelves create little nooks and crannies, perfect for losing yourself in a good book.
Whatever the reason, it’s a place that invites you to slow down, to take your time, to savor the experience of browsing.
In our fast-paced, instant-gratification world, the Big Chicken Barn offers a refreshing change of pace.
Here, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Sure, you could probably find that specific book you’re looking for online in a matter of seconds.
But where’s the fun in that?
At the Big Chicken Barn, half the joy is in the hunt, in the unexpected discoveries you make along the way.
It’s a place that rewards curiosity and patience, where every visit holds the potential for a new literary adventure.
And let’s not forget the environmental aspect.
In an age of increasing awareness about sustainability, buying secondhand books is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Every book you buy here is a book that’s being given a second life, a chance to be loved and appreciated all over again.
It’s recycling at its most enjoyable.
As you make your way through the Big Chicken Barn, you’ll likely find yourself losing track of time.
Hours can slip by unnoticed as you browse the shelves, flip through magazines, or examine antiques.
But that’s okay.
In fact, it’s part of the charm.
This isn’t a place for rushing or efficiency.
It’s a place for meandering, for getting lost (both literally and figuratively), for indulging your curiosity.
And when you finally emerge, blinking in the sunlight like a book-drunk mole, you’ll likely find yourself already planning your next visit.
Because that’s the thing about the Big Chicken Barn – one visit is never enough.
There’s always another shelf to explore, another section to browse, another treasure to uncover.
It’s the kind of place that becomes a tradition, a regular pilgrimage for book lovers and curiosity seekers alike.
So whether you’re a local looking for a new weekend hangout or a visitor seeking a uniquely Maine experience, the Big Chicken Barn is well worth a visit.
Just be sure to clear your schedule – and maybe bring a bigger bag.
Trust me, you’re going to need it.
For more information about this book lover’s paradise, visit the Big Chicken Barn Books’ website and Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your literary adventure, use this map to guide your way to this hidden gem.
Where: 1768 Bucksport Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Who knew a former chicken coop could become a book lover’s Shangri-La?
Maine, you’ve outdone yourself this time.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some shelves to peruse.