Six Decades of
Literary Passion
Founded in 1962 by Eleanor Whitmore, Chapter & Verse has been Cambridge's literary home for readers, dreamers, and seekers of extraordinary stories.
The Beginning
Eleanor Whitmore opens a small bookshop on Wordsworth Lane with 500 hand-selected titles and a dream of creating a space where books and conversation flow freely.
The Rare Books Room
We acquire a remarkable collection of first editions and establish our Rare Books Room, drawing bibliophiles from across New England.
The Cafe Opens
We open The Verse Cafe, blending artisan coffee with the literary atmosphere. It quickly becomes a beloved gathering place for writers and readers alike.
Today
Over 60 years later, we carry 30,000+ titles, host 200+ events annually, and remain fiercely independent. The Whitmore family legacy lives on through every recommendation, every event, and every cup of coffee shared over a good book.
The People Behind the Pages
Margaret Whitmore
Owner & Curator
James Reed
Rare Books Specialist
Sofia Park
Events Manager
David Kim
Cafe Manager