Shelburne Reads

Shelburne Reads opened in 2012 in a beautifully converted farmstand on Shelburne Road, its large windows framing views of the Green Mountains and filling the interior with the kind of natural light that makes browsing a genuine pleasure. The store draws deeply on the character of its surroundings, with an art and design section inspired by the world-class collections at the nearby Shelburne Museum and a farming and sustainability section that reflects the ethos of Shelburne Farms and the broader Vermont agrarian tradition. The children's section is among the best in the Burlington area, designed with the same care and craftsmanship evident throughout the store, and includes a dedicated space for storytime and activities. Owner Helen Marchand, a former museum curator, brings an artist's sensibility to every display and shelf arrangement, making the store itself feel like a curated exhibition. A cafe serves coffee, cider, and baked goods sourced from local farms, and the small outdoor terrace is a favorite spot for reading in the warmer months.