We are located at 45 Lafayette Street in the heart of Salem, Massachusetts, on the first floor of the historic, newly renovated Derby Lofts building. We are a 5 minute walk from the Peabody Essex Museum and directly across the street from the Salem Fire Department. To help you find us, here's a map (click on the graphic to take you to Yahoo Maps) and directions from Route 128:
Going North on Route 128:
Take exit 25A toward Lowell St/W Peabody
Keep left at the fork, follow signs for RT-114 E/Salem/Marblehead and merge onto Andover St/RT-114 E
Turn left at Pulaski St/RT-114
Turn right at Gardner St/RT-114
Turn right at RT-114
Turn left to stay on RT-114
Turn left at Lafayette St. Cornerstone Books is on the right.
Going South on Route 128:
Take exit 25A toward Lowell St/W Peabody
Follow signs for RT-114 E/Salem/Marblehead and merge onto Andover St/RT-114 E
Turn left at Pulaski St/RT-114
Turn right at Gardner St/RT-114
Turn right at RT-114
Turn left to stay on RT-114
Turn left at Lafayette St. Cornerstone Books is on the right.
About Cornerstone Books
So, the question always comes up, why is the store named "Cornerstone?" Are you on a street corner? Sadly, no, even though some of the possible sites we looked at were street corner locations.
But our name has always been as much about an idea as about a place.
The Encyclopedia Britannica's entry for cornerstone reads "A ceremonial building block usually placed ritually in the outer wall of a building to commemorate its dedication. ...Typically, it is hollowed out to contain newspapers, photographs, currency, books or other documents…with a view to their historical use. From the original position and function of the cornerstone arose figures of speech in many languages referring to cornerstones or foundation stones of character, faith, liberty or other excellences...Cornerstones symbolized 'seeds' from which buildings would grow and rise."
That's the idea, and the ideals, of Cornerstone Books. Rooted in history, encompassing qualities we wish to preserve and building a better future for ourselves, our neighbors, and our community. In the same way a cornerstone is the seed of a building, so too are we dedicated to Cornerstone Books becoming a ‘seed' of Salem's growth and revitalization.
Our Mission
At Cornerstone Books, we are as passionate about community as we are about books. Our mission from the start has been to become the finest merchandiser of books, games, music and entertainment in the North Shore while maintaining a relaxed, engaging atmosphere, a place where neighbors and visitors can meet, exchange experiences and energize their imagination. The following guiding principles will help us measure our success:
- Create an environment that promotes treating each individual with respect and dignity
- Apply the highest standards in our selection of merchandise, picking items that are both unique as well as informative and entertaining
- Reflect and advance community values, traditions and beliefs
- Understand that every customer has different needs, and offer consistently exceptional and individualized attention
- Establish lasting relationships with our customers and the community
- Recognize that continual profitability is the key to ongoing success.
How will we accomplish all this? Well, first of all, it means putting Salem at the heart of our business. While Cornerstone is available as a "community living room," a place where friends and family can meet, relax by the fireplace, get a cup of coffee, or simply study quietly, knowing the internet is nearby, we also are reaching out to local schools, businesses and community organizations, pushing for a stronger downtown. We'll be stocking the books and merchandise that you request, and we'll go out of our way to get it for you if we don't already have it. While we're at it, we'll have some fun--author readings, lectures, children's hour, games and even live music are planned, but we'd love to host your local business meeting or book club, too.
Like any beginning, it has been a process filled with much work, some luck, and a great deal of hope. We would like to thank all the dedicated people who have helped make this possible and welcomed us to the community.
Who Are We?
Kayleigh Doucette, Bookseller
Amy Tremblay, Bookseller
Diane Vo, Bookseller
Beth Simpson, Event Coordinator: Beth is happiest at home with her husband, daughter, two dogs (combined weight 175 lbs.), two cats (combined age 34 years), and rooms and rooms full of books.
Daniel Johnston, General Manager: "Born to poor but honest parents on a small farm on the edge of The Great Cedar Swamp, Dan, like the rest of us, has a great love of books, and his years of experience buying and managing inventory will serve the community well. His life ambition: "To conquer the world with an Army of Flying Monkeys!"
Gilbert Pili, Owner: Gil is originally a San Diego, California native, but has lived in Boston for nearly 15 years. He has been working in the corporate arena for the past 18 years, and is excited to be establishing Cornerstone Books as the "community living room" in downtown Salem.
Hours of Operation
Winter/Spring Hours (Jan - May)
| Monday - Friday |
10am - 9pm |
| Saturday |
9am - 9pm |
| Sunday |
10am - 6pm |
Summer/Fall Hours (June - December)
| Monday - Thursday |
10am - 9pm |
| Friday |
10am - 10pm |
| Saturday |
9am - 10pm |
| Sunday |
10am - 6pm |
Where Is Cornerstone Books?
